Picking a good dealer is important as well. You want someone that will support you after the sale for any warranty work. I bought my first unit 5 years ago, the shower leaked. We had it back several times for the same issue, at one point the service manager literally took a shower in the unit to double check the work. They were very nice, very great to work with, and just as frustrated as we were.
These things aren't built like houses, there will be issues.
I bought the Flagstaff Micro Lite last Spring and have had no problems at all with it. I upgraded from the Flagstaff A Frame which I used for 3 seasons and again had no problems.
I do agree with liking the layout of the Micro Lite. I did turn the closet by the door into a pantry by adding shelves. Added some touch lights under the counter on the left and in the closets by the beds. Other than that really like it. Sometimes with an overnighter, I don't even put the slide out - still enough room to navigate the inside. Enjoy!
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Ford F-150 4X4
2015 Flagstaff Micro Lite FRBS
2013 Flagstaff "A" Frame - Traded Up.
Camping Days 2013 - 24
Camping Days 2014 - 21
Projected Camping Days 2015 - 30
We purchased our first TT last January and it's a 2011 Microlite 23LB. We absolutely love it. The only problem we had was a toilet leak when we unwinterized it in the Spring. It was an easy $20 fix.
We've got the Mini Lite version (2503S). Build on the same line, just different interior colors. Found a problem with the Murphy Bed during the PDI (some missing screws) on picking it, but dealer fixed it right there.
No other real issues, other than a slight leak at the base of the shower wall. (Caulk is a wonderful thing.)
Wife LOVED the huge bathroom. We were deciding between the 2304KS and the 2503S. The bathroom tipped the scale for the DW. I also liked the larger U-dinette.
I've done a number of mods:
1. Inside switch & pilot light for hot water heater electric element
2. Honeywell RHB111B digital thermostat
3. Fencepost sewer hose holder
4. PVC pipe WDH spring bar holder
5. BAL Hide-a-Spare for spare tire
6. 2” receiver/beefed up frame for bike rack
7. 4 pin connector for bike rack lights
8. Routed fresh water tank drain to side of trailer
9. 110VAC outlet on street side sofa table
Thank you all for so much great information and advice. My wife and I truly appreciate it. We live in Northern New Jersey. We recently went camping with some friends who own travel trailers and we realized what we were missing from the start. We are considering buying our trailer from Escape RV in Sandyston, NJ Escape RV Dealer | New RVs & Used RVs | Travel Trailers, Motorhomes & Dump Trailer| NJ,NY,PA,CT
So many great ideas for mods too. I will reference this post for ideas.
I like that website but the dealer invoice numbers are worthless. I doubt my dealer is selling us a 2016 23WS at a loss. No one, including that website, has a clue what any individual dealers 'Deal" is with a manufacturer.
I like that website but the dealer invoice numbers are worthless. I doubt my dealer is selling us a 2016 23WS at a loss. No one, including that website, has a clue what any individual dealers 'Deal" is with a manufacturer.
I totally agree because I paid less than what it calculated as dealer invoice so they obviously got some kind of volume or show pricing but was way less than any other local dealer quoted for the exact same trailer and threw in brake controller and WDH both installed. Like anything on the net you take it with a grain of salt.
We bought a 25KS 2 years ago. Had a few problems at first and the TT was in for repairs for a couple of weeks to have warped cabinet doors replaced. All was covered by warranty and the dealer was great to deal with. We like the TT a lot and would definitely buy the same model again.
We bought our first camper ever last May, microlite 19fd, we love it we have had it out 8 trips so far and all is well. I love the way it is built all 6 panels are fiberglass I love the quality of the flagstaff. With that said all campers have some problems. I chose to go with an aluminum frame over stick built.
Happy camping!!!
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2015 Forest River Micro Lite 19FD.
1999 K1500 Suburban 5.7 ltr 4X4
2002 GMC SIERRA EXT CAB 5.3 ltr 4X4
The Deans Brownsville Texas
Also added a pilot light switch for the electric element of the water heater so I can turn it on/off from inside the bathrom. See pics and wiring diagram.
What was the main advantage to replacing the digital thermostat? Also was it difficult? A number of years ago I replaced the one in my home so I have experience with that. Are the wires the same?
Digital thermostat controls temp a LOT better than the analogs. I replaced a Coleman Mach analog with the $20 Honeywell. If you want to spend a bit more, they make a Coleman Mach digital ($53 on Amazon: Robot Check). It's a direct plug and play.
The Honeywell will only run one fan speed - pick whichever you one you want; however, you can install a switch to allow you to change fan speeds. I installed one inside the T-stat, but you could also install an RV type rocker switch like this one, JR Products On/On Switch, Black SPDT 12625, in the wall next to the T-stat, which I've been thinking of doing.
I've attached some additional pics showing the switch I installed and a wiring diagram. You have to carve out some of the plastic on the inside to make room for the switch.