31SB Exterior Kitchen Issue

[luvtocamp7]

Hello,



We just bought our 31SBZinger in August and luv it. The only real issue I have seen is on the door ofthe exterior kitchen where the shock mounts to the camper, the screws have broken and my shock is dangling. In the Spring I am taking my camperback to the dealer to have it fixed but I think its more than just putting new screws in it.



Has anyone out therehad theirs repaired yet?







Tow Vehicle --------- F150 ECOBOOST

[mwebber78]

It will keep breaking unless they replace the door with some of the new models that have a plate inside the door to catch the screws for the shock or they through bolt or rivet the assembly.

I would push for a replacement at the minimum.

[sking]

I'm more interested to hear how you like the Eco Boost

[luvtocamp7]

Hi Sking,

The truck is awesome. Prior to having the F150 I had a 2008 Dodge Ram 5.7 4x4 Quad Cab but according to the tow specifications that truck could not pull our new Zinger. For whatever reason in 2008 the tow ratings were very low on that truck. I have not taken my Zinger out on any long hauls yet but I can say on the 2 hour trips I have taken you can tell the camper is back there. I did add air bags and that helpskeep the truck from sagging. The Eco Boost is great, driving 70 I get between 20 to 23 mpg hwy 17 to 18 city and around 8 to9 pulling the camper, my Dodge got 7.2mpg pulling a 6000 lbs camper.

[luvtocamp7]

Originally Posted by mwebber78

It will keep breaking unless they replace the door with some of the new models that have a plate inside the door to catch the screws for the shock or they through bolt or rivet the assembly.

I would push for a replacement at the minimum.

Thanks,

I agree, I will be pushing hard for a permanent fix. I can see this being a lasting problem if not addressed properly.

[NH Horseman]

Luvtocamp:
What is the weight of your Zinger?? Why do I ask? I have a 25SB which I just picked up and brought home. I assume that's 25 feet living space and 27 feet counting the tongue?? Weight is supposed to be 6,000 lbs plus or minus. Anyway, dealer tells me I'll lose 5 MPG on the Tow Vehicle when towing. I have a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 and get 19 to 20 hwy. You went from 20 to 9 mpg with yours. Should I expect the same?

[dalemac377]

I think your dealer fed you a line. I had a similar trucka fewyears ago and towed two different TT with it. One was 5,000 lbs and one was 7,000 lbs. I got between 8 and 10 mpg no matter what. That seems to be the range for gas engine trucks pulling decent size trailers. Nothing wrong with that, it is just what it is.

[luvtocamp7]

Hello NH Horseman,

I agree with dalemac377 8 to 10 is the magic number. My wieght is around 8,500LBS, on flat terrain I am closer to 10 but I am in NE Ohio where it is up and down and the average is 8 to 9MPG.

[salda01]

Originally Posted by NH Horseman

Luvtocamp:
What is the weight of your Zinger?? Why do I ask? I have a 25SB which I just picked up and brought home. I assume that's 25 feet living space and 27 feet counting the tongue?? Weight is supposed to be 6,000 lbs plus or minus. Anyway, dealer tells me I'll lose 5 MPG on the Tow Vehicle when towing. I have a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 and get 19 to 20 hwy. You went from 20 to 9 mpg with yours. Should I expect the same?

The dealer is kinda correct..

You lose 5 going down hill with a 70MPH tail wind. Otherwise overall you'll lose 30-50%

[sking]

Originally Posted by NH Horseman

Luvtocamp:
What is the weight of your Zinger?? Why do I ask? I have a 25SB which I just picked up and brought home. I assume that's 25 feet living space and 27 feet counting the tongue?? Weight is supposed to be 6,000 lbs plus or minus. Anyway, dealer tells me I'll lose 5 MPG on the Tow Vehicle when towing. I have a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 and get 19 to 20 hwy. You went from 20 to 9 mpg with yours. Should I expect the same?

The same or worse, dealers will sometimes say anything to get you to buy.

[NH Horseman]

Well, I guess i'll know sometime in April. It's parked for the winter now!

[salda01]

Originally Posted by NH Horseman

Well, I guess i'll know sometime in April. It's parked for the winter now!

The good news is you have all winter to save the pennies for the increased consumption / decrease in mileage.


In rethinking what the dealer told you.. He's pretty close when you compare to a solid mix of city / highway driving for most trucks.

A 5 mileage decrease doesn't sound as bad as a 30-50% mileage drop.