2100BH maiden voyage!

jwiebe · 05-27-2021, 10:21 PM

After much planning and anticipation, we’re finally taking our 2100BH on its maiden voyage!

Installed the Andersen WD hitch last night, the backup camera and TPMS today, hooked up and ready to go!

Dry camping first. Going to try this weekend trip sans generator to see how it goes (100W solar with group 27 battery). Driveway fridge test results have been quite good.

backtrack15 · 05-28-2021, 05:05 AM

Have a great time!

Edit: That looks like an XC-90. I don’t think you can use a weight distributing hitch with the Volvo retractable hitch/towbar. Hopefully you’ve got this sorted out as part of your research/planning.

jwiebe · 05-28-2021, 06:38 AM

It is indeed. After some back and forth with my dealer, I settled on using one. Volvo “does not recommend” but it is not explicitly prohibited. Dealer said many folks use successfully. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I chose the Andersen because a) it works with the shallow receiver depth; and b) it’s primary function is more sway control than weight distribution.

backtrack15 · 05-28-2021, 08:43 AM

I suppose you can leave the chains without much tension and avoid the WDH bit. Hopefully the sway control is sufficient. If not, I bet you can always go old school and get a simple ball mount with a tab for an adjustable friction sway bar.

Enjoy your first outing. We really like our 2100BH.

jwiebe · 05-31-2021, 08:24 AM

Trip went great! Was pretty breezy on the drive – you definitely notice the crosswind with a shorter wheelbase vehicle like this.

Another consideration I had wanted to test was the range reduction – I normally have about 600km range, it dropped to about 200km towing. I averaged around 26.9L/100km (8.75mpg) which is pretty poor but about what I expected.

This vehicle was never intended as the final long term TV but it works in a pinch. Truck shopping has been under way for a bit – currently waffling between the Ford Ranger and the GMC Canyon/Chev Colorado diesel.

In terms of camping experience, the trailer was fantastic! Floorplan was perfect for us (two adults, a 3 year old and a 7 month old). We were dry camping with 100W solar and a single lead acid battery. Our fridge is one of the 12V only compressor fridges – we never ran out of power. Granted, the ambient air temperature was only about 18C (65F) but it was great! I left the generator at home so I could do a proper test.

Forgot to fill fresh water upon arrival, but filled it with a jug after setting up. Tank sizes are a little on the small side, but we'll just have to learn to be a bit more conservative with use. I wouldn't mind if the shower emptied into the black tank as we have the most amount of room there.