Community Forums

creed · 06-28-2015, 08:29 AM

Does anyone have a Carbon 33? If so what are yalls thought, opinions, issues with them.

We just picked one up about a month ago. Made one trip and are already have some minor issues. First the refrigerator isn't sealing proprproperly, getting alot of moisture build up along the top shelf in the door And it isn't staying cold. And I'm really surprised that it's only a 30 amp service with one ac. We live in south la where its 90+ degrees during the summer and it struggles to keep it cool.. Is there a way to rewire to 50 amp and install a second ac?..

cb1000rider · 06-28-2015, 04:06 PM

I've got a Carbon 327 (2015) and so far only minor issues:
1) Some of the plumbing through to the "house" wasn't foamed in - so you'd have a point for rodent/bug entry. Fixed with a can of foam.

2) Came with E rated tires made in China. Same company that builds TowMax and the tread looks exactly the same. TowMax has a lot of complaints. I contacted the guys that import then and they couldn't tell me that they were different than TowMax and the manufacturer didn't respond when I asked if they were re-brands. So I spent $800 upgrading to G rated tires (saulin). The new tires weighed 61 lbs each, most twice as much as the OEM tires. OEM tires were at 93% of rated capacity.

3) 40 miles in - lots of sheet metal screws backing out around the trailer exterior - fenders, etc. Spent some time checking them all and adding a little caulk to each one to hopefully reduce their tendency to back out. One was broken, had to extract and re-drill.

Can you re-wire to 50A? Yes. It is possible.
Can you run a 2nd AC? Yes - although if you've got 30A you won't have factory wiring on the roof.

Two suggestions:
1) Do you have a washer dryer option? If so, there is a spot for an exhaust vent. You can add a stand-up AC, 8k BTU to the garage and it may very well work on 30A power, but it'll be right on the line. This is probably the easiest "2nd" AC option, the trick will be finding a place to exhaust the air.

2) In high heat scenarios, don't use the duct work. Open the vents at the AC unit - pushing through the ducts is far less efficient.

Most of the Carbon-specific stuff is on the Keystone forum. IF you go over there, be careful about product criticism. They're intolerant of "negative" posts. The carbon is a relatively new model.

C130 · 07-04-2015, 01:41 PM

If you live in the south two ac's are a must in my opinion. I have two in my 35 foot Fuzion that is 35 feet long and it needs two. I'll have 3 ac's if I get a new 5th wheel over 37-39 feet. I had rather pay up front and way less hassle.

peterson · 07-04-2015, 02:26 PM

What is a Carbon?

C130 · 07-04-2015, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterson

What is a Carbon?

It's a toy hauler by Keystone, not sure of the differences between the Fuzion or Raptor.

creed · 07-06-2015, 12:02 PM

was yours wired for 50 amp or did someone rewire it for you to run 2 acs?

cb1000rider · 07-12-2015, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C130

It's a toy hauler by Keystone, not sure of the differences between the Fuzion or Raptor.

It's a lower option trailer (bells/whistles) than the Fuzion / Raptor. Stereo isn't as nice, cabinet options not available, no glass sinks, etc.

The Carbon 33 is a travel trailer, if I recall right. They make other models as 5th wheel.

JParcic · 10-04-2015, 08:56 PM

We looked at both the Impact and Carbon lines a few weeks ago when we were shopping. Both were the same for the most part. Although a very nice unit, I didn't like the dry weight being 9000 lbs.

redhooker · 10-05-2015, 08:50 PM

I have to say a big issue with the Carbons is the use of black color, particularly on your unit the slide out sides. I have a 41 foot TH, and the front 28 feet is cooled by a single 15k ducted unit. Camping every day since June in balmy 95++ degree temps and no issues maintaining 68-70 during the day, and still cycles on and off. Our TH is white exterior with tinted glass however and I believe it makes a world of difference. The temperature difference between a Class A with a tan roof vs an identical Class A with a white roof sitting side by side on a dealers lot was about 10 degrees. Thats huge and I don't consider tan a particularly dark color. Your refer vents are most likely black as well. Touch them when they are sitting in direct sunlight on a hot day, then go touch a neighbors white vents. I believe these things add up to put a strain on your cooling.

We actually love the features of the Fuzion but until it comes in white-or heck anything other than black- we would never own one. I guess it's something folks up north don't understand.

I would consider painting the slide out sides white, and changing the refer vents to white. Another swap we did was to remove the day/night shades and I installed 2 inch white horizontal blinds. Total shade in the day and at night from 10 feet away you cannot even tell if any lights are on from outside looking in. I just raise them while traveling and they are head and shoulders above the RV string and accordion fabric. They are key to keeping it cool when direct afternoon sun is on the windows.