6 - Four Months of Orion

(above) First camping experience

We have had our Orion over four months now. It's mostly been in storage since the end of October with a couple of brief outings for exercise. I put Sta-Bil in the gas and I run the generator every three weeks or so. I have done a couple of projects in it during the time. I've had time to itemize problems, annoyances, and changes/improvements made.

Problems:

1. Sewer outlet not operable - fixed
2. Rear mount broken on drawers by refrig - fixed
3. Bath faucet drips into cabinet
4. Open gap under couch between floor and wall
5. Awning strip lights don't work
6. GFCI in bathroom trips
7. TV mounted too low for remote to work - fixed

Annoyances:

1. Switches by entry door not labeled
2. Switch at water entry port not labeled
3. No interior privacy curtain provided for cab
4. Step to bed not at proper angle; rungs hard on bare feet
5. Fresh water tank drain valve not easily accessible

Improvements:

1. 1-1/4" to 2" hitch adapter
2. Solar windshield outside cover
3. Add corner pockets to OEM windshield cover
4. Interior privacy curtain for front of cab
5. Drinking water filter and faucet on kitchen sink
6. 2" memory foam mattress topper + pad
7. Narrow board as shelf behind couch to fill gap

I will elaborate on these in successive postings. Problems 1 and 2 required immediate attention, and I fixed them myself. I also fixed Problem 7 by remounting the TV. Problem 3 was causing about a cup of water a day to drip onto the floor inside the bath sink cabinet, requiring a catch bowl. I have an appointment at a Forest River dealer coming up for warranty work on Problems 3-6. Overall, considering the price of an Orion, the number and severity of issues is relatively minor (so far !!). No RV comes out perfect and they all have something that could be better.