 A
stiff crosswind from Lake Huron was whipping
across the road that runs parallel to its shores as I headed
north from Grand Bend, Ontario.
I occasionally checked the side mirrors to see how the travel
trailer I was towing was faring in this gusty weather. There
seemed to be no problem – the Ameri-Lite 24 footer was
hugging the road with barely a shimmer or shake. This was a
good start to my test of this tandem-axle unit that I had just
picked up from Ed Johns, owner of Grand Bend RVs.
The unit I inspected was a front bedroom model, with two standard
bunks in the rear curbside corner and a make-down double sleeper
dinette, thereby providing six-person sleeping capability. It’s
just right for carrying a mid-sized family, plus grandparents,
if needed.
You’ll certainly be comfortable. Behind baked enamel finish
of the 24 BH’s aluminum siding is a layer of fiberglass
insulation to conserve energy by maintaining the trailer’s
internal temperature. This insulation is framed by solid wood
that’s been screwed together and reinforced with galvanized
steel straps, increasing the unit’s roof-to-wall transition
strength. Above that rests its one-piece seamless roof, covered
by a 12-year warranty.
The fully-functional kitchen features a Magic Chef three-burner
range top, Elixir 45 amp converter just below, and range hood
with light just above. There is a single door, flush-mounted
Dometic propane refrigerator, double kitchen sink, oak framed
doors and plenty of kitchen and storage space.
 The
bathroom is small, yet it still offers all of the necessary
conveniences for your early morning routine, including a tub,
shower and surprising amount of vanity space. Other standard
equipment includes a 25 gallon fresh water tank, 50-gallon waste
water capacity, six gallon propane water heater, 16,000 BTU
thermostat controlled Suburban heater and a systems monitor
panel.
The LE package, which Ed said he usually includes with the Ameri-Lites
he sells, provides a DuoTherm 7,100 BTU roof air conditioner,
microwave oven, TV antenna, stabilizer jacks and roll-out awning.
If you want even more out of your trailer, an optional deluxe
package is also available. This brings with it a spare tire,
an AF/FM cassette stereo, a three-burner range with oven, an
outside shower and an extra cabinet.
The 4x4 Dodge Ram 1500 handled the Ameri-Lite with ease. Ed
informed me that this type of tow vehicle, or a similar van
or pickup, would typically be in the range of 13 mpg/five-and-a-half
km/L at appropriate speeds.
Ed quoted me a suggested retail price of $16,000 for the Ameri-Lite
with the LE package, which makes the unit an attractive buy.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight travel
trailer that’s not going to put you into a second mortgage,
then this is certainly one to consider. SPECIFICATIONS
Length:
24’9”
Ext. Height: 114”
Int. Height: 6’4”
Width: 90”
Dry Weight: 3,750 lbs.
GVWR: 5,900 lbs.
Hitch Weight: 430 lbs.
Fresh Water: 25 gal.
Gray Water: n/a
Black Water: n/a
Water Heater: 6 gal
Furnace: 16,000 BTU
MSRP: $16,000Supplied
by Grand Bend RV, 519-238-2445, E-mail: grandbendrv@bay.net
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