Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Joseph on April 27, 2017, 08:30:47 pm
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PC is said to be the first choice for those down sizing so I'm guessing we have some of those people here. My question is for those of you who have downsized from a larger class C or Class A do you have any regrets? Is there anything you really miss from the larger unit? Anything your glad to be done with?
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PC is said to be the first choice for those down sizing so I'm guessing we have some of those people here. My question is for those of you who have downsized from a larger class C or Class A do you have any regrets? Is there anything you really miss from the larger unit? Anything your glad to be done with?
We downsized from a 38 ft. class A, to a 31 ft. class A, to a 28 ft. PC 2552. M y wife is not happy about trading the 38 ft. period. I like the 2552 PC. However, I would rather go back to the F250 truck and 5th wheel that we traded in for the 38ft.class A
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Nope. I prefer the ability to get into more places and when driving through construction zones. I do miss the quite basement air over the roof air.
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paw paw, so I assume the 38 foot was a diesel pusher? Interesting that you'd prefer the 5th wheel , I wasn't expecting that. Is it the truck you miss?
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Tom, I hate the roof air, so noisy. So what did you down size from?
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Tom, I hate the roof air, so noisy. So what did you down size from?
A 35' Winnebago Adventurer gas class A.
I have had a 8' pickup camper, a slide in bed camper on the pickup, two pop ups, a tent for two outings, a cruise ship for two outings, a 28' class C, a 34' Pace Arrow class A, a 28' Ultra star class A, a 21' Chinnock class C(my personal favorite), the 35' Winne, a 2350 PC and now the 2552 PC. I guess you can tell we have been RVing for a long time, since 1972. I prefer the smaller units for the mobility, ability to go into smaller parks like state and federal parks and just easier to drive. My wife does not like to drive anything larger than her Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, so I do all the RV driving.
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We had a 40 ft Foretravel U320 diesel pusher when health issues took us away from full time RVing. After a time sitting in a stix & brix and hating it, we bought a 17 ft Casita trailer so it would fit in our driveway and be ready to go when doctors appointments allowed. BAD CHOICE! It was too small for two older types and two small dogs, so we kept the compact style with a PC2400 Sprinter. We can keep him plugged in and ready to go. We do miss not having much outside storage but we don't really miss the sixteen additional feet of living space. We chose Phoenix Cruiser after touring the factory and watching the building process which was not unlike that of Foretravel, which if one researches them they will see the same custom build methods used. We luv our "Fawkes". :)(:
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Been there, done that in 37' and 31' A's for at least 3 months per trip. Enjoy driving the PC more but not loving it. If our trips would evolve to longer stops of a week or more could see towing a 25' Airstream behind a Chevy Suburban or Tahoe. Also could store a trailer closer to our favorite places and longhaul a couple days out of SW Florida before towing.
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We went from a fifth wheel that we towed to Alaska for summer work and back home to PA for eight seasons. Then retired (again) and bought a 34 ft Newmar DP. nice but too big. We are "explorers" and couldn't get into the back country areas we like so sold the Newmar and went to the Hershey show. Wanted the 2552 but beds were to short (I'm 6'3") so ordered a 2351. We have had that one for two years and put 22000 miles on it. Very nice but just a little small. We just ordered an extended 2552 which they didn't have when we bought the 2351. The 2552 has much more interior storage than the 2351. We tow a Jeep Trailhawk so between the PC and Jeep, exterior storage is adequate. This is the last one, I swear!!!! roflol
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We've been RVers for many years. Started with a Dodge work van that we converted to be a camper that worked great for many years until we retired. We then had two different small trailers during a five year period, traded the last for a 32' gas class A that we used for three years until we traded it for a 37' class A diesel pusher that we lived in for six months a year until we decided to limit our RV trips to weeks instead of months. That's when we purchased our 2552 Phoenix Cruiser and tell folks that we've "right-sized" for our stage in life--mid seventies. We loved our diesel pusher, but found it difficult to find a storage lot for it near our home to male it easy to load and unload before and after our many shorter trips that we were beginning to make. We can now keep the Cruiser near our house when not out on a trip.
The 2552 is perfect for us now.
__Bruce and Sharon
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paw paw, so I assume the 38 foot was a diesel pusher? Interesting that you'd prefer the 5th wheel , I wasn't expecting that. Is it the truck you miss?
It was not a diesel pusher. It was a front engine diesel: an Allegro Bay with a Cummins diesel and Allison transmission on a Freightliner MC chassis. It was a rough riding rig without an air suspension.
I miss the entire 5th wheel rig. It was easier to drive and get in and out of camp grounds and fuel stations. I could fuel up with the 18 wheelers and with the 5th wheel pivot point, it was easier to maneuver in a campground.
With a MH, I have it, plus a tow vehicle, plus a PU. Also, the noise level was a lot less in the cab of the PU verses the MH.
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We down sized from an Allegro Bus Class A. It had king sized bed and a great deal of storage. I am sure there were things we carted all over the place that never came out till We did the off load to trade in when we ordered the P C 2910T . The storage space is considerably less. The kitchen cabinets are a giant negative. Hard to arrange things in. We have a sofa bed that has a stow away stuff drawer so we have more than most. It is a big assist. At present we have just barely 2500 miles since we picked it up last end of July. We had several hiccups. we tow our 2015 4 door jeep still. Not sure how it will be going up and down hills. Short on power it appears ...it is 31 ft. We now have some things in the back of the jeep that we carried in some compartment. We have not carried my folding bike but it could probably make the back end of the jeep. In about 3 weeks or so we will do an adventure to see some folks where the flat lands end. And our real test will begin. Space wise it is adequate. I finally installed the toilet paper holder and the hand towel bar. And resorted all interior spaces so things are better there. Now need to do this change out at home and down size there too. I like some of the places we can go with this unit b. And the curiosity by folks on the road remains it does look nice. You cannot open some outside doors and move the slide outs on this one so beware. There are no warning labels. we have 3 slide extensions. Good luck on the change out. I like reg fuel now don't need truck stop fueling. And we can get in and out to refuel at some car stations. With tow car still takes thinking about the maneuvering.
We do have some complaints. I use a GPS that plugs in and keep the built in on Cam (camera) it is hard to see from drivers seat. Needs different angle to be viewable. And no Alt on ignition so means no use of radio (and satellite) when not in running mode... and no fix from PC for that . It can be fixed we hear but a big job and $ .
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Interesting stuff .. I wanted a 34/36 foot Super c diesel. My better half wouldn't hear of it because she wants to drive as well and feels anything bigger than 28 foot she would be too intimidated to try. I did drive some larger 34 foot gas class c and I felt it was a bit under powered with a gas plant. I would never think to full time in something this small but that's not our intention anyway.
I'm guessing we will never buy another rig.
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As far as the radio goes, Phoenix now offers a switch that changes the power source for the radio from the chassis to coach batteries. I ordered it on our 2552X. On my current 2351, I pulled the radio and changed the radio power source from the yellow (Ford) wire to the red wire and now have full time sat radio. Just don't forget to turn it off.
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ron-n-toni
Curious, is that all it takes to power radio from House Batteries?
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Didn't downsize here, but don't like the Pushers as they don't protect driver, passenger much. Not much steel protection.
Saying that, I have also, as others here as mentioned, tried to keep a short profile for getting into the Nation Forests, ETC.
If ones desires is to just do commercial campgrounds, than stay Big.
But if on is to wanting to see the great outdoors that our Lord has given us, then we need to stay smaller and agile.
We do pull a 12 foot enclosed trailer that houses a UTV side by side, that gives us even more agility once at our destination.
We just arrived home safely today, after a 6 month stay in Arizona. Yep, 6 months in our little 2350 PC. Was not a problem for us.
Put 4000+ miles on the PC to get to Arizona and back home to Wisconsin, But, But... 2300 miles on the UTV/side by side, exploring the many God designed beauties and creations, there in Arizona. God is Good! (maybe even a bit depressed, now that am home?)
Denny and Barb...
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One more thought, the class A was easier to drive. When you learn you are in front of the wheels and are careful about your turns etc. It had no safety features other than seat belts . the PC does have air bags to protect the old bag driving. (Me) The PC does not Handle as well even with the safety steer unit they picked to meet my request. Have to wonder if a different one that was not so skimpy might make handling better.
Have had no message from PC regarding the fix for the radio. They did tell me if I wanted to go to Ford as another PC customer-friend did I could pay the bill. So far I have paid all the bills. New upholstery for the dinette which was a disaster, repairing the slide auger and frayed wires, still have the leak I guess have not done anything about that try to keep dinette slide closed if any rain. I prefer not to be. On a tall ladder. We do have 2500 miles now. Getting youst to the non automatic jacks... You need more skills than a class A since your inverter is just that does not charge anything will eat your battery so ours has been off. The class A version had to be Battery charger Inverter we had it on 5 years and never a flat anything. This one just transfers your battery power to house voltage. So ours is still OFF.
So even to go to this from class A you need some info that is not right in front of you so it goes without a hiccup. You can travel places you once did not but still have to watch the limitations in parks. Our 2 noisy AC units have worked well and we have heat too so that has been a saving grace.
You may need some alterations from straight off the floor to meet your needs to keep traveling in comfort.
we have Oxygen concentrator on board for Mr. So having extra elec plugs works well and 50 Amp as. Well.
We are 6 months from making a determination was it a good move or not. And no matter it has to work for us now we have it . PWS
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The red wire is hot 12 volt from the chassis. I couldn't find a 12 volt camper source near the radio.
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We down sized from a 40foot Allegro bus. We started with a Volkswagen westfalia-Lazy Daze 20foot class C-24foot Safari trek-33foot Safari Sahara-Safari Zanzibar 40 foot to the bus. We were full timers for 17 years. We now drive a PC 2552. It's wonderful and has worked out well. The first summer was 4 months and the second was 5 months. No problems for us re: space. We still carried more than we needed. The big change for us was re-learning how to load a coach for a trip. We used to unplug and then go. Betty hates the noisy air conditioner and I miss the 150 gallon fuel tank. Because we usually
stay in a campground for a week or so we use the slinky hose more than the Sanicon, the 2552. works very easily for that. lived on small boats for20 years before rv's came into our lives so living in a small spaces is normal. All in all, the change has been good, the PC has been good and the service wonderful. As a side remark, we chose the dinette for many reasons and we notice reading here that folks worry about losing the pantry. Not to worry the dinette two humungus drawers under the seats. Sooo, just get rid of the junk you're carrying around and include simplifying along with the downsizing.
Dave
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HenryJ, I wasn't happy with the handling of my 2552 either. I just installed hellwig front and rear sway bars and was surprised on how much difference in made. I still have to install the Koni Shocks and safe steer. Just a matter of finding time. However if they make half as much difference again as the sway bars did it will be like night and day.
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Downsized from 34' Class A Diesel pusher with 2 slides, air suspension, 100 gal fuel, 100 gal water, 9 mpg. It was perfect for 2-3 people, 4 dogs, drove like a dream...but when everything changed to 1 person, two dogs, I found it was too much coach for me to travel in and take care of alone. My ~23' PC with 158" wheelbase and no slides gives me everything I need and nothing I don't, and also drives and rides perfectly. Although I did 100% of the driving and was confident and comfortable with the ClassA, it require lots of preplanning for route, fueling, parking, etc, just because of it's size. The PC has a driving and functional comfort level (for me) of any large conversion van or truck.
The things I miss (none of which are deal breakers): the quieter (but not quiet) ducted AC, the quiet diesel generator that could handle infinite dry camping in any temperature, more fuel/water/waste tank capacity, better visibility from the wider/higher driving position, larger refrigerator.
What I don't miss: Slides, even though mine worked perfectly, there was constant maintenance/cleaning/lubrication, fiddling with them to get the coach leveled just the right way so they wouldn't leak, replacing the seals every few years, etc. I also hated fueling in the truck bays. General maintenance and consumables (tires, fluids, etc) were also much more expensive with the big rig than with the Ford (which is compatible in price and complexity to any modern vehicle, IMO).
Ann
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The red wire is NOT house power. It is full time 12 volts from the chassis (Ford) . At the time I changed it over, I could not find a 12 volt source from the coach without running a separate wire so used the red wire which was in the Ford bundle with the yellow wire which was hot with ignition only. Hope this helps.
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Downsized from 34' Class A Diesel pusher with 2 slides, air suspension, 100 gal fuel, 100 gal water, 9 mpg.
Ann
Nine mpg is what our 2552 gets!
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Trip average for us is ~9.5 towing our Jeep.....2007-E350, 2007-2350
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Our 2350 is our downsized house for 6 months of the winter months, from our 4000 sq ft home back in Wisconsin, which is our summer home. Is the 2350 a compromise? Yep it is, but when in the Warm Sunny climate of Arizona, one does not spend much time in the RV. We do fine with this compromise and change in our life.
Denny & Barb
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Our 2350 is our downsized house for 6 months of the winter months, from our 4000 sq ft home back in Wisconsin, which is our summer home. Is the 2350 a compromise? Yep it is, but when in the Warm Sunny climate of Arizona, one does not spend much time in the RV. We do fine with this compromise and change in our life.
Denny & Barb
That's us too. We are on a six week trip now and will "snowbird" in Mesa, AZ and Lost Wages from mid-October until mid-March. If the weather is bad, our living space will do. And we love the 13-15 mpg our Sprinter gets whether climbing or rolling. We don't pull a toad. :)(:
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I (we) have had tents, pick-up tent, horse trailer w/camper (2), 4 PCs, and a 5th wheel, and a 2350 Sprinter on order. For now, still keeping the 5th wheel for snow birding the winters in FL, but plan to use the 2350 for shorter stays (and my fishing trips) during the summer. Also, we stay in the 5th wheel at our farm that we sold to the kids, and as long as we have the 2 dogs we'll continue with this arrangement, as it seems to work.
Jack
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Started with a 27' Class C with two small kids, lay out worked great, four trips across the country with no issues, went to a 31' Class A with no slides, had Ford un-resolvable issues and sold coach (sued Ford and one!), went to a 36' double slide pusher that worked fine but had to many issues with coach and sold it. Moved to a 38' pusher, to big, did not work for what we wanted to do at the time, went to a 24' Sprinter chassis, way to tight for us and did not like the Sprinter at all ( sorry Sprinter owners). Moved to a PC 2551S and liked it but found it a little tight and missed the dinette set up, traded for a PC 3100S and loved the coach and never had a serious issue with it. I will be retiring in Jan. and anticipate much more travel and therefore we wanted a little more room so settled on the 36'10" Super C with two slides and absolutely love the coach, never say never but current coach may be my last, my wife has strongly said it will be my last! As a previous poster stated as ones life changes so do your RV needs. be safe, RAG
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Ragoodsp, so which model super c did you buy? New or pre DEF?
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I personally like the Tiffin Allegro Breeze 28BR (https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2015-tiffin-allegro-breeze-class-a-floorplan-28-br-tr21951) diesel pusher for it is just 29.5 feet long, 95" wide, and 11 feet tall. It is nimble enough to get around in national parks and just about anywhere else.
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For safety sake (no class A pusher with nothing but fiberglass under and around you for me), ease of maintenance, and just pure driving enjoyment I chose the Renegade Verona 36VSB on the Freightliner M-2 106 chassis with a Cummins ISL9 engine. Very nice coach.
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Ragood. I looked at their home page. Beautiful unit,
congratulations!
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Thanks Joseph!