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Phoenix Questions

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Sarz272000

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Phoenix Questions
« on: February 21, 2015, 08:09:13 am »
We are starting our investigation into purchasing a Class B+, leaning toward 2910D or 2552. We have some questions. Any input is appreciated.

1. How do they handle in steep inclines and declines? Do they have air brakes? Exhaust brakes? Tow/haul mode? We plan to tow a vehicle.
2. Are the HWH leveling jacks recommended. They are pricey and add weight.
3. Any recommendations on purchasing used PCs that are far away? Interested on how to perform due diligence from far away.
4. Does the Elkhart factory have a showroom? Can different models be driven there? That is closest to us at about 3 hours.

Ron and Linda
Clinton township Michigan
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Carol

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2015, 08:28:35 am »
Welcome Tom and Linda--
I have a different rig than the one you are looking at so can't address #1, but re the leveling jacks I personally find them well worth the cost.  I love the simplicity of setting up camp with them and I use them often.  Re Elkhart, you'd be best off calling them directly and talking to Earl re accommodations for test drives.  They don't have a showroom, per se, but there are lots of rigs around in various states of construction, including some that are finished and I presume as yet unsold.  Also, you could put out word on the forum that you would like to see any PCs that happen to be in your vicinity and forum members who are willing to show theirs will contact you.  Good luck in your search!
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2015, 09:18:10 am »
I highly recommend you drive the 3 hours and visit the factory, even if your intention is to buy a used one privately.  Call the factory and request they call you when they have the two "completed" models you are interested in.  Even if you can't walk through a model you are interested in, with just a little imagination you will get a very good idea what it would be like.

The problem going to the factory is getting caught up in the moment and ordering one or buying a ready-made one while you are there.  :)  They give tours all the time to people researching so never feel bad about that.
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TomHanlon

Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2015, 10:05:39 am »
    I totally agree with Ron, go to the factory. They will show you new units and how they are built, which is far better than a showroom with completed models only. I drove 10 hours to see it and felt it was worth the time. I have bought two PCs since then.

    Another option is to call the factory and ask if anyone that lives near you can show you theirs. There is a program where if you show your PC to someone and that person buys one, they get a small reward.

    As for the larger models on the Ford E450 cutaway van, it is just that, normal V10 with normal baking system. Last Sept. 2014 we went from Maryland over the mountains in western Maryland and Pennsylvania and on to Estes Park, Colorado then down to Colorado Springs for the Phoenix club reunion. We were towing a 2004 Jeep Liberty at the time. We did not have any problems going up or down the mountains.   

    I would not own and motorhome without HWH leveling jacks. There are just to many camp sites that are not level and I will not sleep with my feet above my head. Besides who wants their drink to slide off the table?

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Barry-Sue

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2015, 10:25:39 am »
Ron and Linda

We would be glad to show you our rig anytime after 3/28.  We live n Highland, MI not that far from you.  We have a 2012 2551, very similar to a 2552.  We did have a 2008 2350.  We picked up both of our units at the factory and go to that area often.  It is a pleasant drive and a nice day in the Shipshewana area. 

We have been from the east coast to the west coast and have never had a problem on any of the roads with either unit.  Yes, we highly recommend the HWH leveling jacks.  We made three pages of changes to our second unit and it is perfect for us.  We spend about 4 to 5 months out of the year living in it.

Barry and Sue
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Barry and Sue 
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Pax

Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2015, 11:19:31 am »
We own a 2552 and have taken it over a number of grades (max of about 7%) without a problem.  We tow a heavy Ford Edge (about 4600 lbs)  Unless we got a running start at some of the steeper climbs we could only manage about 40 mph for short periods.  The descents were all very easy using tow/haul mode.

I wouldn't want to be without the leveling jacks.  I can't imagine using (and storing) leveling blocks over and over.

    - Mike
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GoPhoenix

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #6 on: February 21, 2015, 05:04:44 pm »
Buy the levelers. They are very convenient and add greatly to comfort.  Plus you get a big chuck of the cost back when you sell.  So ultimately, they’re not all that expensive
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2 Frazzled

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2015, 09:09:49 am »
We full time in a 2552, never had a vehicle larger than a little hatchback before we bought the Phoenix and our Subaru Forrester as a tow vehicle. We are both totally happy with the handling of the Phoenix. We still haven't hit the scales yet but figure we are running close to maximum weight on the Phoenix and the toad due to bikes on a rack, gear inside and a cargo carrier on the Subaru roof. We've crossed the Rockies several times with no problem and drove all through the Appalachians. We do slow down on steep inclines but not dangerously so. Downhill with tow-haul has been no problem. We did add an SMI brake assist system but crossed the Rockies once without using it and had no problem.

I agree with everyone else's comments on the leveling jacks - get them unless you only camp on paved, level sites. We are set up and level within minutes with no fuss, no muss. You'll really appreciate them the first time you set up in the rain, in the dark, or after an unexpectedly long day on the road.

I can sleep with my feet a bit above my head but having to hang on to the mattress to avoid rolling off the side of the bed makes for a sleepless night.

The factory is a must see.
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Sarz272000

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2015, 10:52:10 am »
 Thank you for all your replies.  They are very helpful.  We sold our 30'Sunline two years ago after 19 years of use. We want to get back into RVing and the PC just may be the ticket.  In the next month we will visit the factory to see our comfort level driving and using them. Leveling jacks will be a must.
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Sarz272000

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2015, 11:19:19 am »
Has anyone used the roof to sit on? We are Indycar fans and would love to watch a race from the roof!

Ron and Linda
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Carol

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #10 on: February 22, 2015, 12:10:02 pm »
Just make sure your tailgate party doesn't get too wild up there ...  :)(:
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TomHanlon

Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #11 on: February 22, 2015, 01:26:46 pm »
I have walked on it but the roof is slightly rounded, so I would not be partying up there. But then maybe you are the one fan that does not drink, so you could sit on the roof.
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Bob Mahon

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #12 on: February 22, 2015, 03:14:31 pm »
I'd be concerned the small diameter of the chair legs would go through the fiberglass sheet.
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bhgareau

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #13 on: February 22, 2015, 04:51:32 pm »
Think about asking the factory to build you a reinforced area on the roof for chairs. If they decline  talk with a local weld shop about doing  it. We have friends who had a platform built for the top of their Class C  for viewing at NASCAR events. It is a metal frame mounted on the units frame with some decking.
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Sarz272000

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Re: Phoenix Questions
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2015, 07:13:32 am »
Watching a race from the roof doesn't seem to be safe without major upgrades to roof, darn.

Another question; how does the truck a/c cool the unit while traveling in moderate
/warm summer weather? Do you supplement the truck a/c with the rv a/c using the generator while traveling? I assume the rv a/c runs on the rvs gas tank and not propane, is that correct?

Thanks for your responses, it is helping us get through this very cold winter here in Michigan as we look forward to warmer days.

Ron and Linda
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