Introduction
The Super-Lite range from Flagstaff is an innovative addition to a teaming RV market. These remarkable and contemporary RV trailers have taken the market by storm. They introduce a number of impressive technological innovations as standard on top of offering a vast array of additional features.
Beyond this, they have some of the most bespoke and customizable bases that leave customers with a multitude of choices and variations to fit their exacting standards.
However, even with such success, there have been a number of consistent issues that have arisen from the model, which has shaken the loyalty of their customer base. Therefore, this article has been written for current and potential owners to understand all of the common issues that can arise and how to solve them when they do.
Flagstaff Super Lite Problems
 1. Electrical Fuse Issues
Complex integrated electrical systems require fuses for each electrical appliance to ensure cables do not overheat and catch fire. These integral fuses are simple connections that are designed to disconnect the circus if excess electrical current is passed through them.
However, it has been difficult to assign blame exclusively to the fuses due to the complex nature of electrical systems. The extreme operating conditions of the RV and volatile onboard battery voltage cause fuses to break more frequently than in traditional homes.
However, after many customer comparisons and discussions, it has become clear that they are the cause in this instance, suggesting that their fuse system is inadequate for their use.
To prevent the fuses from blowing continuously, then there are two key changes that must be implemented. Firstly the fuse board should be replaced with a better-quality version with an adequate number of fuse spaces.
Additionally, a larger capacity wire should be used between the fusebox and the leisure battery. This is to minimise wire pinches which are also a common cause of unnecessary fuse breakages.
The onboard leisure batteries that come as standard are thought to be too small for their purpose. A number of customers have suggested that without the suggested upgrade, customers will be left short on electrical power for extended off-grid periods.
In essence it is thought that Flagstaff and underequipped the RV to pressure customer to purchase expensive upgrades that should be part of the factory package.
2. Appliance Failure
Contemporary RVs like the Flagstaff Super-Lite are following consumer demands that expect a range of conveniently integrated appliances available in their mobile home.
Therefore, when they fail, it will cause the perception of consumers’ investment into question. Sadly, the Superlite has a number of associated appliance issues, some of which are easier to rectify than others.
Their first common fault is their rooftop antennal failing to produce a strong enough signal to provide onboard entertainment. The primary source of this problem is that the ariel is of poor quality and quickly degenerates over a short period of time.
Customers have complained that the manufacturer has not resolved this known fault at the source as they do not offer an upgraded version as part of the initial configuration.
Typically, it is thought that the antenna’s delicate tip gets damaged easily, causing irreparable damage. Therefore the only reasonable solution is to purchase and install an alternative and upgrade version. Understandably this is a daunting task which requires ascending the roof and navigating the complex wiring system.
Moreover, there have been reports that some of the kitchen appliances run at either low intensity or fail prematurely. Specifically, there have been issues with the refrigeration unit that appears to run at low power.
As a result, it fails to reach the required temperatures to keep food at a safe temperature. Many have long suspected that the quality of the refrigerator’s internal compressor is to blame.
However, it is now apparent that it is the fault of insufficiently sized cables to move an appropriate amount of power for the appliance. To resolve this, the unit requires rewiring utilizing as large a cable as possible to minimize voltage loss between the battery and the refrigerator.
3. Water Pump Malfunction
Water on demand is arguably one of humanity’s most revolutionary developments. Tap water is a staple of our modern lives, the complexities of which are largely lost on us.
Therefore, ensuring water is continually accessible during an RV vacation is essential. Modern set-ups like the Super-Lite have gone as far as providing full-size shower units, toilets and kitchen sink. Unfortunately, water pressure issues have plagued the Flagstaff Super-Lite since its inception.
Water pressure must be generated to push it towards the desired outlet, which is typically generated using an electric pump. This is a well-established component of the RV industry, where water pressure is an ongoing and topical subject. This is also true of the Super-Lite, which utilises a water pump for its kitchen and bathroom faucets.
As part of the process, the pump must be turned on manually before use. This is due to the rudimentary pump that is installed as standard. Unlike most sophisticated versions, it relies on manual control of power rather than automatic operation.
Therefore, it will remain on until the user switches it off. Otherwise, it will continually generate pressure until the power runs out.
The key issue Flagstaff owners have noted is that the water pressure becomes inconsistent or fails to push water through the system while in use. Many have reported that this issue arises as soon as a few weeks after purchase and periodically throughout the RVs life.
Unfortunately, the manual power operation and rudimentary component is the source of the issue. Powering the pump for periods when faucets are not in use and poor quality hot and cold outlets create air bubbles in the piping.
To remove the air from the system is a little more complicated than it sounds. Particularly is there a number of outlets connected to the pump, or are they considerably far apart.
Often the symptoms are associated with an electrical or installation issue making it, especially challenging to deal with. In addition, it requires some diligent plumbing work to bleed the system of excess air and recirculate the water.
Often the best method is to contact a local professional to deal with these complicated issues. Then ideally, replace the pump with an automated alternative to prevent issues from reoccurring.
4. Stability Concerns
The Flagstaff Super-Lite series is renowned for its incredibly spacious interiors and maximisation of internal space for technological amenities. However, these enormous recreation vehicles have become associated with poor stability. Beyond an uncomfortable and off-kilter living space, it can cause a significant safety risk too.
Firstly, some of the Super-lite permutations include a mechanical slide-out that expands the living space’s width when parked. However, it has been noted that these spaces push centralized weight outward, which can cause significant imbalances.
These issues are difficult to predict and will only arise when the slide-out is activated, where the RV can begin to rock dangerously. In addition, if its parked position is not already stable, it could potentially push the vehicle over.
All of the Super-lite ranges are equipped with four wheels to accommodate the large scale and weight of the trailer. However, several issues have been highlighted regarding the effectiveness of this axel orientation. It has been noted that depending on the internal weight distribution, it can be difficult to level and stabilize the RV when parked.
This is due to the wheels being positioned too close together, which compromises the potential degree of stabilization that could be achieved.
Beyond the wheel position, the quality of the tire valves has been noted as a prominent issue with the Super-Lite’s stabilization. Essentially, the tires are generally of good quality, but their valves are known to leak without warning.
Not only will this ruin drive economy and ride, but it will also cause the RV to slouch on one side. Not only is this uncomfortable for a living, but it can compromise the one-board water storage tilting the water away from input and output valves.
Conclusion
Reviewing the above article will highlight the many issues associated with Flagstaff’s Super-Lite range. There are clearly some fundamental issues that a renowned brand should have resolved by now.
Unfortunately, with such complex vehicles, there is naturally going to be a degree of inaccuracy and inconsistency in design and installation. However, it should be noted that these RVs are still hugely popular within the RV community and owners alike.
Although there are a number of common faults that are not present in every model, they are simply points of weakness that have arisen more frequently than others. Ultimately, this is a guide to advise potential and current owners, and should be taken with a pinch of salt.
