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General Discussion / Re: And the pits just keep on coming

« on: March 02, 2017, 08:01:37 am »

Thanks to all of you for posting the problem and solutions on this issue.

I do have a suggestion (which I will try to follow in any future postings I make) is to make the "Topic" descriptive of the issue being raised.  This might help other members find these posts in the future if the issue comes up again.  In this case a "Topic" called "Toilet valve stays closed" might be easier to find later.

--Bruce

Out of curiosity, did you see how the tech at CW released the valve?

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General Discussion / Re: What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 22, 2017, 08:35:23 pm »

on the keyless item - you can have them order your Chassis from Ford with Ford options.  might add a little more front end time for it to arrive.  I did the special chassis - but not the keyless.  I wanted the Ford Sync package as I wanted the bluetooth for my phone and a USB port - but did not want to order the whole Sirrus/Navigation package from PC.  While I was at it for just a few dollars I added in the Daytime running lights and the switch that allows me to turn off the passenger air bag (dangerous to have it armed if I have one of the dogs in a seat belt in that seat).

Did you get the Ford Sync?  Does it support Android Auto to use Google Maps on the display?

Does anyone know if the Pioneer model they install is one of the Pioneer's that supports Android Auto?  How good are the map updates on the Pioneer?  Most car updates suck.

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General Discussion / Re: Multi-Stage Battery Charger

« on: February 22, 2017, 08:26:20 pm »

Per PC the Parallax is the 5300 Series, Model 5355, 55 amp

Based on what I just read on an Airstream forum, that's a single stage charger. 

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General Discussion / Re: Multi-Stage Battery Charger

« on: February 22, 2017, 08:11:51 pm »

I would definitely ask if they would swap it out.  And right away as electrical is one of the first things they work on. 

I wish I had thought of swapping mine out for a three stage model but too late for me.  Will likely be a project for later.

It should be noted that if you use your system carefully, monitor it properly and keep the batteries watered (if needed) you might never have a problem.  "Dumb" chargers like in the Parallax load center have been used for decades with little problem.  But those chargers can, under some circumstances, boil your battery if not used properly.

My rig will have two solar panels with a PWM charger and battery monitor but the old single stage converter.  Maybe it will be fine, I'll let you know

What is the actual build time?  I think I read or was quoted 12-16 weeks (going by memory), but wondering how much is wait time and how long the actual build is.

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General Discussion / Re: What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 22, 2017, 06:51:55 pm »

In our real world experience with a 2552 and a 15,000btu A/C unit (non-heat pump) while camping in 90-100 degree weather, we can generally assume a maximum 20-25 degree differential between indoor and outdoor temps.  Heat loads play a huge role though.  In our case it is two humans, two small pets, some lighting, tv, shades drawn, usually parked in the sun.  Our preference would be two non-heat pump A/C units for the additional cooling capacity as well as the option of using just one (the smaller unit would be quieter) when highest capacity isn't required.  With one unit in a hot climate, (as long as possible) we ensure we have the cab A/C cranked up while parking and setting up.

    - Mike

This is what I was thinking.  Earl said he thought one 15k would be sufficient, but did say he didn't tend to go places personally when it was that hot. 

I'm envisioning problems in Arkansas when we have those brutal July/Augusts if we head up to the lake for the weekend.  That said, I'm not sure if the state parks will have power or if they do, 50 amp, so that's another issue.  I guess one possibility would be one 15k heat pump, to get the max possible when the generator will only support one unit, but then also a second, possibly even 13k AC only 2nd unit for when I am hooked to 50 amp service.

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General Discussion / Re: What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 22, 2017, 07:40:00 am »

If you live in Florida.. Up the A/C from the 13,000but to the 15,000 btu.   The 13,000 can't quite keep up in my 2551 once the outside temp is about 85 or so.   

I live in Arkansas, but will travel to and stay in it in FL or other similar climates (Arkansas is quite often 95-105 with heat index in the 100-110 range in the summer). 

So, you think a single 15,000 BTU unit will cool a 2552 even when the temp tops 100?  I would like to avoid the extra hole in the room and take away from room I might use for Solar that will come with adding a second unit.

Thanks

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General Discussion / Re: What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 21, 2017, 05:03:55 pm »

I definitely need to read up on batteries and chargers.  I will admit to liking the idea of AGM so I don't have to check the water and such (call me lazy, but I haven't checked water levels in a batter in a very long time, so it's never on my mind). 

On AC's.  I think I am unlikely to find myself in death valley or the like, but I suppose some day could wind up in AZ, Grand Canyon area, etc.  More likely, would be Arkansas, TX, FL where we can get 95-105 temps with mid to high humidity. 

In a 2552, do I really need to AC units or will a 15k unit with heat pump cover it for TX/FL/AR type summer trips?

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General Discussion / Re: What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 20, 2017, 10:34:26 pm »

Thanks everyone. A lot of foods for thought.

Yes, I was talking about the electric awnings without arms that are becoming common on coaches.

On batteries, I was thinking two 12v AGM batteries, so if one bit the dust, I would lose capacity but not my whole 12v system. Am I wrong in thinking this way?

If I get the euro chair in the 2552, is there still room to turn half the sofa into a bed with the slide closed?

Ron, I'll check our that thread you linked to and I've tread a number of your posts on other forums. You are a great ambassador for PC.

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Polls / Re: Please Participate ONLY If You Have Ultra Leather Damage

« on: February 20, 2017, 08:24:05 am »

Odd. . .we don't have a button to see results.  The progress is shown when I enter the Polls Thread.   

Could it be you aren't logging in until you are ready to post something?  When I was viewing this thread as a guest (not logged in) I immediately saw the results.  However, if I visit this thread when logged in, it gives me the option to vote or click a link "view results."

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General Discussion / Re: What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 20, 2017, 08:22:30 am »

Possibly a little flip down ledge for cell phone/alarm clock near head of bed

We pick our 2552 up on March 1.  I drew up a shelf with ledge to be mounted over the head of the bed.  I can post pictures after we pick it up.  If it works the way I think they will already know how to build it.

I'll be very curious to see your shelf, as I've been thinking I need a shelf in this area.  Curious if you designed one that is functional without being a head knocker.

Thanks for the long list.  Many items I've been thinking of, but some of that is food for thought.  You and Gandalf make me realize i need to do some more research on the solar, as apparently there are pros/cons of various controllers. 

On the awning, I really like the look of the armless, box mounted units, but wonder if they are less stable in the wind.

I'll be honest, I assumed at this day and age the cab was keyless, but I need to check.  I probably need to not assume anything.

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General Discussion / What options should I order -- what do you wish you ordered?

« on: February 19, 2017, 07:34:08 pm »

Ok, i'm getting close to pulling the trigger on my first RV and a PC.  Likely a 2551 or 2552.

As PC is very accommodating with changes unlike most other companies, I want to make sure I get it right. 

What I'm really wondering about is non standard options.  So, not talking about full body paint or levelers, but instead items like Gandalf described in his thread (pure sine inverter, extra backer board in places, etc.).

Some of the items I have so far:

110, USB and 12v outlets in cubbies over head side of twin beds.
Possibly a little flip down ledge for cell phone/alarm clock near head of bed
All 110 outlets tied into inverter
110 outlet near (behind) passenger seat if there isn't one already
Solar panels and charging system
AGM batteries
Insulate/heat Sanicon pump
AC w/heat pump (not sure if I need two HVACs for southern US/Florida type travel). Someone mentioned the Coleman fan not cycling on/off (so less annoying at night), need to investigate that.
Side cameras
Maybe collision avoidance/lane departure (need to read more of how this works in E450 setup).

Seems like there are a few more things, but that's what comes to mind at the moment. 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions on what I should consider.

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General Discussion / Re: Intro & order placed for 2552

« on: February 17, 2017, 09:53:32 pm »

RV and options:
Safety Steer Plus
Backer board added several places where wallboard is thin

I'm leaning heavily towards a 2551 or 2552 and I have some questions if you wouldn't mind sharing some more of your thoughts.  I've been talking with Earl about multiple alterations to fit our needs, but I'm curious about some of your choices.

The two main options that I'm curious about are the two above.  What is the Safety steer plus and what areas did you add backer board and how did you know it was needed?