A Billion Questions (2100/2400)

Sorry in advance for the spam.

Hi all,

I’m a potential first-time RV buyer (looking at next summer, ideally) who grew up RVing with my parents (we had a Dolphin C in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s and later on a class A behemoth). I lived in it when I was a kid for several months at one point, so I’m not entirely new to things. When I was a kid, it was a dream of mine to own one of those tiny campers with the bed over the coach that were prevalent in 1990 or so, but I probably need a little more space than that, realistically speaking.

I’m in a place that I can afford one, and it’s practical for job purposes et cetera for extended trips, though not fulltiming (renting out the house when I’m away). I’m interested in the 21’ no-slide 2100 for a couple of reasons:

• The rear-entry floor plan seems roomier.
• The discrete kitchen space seems roomier.
• I’m just one person; I don’t mind unfolding a bed and stowing it away, so a permanent bed is unnecessary.
• The maneuverability of a 21 foot RV appeals to me (as a petite person who currently drives a Mini Cooper; I’d be lost in a 30-foot thing just owing to my size, and my driving habits).

There are some questions I am thinking about, though. Some of these may be feasible ideas, and some may be less than feasible. I’m just spitballing to see what works. This is for me, a solo traveler at the moment who doesn’t intend to fulltime but who does intend to drive distances.

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Dinette: I’d rather have a single seat at the dinette (facing the TV) and turn the other dinette booth (which contains the furnace underneath) to a desk setup. The floorplans show a window stretching this length; would it be possible to build a desk/eating table out of the dinette that ends below the window? Ideally, I’d like it to contain a sewing machine inside it; as is, the space beneath the dinette is wasted space. (I’m a knitter/sewer and would need crafting in my RV.) I realize this will eliminate the ability of the dinette to turn into a bed; I’m not bothered by that since it would be for solo travel. Alas, it’d probably affect resale value should I sell it, though.

Sofa/Wardrobe: Can you cut the wardrobe in half and make half of it into a longer sofa a la the 60“ that’s in the 2400? With that I would just need a dual-fold sofa (as I’m under five feet and can fit lengthwise on a 60" sofa; I know from experience as I own one) to sleep comfortably. Something like this is what I have in mind, though that’s wider at 84“. Alternately, a superlong (72"?) sofa in the 2400 would work too if it just folded out once, and would be comfortable for two. I’m basically looking to avoid the slide, both for practicality and for weight limits.

Kitchen: I am short. The convection microwave is high. Especially in the 2100 (since I assume the 2400 can put it in the extra counter space), is there any place the microwave can be put where someone of my height can reach it? Similarly, can the overhead cabinet heights be lowered (giving more cabinet space!) for someone of my height?

Passenger seat: Unnecessary. Can something else be put there that doesn’t impede the passenger side exit (since I assume that the passenger side exit is a requirement and/or sealing it off is too much work)? This would probably involve messing with the chassis, though, so disregard if it's a massive expense.

Satellite internet: Does anyone have this? What do you pay per month? HughesNet seems to be the only game in town from a bit of Googling, but my parents have it and, at least at their place, it’s pretty terrible. Supposedly there’s also Dish-brand satellite for RVs, but I haven’t seen any facts and figures on that. I was thinking of the automatic dish and adding solar panels so as to defray power consumption overall. I have a Karma Go mobile hotspot that runs off the Sprint network as well, but I’d like the option to Netflix/Hulu if I want, since I’d have it anyway.

***

Alternately looking at a 2400 (same floor plan, but with longer sofa and non-permanent table which I’m assuming could be done into a desk/dinette too instead). I like the extra cabinet space/the flexibility of putting a smaller wardrobe into the 2400, but I’m concerned about maneuverability in a 24’ length compared to a 21’ length. Is there a difference in those three feet? I would not be towing anything.

Also (though this has nothing to do with a floorplan), I am younger than the retiree RVer crew (just turned 35 this month). While I love meeting people of all ages, how much of a younger crowd is there in the RV community these days? I just hung out with kids/teens as a kid/teen, so don’t have a sense.

Lastly, what would you consider crucial for a solo RVer, and what can I live without? Bluetooth/navigation/backup and leveling jacks are critical for me, as is the collision system; if I keep the passenger chair I’d like to be able to swivel it; I want wood floors and insulated windows as well for as much homeyness as I can. Do I need 50 amp shore power with a second AC, or just the shore power, etc.? Would things like maintenance-free batteries simplify my life as a new RVer? And, as the most fantastical question I can think of, is it possible to shorten the entire build by a few inches, as it’s custom-built and for a tiny person? A 6’ interior height (making the whole thing 9’6“ total exterior height) would be more than sufficient.

Thanks for any thoughts/ideas/spitballing. If anyone is in upstate NY (Glens Falls to Poughkeepsie, out to Oneonta or Syracuse), I’d love to take a look at either the 2100 or 2400. Thanks!

Welcome Kate,
 
We own a 2013 2100 with a slide.   Although we live in Vero Beach, FL you are welcome to see ours should you ever be in our area.

You may want  to visit the RV show in Hershey, PA mid September.   Check with Earl later on to see if they ae bringing a 2100 or a 2400 to the show.   We first saw the PCs at the Tampa, FL show held in January every year.   Those two shows are the largest in the country and just about every RV type and  manufacturer is represented.

Gail

Thanks, Gail! I don't anticipate being in Florida in the summer (way too hot!), but if I make it down that way sooner or later, I'll let you know.

How do you find the rear-kitchen floorplan? As mentioned, something about that makes the space feel larger to me. Maybe it's because there isn't a door always staring you in the face, as well as the separation of tasks between food and relaxing.

Do you find the 2100 driveable? I've driven my dad's truck (F-150) and am guessing a E-350 might handle similarly to that, anyway, but that's me being new to this in terms of actually driving it. (Unsurprisingly, even at the Totally Experienced Driver age of 16, I was not allowed to drive the Class A.)

I saw you have the dinette set up as a permanent bed. I wonder if my sewing desk setup with a daybed instead of a sofa might work for my needs. Can you lounge on the dinette bed adequately? What are the dimensions, if it's not too much trouble? (Estimates are fine!)

Hershey is a good idea but it's a 5-hour drive from me, so here's hoping there might be someone more local in the interim!

Given the size of the investment and the modifications you desire, I would really encourage you to (1) call the PC factory and talk to them about your mods and (2) go to Hershey and spend a couple of days looking at the rigs.  On line is great, but seeing something in person will always be better for the three dimensional realization of what you are thinking about.  Holograms?    Nah, you can't smell the materials, see the true colors and chat with people that know about these things.   A five hour drive is a small price to pay to really understand what you are spending the big bucks to buy.  Besides that, any RV show is a lot of fun.

I think the 2100 is really a neat rig.  We have had Class Bs and it is a real step up, space wise, from a true B.  Most disagree with me, but my experience is pretty simple:  the longer the rig the more hassle it is to drive and particularly to park.  Like I said, most people find the opposite to be true to some point of diminishing return but that is not my personal experience. 

Paul

Thanks, Paul! Yeah, if I decide to go this route, I'm definitely calling the factory/touring/et cetera. I wouldn't buy sight unseen off the Internet; don't worry. I just wanted some sense of 'Yes, this might be feasible' vs. 'WTF this is utter nonsense.'

And yeah, that's what I was thinking re. length. Looking at the 2100 floorplan I wonder if you could get, say:

Port: Bathroom - Pantry (smaller than 2100 closet) - Sofa (jackknife/futon style, longer than 60' if possible).
Starboard: Door - Fridge - 2100 closet (where walled-in half of dinette is in current plan) - easy/Euro/chair - desk (overtop other half of 2100 dinette that currently contains the heater).

Something like that in 21' would be a pretty ideal setup for a singleton traveler, I'd think. All you'd lose as far as working space from the 2400 layout would be that little bit of counter near the door. And perhaps the desk combo could be shrunk enough to move the fridge in to allow for at least some of that counter space to be regained.

Another 2100 with slide owner. There are two of us and we find the space to be ample. We are also short (5' and husband 5'6"). To address some of your questions:
MICROWAVE - It is not as high like an in-home over the stove microwave. If you could see one in person you would see that it would probably work fine.
FRONT PASSENGER SWIVEL - We have that chair swivel. You cannot see the TV from there but my husband loves to use it like an easy chair for reading. Also if we have a group in it adds extra seating.
YOUNG RVers -- We are old (70 and 80) but meet many young RVers, some even full time. Now that offices are portable with a computer and wi-fi connection, the numbers are growing.
DISH WI-FI -- We have Dish at home and their wi-fi is through Hughes which we did not get with the TV because it is so bad. In theory Hughs is launching a new satellite which is suppose to improve things but we heard that rumor over a year ago and it has not happened yet.
REAR KITCHEN -- I love it and it is one of the things that drew me to the 2100. I find it very functional. I did do a modification to the flip-up table area. Can tell you more if you are interested.
DRIVABILITY -- We rented a lot before we purchased and found that every inch over 22' made it more difficult in heavy traffic, congested towns and for parking.  However, we did do a lot of undercarriage improvements to make the handling smoother. There are other threads on this forum about that. If you are going to do interstate highways you would probably want to do the same.
SEEING IS BELIEVING -- You must see them in person. A five hour drive is a small price to pay. We purchased the 2100 without ever being in one but we had been in several other PC models so could get the feel for it. Then I did a chalk outline on my garage floor and walked through it a lot before making the plunge.

Keep researching, but you have probably found the best company to work with you on modification so it suits you perfectly.

Nicki, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Hi Kate, and welcome!

Can't really comment on the models you are interested in as we have a 2552, except to say that I was originally pretty nervous driving such a large box but it didn't take long before I was almost as comfortable driving it as our SUV.  Most people Ive talked to share this experience.

Internet can be a challenge, depending on location in the world.  We have a roof-mounted satellite (which we love) but don't have Hughes with it, just Dish Network service for movies and such.  Our internet is generally through our Verizon cell service (phones, pads and hotspot device) and/or Wirie AP wifi booster.

We are retired and in our 50's.  Most of the RV folks we encounter are our age or older, but agree with Nicki that there seems to be a general influx of younger folk......and we see more of them in Campgrounds vs. RV Parks, and on weekends vs. weekdays.  As well, we find more of a younger crowd in those places that cater to kids/families, such as the KOA campgrounds.

Do you need 50 amp service?  Obviously not, but adding it after the fact isn't really an option.  Looking back on it, the cost/benefit to us was positive.  Since we can use 20/30/50 amp it gives us more options. Being able to run multiple devices (A/C and microwave, for instance) is not always something you might do but when you need or want to it is really nice to have that capability.  We have found that when 50 amp service is available at a campground the outlet and breaker are generally in better shape than the 30 amp, since it gets less use.  The only downside for us (and it isn't much) is the larger size power cable necessary to store and haul around.  I would suggest determining as best you can how long and how often will you be camping in areas where you will want to run the A/C and imagine what other equipment you might want or need to run at the same time.  Do you need the extra A/C unit?  I wouldn't think so for the size RV you are looking at, but we upgraded our one A/C unit to a higher capacity model and it is still takes a while to cool down a 2552 in blazing heat and keep it cool.  On very hot days it can cool down the rig about 20 degrees.  If we had it to do over again, we would have added the second A/C. Not only would it provide the additional cooling, but would also provide the ability to run the rear unit when we were in the front, or the front unit when we were back in the bedroom (reducing the noise a bit)

Probably the best advise I would give you is to try to determine how you will use your RV.  By that I mean do you see yourself dry-camping, boondocking, off the grid type stuff?  Mostly in state or national parks? Campgrounds like KOA's?  High end RV parks with full services?  This will probably drive the answer to many of your questions.

Best of luck with your decision....it's all fun!

   - Mike

Kate,

You have been given great information and advice from Paul, Nicki, and Mike.   Most of your modifications questions would have to be answered by the great folks at PC.

I want to correct the info you have about our dinette use.   We always have it in the dinette position, never made up as a bed.  I will do that and get back to you with the dimensions and lounging comfort.    We have the Electric Tri-Fold Sofa/Bed in the slide.  The 2100 without the slide would not be suitable for us.
 
Like Nicki and her husband, we find the 2100 to be very comfortable and the perfect size for our needs and travel style.   We also made a number of upgrades to improve its handling.   All is well now. We do like being able to drive it anywhere with ease.

I do hope you can see the PC models of interest.   Spending a couple days at the RV shows allows for easy comparison between models and revisiting a couple times to check out things you may have forgotten or just want to see again.  We visited the PCs multiple times in the four days we spent at the Tampa show attending a rally with rv friends.

Gail

Kate,

The dinette made into a bed is 32" x 71" and is a very comfortable lounge and for me at 5'4" a very suitable bed.  My hubby at 6' could sleep there in a pinch.

I also measured the distance from the floor to the bottom of the microwave/convection at 55" and from the countertop to the bottom of the oven is 20".   I have not yet used the propane burners in the year we've had the PC as we have always had hook-ups and I use a portable induction burner.

Gail

Thanks, all!

YOUNG RVers -- We are old (70 and 80) but meet many young RVers, some even full time. Now that offices are portable with a computer and wi-fi connection, the numbers are growing.

A portable office was the idea exactly, Nicki. My job allows me travel flexibility, so I'd like to actually utilize it! I own a home (renting out the upstairs to grad students), but could see making the downstairs into a sublet and/or airB&B when I'm away. It's right across the street from a college, so opens itself up to that. The grad students have paid for my mortgage for several years now.

And yeah, "terrible" has been my parents' experience with HughesNet wifi too, because they live in the middle of nowhere and have no other options. So when I saw them pop up in Googling, I went, "Oh, noooo." My KarmaGo has 20gigs unused for $100 and total rollover, so it's a nice setup, but obviously streaming video eats up the bandwidth in mere hours.

I would definitely be interested in knowing your modification to the counter space, too.

And yeah, drivability is why I'm leaning towards the smallest possible model. As someone roughly my height, how do you find the 21' to drive? Obviously "better than the bigger model," but would I adjust to it pretty readily? Was there a steep learning curve?

Hi Kate, and welcome!

Thanks for the thoughts, Mike! Yeah, my parents were in KOA with me when I was a kid, but since I myself don't have kids, I would also feel a bit adrift at Family Hour Campground, I'm guessing. But I want to do this while I'm still relatively unencumbered (no debt besides mortgage, no personal commitments besides a dog and a cat [who would be at my parents' while I travel; I've already discussed this with them, so it's not an assumption].)

50 AMP sounds like it should be added to my list, but particularly with the 2100, as you say, I probably wouldn't need the second AC. As far as using it: I wouldn't be offroading/wilderness so much as I would be traveling. I want to be able to see parts of the US, Canada, and Mexico which  I haven't seen yet. A smaller motorhome seemed like the way to go to allow me to see places and have transportation within those places without racking up huge hotel bills or couchsurfing (which one of my old roommates swore by but which makes me uneasy as heck). I'd like to have the ability to off-grid if necessary, but more in the 'spend the night in a well-lit parking lot' type thing than Walden Pond, so to speak.

At least, that's the plan...

I want to correct the info you have about our dinette use.   We always have it in the dinette position, never made up as a bed.

Oops, I stand corrected, Gail! I thought you were the one with the permanent bed when I searched "2100" in the forum. Apologies! Thanks for checking the measurements, too. So I wonder if they could build that into a 32"x71" sofabed (with a third storage box in the middle), and then put a chair/desk combo in lieu of the sofa on the other side in front of the window (putting a pantry next to the wardrobe and maybe some more shelving on the other side of the window, by the driver's seat. That would also work well for my needs!

Thanks for checking the measurements for the microwave. 55" is about eye level for me, but it would probably be safe enough!

Kate, for what it worth.....I think what you are planning to do is more than cool!   I wish I could have  done something like that when I was your age but it wasn't the nature of my job to do it.    GO FOR IT!

Paul

I am a "go for it" girl. I drove my station wagon towing a 24' travel trailer all over the US with just my two kids. That husband would join for a week here or there, but was not in love with the open road and living in the woods. I picked up the PC in Elkhart and drove it 1,200 back home alone. Hubby had a conflict. I do sit on a 1" cushion to put me at a more comfortable height. Other then that no problems driving the PC. When I travel in it alone, I use the table as a bed and us a TV tray at the couch. Lived in it for 3 weeks when helping my daughter after a c-section baby. So I think making the table area the bed you could raise it up to bottom of window with a ton of storage under and then your couch/table/desk on the other side. Have you sen the tables that flip out of a wall cabinet? Stay aware that you need to keep the weight balanced so if you put a "ton" of heavy storage under a couch/bed, you would want equal weight on the other side. The PC factory could make sure you stay balanced. I have never had ours weighed, but others on the forum have and they have each tire weighed separate. You can look for that thread.

I will put together an explanation and photos of modifications I did in the kitchen. Email me directly so I can send it to you. I have not mastered uploading photos to this forum--even though there is an excellent thread on that as well.

Sent an E-mail, Nicki. And good to know re. the balance: the sewing table is going to store my cheap $50 Brother machine (thanks for the $150 discount, Amazon!) and not the fancy Husqvarna, so the only thing permanently stored in the desk/eating table wouldn't be that heavy. Do the Euro chairs have some ballast, or are they lightweight too? Maybe I could do a yarn cabinet as well...

Thanks, Paul! Hopefully in a year, anyway.

Oh, another silly question: custom fabrics for upholstery? I already know hickory cabinets (because small vehicle = light furnishings), but the patterns look too busy to me so far. Maybe one will grow on me.

Kate,   I'm really anxious to keep up with your Tiny House/Office project.   Your plan for the 2100 sounds great.   I wish you much success as you move forward.


Nicki,  Could you include me when you send the explanation and pictures of your kitchen mods?  I'd love to see your ideas.


Gail

Gail, thanks! I'll keep you posted.

Nicki, if you want/are OK with it, I can also post your mods on here (I speak bbcode aka how to post images and whatnot quite fluently). Let me know if there's anything in the E-mail you don't want posted besides obvious things like E-mail address et cetera. And if you forward the E-mail to Gail, no worries about including my E-mail address in the mix, as it's my public/spam mail gmail.