I have been reading this forum for awhile, gained a lot of great information and ideas, and now I am venturing to join the community... so in other words, this is my first post!!!
Does anyone have any experience yet with Starcraft's new cable bed design, good or bad? I believe it is now standard on all 3 hybrid lines Antigua, Travelcraft and Starstream. The new design for 2008 utilizes cable supports instead of the under-bed support rods, and the tent mounting system for the bed and frame are different from the previous year’s design.
On my camper, the front tent section does not maintain a good shape for proper water shedding. The sides of the tent buckle inwards, causing the tent to hold a small amount of water on both sides. I have the tent pole extended where sections of the tent are taut and the pole requires moderate force to insert into the holder. This improves the situation but does not eliminate it. The side bed does not have the same problem. The amount of water is not large, and the tent is not in jeopardy of collapsing, but with the years of experience manufacturing hybrids, one would expect this problem to be resolved before entering production.
I contacted Starcraft and retaining a small amount of water did not alarm them, but I am not satisfied with that answer. At this point I will use the trailer for the season to see if the situation improves and plan to check out other units at the fall RV show before contacting Starcraft again. My warranty runs out in January, so I have some time. I have also seen pictures of the 08 models on various dealer’s websites, and many of them look like they have the same issue,so I wouldn’t be surprised if other starcraft hybrid owners have similar experience.
We have a 2009 Starcraft Travelstar with the cables and see no issues when the beds are out.
I once saw a P'up that appeared to have a yardstick over the pole to give better run-off.
You could adjust the cables which would stretch the tentage and possibly solve the problem but if the bed sits level i'd leave it alone.
NOTE:
Starcraft no longer offers the antigua but do offer the white interior in the Travelstar.
I have an early 08 with the poles. I don't have any water pooling issues on any of the three bunks.
However, given the nature of the tents. I wouldn't be overly alarmed unless the amount of water is significant. I realize that is a subjective measure, but what may be unacceptable to one person, may be a non-issue to another.
Our Fleetwood popup had small pooling issues but other than leaving dirty marks, it really wasn't an issue.
I have '03 19CK model. I have noticed the same situation with the tenting folding in a little, and the potential of some pooling. I have not noticed, even with it set up during long stretches of heavy rain. No leaking.
I always keep an eye on it because I have always had the same concern.
I have always noticed it is only the front bunk, and the rear bunk is much dryer inside (referring to dampness from the humidity and condensation).
Families who camp together, stay together...
Dad
Mom
11yr old son- knows everything now...
5 yr old son- still sweet...
4 yr old daugher- turning me grey already...
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