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« on: January 26, 2020, 11:47:38 am »
Brian,
I have no experience with a 2552, but we have a 2350 4x4, currently 26k miles since we ordered it. It really comes down to how you are going to use your MH. We live in the west and have found that we are enjoying the off seasons much more than the busy seasons. That can equate to colder temps and poor roads.
The quigley would handle rock crawling just fine, but the PC will not. I have owned a lot of 4x4's in 50 years, I would say this is no worse driving than any other. You will lose about 1-2 mpg( I'm around 8.5), gain 17" wheels, more ground clearance, some suspension upgrades.
I'm not sure why you could not tow with it, maybe Ron could elaborate his concerns. We do not tow at this time,but have purchased a toad for if and when we decide.
The 4x4 gives you a little more of a peace of mind for year round travels, but there are other good alternatives. We custom ordered our chassis with a limited slip rear end, not sure thats what PC provides. If you opt to not do a conversion now, a locking rear differential can be added, as can a complete 4x4 conversion down the road.
You mention you are coming from a large 5th wheel, you might also consider the weight the conversion adds, taking away from your net carrying capacity, something you might miss.
When we ordered our PC, lithium was not an option, so I have no experience there. We have completely gutted the charger/inverter/ panels/batteries and added 600 amps in 4 lifeline 6 volt AGM's and 640 watts of solar. The system is great, but heavy, and really overkill. We mostly camp away from the crowds and services but you have to remember you do have a generator. I hate them and really didn't want one, and rarely use it, but it is still a good alternative for those gaps you might have in power shortages. Water is always your limiting factor.
I would be very hesitant to strap some extremely expensive lithium batteries into the current mounting location, without a complete heated /monitored/secure enclosure. I would also be hesitant to be a test for a new product for PC, who has no experience with lithium and very little with solar, or related quality components. UNLESS you live next door to the factory and enjoy that kind of thing.
Congrats on retirement and enjoy your travels.
Doug