OBI Dweller Review and Discussion

rblitz

Member
Has anyone tried buying Compaks RV parts through Alibaba? I noticed that their products don't allow you to simply add their products to your cart. You have to interact with an "agent". I'm guessing this is because they have to quote on shipping costs as this is such a large component of the cost you would pay to ship from China. But when I did this, the agent wanted me to let him place the order on my behalf, which seemed a bit sketchy. There was no way I was giving them my credit card; I probably would just go with Paypal as a payment method.
 

Josh00333

Member
Yes that's how you buy and sell in that part of the world, and no I would never do it.

What are you trying to buy, the rims?

For the head ache of importing rims shipping etc, Head to Discount Tire or Les Schwab and buy a matching set of 3. They should have some options for the hub pattern.
 

obiflg

New member
Has anyone tried buying Compaks RV parts through Alibaba? I noticed that their products don't allow you to simply add their products to your cart. You have to interact with an "agent". I'm guessing this is because they have to quote on shipping costs as this is such a large component of the cost you would pay to ship from China. But when I did this, the agent wanted me to let him place the order on my behalf, which seemed a bit sketchy. There was no way I was giving them my credit card; I probably would just go with Paypal as a payment method.
I've ordered batteries through Alibaba. You typically have to go through an agent to get accurate shipping costs. Some vendors use an Alibaba shipping service so they can quote without an agent. Make sure you're familiar with shipping incoterms and what the shipping terms are in the contract. You want DAP (or even better but extremely unlikely DDP). Ask for DAP if it's not the default. Make sure the purchase is eligible for Alibaba's "Trade Assurance" and you pay on the Alibaba platform. Given the current state of trade uncertainty I'd expect it to get delayed - just make sure you don't let the shipping period timeout - mark it as not received if you get close to the confirmation time-out. If you do all that you should be pretty well protected, by Alibaba, from fraud or loss.
 

rblitz

Member
Yes that's how you buy and sell in that part of the world, and no I would never do it.

What are you trying to buy, the rims?

For the head ache of importing rims shipping etc, Head to Discount Tire or Les Schwab and buy a matching set of 3. They should have some options for the hub pattern.
yeah, I'm just buying all new rims as I can find those easily.

I'm trying to buy a new stabilizer; one of mine was damaged by road debris. I've looked at the Ark stabilizers but they are only sold in pairs and are more than three times the cost of the Compaks RV stabs (shipping included.)

 

SLCGTRV

New member
90% of RV stuff is just stuff, it's not made by OBI. It's all other makers stuff. You can fix most things or replace them with other makers items.

Like the awning, you can get that from Opus now.

Solar controller? Redarc.
Jack? Replace it
Struts for the storage box, Amazon.
Wheels, tires? Aftermarket.
Shocks, see page 30 something for the replacements.

Now if you need a body panel that may be a tough one. Door gets damaged, you may have to have one built.

I got mine used, and would again in a heart beat. If it fits and 25k sounds like a good deal save the awning. Go for it!
Love this, great advice, thanks!
 

SLCGTRV

New member
I would say that if you're willing to put the time into fixing/modifying things yourself from day one, you can't really go wrong with a Dweller. A lot of time goes into figuring out how to solve what, on a Indiana-built travel trailer, would be really simple or could be procured as a service. I've learned a lot about how my trailer "works" just by solving a hundred little problems. When you're out on the road, that knowledge pays real dividends. The basic construction of the rig is high quality; it's just some of the components that you'll need to address. That's where this forum has been a god-send: a 132 page user manual (and growing.)
Love it, thanks!
 

Josh00333

Member
yeah, I'm just buying all new rims as I can find those easily.

I'm trying to buy a new stabilizer; one of mine was damaged by road debris. I've looked at the Ark stabilizers but they are only sold in pairs and are more than three times the cost of the Compaks RV stabs (shipping included.)

Oh I got ya.

Ya I see your point, order up, see what happens, worst case is you throw a fraud on your credit card and they deal with it.

Honestly, if it was me, that would be my excuse to go with a full set of Arc's but I LOVE excuses to upgrade :ROFLMAO:
 

Josh00333

Member
D13's never (least I've not heard of any) had sway issues, I've not, even with full rear water tanks doing 75 (passing).

The D15's had a whole load of them, and you're right, pulling the spar off the rear and adding it to the front like ROA did seemed to help the D15's a lot.
 
Good afternoon. Replacing the near useless faucet in the sink of the outdoor kitchen. Does anyone know what the quick connect water fittings are on the outdoor kitchen on the dweller? I damaged the threads swapping fittings and need to replace them. They look like some sort of hydraulic fitting. I would really like to find something that fits the hoses without having to modify those as well. Any help would be appreciated.
 

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