Community Forums

kpark_67 · 03-21-2019, 08:55 PM

I know CampLite is out of business BUT I really love one of their floorplans (CL23RLS) and the construction. Additionally a local dealer has one at the Platinum level and only asking 34k which is cheap compared to the Airstream at which I have been looking. Here is my dilemma... Seems well built even considering the recall, which seems very fixable.

I am a newbie looking to get into RVing but have never owned one so this is all new to me.

Any advice would be welcome!

CecilD · 03-22-2019, 06:33 PM

I don't know what the trailers went for originally. Consider that you will own an orphan trailer from the outset and will not enjoy factory support or warranty. That means a large discount in my book. I have owned two trailers that were orphans, Bigfoot and Carriage. They were both high quality units and I enjoyed the heck out of them. Bigfoot came back into business before I sold, and I still own the Carriage. The components are almost all outsourced so they will be the same with most any brand. The structure, frame, roof, and floor plan are the important pieces. Your trailer looks like it was designed with longevity in mind.

If you are looking at this trailer as a long term hold, then I would say go for it. I would start low on my negotiations. If this is your first trailer, you may find it too small, and want to upsize. An orphan trailer may be costly to unload, unless you got a great deal!

By the way, welcome to the forum.

IBTripping · 03-22-2019, 06:38 PM

Just because a manufacturer went out of business, doesn't mean that had anything to do with the quality of the RVs they made. In addition, all of the appliances and other add-ons (stove, refrigerator, converter, tongue jack, leveling jacks, propane tanks, etc.) are purchased from 3rd party suppliers who supply other RV manufacturers with the same items.

My advice, if you like the floor plan and price, buy it.

kpark_67 · 03-23-2019, 01:39 AM

CecilD and IBTripping, thank you for your responses. FYI, CampLite was bought by Thor a few years back so these new trailers still have a 2 year warranty backed by Thor. The original MSRP was $50k. It is advertised for $34k.

I am looking at long term ownership, 20 years if it holds up. I am 51 now and this will get my wife and I though to retirement. THEN we will look for something more. We only plan to use this for a week or less at a time and those are usually trips where we have lots to do outside of the trailer.