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Back from Tampa Show with Questions

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CKK

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Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« on: January 24, 2017, 10:18:26 am »
Well, I've learned so much on here, and after much research and now physically seeing virtually all the brands and meeting Earl, I remain convinced that Phoenix is great quality and one I'd like to buy (2910T).... but the layout is also CRITICAL to me, and I am struggling with the fact that I have serious problems, mainly with the bedroom layout and lack of basement space. 

I hate the bed up against a window (but don't want to delete it and lose the ventilation) with no space to walk around it and no side table or shelf space.  Why do they do that??  It's hard to forget that I saw so many with nice cabinetry and tables around the bed (in basically the same length).  I know I can get some modifications (twins or smaller bed) but don't know how those would turn out and sure don't want to make a mistake. 

I was also really surprised at the lack of basement space, when some others put pass thru compartments under the bed, etc.  Earl said those companies raise the chassis or put a in step up to allow for that, but I think that's a great option to have.  I don't see how there's even a space big enough for lawn chairs or a patio mat... how do you all fit anything in for camping (without using a toad for storage)?

I don't know why I'm writing, other than to see if anyone has any insight for me, as I'm a bit disappointed now after returning home thinking the Phoenix may not work for me, and I hate the thought of going to another brand. The only other one I could consider is Nexus, because it's factory direct as well, will make modifications, and happens to already have great basement and bedroom spaces ;-(  Thanks. 


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Two Hams in a Can

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #1 on: January 24, 2017, 12:44:05 pm »
Hi Charmaine, and welcome to the Forum.  I just read your other post about the euro chair and the sofa, which are very helpful to us since we are looking to replace furniture in our new-to-us 2012 PC2400 Sprinter.  We prefer the compact approach for several reasons, which had us looking for storage too. 

We have been thinking along these lines https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G4Z5J0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2W819KA67UKPN&coliid=IIALNJBFKI1EA  especially since in addition to two reclining chairs, a Baby Q with stand, and a Clam screen shelter, we need room for my Pride Mobility Take Down "cripple cart" (as Larry the Cable Guy calls it).  We have discovered that the cart will store out of the way next to our fold away table; the lounge chairs behind the drivers seat; the Baby Q & stand behind the passenger seat; and the Clam on the floor in front of the sofa (where our two dogs ride seat belted in.  I'd post a pic, but don't know how

I suppose one has to decide how much has to be moved outside when setting up camp to be happy with the available storage space.  We fulltimed for years in a 40ft Foretravel U320 with more basement and inside storage than we ever needed; so downsizing for us has been a challenge.   :)(:   
Jeff and Suzanne traveling with the Cocker Spaniel sisters, Scout & Sydney in Fawkes the Phoenix 
"What happens in vagueness stays in vagueness"

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CKK

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2017, 12:55:39 pm »
Thanks for the suggestion.  That cargo carrier is an idea, but I need to put a bike rack on the back for getting around without a toad... would have to see how both could be arranged. 

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TheLuvShack

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2017, 05:18:44 pm »
I had some of the same concerns. Some solutions.... Patio rugs are now available that are easy to fold up and will fit in the rear storage compartment of my 3100. Should fit in your 2900T also. Ladder is rated for 200#'s. I purchased a ladder rack from Camping World. I can carry 2, chairs, one lounge chair and one table strapped to this rack. A ladder rack for bikes is also available. Grill fits in storage compartment on the passenger side of the 3100. Most of the time we pull a  toad. Everything else goes on or in it.

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CKK

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2017, 06:06:43 pm »
Thanks... more good ideas.  I think I just came back from the show a bit overwhelmed, and this is such a huge investment, I don't want to make any decisions I would later regret.  This is the only rv I ever plan to buy. :-[

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hutch42

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2017, 10:23:07 pm »
Hi CKK...please forgive any typos etc.  I had cataract surgery today.  The result is I am looking out of one very fuzzy eye. Just one comment at this time.  You are considering PC because of the great build, quality and resale value.  Plus the very laid back attitude of the company.

Please watch Earls comparison of the PC VS another brand of RV.  Very informative and revealing.  Really shows some of the qualiy difference's   That RV is a Nexus.  Now they make many different grades, and models.  I think they are more of a production line unit.

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Michelle Dungan

Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2017, 01:57:01 am »
I've always been skeptical of mounting anything to the rear ladders on RVs, as some list the max weight for person climbing it, same as a houshold ladder.  Something much below that weight limit strapped or clamped to it might still exert great forces against ladder mounts when one drives over potholes or gets bucking over expansion joints on some Portland cement concrete (PCC) highways, and even more if it works loose and developes secondary motions.  I don't know if Phoenix Cruiser (PC) lists weight limits on their ladders based upon the person climbing it or for something to be strapped to it, but I'd want to confirm.  Those of you who are engineers (Hi, Ron!), could comment on this better than I could. 

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CKK

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2017, 09:41:53 am »
Thanks.  That's a good point, and I too would be a bit concerned about strapping things to the ladder, though I've seen it often enough.  I will investigate the possibility of a multi-use hitch rack that may function as a bike and other small items carrier.  This forum is great  to sort all of these things out.   tymote

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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2017, 11:01:13 am »
I have not studied a current model Nexus, but the one I looked at on-line a year or two ago had a poor rear wall cap design.  At a glance it looked like a Phoenix.  But it had a cheap Coachman-style rear-to-side wall interconnect, then they added some styling parts to resemble the better method.  Hopefully they are doing it better in for 2017.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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CKK

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2017, 02:37:32 pm »
Thanks Ron... I am still pretty set on making some modifications to make the PC work.  The quality and consumer satisfaction is just too good to discount it over a couple of aesthetic concerns.  I think I just came back from the show with a bit of overload after seeing so much.  And I must be pretty picky because there were less than a handful of floor plans that I would even consider!

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Rdon

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2017, 04:27:53 pm »
CKK,
This is our first post though we have had our 2910T for over 6 months. It is a 2014 that we saw online at the factory, put down a deposit and flew up one way. We have been looking for 2 years had had narrowed our our choices to Lazy Daze and PC.  We had been focused on the 2552 with the twin bed but when we say the opposing slides we were sold. I agree about the lack of storage but have not seen it as a problem. The unit has the couch with inflatable bed that has large drawers. That along with the under bed bin offer a lot of interior space storage.  We got a table from Walmart that fits in the rear cable compartment and two folding chairs with a outdoor rug and small grill that fits in the right rear storage drawer. Ours is 50 amp and has 2 A/Cs that has has come in handy in Texas.  So far all is great!
Don & Margie
Don & Margie Tooker

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CKK

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2017, 05:35:28 pm »
Great to hear.  Yes, the opposing slides are a must have for me, and I would like two a/c's as well because I can't sleep if it's hot.  I didn't know if that would be necessary in this size coach, but you like, huh? 

Does yours have stabilizers or upgraded tires or anything to help with the handling and weight of that third slide?  I've been told I would need that on the 2910.

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Rdon

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #12 on: January 25, 2017, 07:30:01 pm »
CKK,
We have looked at stabilizers, but so far the drive is fine.  I think the longer wheelbase helps. If I were to build from scratch twin beds without the rear slide would be nice. The twins are a little short for us unless you fined room for longer.  By the way, after the coach cools down we just run the rear A/C so the front is quiite for the tv. We plan on getting a couple of folding bikes and using a hitch carrier.
Don & Margie Tooker

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Sarz272000

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Re: Back from Tampa Show with Questions
« Reply #13 on: January 25, 2017, 10:55:58 pm »
ckk,
I talked to  Earl a couple weeks ago and he thought they could do the 2910 with opposing slides and no rear slide. We want a queen type bed versus twin beds. He said they could do the  power sliding bed using the rear twin beds. That way it can easily convert from king to twins at push of a button. They would have to lower the night stand. You would  get storage under beds and around the ceiling. 
Ron