Not safe, but normal from the manufacturer.

I was just about to comment about your use of “normal” but I see you caught that too (lol). Honestly, that’s really unfortunate to hear but I sincerely appreciate you commenting.

Thank you very much.

Congrats on the purchase. Re: a fix - there are always multiple ways to do something. Generally speaking, I would ensure it doesn’t have any bends within 10cm of the heater outlet (as per Truma’s installation requirements) and to affix the heater conduit to the outlet of the heater to prevent it from being dislodged creating the positive-feedback heat-trapping scenario I experienced. Absolutely! Keep me in the loop please.

Thanks. I watched another video by Living with Rob. He has the same year as mine, 2022. He was writing about the Truma error code caused by the furnace overheating. When he removes the front panel, the vent pipe is straight and attached at the furnace end and not at the vent cover. In other words, he doesn’t have the bent vent hose like yours. I think your hose was installed improperly. You might want to look at his channel. He has a lot of videos about fixes and mods he’s made to his Micro Minnie FLX edition.

May I ask what you were trying to being to Winnebago’s attention?

@@GREYWOLFrv I built my own FLX before the FLX came out with a Micro Minnie, tons of videos on my channel about it. There were and still are TONS of customers getting sold these units with Zero help from Winnebago or the dealerships on how these units actually work. I told them their FLX claims are false and gave them all the data on how to correctly talk about the FLX package. I convinced a local dealership to borrow and FLX for 3 weeks to help with people on Facebook how to learn the FLX and all these systems… I was going to be a “brand ambassador” but I wanted them to me lend me a FLX for longer to help all their unhappy customers… while in talks with them about this they started sending me unhappy customers so I could help explain to them how to use their FLX because they didn’t even know (which is why I needed an FLX (I live 3 hours from the factory) (not even for camping but just so I can learn the system 100% and make a owners manual or do videos support) Anyway… after writing up the correct stats of what the FLX can actually do (not what their brochure says) and doing those customer service call to try help them all for free they told me I was too greedy… I know the micro mini more than anyone else in this world and I believe the FLX is a good product but has zero Support and I was trying to help them with that. Anyway I can tell you more over a phone call if you care

@@GREYWOLFrv I built my own FLX before the FLX came out with a Micro Minnie, tons of videos on my channel about it. There were and still are TONS of customers getting sold these units with Zero help from Winnebago or the dealerships on how these units actually work. I told them their FLX claims are false and gave them all the data on how to correctly talk about the FLX package. I convinced a local dealership to borrow and FLX for 3 weeks to help with people on Facebook how to learn the FLX and all these systems… I was going to be a “brand ambassador” but I wanted them to me lend me a FLX for longer to help all their unhappy customers… while in talks with them about this they started sending me unhappy customers so I could help explain to them how to use their FLX because they didn’t even know (which is why I needed an FLX (I live 3 hours from the factory) (not even for camping but just so I can learn the system 100% and make a owners manual or do videos support) Anyway… after writing up the correct stats of what the FLX can actually do (not what their brochure says) and doing those customer service call to try help them all for free they told me I was too greedy… I know the micro mini more than anyone else in this world and I believe the FLX is a good product but has zero Support and I was trying to help them with that. Anyway I can tell you more over a phone call if you care

@@GREYWOLFrv I built my own FLX before the FLX came out with a Micro Minnie, tons of videos on my channel about it. There were and still are TONS of customers getting sold these units with Zero help from Winnebago or the dealerships on how these units actually work. I told them their FLX claims are false and gave them all the data on how to correctly talk about the FLX package. I convinced a local dealership to borrow and FLX for 3 weeks to help with people on Facebook how to learn the FLX and all these systems… I was going to be a “brand ambassador” but I wanted them to me lend me a FLX for longer to help all their unhappy customers… while in talks with them about this they started sending me unhappy customers so I could help explain to them how to use their FLX because they didn’t even know (which is why I needed an FLX (I live 3 hours from the factory) (not even for camping but just so I can learn the system 100% and make a owners manual or do videos support) Anyway… after writing up the correct stats of what the FLX can actually do (not what their brochure says) and doing those customer service call to try help them all for free they told me I was too greedy… I know the micro mini more than anyone else in this world and I believe the FLX is a good product but has zero Support and I was trying to help them with that. Anyway I can tell you more over a phone call if you care

Mr. Bandit, thank you for the kind words. I’m still learning and developing and trying to do better with the videos, but thank you just the same. Re: corners being cut and so on, I think I fall somewhere in between. I’ve seen a lot of little construction decisions which I don’t personally agree with, but Winnebago compared to other brands seems to be doing a LOT of things significantly better, namely quality of construction. That’s not to say there are significant opportunities for improvement (e.g., use of staples versus screws), but this appears to be a significant misstep for a couple reasons in my opinion.

Hey Mike, thanks for the kind words and feedback. I do apologize for not capture the bed fitment, however as an Alberta I feel 100% qualified to comment on lifting axles (LOL). Yes, absolutely, 100%. Most Albertans I see lifting trailers are typically older 5th wheels to accommodate for the taller bed height of modern trucks, or to match the ride-height of a lifted vehicle. The only thing you may (read: will) have to modify is extend the length of the electrical brake cables to accommodate for the additional height. However, do keep in mind your limiting factor will be the centre of the axle so if you’re looking to improve ground clearance, slightly taller tires may be of benefit. Alternatively, I would check-out the BAL suspension system found on the Winnebago Hike 100 trailers. Hope this helps. :) -Colin

Oh, it’s faaaaaar too late for that unfortunately. Someone once told me Alberta has the highest windshield replacement rate in North America and I believe it. Just about every vehicle has a broken windshield here unfortunately. Most people only ever change them if it obstructs your vision directly or if they’re selling the vehicle (better optics; literally and figuratively lol)

I 100% understand what you’re saying, but I actually believe a lot of quality concerns predate the time period you suggested. From my experience and understanding, travel restrictions imposed during the height of the COVID pandemic shifted the consumer market into activities they could do within their own countries and thus caused an explosion in popularity of the RV market. With more eyes on the products has come more scrutiny. I do want to delineate between design and manufacturing. The problems I’ve encountered thus far all appear to be design related, not manufacturing. Line workers appear to be performing quality work but the design they are being asked to complete is the root cause. For what it’s worth, I believe design is the easier of the two to correct.

I contacted two people and left a voice message with an important person citing a potential fire hazard but never received a response. Out of curiosity I contacted Winnebago’s Customer Service department and surprisingly the representative I spoke to was aware the FLX was not ducted into the enclosed underbelly but was unaware of the manufacturing / potential fire hazard issue. The trailer is currently sitting at a local dealer to be inspected for warranty purposes. My intent is simply to document the issue through he warranty department but I suspect I’ll be on my own for a proper solution. Lastly, I contacted Truma to inform them of the situation due to potential bad publicity created by improper installation. Their customer service department has been excellent, though I’m not confident they have the internal channels to relay the concern to senior departments. They did consult their engineering department and I’m told the installation specifications for the VarioHeat require a minimum of 80mm (8cm/~3.25”) from the outlet of the unit prior to any change in direction of the conduit.

@@GREYWOLFrv I think you’ll definitely be on your own for all issues. I addressed this with them 2 years ago but fell on deaf ears….. here is part of my email to them …. Despite this, I am still committed to helping people and have reached out to a unsatisfied customer as requested by you regarding their FLX camper. I have included suggested changes to the brochure to clarify the product's capabilities, as the customer was not aware of certain limitations as many aren't. It is also important for dealers to be properly trained in order to set realistic expectations for boondocking and FLX ownership. I have explained to the customer the realistic expectations for off-grid use and FLX systems, and am currently assisting her with configuring the necessary settings on the Go Power, Xantrex, Truma, and Lithionics apps. I have also shared with her the realistic expectations of power consumption on the FLX. It is imperative that the accompanying material for the FLX be comprehensive enough for customers to understand how to use the system. The following are some specifications and starting points: a 320 amp-hour lithium battery and 400 watts of solar, which can produce 200-240 amps of power when exposed to 8 hours of sunlight. Here is what you can run with the current setup for 5 days (This information is found nowhere on any FLX marketing material, videos etc I had to create this ) 8 Hours of Lights 30 Min of Water pumps 2 Hours of TV 5 Hours of ceiling fan 4 Hours of radio 7 Hours of Fridge Running 24 hours of propane alarm 15 min of Microwave 2 Hours of Cellphone charging 1 hours of laptop charging 5 min of hair dryer In terms of the Aventa AC unit included in the FLX, it can run for the following times based on speed: low speed for 3 hours, medium for 2 hours and 40 minutes, and high for 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is only running the AC nothing else It is important to note that the marketing materials and dealers are not fully aware of the FLX's capabilities, as solar technology is still relatively new. Therefore, it is essential that customers receive comprehensive information and dealers receive proper training. As mentioned many times before, I have a passion for this and that’s why I spend so much time helping out customers as there is no support out there.

Hi Greg, thanks for taking the time to offer information and suggestions. I did notice Milwaukee has a very nice 18V stick pump, but I’m firmly entrenched in the Bosch ecosystem unfortunately (lol). My interim solution was to cut the spout off a 10-litre water jug and attach a short length of 3/4” ID tubing to manually fill the trailer. However, for me who does coastal winter camping where overnight temperatures regularly fall below freezing, having a proper 1” thick baggage door versus the plastic cover on the shower port is really important to me. I’m also exploring ideas how to passively heat the backside of the water system as well. Re: the windows R-value, I have seen mixed reports suggesting laminate dual-pane glass are ~1.6 and dual-pane acrylic ‘euro’ windows are in the +/-3 range. Either way, you’re absolutely right but I don’t want to live in a dark box. Moreover, the euro windows also include an integrated shade which, like drawing the blinds, should further increase the R-value (maybe to 3.5 or 4). Unfortunately, at the time of writing, it looks as though there are not euro windows which will fit either driver or passenger side bedroom windows.

​@GREYWOLFrv Thanks for the reply. I'm sure the R-value of windows vary, so my number might not be accurate for all manufacturers. But, unfortunately, the R-value of windows is terrible. Good luck with the water supply. Camping in the winter does introduce additional challenges

So this was exactly me… I didn’t originally want to pay for the extra cost of the FLX but at the time of purchase, by the time you add up the cost of the energy efficient appliances, batteries, solar, and electrical wiring (the non-FLX has the battery mounted on the tongue compared to the partitioned area inside the storage), the FLX is by far the better deal. It’s just a bitter (financial) pill to swallow. Re: your water tank capacity requirements - I understand where you’re coming from. Everyone has said to me ‘you’ll run out of water before you run out of electricity’ with the FLX and that seems to have been accurate thus far. However, the limitation is the length of the trailer / space in the frame. I can’t seem to find the brochure (if I do I’ll link to it later) but there’s basically no room in the current frame design to accommodate larger tanks. That said, there is a lot of available space toward the front of the frame but that would significantly increase the tongue weight.

@@GREYWOLFrv kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJTbmWynfNufq5Isi=I1jIeMFk1CSvNBvV

I always try to keep my videos as authentic as possible, so if you live in a windy environment then yeah - you may experience challenges with the Pinnacle Pro but I’d also suspect you would experience challenges with any stove of this style. I’m not aware of any similar products with 360-degree wind coverage and it’s also worth addressing this was in the Canadian winter at ~4,600ft elevation. I have since used it many times since and haven’t experienced wind challenges as I did on this day trip.

I just had a look at the 191RBS floor plan and honestly, for the ~100lbs extra to get a slide and additional storage, that’s a shut-up-and-take-my-money situation. Moreover, the 191RBS has ~60lbs less hitch weight. Personally, I think it’s a no-brainer. I also LOVE the blue interior on the ‘24s and if you’re a subscriber to the channel, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when I reveal which trailer I purchased for 2024. At the moment I’m building-up a back catalogue of videos to do a proper re-launch of the channel, so please accept my apologies but I’m more than happy to help offer my two-cents in the meanwhile. Re: towing capability, I used to have a supercharged FJ cruiser which was a mid-size body on frame, albeit with a much shorter wheelbase than your Colorado. It had a towing capacity of 5,000lbs (down from the Tacoma’s 6,500 likely due to that short wheelbase), but with the supercharger it had more than sufficient power. Taking a look at the Colorado’s towing capacity of ~7,500lbs (5,000lbs for ZR2), both the 191RBS and 187RB fall comfortably within its tow rating. My personal philosophy is ~60% of the towing capacity is the sweet spot and doesn’t require compromises such as vehicle stability at higher speeds, especially with compounding factors like high wind conditions. Even at ~3,500 for the heavier 191RBS you’re less than 50%. My only concern would be power. I anticipate you would be pushing that gas I4 on the mountain passes and a quick Google suggests it’s nearly as thirsty as the V6. That said, the V6 and even the diesel I4 would likely do great. My F150 has ~360hp and the trailer I purchased is ~4,500lbs and it tows perfectly fine, but expect 50% regular fuel economy regardless. In fact, my personal experience towing trailers as small as my 6x12 enclosed utility trailer and 9,000lb RVs is the #1 factor influencing fuel economy is whether you’re towing a trailer or not. Mountain passes certainly don’t help the equation, but the weight of the trailer -in my opinion- plays much less of a role. I hope you’ve found this info helpful. One point of consideration I would make re: the Apex Nano products are they do not have a heated and enclosed underbelly and have exposed sewer conduit. Thus, they will not perform as well in cold conditions which we often encounter in the mountains. However, these things add cost and the Apex Nano series in my opinion are a good value proposition, so just something to keep in mind.

@@GREYWOLFrv I told them I wanted the heated tanks. I would have prefered an underbelly but at $23000, I still think its a good choice. The Colorado has a 308hp V6 so it can get it over the pass. Hope it arrives before the Moab mtn bike trip I have planned!

Excellent re: the engine and even more excellent re: the bike trip. Are you a subscriber to the GREYWOLFbike channel as well? If so, I’d love to ask you a few questions about how you’d like to see these channels dovetail between each other. Re: the heated tanks - yes, that’s a good call but keep in mind they’ll only resist the fluid in your tanks from freezing but be cautious about freezing valves. However, I 100% agree - it’s a $23,000 trailer. It’s actually why I considered it myself and included it in the ‘Mountain Biker’s Perspective’ series because everyone has different budgets and different requirements.

Hey, thank you! I’m actually editing a whole bunch of videos right now. The channel is about to start growing in a big way. I’m not sure exactly when I’m going to release everything to the public, but I’m really putting a lot of work into content right now.

Hi, thanks for taking the time to comment. The 2108FBS was not and is not available with the CURT suspension. Or is your comment intended to be wishful thinking? If so, one thing I would like to know is how much travel the CURT suspension offers. For context, the Timbren 3500HD series offers 2 5/16” suspension travel and Brock Simmons [Arrkann Calgary Sales Manager] told me off-camera the torsion suspension fitted to the 2108FBS has 3” of suspension.

Hey, thanks for taking the time to share. I actually considered building a trailer myself but it would be a much larger project than I’m willing to undertake. I’d rather find an existing product as a starting point and modify to suit my needs.

Thanks Adam! I appreciate the kind words. I’m already planning to do a ‘Part 2’ for the Winnebago Hike trailers where I discuss some other features which weren’t addressed in this video and explore a new floor plan. :)