2551 or 2552...Thoughts?

Hello from Northern Minnesota!

We are continuing to research PC and, thanks to Wayne and Diane in the Twin Cities area, I had the opportunity to see a 2552...and drive it, too.  I also had a chance to have a lengthy conversation with Mike (Colorado) who also owns a 2552.  These discussions were extremely helpful and we have begun to change our thoughts since we plan to use the PC for touring the southern U.S. during the winter months (2-3 month trips).  Though originally looking at the 2350/51 to minimize length, my wife and I are seriously beginning to look more in the direction of the longer coach due to the twin bed/king set-up and bath layout.  After poring over the forum and talking to three PC owners (plus Earl @ PC), here are our initial thoughts and general features we think make sense for us.  We look forward to your helpful comments to help us fine-tune our decisions. 

2551/2552:  No slide, Solar (possibly aftermarket), Full Paint (w/o swirls), Insulated Glass, 15k AC w/heat pump, Safe-T-Plus, Back Up Monitor, Dual Recliners, Spare Tire, Awning, Surge Protector, AGM Batteries, 2000w Pure Sine Inverter....plus many customized tweaks picked up from the forum.

Items we are considering and especially need your advice on:  Compressor or 3-way Refrigerator, Leveling Jacks or blocks, Power Driver Seat or Swivel (I will likely be the only one driving) and Euro Chair/No Euro Chair.  The slide/no slide option is likely still up for discussion, too, if you have thoughts on that front.

We would also strongly consider a used but "like new" coach with similar features...in case you have one for sale

Thanks in advance for any recommendations!

Wayne

Hi Wayne,

It appears you are down to the nitty-gritty on a 2552 (maybe a 2551).  Good for you.

Unless you are real socialites holding parties inside your PC, having two recliners where a dinette or couch would go, seems to me that it is redundant to have a Euro chair and a swivel driver seat.  Having a swivel passenger seat is nice when having a drop-in guest for conversation.  If you want accommodations for two visitors, then get the Euro or a bolted-down seat-belted matching captain seat.

I personally value our 6-way power adjustable driver seat for long days of driving.  Changing my position in the seat utilizing such adjustments is something I appreciate.  One thing I would make sure both driver and passenger seats have, is the manual dial lumbar support.  Maybe current-day seats come with lumbar adjustment by default.  Maybe even electrically adjustable.  That is something to ask Phoenix about.

A few people here have a swivel front TV so you can watch TV from the couch area much better.  Think about that one for your two recliners.

Assuming you are planning on individual recliners like captain chairs for example......Having a slide out will confine your recliners side-to-side much more than a no-slide, but you will likely need the slide out to fully recline.  That will be a trade-off to consider.  I suggest you consider NOT getting the pantry on the driver side to have more wall space for a bigger flip-up table in between the recliners, slide-out or not.

I agree about the AGM batteries.  Just be sure to get a pair of 6 volt AGMs, not 12 volt for the 6 volt perform better together.

About the matter of sleeping arrangements.  That is a personal thing.  You mentioned King Size bed so it sounds like you will set up and tear down the bed on a daily basis so you can walk to your bathroom during the day.  Just maybe you can squeak around it or crawl over it instead of messing with it twice daily.  I think jatrax has the 2552 with King Size bed and could provide good detail on how it's working.

Ron Dittmer

I would consider a battery monitor essential..something that provides an idea of % of battery charge left. You never want to drop below 50% as that will shorten the life of lead acid batteries. A monitor lets you know when you need to do something..lower usage, charge,.. Sometimes this ability comes with the solar charger as a part of the solar system, but not always.

The slide/no slide and euro/no euro may be tied together as without a slide you have limited space and options where to put the euro chair whenever you use the couch as a bed, and possible when used as a recliner. Be sure and visualize the different ways you want to use the furniture and space.

Trying to come up with the perfect list is exciting and challenging. Enjoy!  

Thanks for the thoughtful replies, Ron and Mike. 

We did ask Earl about the dual recliners fully reclining into a bed w/o a slide.  Only the front one will...which is fine in the event we have a grandchild visiting.  Regarding the battery monitor....absolutely, yes!  My sense is we may use the twin beds but at least have the option for a larger sleep area (can't imagine climbing over a king to get to the bathroom on a regular basis!).  It appears that a visit to the factory needs to happen to fully understand our options - especially the one's that are determined by comfort as well as what can and cannot be done (i.e. Euro Chair/Power seat).

So appreciated...
Wayne

I had a 2551, now a 2552, which is much better
Love the room a slide gives you
I agree with Power management and get a Bogart monitor.
Why the pure sine? Most devices work fine with the standard inverter.
I don't see need for jacks or safe-t-plus
I like the power seat, I like the 3rd chair with a seat belt.
Never had problem with 2-way fridge, 12v uses too much battery.
Big yes for spare tire, love the big standard electric awning.
Solar, anytime is OK, but don't put antenna in front, makes more room. See my picture below.

I had a 2551, now a 2552, which is much better
Love the room a slide gives you
I agree with Power management and get a Bogart monitor.
Why the pure sine? Most devices work fine with the standard inverter.
I don't see need for jacks or safe-t-plus
I like the power seat, I like the 3rd chair with a seat belt.
Never had problem with 2-way fridge, 12v uses too much battery.
Big yes for spare tire, love the big standard electric awning.
Solar, anytime is OK, but don't put antenna in front, makes more room. See my picture below.

I bought a used 2011 model 2552. it doesn't have jacks but I wish it did. I had a safe-tee plus installed along with other suspension upgrades .

Thanks, PawPaw and Keelhauler.  Good input that I'm keeping in my "In Box" file for future reference.

So appreciate all the input and recommendations so far!  Additional thoughts are welcomed....

Wayne

We are scheduled to pick up our new 2552 on August 2nd. Will be trading in our 2016 2351. We had the double recliner/bed option in the 2351 and continued it in the 2552 with a slide. We wouldn't own an RV without a slide. We had a Born Free no slide and when spending the winter in the south, the extra room, or lack of,  is very noticeable. We had power jacks on the 2351 and ordered them on the new one. Ever try to level an RV in the rain or at night. When the DW complains that the eggs slide to one side of the pan, you don't have to start up, back up, reblock, and pull ahead. Just touch a switch and ask "How's that Dear". As mentioned, the power awning is great. Ever left the awning out at night, the wind comes up and the awning starts flapping. You get up and start to fold up the manual awning and it starts to rain. The battery monitor is a good idea. The dinky light is barely better than nothing. PC did away with the spare tire as standard.  I had two flats on our first trip out due to the bad valve extenders. I ordered the 2552 with spare tire ($750) The swivel passenger seat which we use some, but not often. If you want to read and the DW wants to watch "The  Wheel", the TV is right above you. I end up lying on the bed to read. We bought a small folding table to eat on which we can take outside while sitting under the awning. The PC table is nice and can also be used. Double pane windows help keep the unit cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and quieter  A must have IMHO. We also had the dash radio wired to the coach so we can listen to satellite radio while parked. If you get the slide, put an awning over the slide window. Keeps the sun out during the hot summers. When you get near ordering time, spend some time with Earl. He is all knowing, can give very good advise and suggestions, and is very low key and not at all pushy. You can walk around the plant and ask questions. Hope this helps.

We are scheduled to pick up our new 2552 on August 2nd. Will be trading in our 2016 2351. We had the double recliner/bed option in the 2351 and continued it in the 2552 with a slide. We wouldn't own an RV without a slide. We had a Born Free no slide and when spending the winter in the south, the extra room, or lack of,  is very noticeable. We had power jacks on the 2351 and ordered them on the new one. Ever try to level an RV in the rain or at night. When the DW complains that the eggs slide to one side of the pan, you don't have to start up, back up, reblock, and pull ahead. Just touch a switch and ask "How's that Dear". As mentioned, the power awning is great. Ever left the awning out at night, the wind comes up and the awning starts flapping. You get up and start to fold up the manual awning and it starts to rain. The battery monitor is a good idea. The dinky light is barely better than nothing. PC did away with the spare tire as standard.  I had two flats on our first trip out due to the bad valve extenders. I ordered the 2552 with spare tire ($750) The swivel passenger seat which we use some, but not often. If you want to read and the DW wants to watch "The  Wheel", the TV is right above you. I end up lying on the bed to read. We bought a small folding table to eat on which we can take outside while sitting under the awning. The PC table is nice and can also be used. Double pane windows help keep the unit cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and quieter  A must have IMHO. We also had the dash radio wired to the coach so we can listen to satellite radio while parked. If you get the slide, put an awning over the slide window. Keeps the sun out during the hot summers. When you get near ordering time, spend some time with Earl. He is all knowing, can give very good advise and suggestions, and is very low key and not at all pushy. You can walk around the plant and ask questions. Hope this helps.

I loved reading through your comments.....very interesting & informative. 

Wayne7.....Ron-n-Toni is right on the money with his opinions.  Having had two PC's (2551S, 3100S)  I echo what he has said so nicely.  Jacks are a no brainer...get them, if PC will put the automatic jacks on (Equalizer or HWH) get them, one button and all the work is done for you.  A slide is a necessity, get one period, a slide opens the coach up so much and the room will be greatly appreciated.  One of my PC's had insulated glass and my last one (3100) did not, get them they are worth it just for the elimination of some road noise.  I ordered two power seats since I find turning them is a PITA and having my wife able to really adjust her seat was worth the money. The only other suggestion I might make is to see if additional insulation can be placed in strategic places within the coach such as the cab floor boards, the front cap area, the wings, etc.   All of the other "stuff" you might select is your call.  Best of luck with your search, go as large as your budget can stand for you will never regret the extra living space a longer coach gives you.  I love my 36'10" of space in my new coach!   Ron G.

Ragoodsp and Ron-N-Toni....what great comments and food for thought - Thank You.  I initially thought of the leveling jacks as a luxury item but so many people seem to really love them for their convenience that they need additional consideration (and $).  Regarding the slide, I remember reading a poll on this forum and it was 12-2 in favor of slides...so people clearly like them.  I also remember a more recent thread talking about the new slide and some water issues.  This will be one item that I'll need to compare at the factory and also determine if the issues have been resolved.

Thanks again for weighing in with your recommendations based on your RVing experience.

Wayne

We started out looking at Roadtrek and Airstream 22' vans because we wanted a "touring" coach.  It did not take long for the 22' to grow to 24' then 28'.  After a lot of research we felt the 2552 was as small as we could live in and as large as we wanted to drive.

- Slide? Absolutely yes, would not be without it.  Makes a huge difference.
- Safe-T-Plus? Absolutely yes.  Somewhere here is my post describing my trip home from the factory without a Safe-T-Plus.  Nearly wore me out, miserable to drive.  With the Safe-T-Plus it is just like a big pickup.
- We have a compressor refrigerator and are very happy with it.  Norcold DE-0061.  However, be aware that if you go that route the installation is different than PC usually does.  They did not do mine right and I had to fix it.  PM me if you want the details.  It is in regards to how it is vented.  Compressor units are very different from absorption.
- Solar.  Yes, but I would suggest getting it done at a reliable solar installer.  Maybe have PC prewire or run conduit and a combiner box to the roof.
- Leveling Jacks?  Absolutely yes.  I love backing in, hitting a couple buttons and done.  If you are tight on budget I would consider leaving these off as they are not cheap, but I would not be without mine.
- Full paint? Yes.
- Backup monitor? Absolutely yes.  Had ours installed in place of the rearview mirror since it doesn't show anything anyway.
- Insulated glass? Yes.
- Awning?  Maybe.  We thought it would be essential but it is the least used option.  But we are not usually staying at the campground, just parked there and then hiking or sightseeing with the Jeep.
- We had them take out the driver's side bed and replace it with a small dinette.  The passenger side bed is larger than standard and with the power bed option rolls out to a full size at night still leaving room to squeeze by to the bathroom.  During the day it rolls back in and there is a full aisle and plenty of room for the dinette which we also use as an office worktable.  There is a post here with pictures, let me know if interested and I'll look it up for you.  This arrangement gives us a decent size bed, a small dinette and the couch up front, all in a 28' 2552.  

I thought you were talking about us for a second. We are Diane and Wayne and I lived in the twin cities for 12 years.
We will be picking up our 2552 in a couple of weeks. We are downsizing from a 34 ft. Class A.
We went with the slide and sofa. Wouldn't consider no slide. Doing fabric on the sofa due to cats with claws.
Instead of the euro chair we ordered the cabinet like in the 3100. We purchased a neat looking butterfly chair from Target for an extra seat. It folds up for easy storage and is very light even though it's wood.
Ordered two AC units. Eliminated the vent in bedroom and put the power fans with covers in the kitchen and bathroom. 50 amp as required.
Jacks a must. Wish we had known to consider the auto like we have now.
Had an outlet added by the stove wall minus the mirror.
Toilet sprayer. Back up camera (of course). Insulated windows.
Earl and Kyle are great to work with. We have had photos weekly and prompt answers to any concerns.
I will probably have better input in a few weeks. Hopefully no regrets!

We are scheduled to pick up our new 2552 on August 2nd. Will be trading in our 2016 2351. We had the double recliner/bed option in the 2351 and continued it in the 2552 with a slide. We wouldn't own an RV without a slide. We had a Born Free no slide and when spending the winter in the south, the extra room, or lack of,  is very noticeable. We had power jacks on the 2351 and ordered them on the new one. Ever try to level an RV in the rain or at night. When the DW complains that the eggs slide to one side of the pan, you don't have to start up, back up, reblock, and pull ahead. Just touch a switch and ask "How's that Dear". As mentioned, the power awning is great. Ever left the awning out at night, the wind comes up and the awning starts flapping. You get up and start to fold up the manual awning and it starts to rain. The battery monitor is a good idea. The dinky light is barely better than nothing. PC did away with the spare tire as standard.  I had two flats on our first trip out due to the bad valve extenders. I ordered the 2552 with spare tire ($750) The swivel passenger seat which we use some, but not often. If you want to read and the DW wants to watch "The  Wheel", the TV is right above you. I end up lying on the bed to read. We bought a small folding table to eat on which we can take outside while sitting under the awning. The PC table is nice and can also be used. Double pane windows help keep the unit cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and quieter  A must have IMHO. We also had the dash radio wired to the coach so we can listen to satellite radio while parked. If you get the slide, put an awning over the slide window. Keeps the sun out during the hot summers. When you get near ordering time, spend some time with Earl. He is all knowing, can give very good advise and suggestions, and is very low key and not at all pushy. You can walk around the plant and ask questions. Hope this helps.

Are you going to the PC Rally in Oregon in September?

Hi Wayne,

I wanted to comment about the hydraulic jacks.  When we ordered our PC 10 years ago, we were not certain which way to go.  Since the jacks are installed after the rig is 100% complete, that meant we could have the jacks installed anytime.  So to control our purchase price, we decided not to get them.  It's been 10 years and there has been times I wished we had them, and times I am glad we don't.  It's about convenience versus "mechanical simplicity" of the rig along with the added weight.  They weigh roughly as much as one slide out.

One thing to keep in-mind that the jacks cannot adjust more than a certain amount of inches and it's not a lot.  Also keep in-mind that if the parking pad is more then so many inches sloped, you are not supposed to use the jacks at all because the jacks can pivot and the rig would then wildly move off them.  I hope someone with a jack manual will read up and chime in with the numbers.  So when you want to use the jacks most as we do in various government agency campgrounds, you cannot use them.

I also read now and then on multiple RV forums that jacks have been finicky for some owners.  It might have to do with required regular maintenance.

With that said, if Phoenix held a raffle and I won jacks, I would be there the next morning to get them installed.  So there you have my oxymoron reply.