Intro: We have been RV’n for around 10 years, putting 90K miles on a 27’ 1999 Born Free purchased in 2006. Our travel style is being a tourist, seeing things and moving on. We have never towed a car. Although we don’t boondock a lot, I like the RV to be boondock-able.
I have placed our order for a 2552. Began talking to Earl as far back as August, and started sending lists of general questions and option questions in November.
It has been an extended discussion between Earl and I. I appreciate his continued patience with my seemingly endless list of questions and I expect he’s happy to move on to other, less questioning customers. I also appreciate the help many have given through this forum.
Guestimated delivery is mid-May
RV and options:2552 no slide, insulated windows
Graystone exterior 2-tone full paint with dark: front cap and lower third, light: upper 2/3’s, no swirls
Reason: darker areas for where it gets the dirtiest
Sofa (front half will extend into bed)
Passenger side bed slide, driver side bed extended to same length of 74”
3 backup cameras: 2 back, 1 front: to eliminate all close in blind spots and have one view distance
2000W pure sine wave inverter
Progressive Dynamics 60A converter/charger
Progressive Industries surge suppressor EMS-HW30C
2 Lifeline AGM 300AHr GPL-6CT
110 outlets added to inverter, 12V & USB outlets added to shirt closets
Driver swivel base
Cab floor insulated
Safety Steer Plus
3100 style cabinet behind passenger seat
Upgrade AC to 15K & heat pump
Rear cap style with spare tire
Wired for external sat dish
Extend-a-stay connection line into RV
Backer board added several places where wallboard is thin
Custom fabric chosen for valences and curtains
Added adjustable shelves, kitchen mod’ed to 6 drawers
Lighted switch for tank heaters
Toilet sprayer
Sliding windows
2 MaxxAir fans (living room and bedroom)
Eliminate outside shower
I hope to have AM Solar put in solar this fall and also be able to join the reunion in Sisters.
Reasons for some of the controversial choices:No Slide: I am probably anachronistic but I remain suspicious of electro-mechanical parts. The last time I saw a list, the top three failing parts in an RV were the slide, electric steps, and levelers. Between these suspicions, concern of something failing when way out somewhere, and having done fine without a slide in the Born Free the past 10 years, I chose this option.
The no slide also provides additional storage, no power consumption, and better shell integrity.
“yes but what about the sofa?” The front half of the sofa will still extend into a bed and with the one side bed extension the RV will still sleep 4.
No Euro chair: Without a slide there is no room for a Euro chair if you extend the sofa. We opted for the 3100 style cabinet instead and to have the swivel base added to the driver’s chair.
Sliding vs Jalousie windows: An open slide window provides a 50% wide open opening vs a jalousie window provides a 25-30% opening with a angled window in front. It’s nice to have an optimal, passive opening when things get warm and there is a nice breeze.
3 cameras: My current backup camera has the “far rear view” and I have had some close encounters because of the blind spots near the front and back bumpers. The three cameras will allow a rear far, a rear near and a front near view.
