Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Wayne7 on July 26, 2017, 12:32:07 pm
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Hello from Northern Minnesota!
We are continuing to research PC and, thanks to Wayne and Diane in the Twin Cities area, I had the opportunity to see a 2552...and drive it, too. I also had a chance to have a lengthy conversation with Mike (Colorado) who also owns a 2552. These discussions were extremely helpful and we have begun to change our thoughts since we plan to use the PC for touring the southern U.S. during the winter months (2-3 month trips). Though originally looking at the 2350/51 to minimize length, my wife and I are seriously beginning to look more in the direction of the longer coach due to the twin bed/king set-up and bath layout. After poring over the forum and talking to three PC owners (plus Earl @ PC), here are our initial thoughts and general features we think make sense for us. We look forward to your helpful comments to help us fine-tune our decisions.
2551/2552: No slide, Solar (possibly aftermarket), Full Paint (w/o swirls), Insulated Glass, 15k AC w/heat pump, Safe-T-Plus, Back Up Monitor, Dual Recliners, Spare Tire, Awning, Surge Protector, AGM Batteries, 2000w Pure Sine Inverter....plus many customized tweaks picked up from the forum.
Items we are considering and especially need your advice on: Compressor or 3-way Refrigerator, Leveling Jacks or blocks, Power Driver Seat or Swivel (I will likely be the only one driving) and Euro Chair/No Euro Chair. The slide/no slide option is likely still up for discussion, too, if you have thoughts on that front.
We would also strongly consider a used but "like new" coach with similar features...in case you have one for sale :)
Thanks in advance for any recommendations!
Wayne
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Hi Wayne,
It appears you are down to the nitty-gritty on a 2552 (maybe a 2551). Good for you.
Unless you are real socialites holding parties inside your PC, having two recliners where a dinette or couch would go, seems to me that it is redundant to have a Euro chair and a swivel driver seat. Having a swivel passenger seat is nice when having a drop-in guest for conversation. If you want accommodations for two visitors, then get the Euro or a bolted-down seat-belted matching captain seat.
I personally value our 6-way power adjustable driver seat for long days of driving. Changing my position in the seat utilizing such adjustments is something I appreciate. One thing I would make sure both driver and passenger seats have, is the manual dial lumbar support. Maybe current-day seats come with lumbar adjustment by default. Maybe even electrically adjustable. That is something to ask Phoenix about.
A few people here have a swivel front TV so you can watch TV from the couch area much better. Think about that one for your two recliners.
Assuming you are planning on individual recliners like captain chairs for example......Having a slide out will confine your recliners side-to-side much more than a no-slide, but you will likely need the slide out to fully recline. That will be a trade-off to consider. I suggest you consider NOT getting the pantry on the driver side to have more wall space for a bigger flip-up table in between the recliners, slide-out or not.
I agree about the AGM batteries. Just be sure to get a pair of 6 volt AGMs, not 12 volt for the 6 volt perform better together.
About the matter of sleeping arrangements. That is a personal thing. You mentioned King Size bed so it sounds like you will set up and tear down the bed on a daily basis so you can walk to your bathroom during the day. Just maybe you can squeak around it or crawl over it instead of messing with it twice daily. I think jatrax has the 2552 with King Size bed and could provide good detail on how it's working.
Ron Dittmer
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I would consider a battery monitor essential..something that provides an idea of % of battery charge left. You never want to drop below 50% as that will shorten the life of lead acid batteries. A monitor lets you know when you need to do something..lower usage, charge,.. Sometimes this ability comes with the solar charger as a part of the solar system, but not always.
The slide/no slide and euro/no euro may be tied together as without a slide you have limited space and options where to put the euro chair whenever you use the couch as a bed, and possible when used as a recliner. Be sure and visualize the different ways you want to use the furniture and space.
Trying to come up with the perfect list is exciting and challenging. Enjoy! :)
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Thanks for the thoughtful replies, Ron and Mike.
We did ask Earl about the dual recliners fully reclining into a bed w/o a slide. Only the front one will...which is fine in the event we have a grandchild visiting. Regarding the battery monitor....absolutely, yes! My sense is we may use the twin beds but at least have the option for a larger sleep area (can't imagine climbing over a king to get to the bathroom on a regular basis!). It appears that a visit to the factory needs to happen to fully understand our options - especially the one's that are determined by comfort as well as what can and cannot be done (i.e. Euro Chair/Power seat).
So appreciated...
Wayne
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I had a 2551, now a 2552, which is much better
Love the room a slide gives you
I agree with Power management and get a Bogart monitor.
Why the pure sine? Most devices work fine with the standard inverter.
I don't see need for jacks or safe-t-plus
I like the power seat, I like the 3rd chair with a seat belt.
Never had problem with 2-way fridge, 12v uses too much battery.
Big yes for spare tire, love the big standard electric awning.
Solar, anytime is OK, but don't put antenna in front, makes more room. See my picture below.
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I had a 2551, now a 2552, which is much better
Love the room a slide gives you
I agree with Power management and get a Bogart monitor.
Why the pure sine? Most devices work fine with the standard inverter.
I don't see need for jacks or safe-t-plus
I like the power seat, I like the 3rd chair with a seat belt.
Never had problem with 2-way fridge, 12v uses too much battery.
Big yes for spare tire, love the big standard electric awning.
Solar, anytime is OK, but don't put antenna in front, makes more room. See my picture below.
I bought a used 2011 model 2552. it doesn't have jacks but I wish it did. I had a safe-tee plus installed along with other suspension upgrades .
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Thanks, PawPaw and Keelhauler. Good input that I'm keeping in my "In Box" file for future reference.
So appreciate all the input and recommendations so far! Additional thoughts are welcomed....
Wayne
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We are scheduled to pick up our new 2552 on August 2nd. Will be trading in our 2016 2351. We had the double recliner/bed option in the 2351 and continued it in the 2552 with a slide. We wouldn't own an RV without a slide. We had a Born Free no slide and when spending the winter in the south, the extra room, or lack of, is very noticeable. We had power jacks on the 2351 and ordered them on the new one. Ever try to level an RV in the rain or at night. When the DW complains that the eggs slide to one side of the pan, you don't have to start up, back up, reblock, and pull ahead. Just touch a switch and ask "How's that Dear". As mentioned, the power awning is great. Ever left the awning out at night, the wind comes up and the awning starts flapping. You get up and start to fold up the manual awning and it starts to rain. The battery monitor is a good idea. The dinky light is barely better than nothing. PC did away with the spare tire as standard. I had two flats on our first trip out due to the bad valve extenders. I ordered the 2552 with spare tire ($750) The swivel passenger seat which we use some, but not often. If you want to read and the DW wants to watch "The Wheel", the TV is right above you. I end up lying on the bed to read. We bought a small folding table to eat on which we can take outside while sitting under the awning. The PC table is nice and can also be used. Double pane windows help keep the unit cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and quieter A must have IMHO. We also had the dash radio wired to the coach so we can listen to satellite radio while parked. If you get the slide, put an awning over the slide window. Keeps the sun out during the hot summers. When you get near ordering time, spend some time with Earl. He is all knowing, can give very good advise and suggestions, and is very low key and not at all pushy. You can walk around the plant and ask questions. Hope this helps.
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We are scheduled to pick up our new 2552 on August 2nd. Will be trading in our 2016 2351. We had the double recliner/bed option in the 2351 and continued it in the 2552 with a slide. We wouldn't own an RV without a slide. We had a Born Free no slide and when spending the winter in the south, the extra room, or lack of, is very noticeable. We had power jacks on the 2351 and ordered them on the new one. Ever try to level an RV in the rain or at night. When the DW complains that the eggs slide to one side of the pan, you don't have to start up, back up, reblock, and pull ahead. Just touch a switch and ask "How's that Dear". As mentioned, the power awning is great. Ever left the awning out at night, the wind comes up and the awning starts flapping. You get up and start to fold up the manual awning and it starts to rain. The battery monitor is a good idea. The dinky light is barely better than nothing. PC did away with the spare tire as standard. I had two flats on our first trip out due to the bad valve extenders. I ordered the 2552 with spare tire ($750) The swivel passenger seat which we use some, but not often. If you want to read and the DW wants to watch "The Wheel", the TV is right above you. I end up lying on the bed to read. We bought a small folding table to eat on which we can take outside while sitting under the awning. The PC table is nice and can also be used. Double pane windows help keep the unit cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and quieter A must have IMHO. We also had the dash radio wired to the coach so we can listen to satellite radio while parked. If you get the slide, put an awning over the slide window. Keeps the sun out during the hot summers. When you get near ordering time, spend some time with Earl. He is all knowing, can give very good advise and suggestions, and is very low key and not at all pushy. You can walk around the plant and ask questions. Hope this helps.
I loved reading through your comments.....very interesting & informative. 2o2
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Wayne7.....Ron-n-Toni is right on the money with his opinions. Having had two PC's (2551S, 3100S) I echo what he has said so nicely. Jacks are a no brainer...get them, if PC will put the automatic jacks on (Equalizer or HWH) get them, one button and all the work is done for you. A slide is a necessity, get one period, a slide opens the coach up so much and the room will be greatly appreciated. One of my PC's had insulated glass and my last one (3100) did not, get them they are worth it just for the elimination of some road noise. I ordered two power seats since I find turning them is a PITA and having my wife able to really adjust her seat was worth the money. The only other suggestion I might make is to see if additional insulation can be placed in strategic places within the coach such as the cab floor boards, the front cap area, the wings, etc. All of the other "stuff" you might select is your call. Best of luck with your search, go as large as your budget can stand for you will never regret the extra living space a longer coach gives you. I love my 36'10" of space in my new coach! Ron G.
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Ragoodsp and Ron-N-Toni....what great comments and food for thought - Thank You. I initially thought of the leveling jacks as a luxury item but so many people seem to really love them for their convenience that they need additional consideration (and $). Regarding the slide, I remember reading a poll on this forum and it was 12-2 in favor of slides...so people clearly like them. I also remember a more recent thread talking about the new slide and some water issues. This will be one item that I'll need to compare at the factory and also determine if the issues have been resolved.
Thanks again for weighing in with your recommendations based on your RVing experience.
Wayne
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We started out looking at Roadtrek and Airstream 22' vans because we wanted a "touring" coach. It did not take long for the 22' to grow to 24' then 28'. After a lot of research we felt the 2552 was as small as we could live in and as large as we wanted to drive.
- Slide? Absolutely yes, would not be without it. Makes a huge difference.
- Safe-T-Plus? Absolutely yes. Somewhere here is my post describing my trip home from the factory without a Safe-T-Plus. Nearly wore me out, miserable to drive. With the Safe-T-Plus it is just like a big pickup.
- We have a compressor refrigerator and are very happy with it. Norcold DE-0061. However, be aware that if you go that route the installation is different than PC usually does. They did not do mine right and I had to fix it. PM me if you want the details. It is in regards to how it is vented. Compressor units are very different from absorption.
- Solar. Yes, but I would suggest getting it done at a reliable solar installer. Maybe have PC prewire or run conduit and a combiner box to the roof.
- Leveling Jacks? Absolutely yes. I love backing in, hitting a couple buttons and done. If you are tight on budget I would consider leaving these off as they are not cheap, but I would not be without mine.
- Full paint? Yes.
- Backup monitor? Absolutely yes. Had ours installed in place of the rearview mirror since it doesn't show anything anyway.
- Insulated glass? Yes.
- Awning? Maybe. We thought it would be essential but it is the least used option. But we are not usually staying at the campground, just parked there and then hiking or sightseeing with the Jeep.
- We had them take out the driver's side bed and replace it with a small dinette. The passenger side bed is larger than standard and with the power bed option rolls out to a full size at night still leaving room to squeeze by to the bathroom. During the day it rolls back in and there is a full aisle and plenty of room for the dinette which we also use as an office worktable. There is a post here with pictures, let me know if interested and I'll look it up for you. This arrangement gives us a decent size bed, a small dinette and the couch up front, all in a 28' 2552.
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I thought you were talking about us for a second. We are Diane and Wayne and I lived in the twin cities for 12 years.
We will be picking up our 2552 in a couple of weeks. We are downsizing from a 34 ft. Class A.
We went with the slide and sofa. Wouldn't consider no slide. Doing fabric on the sofa due to cats with claws.
Instead of the euro chair we ordered the cabinet like in the 3100. We purchased a neat looking butterfly chair from Target for an extra seat. It folds up for easy storage and is very light even though it's wood.
Ordered two AC units. Eliminated the vent in bedroom and put the power fans with covers in the kitchen and bathroom. 50 amp as required.
Jacks a must. Wish we had known to consider the auto like we have now.
Had an outlet added by the stove wall minus the mirror.
Toilet sprayer. Back up camera (of course). Insulated windows.
Earl and Kyle are great to work with. We have had photos weekly and prompt answers to any concerns.
I will probably have better input in a few weeks. Hopefully no regrets!
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We are scheduled to pick up our new 2552 on August 2nd. Will be trading in our 2016 2351. We had the double recliner/bed option in the 2351 and continued it in the 2552 with a slide. We wouldn't own an RV without a slide. We had a Born Free no slide and when spending the winter in the south, the extra room, or lack of, is very noticeable. We had power jacks on the 2351 and ordered them on the new one. Ever try to level an RV in the rain or at night. When the DW complains that the eggs slide to one side of the pan, you don't have to start up, back up, reblock, and pull ahead. Just touch a switch and ask "How's that Dear". As mentioned, the power awning is great. Ever left the awning out at night, the wind comes up and the awning starts flapping. You get up and start to fold up the manual awning and it starts to rain. The battery monitor is a good idea. The dinky light is barely better than nothing. PC did away with the spare tire as standard. I had two flats on our first trip out due to the bad valve extenders. I ordered the 2552 with spare tire ($750) The swivel passenger seat which we use some, but not often. If you want to read and the DW wants to watch "The Wheel", the TV is right above you. I end up lying on the bed to read. We bought a small folding table to eat on which we can take outside while sitting under the awning. The PC table is nice and can also be used. Double pane windows help keep the unit cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and quieter A must have IMHO. We also had the dash radio wired to the coach so we can listen to satellite radio while parked. If you get the slide, put an awning over the slide window. Keeps the sun out during the hot summers. When you get near ordering time, spend some time with Earl. He is all knowing, can give very good advise and suggestions, and is very low key and not at all pushy. You can walk around the plant and ask questions. Hope this helps.
Are you going to the PC Rally in Oregon in September?
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Hi Wayne,
I wanted to comment about the hydraulic jacks. When we ordered our PC 10 years ago, we were not certain which way to go. Since the jacks are installed after the rig is 100% complete, that meant we could have the jacks installed anytime. So to control our purchase price, we decided not to get them. It's been 10 years and there has been times I wished we had them, and times I am glad we don't. It's about convenience versus "mechanical simplicity" of the rig along with the added weight. They weigh roughly as much as one slide out.
One thing to keep in-mind that the jacks cannot adjust more than a certain amount of inches and it's not a lot. Also keep in-mind that if the parking pad is more then so many inches sloped, you are not supposed to use the jacks at all because the jacks can pivot and the rig would then wildly move off them. I hope someone with a jack manual will read up and chime in with the numbers. So when you want to use the jacks most as we do in various government agency campgrounds, you cannot use them.
I also read now and then on multiple RV forums that jacks have been finicky for some owners. It might have to do with required regular maintenance.
With that said, if Phoenix held a raffle and I won jacks, I would be there the next morning to get them installed. So there you have my oxymoron reply.
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I was really on the fence about jacks..liked the convenience, didn't like the weight, chance for mechanical issues, crawling under the rig to lube them, not hot on the cost. We didn't have jacks on our previous rig for the last 10 years and while we wished we had them a few times did fine most of the time.
I mentioned my continued uncertainty to Earl, and as Ron said, was told they were added after the PC is completely built so could always be added later. That made my decision easy. I left them off, and good chance we'll never add them.
Many folks use leveling out of concern for the propane refrigerator, but the 3 degree spec allows a lot of tilt without an issue..more tilt than we are comfortable with.
The one thing with a tilted RV is the head of the bed needs to be level or higher or it feels really odd.
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More excellent comments and recommendations from Jatrax, Thomas4854, and renotse...so appreciated! One idea we had already picked up on the forum was to extend the driver side twin to 74 inches when not doing a slide (or nix the pantry if going with a slide) so it was interesting to hear that was important to others as well.
Another thought I perhaps should have mentioned earlier is that we are planning to NOT tow a vehicle. Is the 2551/2552 nimble enough to allow us to park most places and get around without a TOAD? I was impressed with the responsive handling of the 2552 I drove in Minneapolis given it's length and weight...but again just my first experience driving a large RV. Our plan is to meander across the southern U.S. spending a night here and there as we go - probably not in campgrounds or a single location for long stretches (if that caveat factors into the equation).
Looks like a slide and leveling jacks need to be strongly considered. Please continue to add your opinions and recommendations as I'm keeping a running building list of our "ideal build" and many of your suggestions are on it.
Thanks again,
Wayne
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Never having a motorhome prior to the PC without leveling jacks I am probably biased. While the cost and weight are certainly considerations but having weighed our 2552 with slide and jacks we have ample weight capacity even when fully loaded for a trip. We camp a lot in National Forest and National Park campgrounds and always have been able to select a site that allows us to level though at times we have used almost all of the jack travel. The times we have pulled into a site when it is raining and being able to level from the cabin is what sold me on their benefit. Having come from a travel trailer I know all too well what it is like to level in the rain. We travel a good bit without a toad and find it more convenient to use the Phoenix for excursions from and back to the campground than if we had to retrieve leveling blocks when leaving and level again when returning. Also having travelled to the west coast on a two month road trip right after we picked up our PC we found most of our stops were one to three days requiring more frequent leveling than long term stays.
We have been in some campgrounds that did not require leveling and have not put the jacks down and quickly notice the difference in stability in moving through the motorhome. I suppose if we did not have or use the jacks this change in stability would not be as noticeable.
Cost is one consideration we all face. When we bought our Phoenix we intended to use it for the long haul and wanted it equipped for maximum useability and convenience from the "get go" so I pushed our budget realizing this could be our last camping unit.
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Ron and Mike...you both make great points on the leveling jacks. I do like the reasoning of adding them later if they are determined to be a definate need.
Also curious what mileage folks are getting on the 2551/2552. Seems like most are averaging 9 mpg or so.
Thanks,
Wayne
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Thanks for the comments on the leveling jacks, fandj. Your rationale and personal experience make good sense. I theorized that without having a tow car that the levelers would make "picking up" just that much easier - and you confirmed it. I only wish, as Rod Dittmer quipped, that they occasionally gave them away FREE!
All of the comments are greatly appreciated and speak volumes to the helpfulness of PC owners...what a blessing!
Wayne
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We camp a lot in National Forest and National Park campgrounds and always have been able to select a site that allows us to level though at times we have used almost all of the jack travel. The times we have pulled into a site when it is raining and being able to level from the cabin is what sold me on their benefit. Having come from a travel trailer I know all too well what it is like to level in the rain. We travel a good bit without a toad and find it more convenient to use the Phoenix for excursions from and back to the campground than if we had to retrieve leveling blocks when leaving and level again when returning. Also having travelled to the west coast on a two month road trip right after we picked up our PC we found most of our stops were one to three days requiring more frequent leveling than long term stays.
Great points! Ugh! I hate doing stuff in the rain! >( I am big on convenience myself. When we first got the Born Free, which didn't have jacks, I leveled with blocks at each stop. Not fun to me! I soon stopped leveling and found we did just fine as long as we could tolerate some tilt.
I would totally agree, if you want or need to level at each stop..get jacks! You be happy you did. I would do the same.
It's only because we found (or adapted) that we didn't need to be totally level all the time that it was a question for us.
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Just an additional comment on the jacks: the ones installed by PC are perhaps better called 'levelers' not jacks like are used on big diesel class A's. They are designed to level the coach but NOT lift the wheels off the ground. In fact lifting the rear wheels off the ground is dangerous as that removes the parking braking / transmission from holding the coach. The jacks will rotate for storage so worse case it might fall off the jacks and then stop but I suspect that would be an experience I would not want. I'll reiterate that I would not want a coach without them, both for the ease of setup and breakdown and also for the added stability when walking around in the coach when parked. YMMV.
Wayne asked about not traveling with a tow car and with my limited experience I will say it is certainly possible. At first driving the 2552 seems awkward but with a little experience you can easily park it most places. It takes up two full parking spots end to end. So Walmart, grocery store, mall whatever I just pull in a spot and drive through to the second, the coach fits nicely. I've parked along the road and on city streets and I'm not very experienced so it can be done.
The compressor refrigerator is working very well for us. Power draw is about 30 amp Hours per day, so we can easily boondock for 48 hours without the generator. The solar adds enough that we could probably extend that some but I'll need more experience before I can give a definitive answer on that.
Absorption refrigerators have been around for a very long time and are 'tried and true', except for the issues the last few years. As I understand this when they were made in the US things were fine, but when sourced overseas they had some serious problems including fires. It appears those issues have been resolved but it was enough to make me want to try something else. As to why they are still the standard in RV's I suspect it is mostly inertia. They work, people know what to expect and the factory knows how to install them. So why take a risk on something new? That is changing as more and more larger units are coming with residential style units. The Norcold DE 0061 I have is a marine unit so designed to be very efficient and used when in motion. So far I like it and would recommend it. Note however, that there needs to be a change in the installation if you go that route.
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We loved our HWH air leveling system on our former RV home, a 40 ft Foretravel Class A. However, when we downsized to our 2012 2400 Sprinter, the added weight of levelers on this little guy would severely limit the necessary things we needed to carry (like my 100lb "cripple cart"). So, besides having a bag of double wide leveling blocks for extreme leveling correction, we also carry three of these-two for the duallys and one for the front for the average leveling needs. https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-Hitches-3604-Camper-Leveler/dp/B001GC2LVM Ease of use doesn't even begin to describe the situation. . .roll on, roll off. Works for us. ;)
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THIAC,
Those Andersen Roll-on/off things....is there enough clearance? Our tail pipe is right behind our right-rear wheel. Then add the mudflaps and metal supports for them and I can't see how these will work without getting tangled up in something. Please share how they clear your PC-related obstacles.
They sure seem extremely easy to use. I would buy a set but fear I will damage our PC with them.
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Yep. We are picking up our 2552X (extended) August 2nd. Will return to Pennsylvania for several weeks and then head toward Oregon for the rally. We intend to use Ron Dittmars 2-2-2 method of travel. Our days of 4-5 hundred miles a day are gone for good.
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THIAC,
Those Andersen Roll-on/off things....is there enough clearance? Our tail pipe is right behind our right-rear wheel. Then add the mudflaps and metal supports for them and I can't see how these will work without getting tangled up in something. Please share how they clear your PC-related obstacles.
They sure seem extremely easy to use. I would buy a set but fear I will damage our PC with them.
There is no clearance issues at all. As you approach the Andersons either backing or going forward, as the tire rolls on the small tapered end, the PC begins to lift. The taller end never extends any higher than the lower third of the tire. There is no way to damage the PC except if you don't put one under each of the rear duallys. For rougher sites where the Andersons aren't as effective, we have both a set of Lynx Levelers as well as these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T36J7ZQ/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IITUGIIGZ9VJR&colid=2W819KA67UKPN We carry the Lynx and Andersons in a tote bag that sits near the PC door while traveling. When we arrive, of course all the levelers are first things off. :)(:
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THIAC,
Those Andersen Roll-on/off things....is there enough clearance? Our tail pipe is right behind our right-rear wheel. Then add the mudflaps and metal supports for them and I can't see how these will work without getting tangled up in something. Please share how they clear your PC-related obstacles.
They sure seem extremely easy to use. I would buy a set but fear I will damage our PC with them.
There is no clearance issues at all. As you approach the Andersons either backing or going forward, as the tire rolls on the small tapered end, the PC begins to lift. The taller end never extends any higher than the lower third of the tire. There is no way to damage the PC except if you don't put one under each of the rear duallys. For rougher sites where the Andersons aren't as effective, we have both a set of Lynx Levelers as well as these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T36J7ZQ/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IITUGIIGZ9VJR&colid=2W819KA67UKPN We carry the Lynx and Andersons in a tote bag that sits near the PC door while traveling. When we arrive, of course all the levelers are first things off. :)(:
Thanks for your report. Maybe I will buy a pair and give them a try. They sure seam easy to work.
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OK, just to keep the jacks/no jacks debate going. As I mentioned previously, We were starting a trip to Florida on Dec 26th and it was 6 below zero. Woke up in the morning with a flat tire. Coach net contacted a service guy, waited and waited. :help Several hours of waiting, I broke the lug nuts, used to HWH jacks (or levelers) raised the tire off the ground, changed the tire and drove off. No laying under the Rv in the snow placing the jack, pumping it up, and then back under to let it down. Just push the button. :-D
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Thanks Ron-n-Toni. You have clearly identified another benefit - at least in a pinch - in favor of the levelers. Glad it worked out safely for you!
Since I last posted, I thought a call was in order to Stuart's Service who installs the levelers for Phoenix Cruiser. I spoke with Chuck Stuart and he said the levelers have a strong track record and the company (or levelers?) have been in existence for 50 years. They have a one year warranty, weigh between 125 and 150 pounds for all components (not bad), and the only maintenance needed is to cycle them up and down at least once a month to lubricate the seals. He was great to talk with - no sales pitch just common sense factors on the build quality and usefulness of the levelers. He also said how much he enjoys dealing with PC owners as they love their coaches. He, too, is impressed with the build quality of Phoenix Cruisers. Oh, and by the way, it is a bit less expensive to have the levelers installed during your original purchase rather than waiting until later...in case that makes a difference.
Thanks again for all the ideas and opinions...so helpful.
Wayne
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Did you ask him about changing to automatic leveler over the standard PC has installed? Have you asked the same question of Earl?
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I spoke with Chuck Stuart about the one's that he installs on Phoenix Cruisers - Model HWH 725 Computerized Leveler, I recall. There was not a lot of detailed information on Stuart's web page regarding the specifics...so I called for additional information. I did talk with Earl about the levelers on Saturday morning and shared the information from my previous post. Earl shared that about 50% of people with the 2551/2552 coach size purchase the levelers. Hope this helps, TomHanlon.
Thanks,
Wayne
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Thanks to a second visit with Wayne and Diane in the Twin Cities - with my wife, Karen, along on this trip - we had another chance to take an in-depth look at their 2552. Based on this review, we've made some changes now that Karen has seen things in person and we've had a chance to discuss them.
Slide - Yes
Power Drivers Seat - Yes
Cherry Cabinets - Yes
Wood Floor - Yes
Levelers - Likely Yes (budget dependent)
Solar Ready (conduit from battery area to roof-top combiner box)
Thanks to so many of you for your suggestions (and time) to help us better understand the ins and outs of some of the options. A HUGE THANK YOU to Wayne and Diane in the Twin Cities and to Wayne and Jean in Duluth for allowing us to see their Phoenix Cruisers and ask countless questions on "all things motor-homing"...since we are brand new. Final decisions will be made with a factory visit.
Thanks again,
Wayne
P.S. We're quickly learning that a side benefit to owning a Phoenix Cruiser is the tremendous support group "out there" and the potential for new friends...what a blessing!