Contemporary RVs are evolving to meet consumer’s increasingly complex demands. Imagines XLS 21BHE is no exception. They have devised a highly functional luxury living space that has taken the market by storm. However, this new market entrant has developed some concerning problems which several customers have identified.
This article has collated customer’s opinions to highlight the most common issues associated with the model. Revving the information should identify the most pressing issues and how to deal with them effectively.
What is the Imagine XLS 21 BHE?
Imagine has released the XLS as a high-spec luxury large RV suitable for a multitude of applications and owners. It has cleverly devised floorplans that integrate a complete living space with up to 2 full double beds and a shower unit.
Moreover, its signal axel design and aerodynamic profile have been constructed to optimize driving performance. It minimizes drag resistance while reducing the tire rolling resistance. This ingenious RV has been one of Imagine’s most popular designs yet.
Imagine XLS 21 BHE Problems
1. Installation Issues
The Imagin XLS 21BHE is produced with the need of its consumers in mind. As a result, they offer substantial versatility in one package, which applies to a huge portion of the RV industry’s customers.
Being a jack of all trades has allowed Imagine to produce them on mass for a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, in doing so, they have created very efficient production processes, which means they can be produced in a fraction of the time compared to their competitor’s alternatives.
However this may have driven the price down, but it has raised some issues with the precision quality of the interior installations. Specifically, customers have reported concerns regarding the alignment of the kitchen latches.
In addition, there have been complaints about cupboard doors and drawer slides needing to line up correctly. Although they are high-standard secure fixings designed for RV travel, they have been installed hurriedly. Minor issues regarding the internal electrical appliances have been highlighted.
Generally, these have been very small wiring problems identified and repaired shortly after purchase. Most often, it is simply a result of Imagine XLS 21BHE has most certainly been designed with quality assurance in mind.
All of the fixtures and fittings have been noted as being above industry standards for the price point, and they are well appreciated by their massive client base.
However, they appear to be suffering from rushed production practices that do not initially fill customers with confidence in the brand. Fortunately, imagine has emphasized its fair warranty policy. They are renowned for their fast-acting honest approach to defects.
Multiple reports have suggested that they are willing to send out fully trained technicians to resolve even the most minor of problems as part of their warranty package. Their team claim that they are committed to providing an enjoyable, positive, and rewarding ownership experience.
2. Towing Issues
Imagine’s luxury RVs are created to provide the ultimate living experience while on the road. As a result, they have decided to produce RVs which require towing rather than fully integrated vehicles. Often this is preferred by RV customers as the manufacturers have had to focus on the internal functionality over the vehicle specifications.
Although this is typically true, some issues have been discovered while towing the XLS 21BHE. Firstly, the XLS is an enormous RV. It requires a truck with a vast towing capacity. The specification for towing power has been criticized by owners indicating that the information provided by Imagine is insufficient.
Although personal preference and RV usage must be considered, this has been a significant issue for Imagine XLS 21BHE owners. Some report that they had to purchase new vehicles shortly after receiving their RV due to limitations. Due to the size of the XLS, it has been reported that it is almost unmovable with even light winds.
Additionally, the profile is so large that it is susceptible to weather conditions which can cause severe rocking and even flipping of the RV and towing vehicle. It has been suggested that the XLS needs to be equipped with the appropriate tire width, rendering it a particularly unstable trailer.
Moreover, some have suggested that the weight distribution of internal components has contributed to its wind susceptibility. For example, the kitchen appliances, combined with the gas, water, and electrical storage, have not been evenly distributed across the frame of the RV.
The uneven weight combined with high speeds and the wind is a nasty mixture that can have devastating consequences. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you avoid windy conditions as much as possible and drive at a maximum of 50MPH.
Additionally, replacing the tires with larger widths or lowering the psi of the factory ones can help with stability issues. Although this will interfere with the rolling efficiency of the RV, it is the safest method of resolving this issue.
3. Water Heater
Common problems customers have illuminated is the tendency for the water heater to build up a residue that produces sulfur dioxide. The cause of the bacterial sulfur build-up is most likely due to the chemical reaction from the magnesium heating rods with the chemical makeup of the water.
However, imagine has never given a reason for this common issue. The first and most prominent symptom is easily identifiable, as the water will smell like rotten eggs. This is a telltale sign that sulfur dioxide is present. Do not panic if you have been using the water supply for some time.
Sulfer is a reasonably safe chemical and is abundant in many foods. However, consuming highly contaminated sulfur-laced water for extended periods can have severe effects, such as dehydration and diarrhea. If you identify rotten eggs smell or taste of rotten eggs, consider addressing it as early as possible.
To tackle this problem, you should empty your fresh water tank. Next, you should inspect the interior of the tank and identify any particle build-ups near the heating elements to confirm the source if you can open the tank.
The next is to mix two parts distilled water with 1 part white vinegar. Add this to the tank and heat it as normal for around 30 minutes. The mixture is intended to erode the unintended particles that have built up and allow them to be more easily removed. When the time is up, you should flush the system again.
Now, fill the tank with clean water and heat it again. You will continue to flush the water until you begin to reduce the build-up to the point that you can no longer smell or taste it.
The sulfur build-up has become so common in the XLS 21 BHE it has forced Imagine to specify the troubleshooting and best practices to deal with this issue in their user manual in the latest models.
4. Weather Proofing
Every RV enthusiast purchases their beloved home on wheels with the intention of it lasting for as long as possible. RVs are a substantial purchase that can range from the price of a small car to a newly built home.
Therefore, Imagine XLS 21BHE owners will expect this top-of-the-line RV style to have been built to take years of weather abuses. Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case. Ingressing water into an RV is considered one of the most concerning issues that must be addressed as soon as possible.
If it is not fixed, you can guarantee that the RV will last only a bit longer. A tiny imperfection in the roofing can easily allow water to infest, stagnate and mold the interior quickly. It is catastrophic. Hence why weatherproofing is a priority for RV owners and manufacturers alike.
Imagine released the XLS 21BHE around two years ago. It is a very new entrant into the market, which would be expected to have some teething issues as a first-generation model.
However, after only two years, it is clear that there are some seriously concerning issues regarding the sealant quality of the window, door, and rooftop appliances. These integral rubber seals frequently come loose and compromise their integrity, causing severe leaks.
Imagine recommends that you repair any damaged seals as soon as possible. However, many owners report this as a losing battle as they cannot keep up with the continually failing rubber.
Conclusion
Rarely do our purchases meet every one of our needs. Most often, some mechanical or functional flaw must be addressed to make it the ideal product. However, substantial purchases should rightfully face more scrutiny regarding common issues. This is undoubtedly the case for the Imagine XLS 21BHE.
It has several significant issues, as mentioned above. Although this is typical of any first-generation product released to the market, some problems are too severe to ignore. Problems regarding weatherproofing and towing are inexcusable regarding RVs, as it is their foundational purpose.
Reading this article will highlight all of the most severe issues and guide any owner on how to address and anticipate problems. If you are considering purchasing this RV, you should appreciate all of the issues and incorporate them into your final purchase.
