Just introducing myself

Byron

6
OwnPC: No
NewUsed: New
Model: 2100
Slide: Yes
Location: Utah

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Byron Knight. I’ve been lurking on your forum for about a month and can see how dedicated the owners, former owners and wannabes are to PC. You all have a terrific knowledge base and willingly share your thoughts and ideas. Thank you for letting me explore your site.

I’ve been RVing for 20 years but have never owned a B or C class. My wife and I full-timed in an A class DP for 7 fantastic years. When we decided it was time to return to a stick house, we sold the DP and bought a 28’ fifth wheel. Unfortunately, my wife passed away a couple of years ago and the 5th wheel doesn’t cut it for me any longer. It is time for me to downsize.

I have an appointment next Wednesday with Earl at the factory for a tour and to possibly order either a 2351 or 2552 – at least that is my thought without ever actually seeing a PC at this point. I have a ton of questions for Earl but I also have a few questions to pose to this group. I will ask those in a separate message. Thanks again.

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Carol

303
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: July 2014
Model: 2351
ModelYear: 2014
Slide: No
IntColor: Greystone with Sterling Leather
ExtColor: Sterling simplified
Location: What day is it?

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2016, 08:50:54 pm »

Welcome, Byron.
Between this post and your other one, it sounds like you have lots of experience already with RV'ing. That'll give you a tremendous advantage in figuring out just what will work best for you.
You've made a great choice in going with PC for your downsizing move. Their willingness to make customized changes to their basic units is a tremendous advantage.
I've been in my 2351, no slide, for 20 months now and love it.
Best of luck and don't be shy with your questions and offering your own experience.
Carol

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blog: www.agingonwheels.com

Ron Dittmer

5647
Ron and Irene
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: June 2007
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2007
Slide: No
IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
ExtColor: Full Body Gray
Location: N/E Illinois

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #2 on: March 05, 2016, 01:18:15 am »

Byron from me too.

When looking over the PCs on-hand, keep in mind that there is some flexibility if you wished something was a little different. It's not like a car where they come standard with some things, then add more options. PC-USA is great at helping their rig fit you best, as long as it can be done. For example, if a bed is too short or too narrow, or too low or too high, or too soft or too hard, ask if something can be done about it. As long as you are special ordering a rig, they can consider such requests. They are not as keen about tearing up a finished rig. Oh wait, you are getting a Quigley......special ordering.

If ordering a rig for just yourself, you might consider a twin bed model with one of the beds replaced with something more useful to you. Maybe more cabinetry, maybe a desk, whatever suits your fancy. If done a certain way, maybe it can be done to easily convert back to twin beds if worried about resale.

« Last Edit: March 05, 2016, 01:22:55 am by ron.dittmer »

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

Pax

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #3 on: March 05, 2016, 09:54:45 am »

Welcome, Byron!

We love our 2014 2552, but if we decide at some point to trade in for a new one we would make these changes:
- Add either side cameras or replace single rear camera with dual rear camera to provide full time views of both the towed vehicle and traffic behind and to the side.
- Replace the particle board bed decking with smooth wood to eliminate splinters and mess.
- Replace stock batteries with AGM maintenance free batteries
- Install matching wood shelving in both cabinets at the foot of both beds (we don't need to hang clothes/coats there and having nice factory built shelving would be better than my non-carpenter attempts)
- Install water line from water tank to passenger side of rig (allows for easy outdoor water access on that side of the rig, plus allows for more control over where the water will go when draining the tank)

We are very glad we had these items installed:
- Upgraded A/C system (15000 BTU)
- Propane line and valve run to the passenger side outdoor storage box.
- Upgraded electrical (50 amp)
- Hard wired Surge Guard
- Wood floors (very easy maintenance, very attractive and very durable)

Only one outstanding issue:
- We have the insulated windows but wish (somehow) there was better insulation in the coach door area and cab area.

It is such a nice RV. Comfortable and easy to drive, even while towing a 4700 lb SUV. Can't beat the customer service.

Hope you join the community!

- Mike

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Ron Dittmer

5647
Ron and Irene
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: June 2007
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2007
Slide: No
IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
ExtColor: Full Body Gray
Location: N/E Illinois

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2016, 11:34:04 am »

Mike (Pax)

Reading through your list had me breaking a little smile for I had done some of the same with our rig shortly after we bought it.

Specifically:
- replaced rough chip board bed deck with very smooth splinter-free maple plywood
- added a shelf in our one and only shirt closet (bought matching shelving from Home Depot back then)
- Replaced wet acid batteries with maintenance-free AGMs (but at the same time, switching from 2-12v in parallel, to 2-6v in series)

I also like your other things wished and done.

I have my own list HERE of things done but some of them apply only to our 2007 era model.

One thing in particular, new member Byron brought up in another post about LED string lighting which had me going back in my head...I wished our rig had patio lights that operate on two different switches.
switch #1 - turn on a pair of patio lights, one light located as is today, the other located at the other end of the main awning
switch #2 - turn on 3 other patio lights, one in the back, and two on the driver side.
Because we camp most often in primitive areas, having the ability to light up the entire area around the rig would be so very useful. It would also help when backing into a tight site late at night, missing tree trunks, rocks, etc. Unfortunately, adding lights on a completed rig, cannot be cleanly done so I dropped the idea. I'll have to give that some more thought again. Maybe I can add an easier one here or there.

ADDING: Hey, after I posted this reply, I just read another reply elsewhere from Polish Prince. He's got the same idea planned for his rig not yet built.

« Last Edit: March 05, 2016, 11:47:00 am by ron.dittmer »

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

Byron

6
OwnPC: No
NewUsed: New
Model: 2100
Slide: Yes
Location: Utah

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #5 on: March 05, 2016, 07:56:46 pm »

Thank you for the warm welcome and thoughtful suggestions. There will certainly be a lot to think about and go over at the factory.

My biggest unknown is whether to order the 4 X 4. In my RV “career”, I’ve only needed 4WD on one occasion but could have used it a couple more times. With this smaller rig, I plan to do much more boondocking in some great places in Utah. One of my favorite areas is at 10,000 feet. The weather is pretty unpredictable and 4WD might come in real handy.

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Polish Prince

63
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: February 2016, Delivery August 2016
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2016 - 2351 on a 450 chassis
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Desert Sand, with ultra leather and carpet toast
ExtColor: Greystone
Location: Ludington, Michigan

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #6 on: March 05, 2016, 09:03:01 pm »

Ron, thanks for the idea on the bed frame. I didn't know that the wood was that rough, that doesn't sound like it would be good for the mattress as well. I'm going to call Earl on Monday to ask for the birch plywood to be added to our rig.

Those ideas are why we all are on the forum. Thanks again.

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George & Jill Budzynski, Birchbark Farm

Ron Dittmer

5647
Ron and Irene
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: June 2007
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2007
Slide: No
IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
ExtColor: Full Body Gray
Location: N/E Illinois

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2016, 05:11:40 am »

Quote from: Polish Prince on March 05, 2016, 09:03:01 pm

Ron, thanks for the idea on the bed frame. I didn't know that the wood was that rough, that doesn't sound like it would be good for the mattress as well. I'm going to call Earl on Monday to ask for the birch plywood to be added to our rig.

Those ideas are why we all are on the forum. Thanks again.

Ha, ha, you can thank Mike (Pax) for bringing it up.

Yes the mattress has a thin cheap fabric on the underside (ours does anyway) and it always snagged on the rough chip board. I suppose it helps to keep the mattress in place, but many of the floor plans have the mattress wedged in nice and tight, especially after adding the fitted sheet and all. So the smooth hardwood plywood is surely nice to have. I installed smooth on both sides to also benefit the ceiling of our outdoor storage compartment.

« Last Edit: March 06, 2016, 05:30:03 am by ron.dittmer »

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

Polish Prince

63
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: February 2016, Delivery August 2016
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2016 - 2351 on a 450 chassis
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Desert Sand, with ultra leather and carpet toast
ExtColor: Greystone
Location: Ludington, Michigan

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #8 on: March 07, 2016, 01:03:26 pm »

replaced rough chip board bed deck with very smooth splinter-free maple plywood

Ron, I asked Earl to make the change today and he said they made that change for everyone about 2 years. So PC has installed another of the Ron dreams for perfection.

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George & Jill Budzynski, Birchbark Farm

Ron Dittmer

5647
Ron and Irene
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: June 2007
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2007
Slide: No
IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
ExtColor: Full Body Gray
Location: N/E Illinois

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #9 on: March 07, 2016, 05:17:17 pm »

Quote from: Polish Prince on March 07, 2016, 01:03:26 pm

replaced rough chip board bed deck with very smooth splinter-free maple plywood

Ron, I asked Earl to make the change today and he said they made that change for everyone about 2 years. So PC has installed another of the Ron dreams for perfection.

Interesting.

I am either a blessing or a curse to that place in Elkhart.

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

2 Frazzled

1434
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: May 2013
Model: 2552
ModelYear: 2013
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Sunlit & Cherry
ExtColor: Sunlit
Location: On the road full time (prev. Maryland)

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #10 on: March 08, 2016, 06:10:18 am »

. Ron, don't ask them. In situations like these it's best to make the decision yourself - go with blessing and be happy inside.

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John, Holly, and sometimes Chloe.
Travel Blog: Spiritofthewoods.net

ron-n-toni

191
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: 8/3/2017
Model: 2552
ModelYear: 2017
Slide: Yes
IntColor: toast
ExtColor: toast
Location: PENNSYLVANIA

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #11 on: March 12, 2016, 08:06:51 am »

Our 2016 2351 is at the factory having some work done. I wonder if you got to the factory and if they may have shown you our unit. (Montana plates) If so, what did you think. Honestly!!

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Byron

6
OwnPC: No
NewUsed: New
Model: 2100
Slide: Yes
Location: Utah

Re: Just introducing myself

« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2016, 09:28:03 pm »

ron-n-toni

I did get to the factory last week. They had a number of new units getting ready to ship out and also going to FMCA so I did not get to see your 2351.

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