Notes on new Hideout

[BamaRam]

Just wanted to share some things I've found on the new trailer I purchased 3 weeks ago.


PDI issues -

Sealant missing on top front corners where the front trim meets the roof.
Sealant was falling off of the lower corner slide seals
All entry door latches were loose


Since I came home with it -
All of the frame to floor bolts along the outboard frame rails were loose to point where the lock washers were separating at the cut. Turned all of them at least two turns.


All of the bolts that hold the steps to the frame were loose.


All hand turned plumbing drains (sinks and p traps) were about a 1/2 turn from being hand tight. Must have been some weak hands.


Pulled inside cover for AC and found air leaks from poor taping and the excess rubber roofing was not attached to prevent interference with intake air. I also blocked the ducts beyond the forward and aft registers.


On first trip out the spare tire almost came off. Not sure I didn't drag it on something. The rack was bent in two places. The center support was bent into a V shape. The spare was riding with the bottom trailing. Big hammer and a four-way fixed it at the campsite. Dealer logo spare tire cover is probably on I-59 somewhere. Didn't want that cover anyhow.


Still checking stuff.

[RickBetterley]

Good inspiration for me to be thorough when we pick up our new Cougar 26RBS tomorrow.
Thanks

[BamaRam]

Another thing is that 3 of the outside marker light lenses were hanging on by a thread. Dealer RTVed them at PDI. I later removed them and the RTV, then heated them with a heat gun while squeezing the tabs towards each other. Now they snap on like they are supposed to.

[BamaRam]

I started installing an EMS today and found a couple of workmanship issues at the distro panel.


One was a screw coming in from an adjoining compartment was tangled up in a DC wire bundle. It had scarred some of the insulation but none was broken. It was only a matter of time before it rubbed through.


And the main power cables had been butchered when the jacket was stripped to enter the panel. Exposed conductor in two places.

[BamaRam]

Glad to report that my new trailer performed flawlessly on a five day outing in 90* blazing sun. I have the Coleman-Mach 15 AC unit and it did well overall. The bunkhouse was a little warm but I think that can be fixed buy utilizing the extra duct work to install another register. It has the minimum number required for this unit so It wont hurt to go up.

I did find a stripped screw in the refrigerator door handle and wife found a bunch of staples sticking up in the carpet.

Can anyone tell I'm an old aircraft QA guy??? :lol:

[sourdough]

"On first trip out the spare tire almost came off. Not sure I didn't drag it on something. The rack was bent in two places. The center support was bent into a V shape. The spare was riding with the bottom trailing. Big hammer and a four-way fixed it at the campsite. Dealer logo spare tire cover is probably on I-59 somewhere. Didn't want that cover anyhow."


I would bet you drug the spare. You have to watch VERY carefully for driveways/entries etc. that have much of an incline 1n/out or you can catch the spare.

I've hung mine twice and had to do exactly what you describe. After the 1st incident I knew to watch my entrance/exits much more closely, but, on my way back from FL last year I pulled into a station "thinking" the exit looked OK going back onto the street.....but, I could not see beyond the curb. Behind it the drive had a very big drop to the street and an instant rise. There was no way to back out of it or get crossways enough to minimize the dip so I had to bite the bullet. Drove the rest of the way to the next campsite with the spare sticking out backwards. I carry a small sledge with me all the time now for that particular repair.....if it ever happens again, which I hope it doesn't.

I replaced my cover with one from BestTop. Much higher quality than the OEM. It's just black and there are other fancier ones out there you might prefer.

[BamaRam]

I would bet you drug the spare. You have to watch VERY carefully for driveways/entries etc. that have much of an incline 1n/out or you can catch the spare.


Isn't there a rack that will raise the spare a few inches so it doesn't hang below the bumper?


Or maybe the spare is the sacrificial lamb...?

[sourdough]

There may be but I just put the onus on me to be more vigilant and watch as close as I possibly can. The spare sits pretty high and raising it would make it look funny on mine anyway.....to me. As far as the sacrificial lamb mine looks like it's the spare mount instead of the tire:D

[BamaRam]

I was unpacking the camper and bothered to look at the bottom of the spare. There was a gravel stuck in the tread. It's never been on the axle. :o

[BamaRam]

I've been struggling with the lid for under bed storage area. On PDI I noticed I could see only one lift cylinder. I didn't know it was supposed to have two but I mentioned it to the tech doing the PDI with me. Yesterday I found the other lift cylinder attached inside the box. Attached it to the lid and now the lid works twice as well. Imagine that. :rolleyes:

[BamaRam]

Washed the whole roof with Fantastic and a car wash brush. Sealed the front seam that I made another post about and a couple of other suspect places.

Found a good sized hump where something is between the decking and the membrane. And another place where the membrane is separated from the decking. Going to take sized pictures and send to dealer.

Also found AC cover was not snapped together in 3 places.


New Carlisle HD LREs are installed but I haven't pulled it yet.

[BamaRam]

We've not paid much attention to the entertainment center on our two outings. Today I tried to play a DVD. No sound. I found the TV audio output and the head unit audio output were connected via RGA cable. I corrected it and it works for now.

I also found that the clamp that holds the wire bundle up in cabinet was directly behind the head unit and head unit was jammed in there so tight it popped out two inches when i took the screws out. All of the wires were jammed together. Moved clamp and dressed up the wires with zippies.

While I was there I added an audio in cable from the TV so i can hear the TV through the head unit.

[BamaRam]

17911I turned the furnace on and noticed something in the register. It turned out to be foil tape. I removed all the registers and found multiple instances of leaking ducts at the boots. Repaired all with foil tape. Most disturbing leak shown in pic.

[BamaRam]

TV antenna cable connector is loose or defective somewhere behind an enclosed area. When I open and close the main cabin door the signal strength varies (TV goes out). I tightened up all of the connections I could get to through the entertainment center but that didn't help.

The antenna happens to be directly above one of the kitchen lamps so i removed it. I can see the antenna connector in the mounting tube but i cant get to it.

[BamaRam]

I'm parked at a campsite for a while and it came a driving rain. Both entry door windows leaked a small amount of water at the bottom of the window on the inside.

Kitchen window leaked heavily through the butyl rubber on the side of the frame. Topped the butyl with some Proseal to stop it.

[BamaRam]

Toilet water valve leaks at random. There was a screw missing so I installed a new screw of the correct size. That slowed it down but didn't stop it.

[Tbos]

Toilet water valve leaks at random. There was a screw missing so I installed a new screw of the correct size. That slowed it down but didn't stop it.



The valves are pretty easy to replace. I replaced mine once already (picked up new rig in Apr). The new valve has started leaking too. Since we turn off the water when we leave we don’t worry about it for now. My dealer has shipped me a new valve.

[wiredgeorge]

The valves are pretty easy to replace. I replaced mine once already (picked up new rig in Apr). The new valve has started leaking too. Since we turn off the water when we leave we don’t worry about it for now. My dealer has shipped me a new valve.

Would these be Dometic 3xx series toilet valves? Great thread, by the way!

[BamaRam]

Would these be Dometic 3xx series toilet valves? Great thread, by the way!

Yes it’s a 310.

[cookinwitdiesel]

I have a new Hideout as well, will keep an eye out for some of these issues. I did immediately go around and tape all of the A/C vents since they were atrocious (worst one attached). I did not do the A/C unit itself or the furnace registers though, will go back and check them.

[BamaRam]

I have a new Hideout as well, will keep an eye out for some of these issues. I did immediately go around and tape all of the A/C vents since they were atrocious (worst one attached). I did not do the A/C unit itself or the furnace registers though, will go back and check them.

I pulled the front and back AC vents to seal the ends of the ducts. While I was there I retaped the boots to the ducts. Still need to check the rest. My AC cools well so it’s not a priority.

[BamaRam]

I have an ongoing issue with the LCI Electric Stab Jack. Started a separate thread.

I think it’s because someone (not me) greased the jack screw. May be the motor.

[cookinwitdiesel]

Taped the furnace vents as well as the AC ceiling unit now too. Everything is tip-top shape now from an HVAC standpoint (well, everything I have access to). I had a LOT of sawdust and debris in my floor vents including a large piece of sheet metal (looked like the duct opening for one of the vents) just sitting loose in there. Shoddy workmanship.

Thought the central vacuum was a gimmick, used it thoroughly today to clean out those ducts :)

[BamaRam]

Thought the central vacuum was a gimmick, used it thoroughly today to clean out those ducts :)

Mine works great too, but when I use it, it steals the power from the microwave. Resets clock to zero. Do you have that problem?

[cookinwitdiesel]

I have not noticed that, but I have also not set the clock on the microwave haha

I did notice something beeps when I turn OFF the vacuum, maybe that is the microwave?

[tjkarch60]

I have a 2019 Hideout 21FQWE with a vacuum. Isn't the vac a 12VDC power? I've used it without shore power, so it must be.
So far I haven't had any problems with it. Part of the reason is I don't have a lot to go wrong because it's smaller.
But I have done a lot of personalization and customization. The best was removing the false wall under the sink and increased the storage area there by factor of 5.

[BamaRam]

Isn't the vac a 12VDC power? I've used it without shore power, so it must be.

Mine isn’t. I follow the Romex to the AC breaker. The same breaker that powers the microwave. Maybe they put something similar to a car vac in your model.

[BamaRam]

More new unit fun. One of the LP hoses on the auto change over regulator is leaking. It’s a Winntec 6020.

[cookinwitdiesel]

In your other thread about the vent dripping on the bed, is that in your 28RKS? What vent? Mine only has the AC vent over the space at the foot of the bed.

[BamaRam]

No sorry, my signature doesn’t show up when I post from my phone. I have a 31RBDS travel trailer. It has a plastic air vent in the roof over the bed, forward of the front entrance.

[cookinwitdiesel]

Gotcha, sorry for the confusion :)

Is it prepped for a 2nd AC? (trailer would have a 50A shore line)

[BamaRam]

Yes, it is ready for 2 nd AC /50 amp. Haven’t needed it since I fixed the ducts and taped the return.

[BamaRam]

I'm getting the trailer back from the dealer this week. Been there since first week in November. This is the list I gave the service department:


1. Forward and aft of front slide out, top piece of siding is bowed out.

2. Top middle marker lights and camera mount. Top piece of siding is bowed out. The interior wall is also coming loose in the same spot.

3. There is an object under the roof membrane Behind bathroom vent.

4. The outdoor kitchen door is warped/bowed out in the middle. It was slightly bowed when I bought it and it has worsened.

5. When retracting front slide, the front support arm chatters sometimes. When it does, it acts like it wants to stall. All 4 gear packs were squeaking loudly and I applied some synthetic oil as shown on page 9 of Lippert Electric Through frame Slide-Out System service manual. Also, the floor flexes considerably as the slide goes into it's fully retracted position.

6. Right side propane regulator hose was leaking so I replaced it. Now the red indicator doesn’t work and it draws from both tanks regardless of the switch position. Old hose is in the pass through.

7. When the vac is turned on, the microwave dies. It does this on both 30 and 50 amp hookup.

8. TV loses signal on "air" setting because the coax connection at the antenna is loose and cannot be accessed to tighten. I verified the loose connection from the receiver to the antenna with an ohmmeter. All of the other connections that I could get to have been tightened. They were all loose.

9. A piece of trim above the front door is broken and loose.

10. The bunkhouse door rubs the wall at the top when the door is sliding.

11. Toilet water valve seeps occasionally. If you look close at the bottom of the foot pedal flange you can see evidence of it. I do use a pressure restrictor and a water filter.


According to the email from my dealer, all are repaired at no cost to me. I'm a happy camper now, I'll be happier when I get my trailer back.:)

[sourdough]

I'm getting the trailer back from the dealer this week. Been there since first week in November. This is the list I gave the service department:


1. Forward and aft of front slide out, top piece of siding is bowed out.

2. Top middle marker lights and camera mount. Top piece of siding is bowed out. The interior wall is also coming loose in the same spot.

3. There is an object under the roof membrane Behind bathroom vent.

4. The outdoor kitchen door is warped/bowed out in the middle. It was slightly bowed when I bought it and it has worsened.

5. When retracting front slide, the front support arm chatters sometimes. When it does, it acts like it wants to stall. All 4 gear packs were squeaking loudly and I applied some synthetic oil as shown on page 9 of Lippert Electric Through frame Slide-Out System service manual. Also, the floor flexes considerably as the slide goes into it's fully retracted position.

6. Right side propane regulator hose was leaking so I replaced it. Now the red indicator doesn’t work and it draws from both tanks regardless of the switch position. Old hose is in the pass through.

7. When the vac is turned on, the microwave dies. It does this on both 30 and 50 amp hookup.

8. TV loses signal on "air" setting because the coax connection at the antenna is loose and cannot be accessed to tighten. I verified the loose connection from the receiver to the antenna with an ohmmeter. All of the other connections that I could get to have been tightened. They were all loose.

9. A piece of trim above the front door is broken and loose.

10. The bunkhouse door rubs the wall at the top when the door is sliding.

11. Toilet water valve seeps occasionally. If you look close at the bottom of the foot pedal flange you can see evidence of it. I do use a pressure restrictor and a water filter.


According to the email from my dealer, all are repaired at no cost to me. I'm a happy camper now, I'll be happier when I get my trailer back.:)

Bama, go through every single one of those items and make sure they are corrected and work to your satisfaction....the dealer saying "we're all done" doesn't mean it was fixed like you expected.

[BamaRam]

Bama, go through every single one of those items and make sure they are corrected and work to your satisfaction....the dealer saying "we're all done" doesn't mean it was fixed like you expected.


Yes, I was planning to get there early and stay late if needed. They had to remove 5 interior panels to repair the siding. SM said it was cut too long.

[SactoGuy]

I have a new Hideout as well, will keep an eye out for some of these issues. I did immediately go around and tape all of the A/C vents since they were atrocious (worst one attached). I did not do the A/C unit itself or the furnace registers though, will go back and check them.



I replaced the main a/c unit in our 2008 Keystone Fuzion a few months ago. I also found that the ducts were poorly sealed from the factory. I also noticed that the duct work flowed way beyond the last vent in each direction, so I purchased the insulation panel at Home Depot and taped in some blocks after the last vent. Also, the factory grill, return and out bound flow were poorly sealed.
Air flow was improved dramatically with these improvements. 19900199011990219903

[BamaRam]

1. Forward and aft of front slide out, top piece of siding is bowed out.



The problem was that Keystone had missed wall studs with screws. Keystone warranty fixed


2. Top middle marker lights and camera mount. Top piece of siding is bowed out. The interior wall is also coming loose in the same spot.



A large compacted piece of insulation was causing both wall panels to bulge. Keystone warranty fixed

3. There is an object under the roof membrane Behind bathroom vent.


Keystone would not cover under warranty, so I reckon I have a permanent pimple in my roof.

4. The outdoor kitchen door is warped/bowed out in the middle. It was slightly bowed when I bought it and it has worsened.


New door and decal. Keystone warranty fixed

5. When retracting front slide, the front support arm chatters sometimes. When it does, it acts like it wants to stall. All 4 gear packs were squeaking loudly and I applied some synthetic oil as shown on page 9 of Lippert Electric Through frame Slide-Out System service manual. Also, the floor flexes considerably as the slide goes into it's fully retracted position.


Adjusted and lubed. Keystone warranty fixed

6. Right side propane regulator hose was leaking so I replaced it. Now the red indicator doesn’t work and it draws from both tanks regardless of the switch position. Old hose is in the pass through.


Replaced regulator. Keystone warranty fixed

7. When the vac is turned on, the microwave dies. It does this on both 30 and 50 amp hookup.


Keystone said that's the way it's supposed to work. LOL. I'll put the mircrowave on it's own circuit.


8. TV loses signal on "air" setting because the coax connection at the antenna is loose and cannot be accessed to tighten. I verified the loose connection from the receiver to the antenna with an ohmmeter. All of the other connections that I could get to have been tightened. They were all loose.


New antenna. Keystone warranty fixed

9. A piece of trim above the front door is broken and loose.


New trim.. Keystone warranty fixed

10. The bunkhouse door rubs the wall at the top when the door is sliding.


Adjusted the door. Keystone warranty fixed.

11. Toilet water valve seeps occasionally. If you look close at the bottom of the foot pedal flange you can see evidence of it. I do use a pressure restrictor and a water filter.


Replaced valve. Keystone warranty fixed.

[CrazyCain]

I have had my Hideout 177LHS for 3+ years and it has been a great camper, being used every other week all year long. Simple things like all the exterior screw on the bottom of the aluminum siding loosened, fixed that by pulling each one and applying silicone to them (thanks John). Had a couple screws loosen inside after pulling, microwave trim, fridge, furnace and a few around window the windows. I always check around after i get to and from an outing. Over all, great little TT with no complaints.. Guess little guys try harder. :lol: