What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #30 on: December 26, 2017, 10:14:32 am »

Quote from: Dave on December 25, 2017, 06:35:02 pm

well, the polishing paste and drill motor and the mess was too much for me. We had coated aluminum wheels on one rig but it helped however it didn’t shine like the others. It just seemed like a chore that wasn’t worth the effort.

I assume the Alcoa wheels being of premium quality, are clear coated like typical automobile wheels. Before I purchase, I will have to call Alcoa to make sure their wheels are done so. I surely don't want to add more "fuss" to my PC's maintenance.

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

Volkemon

1061
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
PurchDate: October 31, 2017
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2006
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IntColor: Light Maple
ExtColor: White
Location: Space Coast Florida

Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #31 on: December 26, 2017, 12:14:59 pm »

Stored inside, and with your incredible diligence, you may have a great life on the clear coat.

I store outside, so I would never expect 10 year old aluminum alloy wheels to look as brilliant as the shine on my 10 year old polished stainless hubcaps. I expect the shine on the hubcaps to last the life of the coach.

Is there a significant weight savings going to the aluminum rim?

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""You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6"" Forum Member Joseph

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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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #32 on: December 26, 2017, 03:26:40 pm »

Quote from: Volkemon on December 26, 2017, 12:14:59 pm

Stored inside, and with your incredible diligence, you may have a great life on the clear coat.

I store outside, so I would never expect 10 year old aluminum alloy wheels to look as brilliant as the shine on my 10 year old polished stainless hubcaps. I expect the shine on the hubcaps to last the life of the coach.

Is there a significant weight savings going to the aluminum rim?

You ask an interesting question about the weight of alloy versus steel. In-general with sporty-type vehicles, there is an unsprung weight savings with alloy which translates to improved ride and handling. The increased spin-true precision is another advantage. But when working with the 11,000 to 14,000 pounds of a motor home that cruises between 55 and 70 mph, I doubt any such advantage will mean much.

« Last Edit: December 26, 2017, 03:32:28 pm by ron.dittmer »

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

Volkemon

1061
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
PurchDate: October 31, 2017
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2006
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Light Maple
ExtColor: White
Location: Space Coast Florida

Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #33 on: December 26, 2017, 04:46:36 pm »

Quote from: ron.dittmer on December 26, 2017, 03:26:40 pm

Quote from: Volkemon on December 26, 2017, 12:14:59 pm
Stored inside, and with your incredible diligence, you may have a great life on the clear coat.

I store outside, so I would never expect 10 year old aluminum alloy wheels to look as brilliant as the shine on my 10 year old polished stainless hubcaps. I expect the shine on the hubcaps to last the life of the coach.

Is there a significant weight savings going to the aluminum rim?

You ask an interesting question about the weight of alloy versus steel. In-general with sporty-type vehicles, there is an unsprung weight savings with alloy which translates to improved ride and handling. The increased spin-true precision is another advantage. But when working with the 11,000 to 14,000 pounds of a motor home that cruises between 55 and 70 mph, I doubt any such advantage will mean much.

M'ok! I am familiar with the "7:1" sprung vs unsprung weight camp, and assumed you were going aluminum for the weight savings.

As nice as the SS hubcaps clean up and look, I would be hard pressed to find good reason to switch to aluminum. Unless they were some awesome billet pattern I just couldnt live without.. that HAS happened.

On my 2006, the front wheel is 'hub centered', and the lug nuts only hold it on. I have had several 'invigorating' experiences removing aluminum wheels (from iron hubs) with this system on other trucks.

Be sure to 'dope up' that area well with anti seize when fitting the aluminum wheels. Or possibly the Aluminum wheels are lug-centered. Dunno.

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""You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6"" Forum Member Joseph

WORD.

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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #34 on: December 26, 2017, 05:00:18 pm »

Quote from: Volkemon on December 26, 2017, 04:46:36 pm

Quote from: ron.dittmer on December 26, 2017, 03:26:40 pm
Quote from: Volkemon on December 26, 2017, 12:14:59 pm
Stored inside, and with your incredible diligence, you may have a great life on the clear coat.

I store outside, so I would never expect 10 year old aluminum alloy wheels to look as brilliant as the shine on my 10 year old polished stainless hubcaps. I expect the shine on the hubcaps to last the life of the coach.

Is there a significant weight savings going to the aluminum rim?

You ask an interesting question about the weight of alloy versus steel. In-general with sporty-type vehicles, there is an unsprung weight savings with alloy which translates to improved ride and handling. The increased spin-true precision is another advantage. But when working with the 11,000 to 14,000 pounds of a motor home that cruises between 55 and 70 mph, I doubt any such advantage will mean much.

M'ok! I am familiar with the "7:1" sprung vs unsprung weight camp, and assumed you were going aluminum for the weight savings.

As nice as the SS hubcaps clean up and look, I would be hard pressed to find good reason to switch to aluminum. Unless they were some awesome billet pattern I just couldnt live without.. that HAS happened.

On my 2006, the front wheel is 'hub centered', and the lug nuts only hold it on. I have had several 'invigorating' experiences removing aluminum wheels (from iron hubs) with this system on other trucks. Be sure to 'dope up' that area well with anti seize when fitting the aluminum wheels. Or possibly the Aluminum wheels are lug-centered. Dunno.

I know all about anti-seize on alloys and hubs.....would surely do so. Thank you for the reminder.

The more I think about the Alcoa wheels, the more I am attracted to the idea of getting them. We will see what I decide when there is no more time for thinking.

« Last Edit: January 02, 2018, 05:40:53 pm by ron.dittmer »

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #35 on: January 02, 2018, 05:46:37 pm »

Quote from: Volkemon on December 26, 2017, 04:58:34 am

Quote from: ron.dittmer on December 24, 2017, 11:32:55 am
Starting late 2006, Phoenix went from one house battery to two and added a whole house inverter supplying 110V throughout the coach when dry camping. That is where the two batteries are mounted. Click HERE and also HERE to see some pictures of the battery compartment. Late 2006 to current day, it's like that.

Well isnt THAT nice.

I had read of you having 6V deep cells, and i 'assumed' they both fit tight in the compartment that houses the current 12V (in my coach).

Thanks!

I wonder if Phoenix could retro-fit your 2006 to include the current-day battery compartment. I understand the basic 2350 is unchanged. If you consider it, take a look behind that panel and see if there is anything mounted behind it of which might interfere with the retro-fit. The retro-fit might be affordable, especially if you leave out the whole house inverter.

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

Volkemon

1061
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
PurchDate: October 31, 2017
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2006
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Light Maple
ExtColor: White
Location: Space Coast Florida

Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #36 on: January 08, 2018, 10:16:59 am »

Hi Ron!

Sorry for the late reply, festival camping and the holidays have had me 'all-out'.

There IS a big empty space where your batteries are located.

But I was hoping to fit something else there.

Forward of the side door is a larger empty volume that I am looking at maybe mounting batteries. It would be a great place for them... low down and much closer to the front. I happen to have a spare 2000w inverter, so 'house inverter' is not out of the question. We plan on ripping out the carpet anyway, so things will be MUCH easier to see then.

We 'boondocked' for the festival (5 days) and just running the 'frige we had to start the generator every day to charge the battery. It lasts almost 3 days until too weak to start the generator.

So we ran the generator an hour a day as insurance. The coach battery is a newer (2016) group 31 truck battery, but NOT a deep cycle. Unfortunately the compartment for the group 31 is in is VERY tight to try to fit (2) 6V golf cart batteries. (plus the compartment is not vented... thought that was a must..) I may try anyway. Probably just get a deep cycle group 31 for now.

BUT... to try to get back on topic..

I would consider the twin 6V deep cycle a MUST HAVE on the RV.

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""You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6"" Forum Member Joseph

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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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #37 on: January 08, 2018, 12:56:31 pm »

The battery compartment in our location has a direct channel to the power distribution area by the fridge. Keep that in-mind if placing your batteries forward of the main entry door. Make sure you can safely run the two battery cables around the step and over the exhaust heat shield to the other side.

Having the batteries where you are considering would improve weight distribution, especially when considering where your fresh water tank is. Like our 2007-2350, it is in the worst possible place, directly over the rear bumper and butted against the passenger side wall. But having the tank there does give us both a huge outdoor storage compartment. I don't know any other PC model (current or past) with an outdoor storage compartment that both Irene and I can fit inside. Everything has it's trade-offs.

Good luck placing your twin batteries forward of the entry door. If you decide to attack it, I'd love to see the results.

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

TomHanlon

Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #38 on: January 08, 2018, 01:23:54 pm »

Are you guys getting off topic?

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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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #39 on: January 08, 2018, 04:34:44 pm »

Quote from: TomHanlon on January 08, 2018, 01:23:54 pm

Are you guys getting off topic?

Oops...

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

jatrax

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John and Carrie
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Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #40 on: January 09, 2018, 12:27:03 am »

Quote

Are you guys getting off topic? Grin

It's actually a good subject but will be lost in this thread. Wish we had the ability to pull posts out and move them to a new thread.

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Volkemon

1061
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
PurchDate: October 31, 2017
Model: 2350 Ford
ModelYear: 2006
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Light Maple
ExtColor: White
Location: Space Coast Florida

Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #41 on: January 09, 2018, 08:48:41 am »

Quote from: jatrax on January 09, 2018, 12:27:03 am

Quote
Are you guys getting off topic? Grin
It's actually a good subject but will be lost in this thread. Wish we had the ability to pull posts out and move them to a new thread.

Done.

http://forum.phoenixusarv.com/index.php/topic,3012.0.html

We now return to the thread already in progress.

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""You want to save money on travel, drive a Prius and stay at motel 6"" Forum Member Joseph

WORD.

ErinS

41
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Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #42 on: January 09, 2018, 09:12:54 pm »

My new 2552 is currently being built. I sought my dad’s advise in the process of ordering. He highly recommended I add the surge protector and Lifeline AGM batteries for their quick recovery and being maintenance free. I will be traveling solo most of the time so having leveling jacks were important to me.

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gandalf42

221
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Re: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #43 on: January 19, 2018, 11:30:54 am »

FYI, on my 2017 2552 they could fit 2 Lifeline GPL-6CT 6V 300AH batteries in the battery compartment but need to be laid on their side to do so.

One thing I would add (in retrospect) is an accumulator tank. The water pump is right behind the screen on the passenger side and if you have someone that gets up at night the water pump will wake you up as it is loud and only a couple of feet from your head.

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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: What do you consider a MUST for a Phoenix Cruiser

« Reply #44 on: January 19, 2018, 02:57:50 pm »

I agree with gandalf42. An accumulator tank was a great addition to our PC. I installed our tank 9 years ago. If there is room, request a 2 gallon tank. That is our size which runs the pump at logical intervals. The pump runs very quiet because the 2 gallon tank dampens the vibrations from the pump to the pipes.

« Last Edit: January 19, 2018, 03:00:26 pm by ron.dittmer »

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer