A rookie’s Notes on an A213HWs Maiden Voyage

[OYO]

We just got back from our 1st trip.
From SW Ohio we had stops in:

• Stone Mtn. SP –NC
• Hunting Island SP – SC
• Crooked River SP, GA
• And an extended stay at Long Key SP -FL.

We’ve been tent/truck camping since 1972 so this was quite a change.
Towing-

• Was pleased with the general ease (Silverado Ext cab 4x4 w/trailer pkg)
• Estimate it cost us 2.5-3 MPG
• Serious winds (40mph) the last 300 miles or so. I actually think the trailer had a calming effect, keeping the rear end of the truck a little more grounded (it has a cap on the bed)
• The A213HW feels longer than I had anticipated, no big deal
• Need some mirror extenders
• Get a brake controller, you’ll be glad you did (I know the 213 is on the heavy side)

Camping

• Comfort was great; love the 6’2” x 6’10” bed
• Used the microwave more than we thought
• Having the toilet in the middle of the night was a big plus
• Exhaust fan is ‘cool’
• In general it took us 30-40 minutes to set up/take down
• I think everything worked. Even tried the AC for a few hours

Issues (addressing some things I’ve seen on here)

• The dealer had to replace the roof actuator before we ever picked it up, but it worked fine
• We had rain all day one day (not bad for three weeks) -no leaks while setup
• Along with the 40 mph winds on the way home we had serious horizontal rain –no leaks while closed
• The counter tops are easily chipped
• The toilet sprays a little water out around the rim and onto the floor –haven’t had time to look at that
• It has a serious floor squeak in front of the sink –haven’t had time to look at that
• The grille is a POS. All the rivets holding the burner in place came loose on the 1st use. Replaced the rivets with SS screws
• The heater/furnace can get really loud. I tried working on this before we left; it was better, but not good. We only had it on for 10-15 minutes one morning anyway

All in all, it was a great trip. Really appreciate all the info on this site.

[bensinc]

Is the grill the r-v-que that came with mine as well? Aside from the flimsy construction, it never got very hot anyway. I replaced it with a Weber Q1000. I love it so much I now use it at home as my main grill!

[mickrock]

If the "tape caulk" is still being used around the bubble window, that will fail in short time.

A "preventive maintenance" procedure would be to put a bead of rv self-leveling roof caulk along both sides of the tape while it is level.

Enjoy your camper and camping!

[dts3204]

Use the heater only when dry camping, get a ceramic electric and use that Remember vent when cool outside otherwise will have a huge build up of moisture on the inside.

[Big Vic]

My floor squeak was coming from the cabinet bottom rubbing against the floor which occurred while walking near the cabinet. I put in a wood screw from cabinet to floor which stopped the squeak.

[OYO]

Originally Posted by bensinc

Is the grill the r-v-que that came with mine as well? Aside from the flimsy construction, it never got very hot anyway. I replaced it with a Weber Q1000. I love it so much I now use it at home as my main grill!

It is made by National Supply LLC Elkhart IN. Seems to get hot ok, just really cheaply made.

I'll make a note of the Q1000 in case I have more issues.

Thanks

[OYO]

Originally Posted by Big Vic

My floor squeak was coming from the cabinet bottom rubbing against the floor which occurred while walking near the cabinet. I put in a wood screw from cabinet to floor which stopped the squeak.

That sounds very plausible. Once I talk myself into going outside -it's 30°f and snowing, I'll check that out.

Did I mention we spent the last 2 weeks where the high was 85 and the low was 72? Every day!

30 and snow...... I told her we should stay longer.

[rockfordroo]

25 and snow here in northern Illinois! Thought global warming was going to give us a better camping season.

[MinneweeseMI]

32, blowing snow here. I slept in the camper last night since we had to heat it to keep from freezing the plumbing. It froze up enough to stop the pump two nights ago. Of course I flipped the switch and promptly blew the 10amp fuse.

Warmed it up and no permanent damage. Lucky.