Campsite Reserve 26CJ Missing Features

[Kender Kidd]

Hello Artful RV-ers,

We just purchased the brand-new Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ.

What an amazing piece of engineering! Overall, quality engineered travel trailer. We took it out to the desert immediately for a shakedown camping trip and it did very well (with a 2024 Tundra Limited with Hybrid powertrain to tow it).

We found that it is curiously missing some important items: An inoperative backup camera, no reverse lights installed, no ladder installed, no generator installed. Plan to spend extra money to bring your travel trailer up to snuff...or make a good deal with the dealer!

1) Did you know that the Lippert insight back-up camera on these are often not working properly and have poor range? Checking through the forums led me to understand that the reason my insight camera wasn't allowing me to connect was because the antenna was incorrectly installed. Be sure to have the dealer check that the backup camera works properly before taking it home. I'm working with Camping World to see if this can be resolved. Other forums have pointed me to contacting Lippert directly and filing a BBB complaint against them, but I'm more inclined to select a different manufacturer with a higher quality product that will connect to the LCD screen that comes built into my truck.

2) Did you know that this travel trailer doesn't come with reverse lights? Not a single white light for when I throw it into reverse to let others know that we are backing up. This is a definite road hazard. Be sure to purchase aftermarket reverse lights and get them hooked up. This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

3) This travel trailer does not come with a rear ladder (thanks, Lippert) and the brand name ladder costs about $200-$300 additional. I found the RV Pro ladder that is just under $200 that is compatible. This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

4) This travel trailer does not come with a generator. I suggest a dual-fuel generator with a propane splitter and long hose to feed it. Any generator with over 3500w looks as if it can run the 15000 BTU A/C on the Campsite Reserve. Plan for an additional $1000-$2000 for a decent generator (and it will need to be replaced in a few years, depending on how often you use it). This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

Thanks for reading!
Kender

[bikendan]

Moved thread from the General Community Discussion section to the General TT/5th Wheel Discussion section since there is no sub-forum for the new Campsite Reserve line.

OP, not sure why you expected a generator installed. I know of no conventional travel trailer that has a factory-installed generator nor a compartment for a generator, except for Toyhauler travel trailers.
Also, unless you want Honda/Yamaha, there tons of 3500w inverter generators under $1000, that will last much longer than a few years. I know of many owners of Champion inverter generators, that have lasted over 10 years.

[Mr. Dan]

I doubt if I am "Artful" but I will say


- Many RVs come without back-up lights. My Wildcat doesn't have them. Did your brochure/salesman tell you the unit had back-up lights.
- Many RVs come without ladders. Did your brochure/salesman tell you the unit had a ladder?
- Many/most RVs come without generators. I don't have one. Did your brochure/salesman tell you the unit had a generator?

[Kender Kidd]

Hey y'all. Really appreciate your responsiveness. It is clear to me that these are all pretty standard practices with RV travel trailers (to not include ladders, generators, or reverse lights on travel trailers). This is why I placed the disclaimer in my post: "This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers."

It is still a curious set of cultural practices to exclude these. I do see the utility of using a ladder that is not permanently installed. Still curious.

While you can find generators for less than the price ranges I quoted, they are often louder, not dual fuel (which I specified), or not available in California, where I live, due to environmental protection laws. While generators can definitely last longer than a few years, they will need parts replacements and maintenance within a few years with heavy usage. Which is why I said "depending on usage" in my original post.

Thanks for your helpfulness and for the warm welcome to the community.

[Kender Kidd]

It might be helpful if future respondents read the post thoroughly before responding??? Maybe??? What do y'all think?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Kender Kidd

While you can find generators for less than the price ranges I quoted, they are often louder, not dual fuel (which I specified), or not available in California, where I live, due to environmental protection laws. While generators can definitely last longer than a few years, they will need parts replacements and maintenance within a few years with heavy usage. Which is why I said "depending on usage" in my original post.

Champion Generators are headquartered in SoCal and are probably the most popular generator brand, other than Honda/Yamaha. Especially in the RV community.
And many of those cheaper 3500w inverter generators are just as quiet as Honda/Yamaha. H&Y no longer are special, in that category. Generator usage for RVing, is usually at idle, unless it's running the a/c or microwave. Otherwise it's used to recharge the batteries before nighttime.
And gas generators aren't banned in Cali, until 2028. So get em while you can.(I'm a former 60 year resident of California)
I understand how important an inverter generator is since we almost exclusively camped in the California State Park system, for 30 years. Less than 1% of their campsites have any hookups and most of those are W/E only.

Kender Kid, what part of California do you hail from? I lived in NorCal and SoCal.

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by Kender Kidd

Hello Artful RV-ers,

We just purchased the brand-new Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ.

What an amazing piece of engineering! Overall, quality engineered travel trailer. We took it out to the desert immediately for a shakedown camping trip and it did very well (with a 2024 Tundra Limited with Hybrid powertrain to tow it).

We found that it is curiously missing some important items: An inoperative backup camera, no reverse lights installed, no ladder installed, no generator installed. Plan to spend extra money to bring your travel trailer up to snuff...or make a good deal with the dealer!

1) Did you know that the Lippert insight back-up camera on these are often not working properly and have poor range? Checking through the forums led me to understand that the reason my insight camera wasn't allowing me to connect was because the antenna was incorrectly installed. Be sure to have the dealer check that the backup camera works properly before taking it home. I'm working with Camping World to see if this can be resolved. Other forums have pointed me to contacting Lippert directly and filing a BBB complaint against them, but I'm more inclined to select a different manufacturer with a higher quality product that will connect to the LCD screen that comes built into my truck.

2) Did you know that this travel trailer doesn't come with reverse lights? Not a single white light for when I throw it into reverse to let others know that we are backing up. This is a definite road hazard. Be sure to purchase aftermarket reverse lights and get them hooked up. This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

3) This travel trailer does not come with a rear ladder (thanks, Lippert) and the brand name ladder costs about $200-$300 additional. I found the RV Pro ladder that is just under $200 that is compatible. This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

4) This travel trailer does not come with a generator. I suggest a dual-fuel generator with a propane splitter and long hose to feed it. Any generator with over 3500w looks as if it can run the 15000 BTU A/C on the Campsite Reserve. Plan for an additional $1000-$2000 for a decent generator (and it will need to be replaced in a few years, depending on how often you use it). This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

Thanks for reading!
Kender

I see that this must be your 1st camper or trailer. I know of few to no trailers that have back up lights. I have owned various utility trailers and campers for 40 years ( currently own six trailers). None have backup lights.

Never owned a camper with a generator .....have no need for one. Do not want to pay the extra cost for something that I will never use.

Never had a camper with a ladder. You will see less of them due to liability issues. You fall off the campers ladder you sue the maker..... so less ladders on campers.

If you need them you can add them...... some of us have no need for these things.

Welcome!

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by Kender Kidd

Hey y'all. Really appreciate your responsiveness. It is clear to me that these are all pretty standard practices with RV travel trailers (to not include ladders, generators, or reverse lights on travel trailers).

You are correct.
Ladders, generator, reverse lights may not be included in an travel trailer. Sometimes you can get items added for additional cost by the dealer. Other things that can be added are additional solar and LiOn batteries if you want to camp off grid.

It's a matter of cost and demand. It sounds like you're pretty satisfied with your Campsite Reserve.

Welcome to the forum!

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Kender Kidd

It might be helpful if future respondents read the post thoroughly before responding??? Maybe??? What do y'all think?

It would also be helpful if responders would use the Quote key instead of the Reply key (as I have done here).

We have no idea to whom you are responding.

[Larry-NC]

Did you know that "Campsite Reserve" is a special line, built by Forest River but sold ONLY to Camping World? Camping World specifies exactly what options will be offered. You can't generalize about all trailers or even all Forest River trailers by looking at this special offering.

[jimmoore13]

While not exactly convenient, you can easily add a reverse light or two. These days, with LEDs, you can add blazingly bright reverse lights that function automatically.

Here's how to connect to your 7-pin connector.
https://www.etrailer.com/question-34...LnFU7Nbg1BRnpz

As for the wiring and lights, remember that 12 volt automotive systems rely on the chassis for ground. You only need 1 wire to go from the A-frame to the rear bumper. Crimp an eyelet onto the ground wire on your light(s) and screw it to the bumper or frame for ground. Connect the positive from the light to the correct pin on your trailer's pigtail wiring, and you're in business. That center pin probably has a wire to nowhere in the pigtail. If not, buy a pigtail that does.

Only my most recent rig has reverse lights. I think the general assumption is that if you are backing your trailer at night, you'll have a helper to guide you...with a flashlight and perhaps a walkie talkie. You shouldn't be backing at night without assistance unless you have a CDL.

P.S. If you want a simpler solution, wire straight to the battery and install a switch, so you can use the reverse lights at will. Just be sure to never leave them on when driving, or you'll get a ticket.

Footnote: You may have thought your OP was clear, but it wasn't. Far from it. I interpreted it the same way others did. My first thought was, "You bought an RV thinking it had a generator and didn't verify and test at the dealer?" Food for thought.

[Slopedogg]

Just recently purchased a campsite reserve 26cj on 6/15/24. I would say that they missed many features on my reserve 26cj. Missing a air conditioner vents in the upper bunk, lights behind the sofa and light switch, Missing two speakers, the thermostat in different location and different too, not Bluetooth like it say it is. I could be Missing more features and this is the same exact floor plan for 2024 campsite reserve 26cj.
And yes I do know every year they switch items but not in the middle of the year. I did reach out to Camping world in caldwell, Idaho. They seem to care and ask me to send a private message. Which I did and still nothing. What a disappointment and yes I did a walk through but rush.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Slopedogg

Just recently purchased a campsite reserve 26cj on 6/15/24. I would say that they missed many features on my reserve 26cj. Missing a air conditioner vents in the upper bunk, lights behind the sofa and light switch, Missing two speakers, the thermostat in different location and different too, not Bluetooth like it say it is. I could be Missing more features and this is the same exact floor plan for 2024 campsite reserve 26cj.
And yes I do know every year they switch items but not in the middle of the year. I did reach out to Camping world in caldwell, Idaho. They seem to care and ask me to send a private message. Which I did and still nothing. What a disappointment and yes I did a walk through but rush.

Did you read your sales contract carefully. In the part that is in Bold, Underlined, ALL CAPS, it clearly states that Forest River reserves the right to change specifications AT ANY TIME!

You are in control of the Pre-Delivery Inspection (walkthrough), not the salesman. It's up to you to make it last as long as you need. Experienced buyers take a checklist (downloadable from this site) and check every item.

[Slopedogg]

Well the walk through was alright but why advertising saying it has a Bluetooth thermostat. When it didn't and even the person didn't know how to work it. All he said, when you get this thing out you'll figure how to work it then move quickly. So I would believe that false advertising. Plus when reading the manual, it for the different one and not for one they have installed, which is just a basic thermostat.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Slopedogg

Well the walk through was alright but why advertising saying it has a Bluetooth thermostat. When it didn't and even the person didn't know how to work it. All he said, when you get this thing out you'll figure how to work it then move quickly. So I would believe that false advertising. Plus when reading the manual, it for the different one and not for one they have installed, which is just a basic thermostat.

Umm...you didn't take that as a sign that maybe there was something wrong?

[Slopedogg]

Originally Posted by Larry-NC

Umm...you didn't take that as a sign that maybe there was something wrong?

Well I figured that manual would give better understanding but when reading forest river manual for my TT and looking at my thermostat knowing it was different. And I also got different instructions for different appliances, that are not the same.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Slopedogg

Well I figured that manual would give better understanding but when reading forest river manual for my TT and looking at my thermostat knowing it was different. And I also got different instructions for different appliances, that are not the same.

Among the papers you will have received with your new trailer is the "Build Sheet." This page lists all the items that were installed in the trailer at the factory, e.g., water heater, furnace, range, refrigerator, microwave, thermostat, audio/video equipment, range, air conditioner, etc.

The exact items on that sheet should be the items in your trailer. If not, Camping World should be able to explain the discrepancies.

As for the manuals, it's not an important issue. They are all downloadable both from Forest River and (better yet), from the equipment manufacturers' websites. Here's why: Warranties are NOT the same as those for cars and trucks. Forest River guarantees these items for one year. But the manufacturers often guarantee the items for multiple years. These guarantees are in the individual manuals and you will want to read and understand each one.

[MR.M]

Originally Posted by Kender Kidd

Hello Artful RV-ers,

We just purchased the brand-new Forest River Campsite Reserve 26CJ.

What an amazing piece of engineering! Overall, quality engineered travel trailer. We took it out to the desert immediately for a shakedown camping trip and it did very well (with a 2024 Tundra Limited with Hybrid powertrain to tow it).

We found that it is curiously missing some important items: An inoperative backup camera, no reverse lights installed, no ladder installed, no generator installed. Plan to spend extra money to bring your travel trailer up to snuff...or make a good deal with the dealer!

1) Did you know that the Lippert insight back-up camera on these are often not working properly and have poor range? Checking through the forums led me to understand that the reason my insight camera wasn't allowing me to connect was because the antenna was incorrectly installed. Be sure to have the dealer check that the backup camera works properly before taking it home. I'm working with Camping World to see if this can be resolved. Other forums have pointed me to contacting Lippert directly and filing a BBB complaint against them, but I'm more inclined to select a different manufacturer with a higher quality product that will connect to the LCD screen that comes built into my truck.

2) Did you know that this travel trailer doesn't come with reverse lights? Not a single white light for when I throw it into reverse to let others know that we are backing up. This is a definite road hazard. Be sure to purchase aftermarket reverse lights and get them hooked up. This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

3) This travel trailer does not come with a rear ladder (thanks, Lippert) and the brand name ladder costs about $200-$300 additional. I found the RV Pro ladder that is just under $200 that is compatible. This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

4) This travel trailer does not come with a generator. I suggest a dual-fuel generator with a propane splitter and long hose to feed it. Any generator with over 3500w looks as if it can run the 15000 BTU A/C on the Campsite Reserve. Plan for an additional $1000-$2000 for a decent generator (and it will need to be replaced in a few years, depending on how often you use it). This is apparently pretty standard practice with travel trailers.

Thanks for reading!
Kender

Did you not know what you were buying ? did you see the unit you wanted and not notice the things were not standard equipment ? all the items you listed would have increased the price of the unit . taking your time to get a unit with all the items you mentioned would have saved you from making a post about non standard items .

[bikendan]

This statement of yours, is incorrect:
"And yes I do know every year they switch items but not in the middle of the year."
RV manufacturers often change features, in the middle of the model year. That's why they all have a caveat, at the bottom of each webpage or back of the brochure.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Slopedogg

Just recently purchased a campsite reserve 26cj on 6/15/24. I would say that they missed many features on my reserve 26cj. Missing a air conditioner vents in the upper bunk, lights behind the sofa and light switch, Missing two speakers, the thermostat in different location and different too, not Bluetooth like it say it is. I could be Missing more features and this is the same exact floor plan for 2024 campsite reserve 26cj.
And yes I do know every year they switch items but not in the middle of the year. I did reach out to Camping world in caldwell, Idaho. They seem to care and ask me to send a private message. Which I did and still nothing. What a disappointment and yes I did a walk through but rush.

As the other Dan said, this statement is not correct. FR Wildcat changed the color scheme of my unit in mid-year. Mine is has a dark grayish/brownish front cap and lower trim. Another member here has the same year/model and his front cap and trim are gold colored. His unit was built some months after mine.