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Post by flipflopgrlnc43 on Aug 3, 2020 21:36:18 GMT -5
Who has this camper do you like it? We are considering this and I love it and want to hear from others/ Thanks.
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ZanderMan
Weekender RV’er
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Posts: 63
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Post by ZanderMan on Aug 4, 2020 13:37:35 GMT -5
Who has this camper do you like it? We are considering this and I love it and want to hear from others/ Thanks. We don't have that specific model but the SL169VRK which has a similar layout. What I like about it and the 200VML are a number of things... - Refrigerator by the door is very handy... Not just getting snacks, but checking the operation when you come off shore power and want to make sure that it switches to propane.
- Door in the opposite end from the bed is (IMO) a better layout.
- Advantage 200VML - Access to the bathroom w/o extending the slide... We have to put our slide out a couple feet to get to the bathroom while traveling
- Advantage 200VML - Looks like you can get to the front of the camper (bed, clothes) w/o extending the slide at all. With the slide in, we cannot access the bathroom or front of the camper.
- Advantage 200VML - Dual axle allows you a higher Net Carrying Capacity of 1750 lbs which is a good bit of stuff... Just remember to calculate what you toss in (including water at 8.4 lbs/gal) into your overall GCVWR which is your combined tow vehicle and trailer with everything loaded up. The only disadvantage of a dual axle (IMO) is the stress on the tire sidewalls when turning on hard surfaces... Something to watch out for w.r.t. tire life expectancy.
The SL169 has a dinette (2 benches and full-length table between) which is good if you want to have 4 folks at the dinner table, but my wife would actually prefer the 200VML arrangement of the "jiffy sofa" and a free-standing table. The option of a Murphy bed is nice also, but advantage of either is access on both sides of the bed and the wardrobes... We consistently crossed off beds that are sideways where someone would have to crawl over the other person to get out. That would not work for us. The 200VML is a bit on the heavy side for us (we only have 5,000 lb towing capacity) but I think if my wife had seen this before the SL169VRK and we had the towing capacity, we would have ended up with the 200VML. Also what I believe is true on the 200VML is that due to the layout, your grey tank and black tank are both aft of the axles, and they're both on the small-ish size at 30 gals each. Pretty sure your fresh water tank is forward of the axles to balance things out. Here's the SL169VRK layout.  |
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Post by flipflopgrlnc43 on Aug 16, 2020 20:38:51 GMT -5
Thank you for the information. We are very excited to be purchasing this camper. We looked at the Sonics back in 2014 and ended up buying something else way smaller. Teardrop No water, no kitchen, no bathroom. We are ready for bigger. Had to chuckle at your crossing beds off that were sideways. What the heck are people thinking with that design? Nope, not working for us either.
So when you pull into a campground do you fill your water tanks there? I am assuming this is how it's done. I can't imagine riding around with all that water sloshing around. You are so kind as to write all that you did. I appreciate your thoughts on the advantages. We now have to wait 10 -12 weeks for the camper ... praying for a long fall with good weather so maybe we can camp before winter comes. Va has nice fall weather so lets hope it's warmer longer than normal. Thanks Again.
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ZanderMan
Weekender RV’er
Needs monitoring
Posts: 63
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Post by ZanderMan on Aug 20, 2020 8:57:02 GMT -5
Thank you for the information. We are very excited to be purchasing this camper. We looked at the Sonics back in 2014 and ended up buying something else way smaller. Teardrop No water, no kitchen, no bathroom. We are ready for bigger. Had to chuckle at your crossing beds off that were sideways. What the heck are people thinking with that design? Nope, not working for us either. So when you pull into a campground do you fill your water tanks there? I am assuming this is how it's done. I can't imagine riding around with all that water sloshing around. You are so kind as to write all that you did. I appreciate your thoughts on the advantages. We now have to wait 10 -12 weeks for the camper ... praying for a long fall with good weather so maybe we can camp before winter comes. Va has nice fall weather so lets hope it's warmer longer than normal. Thanks Again. At most campground sites, you will have a "city water" hookup, so you aren't using your fresh water tank at all so no need to fill it. The city water connection at the CG is pressurized and feeds your entire water system (which is also why folks carry a pressure regulator and water filter to keep high water pressure from blowing their TT connections). Most sites have water and electric (30A) hookup. Some sites don't have sewer hookups but for a weekend you will be OK and can dump on the way out. Longer and I would make sure you get a site with sewer hookup if possible. Fresh water tank is pressurized by your on-board pump. City water is already pressurized. There is a check valve in the pump that prevents city water feed from filling your fresh water tank. There is a separate inlet on the side of your camper for filling the fresh water tank. I only carry about 10 gallons of water with 1/4C bleach to keep the fresh water tank fresh, since we never boondock and rarely use our fresh water tank except to flush the lines after we get home.  We are in NC and have camped once in VA at Misty Mountain near Crozet VA. Our daughter lives just outside Crozet... beautiful part of the state. |
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Post by chanacres on May 12, 2021 9:20:03 GMT -5
Hi folks! We recently purchased a 2019 200vml. Any new experiences you've had to watch for? We have already found a soft spot in the floor between the refridgerator and door threshhold. Im thinking its been running in around the tail light...caulking had separated there. Cant see under fridge panel to check. Will order a borescope a nice gentleman suggested is a good investment. Also been seeing a lot of screws popping out of things from not holding in particle board...boy that kind of stuff could have easily prevented by mfg! Anyway, havent used the camper much. Safe travels to y'all!
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Post by dto03c on May 12, 2021 11:49:12 GMT -5
Hi chanacres,
We've had a used 2019 231VRL for a year now and have a soft spot in the floor in front of the refrigerator door. I am assuming some moisture got in there from the slideout seal or the under the frame. Replacing the flooring is a little over my skill level, so I plan to look for a professional to fix it.
Any tips from other owners would be helpful!
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