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03-29-2018, 02:01 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 18
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Northern Lite truck camper battery snafu.
Whoever pipe dreamed up the battery compartment on Northern Lite campers has never tried to remove them to see how hard it is to check the water levels. [moderator edit]!
First off, why no heavy battery slide out tray like the propane bottles? [moderator edit]! dudes.
Second is, getting to the deep reach battery tie down straps to undo or tighten them up without getting your left arm all gouged out with bleeding holes from the stupid designed wire connection board that have extra long screws sticking out when trying to undo straps holding down two "none AGM batteries" [moderator edit]! once more.
Third is, all wires are long enough to pull the batteries out but one is to short [moderator edit! again.
Then we have the chest high narrow generator storage compartment that I have to lift a 50 lb Honda generator into without smashing it into the door rubber seal and bending it all to hell, another [moderator edit]!
That's 5 [moderator edit]'s!…this 5 star camper is reduced to a 0 star camper in my book.
~When all else fails you gotta reinvent reality~
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03-29-2018, 03:46 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 351
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Having worked on virtually every model RV out there over 20 years, I long ago became convinced that the people who design them never use them beyond a brief foray to an RV show. Cosmetics weigh more heavily in the design from my perspective than functionality.
However, I do believe the winds of change are at hand and I would opine it is because of posts like this that reach potential owners when they search the Internet.
So AGMs fix a lot of what ails battery compartment design and post like this might save some other soul from falling victim to rating scales or brochure obfuscation.
__________________
Steve & Andra
2012 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2 SRW Extended Cab
Current 08 Copper Canyon fifth wheel and NorthStar Laredo SC
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03-29-2018, 05:03 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 18
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You got that right mah-man...I got a FUBAR list, gonna send it to Northern Lite
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03-29-2018, 05:30 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 18
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My Northern Lite 9-6 Q kitchen counter space maker
I removed the useless black glass stove top cover that blocks a 8x22" usable space behind it, plus I get more light on the stove top and I'm able to get a better view out the window as I cook.
I replaced the glass stove top cover with a 15x20" white cutting board that also fits nicely over the sink too and the original sink cover can sit on the bed for more counter space.
Also I removed the stove burner tray and laid a layer of tinfoil under the burners to catch boil overs and other cooking stove mishaps.
With the burner tray removed, I siliconed all around the stove edge to keep sink spills from seeping under the stoves edges, I also put a silicone bead around the sink and faucet stand.
With the mighty silicone tube in hand, I covered half of the water faucet and shower head outlet holes to save on water usage.
~Reinventing life, the joy of owning an RV~
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03-29-2018, 09:36 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Usually my backyard (in NJ).
Posts: 521
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Septuagenari
Whoever pipe dreamed up the battery compartment on Northern Lite campers has never tried to remove them to see how hard it is to check the water levels. WTF!
First off, why no heavy battery slide out tray like the propane bottles? WTF! dudes.
Second is, getting to the deep reach battery tie down straps to undo or tighten them up without getting your left arm all gouged out with bleeding holes from the stupid designed wire connection board that have extra long screws sticking out when trying to undo straps holding down two "none AGM batteries" WTF! once more.
Third is, all wires are long enough to pull the batteries out but one is to short WTF! again.
Then we have the chest high narrow generator storage compartment that I have to lift a 50 lb Honda generator into without smashing it into the door rubber seal and bending it all to hell, another WTF!
That's 5 WTF's!…this 5 star camper is reduced to a 0 star camper in my book.
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Seems this is a classic "Should-a' bought a Northstar" moment.
__________________
2016 RAM Longhorn 3500 Cummins/AISIN 4x4
2017 Northstar Arrow-U Truck-Camper
RVM159... if I ever get west of Pittsburgh!
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03-30-2018, 03:23 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 351
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Fortunately a pair of AGMs may save the day.
__________________
Steve & Andra
2012 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2 SRW Extended Cab
Current 08 Copper Canyon fifth wheel and NorthStar Laredo SC
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03-30-2018, 09:12 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Phoenix, Oregon
Posts: 2,207
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IMHO, RV's are a lot like boats, airplanes, and bikes, there is a lot of stuff crammed into the smallest space possible. All of these are difficult to maintain, that's just the way it is. I get frustrated with them too, and say a lot of things that wouldn't be appropriate in public. Sometimes I modify where possible. At the end, they are nice to have.
Again, IMHO, they are designed to be put together as fast and easily as possible, with little thought given to maintenance.
Steve
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03-30-2018, 11:14 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 351
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The thought I have is many of the problems would be alleviated if manufacturers used real world technicians as advisers before production started. I would conservatively estimate from the perspective of a former working RV tech approximately 30% of any repair bill resulted from lack of access or bad design.
I still remember being visited by a factory rep who did not understand the complaints they were receiving about a particular installation. Standing with ratchet in hand he went about demonstrating how simple the task was until one of our techs walked over and positioned a piece of plywood as would be the case in a particular model RV and said "now do it"! As you imagine that brought a good laugh and perhaps a new insight to what technicians often face.
I also recall being asked to comment on a new part already being produced, but not yet reaching dealers. It was a heavy metal part and one of the holes was positioned almost an 1/8" off making installation in possible.
__________________
Steve & Andra
2012 Ford F350 Super Duty 6.2 SRW Extended Cab
Current 08 Copper Canyon fifth wheel and NorthStar Laredo SC
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04-13-2018, 11:32 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 2
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Easy battery check and fill Northern Litr
Use a small inspection camera. You can see into each cell without removing anything. Add water with a turkey baster style battery filler. U can get an inspection camera for under $25 that works with a smartphone.
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04-14-2018, 08:31 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,415
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if i was this upset, and unable to physically use things i would sell it and get something i could. NL builds a good camper, but just may not fit your limitations.
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