First camping trip

[Garand]

We took a quick weekend trip to Enid Lake, MS as a trial run for Bali Ha'i, and we came back delighted. The 5.0 is everything we hoped for.

As we spent a lot of time in our old Casita, we had almost everything we needed to outfit Bali Ha'i. The weather was cool and windy, so we had opportunity to try our various heating plans. We ran the furnace a bit, just to try it out; but did most of our heating with an electric floor heater. With the elevated sleeping area, the heat rose up to keep us quite cozy and the dogs did well on the main deck with the heater directed at them.

Hookup and towing were easy as pie and the 5.0 tows like a dream. Backing up is another matter entirely, and I need a lot of practice to achieve the same level of competence I had with the Casita. I didn't hit anything and eventually got us situated, so all's well that ends well...even if it took multiple tries.

Things we love about the trailer:
- All the usable storage space.
- the external shower (great to do dishes and rinse off the muddy pups),
- dual fuel water heater (nice to let the campground electricity heat our water),
- there's plenty of headroom in bed. (I was worried it would seem like crawling into a cave, and its not. Its open and airy),
- the general layout (especially all the storage available around the steps leading to the loft),
- the great views from the aft dinette,
- the kitchen has the perfect work triangle ;-).
- the screen door (I love how it retracts into the frame...as opposed to the Casita's awkward double-door,
- and the rear stabilizers (I understand we got lucky and benefited from a supplier's mistake).

Things we wish were different:
- The black external light fixtures, grab handle, and external refrigerator panel surround. (its personal preference, but I wish I'd thought to ask for those items in white...I may opt to either change them out or paint them),
- the stereo we ordered (a Jensen CD, DVD player) is permanently lighted and its pretty bright.
- access to the batteries is a bit awkward. Unless I'm missing something, you have to remove the rear dinette table and the cushion and cover to check water levels.

I'm going to have to get a child gate to separate the dogs from the screen door. There were a million deer this weekend and Pepper is convinced she can catch one. I was a bit worried about the screen's longevity with an eager dog pushing against it.

Its a pretty small list of gripes, which is my way of saying we really like this trailer!!!

Dave and Deb

[ronstew]

On your stereo, if you hold the Off button down for several seconds, does the display switch off?

[Jim Bennett]

D & D, glad to hear you got to give the new trailer a work out.

Glad you like the things you do.

Regarding the things you wish were different.
- I personally like the black, as it stands out more and lends definition. Maybe not the refrigerator cover though.
- The faceplate on the stereo is really easy to pop off. This saves on battery drain if it is an issue at all too. I got a nice little holder for the faceplate, it looks like a eyeglass case.
- Not certain just how the batteries are accessed in the 5.0. In the 19, we just slide the table top over, and lift the bench cover. I check batteries only twice a year anyway, so it is not that big of a deal to me.

[Garand]

Originally Posted by ronstew

On your stereo, if you hold the Off button down for several seconds, does the display switch off?

Just walked out to check, and no...it stays on.

[Hokie Escape]

Heh Dave, it is a dream, isn't it : - )
The backing up takes a little getting used to when you're used to the Casita or other pull behind. Make sure you "pull out" into the road past the curb, or from the gas tanks before you turn or you might sideswipe them! I'm still getting used to the backing up, it reacts what I call "a little slower" because of the pivot point. But, a little practice, and it'll be come second nature like the other trailer.
Yes, you have to remove the cushion to get to the batteries, but like Jim, I only check them every 4 months or so. Just added water for the 1st time (after a year and a half), and they were only down about half way, but....may as well. And I keep Hokie hooked up ALL the time at home.
It is a beautiful view from the aft dinette isn't it? Backed up to a lake, with a hot cup of coffee....what a view (IF you have to be inside that is..)

[escape artist]

Hi: Garand...Dave; Don't be too hard on the black exterior fixtures!!! At least they won't yellow like ours have. Tho I can buff away the yellowing with Brasso, it's a tedious process.
The screen I've heard is quite easy to get back on track after errant dogs or people have tangled with it.
The battery access is a bit of a job...there are so many nuts& bolts too; but in 3 yrs. of ownership I have cracked the sealed case once and added a tiny bit of distilled water. No big Deal IMHO!!! Reace said the trailer only needs to be plugged in 24-48 hrs. a month for a fully chg'd batt.
The reversing is another matter... and what's needed there is just more camping trips!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Garand]

Thanks all, for the comments.

Alf, I wasn't condemning the fixtures, just presenting my observations based on my preferences. Some folks like the fixtures. Its a minor off-note in an otherwise wonderful symphony.

Dave

[Jim Bennett]

Dave, were you able to get the faceplate off your stereo?

[Garand]

No, its seems to be mounted on some kind of geared linkage...any suggestions? (btw, it measures about 4"x 6")

[Texscapees]

If it is the same stereo that we have, there is a small button on the far left side that you push to release the face plate. It's very easy... provided you know where the button is. If it isn't evident looking at the faceplate, then I'd suggest checking your stereo's user manual. I'm confident that the faceplate has the capability to come off.

[Garand]

Here's a picture of the unit. As to the "owner's manual"; I scoff! Its a fifth generation photocopy of a Chinese translation of the original Sanskrit document
BTW, its a very nice unit and it performs well...I'm not knocking the performance, just my inability to darken it.


Dave

[Texscapees]

That's definitely a different unit than what we have. I wonder when they made the change to the newer model. As for the user manual, the one that came with ours wasn't particularly great either but I'm pretty sure that I remember it at least provided info re: how to remove the faceplate.

Maybe you could try searching on the Jensen website. Maybe they have a faq with the info or a customer support forum that could help.

Regardless, I do find it irritating that Jensen doesn't seem to provide a way to simply turn the display lighting off as opposed to having remove the faceplate for the older unit or your newer unit.

[Vermilye]

he stereo we ordered (a Jensen CD, DVD player) is permanently lighted and its pretty bright.

If you can't find a method to actually dim the panel, a pain-in-the-butt solution would be to make a cover for it using neutral density theatrical color media (it looks like it could be slipped into the fold down faceplate). "Gel" is sold by theatrical suppliers in 22" X 24" transparent Polyester sheets for around $7.50 per sheet & is available in over 100 colors, including various amounts of grey (ND filters) that don't change the color but cut down the light.
Lee Color Filters or RoscoLux Color Filters.

If you hit the theatrical supplier when they are in a good mood they will give you a "Swatch" book, a 1.75" x 2.75" collection of all their colors. For a bit more they sell a larger 3" X 5" swatch book for around $20.00. Either can be placed in fixtures to tame down the color of too white lamps, and include frosts that can soften harsh light sources.

[Harold Kroeker]

Originally Posted by Garand

- the stereo we ordered (a Jensen CD, DVD player) is permanently lighted and its pretty bright.

That doesn't look like any Jensen I've ever seen. I did some investigating after I saw one in the 19' at the factory, and all I could find is the attached pdf.

[Garand]

You are right...it doesn't look like a Jensen to me either. It was never promoted as one, I think I just extrapolated from the units put in other's trailers.

Thanks for the link. Now that I have a phone number, maybe I can get some better information on the operation of the system.

Dave

[escape artist]

Hi: Garand...Dave I didn't mean to be harsh... more dry humour!!!
On a bright note with the neat compact radio/CD player you won't need a night light for a mid night stroll to the powder room!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Jim Bennett]

Dave, Touch Audio is the brand name. HERE is a pamphlet on it.