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Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?

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WillieontheRoad

Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« on: May 21, 2018, 07:26:40 pm »
We pick up our new PC 2100 at the end of May and are getting some great advice from all of you forum members.  Earlier we asked a question about boondocking with a PC, and have one more question today...
We chose the 2100 because we think that it will be small enough to go almost anywhere.  We have decided to not pull a tow vehicle and need some more advice from experienced 2100 owners who do not tow.
1)  If you do not tow and have a 2100, what has been your experience parking on city streets, museums, tourist sites and restaurants, etc?
       If there is a 'no RVs sign' does that also mean us in a 21ft 2100?  Should we explain to the owners and ask for permission?
2)  When you break camp for the day, do you take everything (chairs, carpet, grill, etc.) with you or do you feel comfortable leaving these items at your site?
       Have you ever had anyone tamper with your possessions while you are gone?
3)  If you boondock in more remote locations, have you ever had someone occupy your site while you are gone for the day?
       Do you think that a "this site is occupied by ---" sign will help?
Of course any other suggestions  you 2100 owners can give us from your experiences will certainly help these two newbees.  And, of course advice from owners of larger PCs  who do not tow will be appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Alan and Joan
« Last Edit: May 21, 2018, 08:29:22 pm by WillieontheRoad »
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jatrax

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2018, 08:41:28 pm »
We have the 2552 so my experience might differ but anyway:
1) We have parked quite a few places along the street,  we take up about two spaces.  Many (most?) tourist places have "RV Parking" areas if you watch for the signs.  Not always close though so if you have mobility issues that can be a problem.  For restaurants, shopping etc we always park as far away in the lot as possible.  Just being polite to leave the close spots for others.  And to avoid getting boxed in.  If it says "no RV's" we move on.  There might be a good reason for that sign.

2) We never leave anything on the site if we leave.  Others do and have no issues.  But to be honest we don't have all that much to pack up anyway.  I guess it depends on the area.

3) So far that has not been an issue.  But definition of "remote" is "no other people for 50 miles" so your experience might differ.
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dickreid1

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2018, 08:56:40 pm »
Do not tow.  Enjoy your new freedom while ou can.

We had one of early Sprinter RV’s, the Winnebago View.  When we traded it in our 2910D it had 95,000 miles touring all the U.S. and Canada.

We could go almost anyplace... even park in normal auto spots if there was grass at the end so we could back in.  We parked  on the street in front of laundromats and stores if the roadway was wide. We threaded thu some of the darnedest narrow places.  Could get into the small sites in the old national parks built in the 30’s by the CCC.  The places we did not go were marked for no RV travel, either as unwelcome (Walmart) or dangerous (Going to the Sun Road).

This freedom is what we miss the most with our larger RV; no more tight corners or u-turns;  having to search for fuel stations with easy access;  not allowed to enter or having to pay oversized RV fees at some  state parks.   We now tour less and take shorter trips due partly to the burden of the larger vehicle.  We only have 55,000 miles on our PC but used it now two years longer than our small RV.

And this year we started to tow.  What a hassle!  We now look for truck stops for easy access to the pumps. We are always afraid to get into places we can’t get out of.  We drive miles just to find a big enough place to turn around if we miss a turn.  Towing tends to be planting the RV somewhere and doing day trips or a run for supplies. Our touring days are just a memory now.

And yes, we learned to take everything with us if we plan to return to the same site.  Mostly the things missing have been “cleaned up” by a camp host.  Even our “Site Occupied” and “The Reid’s” signs are taken.  We do carry junk chairs to try to make a site look occupied when we go back to the Ranger Station to pay for the site.
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BlueBlaze

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2018, 09:24:25 pm »
We've been struggling with the same issue every since we bought our 2350.  Being without an auxiliary vehicle is a real nuisance, and even though we can usually find parking for the 2350, it's still pretty huge for in-town-type site-seeing.  And you can't just un-hook to run to the store.

I spent a bunch of money outfitting my 4X4 Ford Ranger to tow.  It's fairly light and the covered bed is handy for extra gear.  But I was shocked at how much my fuel mileage dropped -- 10 to 7 mpg.  And the tranny had to downshift just to climb a freeway overpass.  But the worst thing was, the first time I used it, some idiot ran into it!  I was stuck in traffic behind a different wreck, with only one lane getting through.  A guy in the good lane waved me in and then as soon as I passed him, he swerved right into the Ranger.  He didn't realize it was being towed and thought it was some guy behind me trying to take advantage, so he tried to cut him off.  And being in Texas, naturally, he was an illegal and didn't have a drivers license, much less insurance.  The damage was minor -- below my $1000 deductible, but more than I'm willing to fix.  So now I've got this giant paint gouge in my beloved 2008 Ranger.  It kind of soured me on the whole towing idea.  There's just a lot that can go wrong that you don't think about until you try it.

This summer we're taking a trip to Yellowstone, but we're leaving the Ranger behind.  We're taking a couple of electric bikes, but mostly we'll probably have to unhook to do our sight-seeing
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2018, 10:35:20 pm »
Hi Alan and Joan,

We tow a 2006 Jeep Liberty with our 2007 PC2350 E350/V10.  It did take some time to adjust to towing and all the related hooking-up and such.  Actually, it takes a few days on the road before getting real comfortable again.  It is extremely easy to tow when on the open road, but not so in tight conditions.  We find it well worth the hassle given our travel style.  It is great leaving our PC behind at the camp site and get out in the Jeep to enjoy our national parks.  Only one year we left our tow vehicle home of which we dearly missed the freedom.  We have never left it home since.  I should also mention that our 2007 E350/V10 chassis does a great job towing.  I do have heavy duty stabilizers bars, rear trac bar, and steering stabilizer, all making the experience relaxing.  We seem to have worn out our Koni-RV shocks.  I have new HD Bilsteins on the work bench waiting for me to install them.

WITH THAT SAID......

I do think model 2100 is an exception with regards for the need to tow another vehicle.  If we had a 2100, we would try our best to travel without a tow vehicle.  Going solo is what that model has going for it.  I think after an adjustment period, you will feel at peace getting around everywhere with it.  You will soon evaluate parking spots quickly, learning that most will work for you as long as the adjacent cars are parked between their own lines.  You will get efficient at breaking down camp and putting away everything inside before moving the house.

Some people find the handling of a 2100 to be a bit challenging because the wheel base is so short and the rear over-hang is so long.  It likes to drift on the open road because of that.  If that is your experience, plan for the suspension upgrades we did with our PC.  That was so worth the extra expense.  But start out with a good front wheel alignment along with the right tire pressure.  Then move on from there as you feel necessary.

Sorry for drifting off the subject.
« Last Edit: May 21, 2018, 10:52:45 pm by ron.dittmer »
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Joseph

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2018, 10:31:54 am »
To tow or not is really a personal choice. I wouldn’t want to be with out my tow. Once we’re set up in camp I don’t want to batten down the hatches , unhook the water and electric etc every time we go out to see the sites. But it is a personal choice. Just as Reid pointed out they find it a hassle I never do. If I accidentally pulled into a spot I can’t turn around in I can unhook in a matter of two- three minutes and get out of the predicament. It’s never happened to me yet but if it does it’s no stress. But that’s me, everyone is different. We tow a smart car which weighs in at 1800 lbs and I tend to get 8.5 -10 mpg depending on conditions.

As far as the no motorhomes signs. What I’ve found is it means just that, no motorhomes. It’s not always about size, it’s like the no motorcycle signs. Some one or some people have ruined it for others and the neighborhood or community got fed up.
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No

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #6 on: May 22, 2018, 02:42:47 pm »
My brother-in-law has owned a 2552 for 7 years now with no toad. He always says he can go anywhere but a McDonald's drive thru. I likewise abhor the thought of dragging a car around yet still want some alternate transportation so we have a gecko instead of a toad. I found a 2009 Yamaha TW200 for a great price and hung it on the back of our 2552. The bike and carrier weigh about 400 so only 80% of the hitch's capacity. I'll try to attach a picture. The tie down straps have since been tidied up, and I added turn signals because the big honking tires on the t-dub block the tail lights.First trip with the gecko will be in June!
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WillieontheRoad

Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #7 on: May 22, 2018, 07:05:42 pm »
Thanks to everyone who answered our post question about not towing with a PC2100.
We feel even more confident now that we have made the right decision to purchase a 2100 and to not tow with our new Phoenix Cruiser.
See you on the road.
Thanks again,
Alan and Joan
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RheaNL

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2018, 11:24:00 am »
     We have the 2100 (5 years) and do not tow. We’ve had a handicap sticker last 2 years which really makes it easy but before that little trouble maneuvering and parking in cities. As someone else said, if you can find a spot to back into where there is space to hang the tail over grass or gravel, keeps the front from sticking out. The problems come when someone parks very tight next to you. Then very tricky getting out. One time could not get out. We usually try to get a spot at end of row.
     We go a lot of places that say no RVs. 2100 is no bigger than a van or monster truck and we’ve  never had a problem. If it is posted no largeor oversized vehicles then we obey. Also have encountered roads swing not over 20 feet which we also obey even though we are just a foot longer.
      Ron and others have suggested upgrading the suspension. I think it is a “must do” on the 2100. Especially if you are going to be on bumpy roads.
     When somewhere for multiple days, we rent a car. Amazing how easily Rentals can be found in areas that seem remote. Only time we couldn’t get a rental that would work is Big Bend National Park. We live in Colorado Rockies so lots of camping close to home. When 4 hours or less we wil drive our Jeep separately.
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CalCruiser

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #9 on: May 23, 2018, 12:31:21 pm »
We have  a 2350 and have no need or desire for a toad. Uber and Lyft go anywhere  there is  cell phone coverage. From Memorial day to Labor day many of  our state and national parks have shuttle busses to get around. We have a heavy duty  Thule bike carrier  on the receiver hitch and will  be replacing our bicycles with lightweight e-bikes at some point..

Keep in mind that  many states have a 55 mph towing speed limit  >:(

« Last Edit: May 23, 2018, 01:17:30 pm by CalCruiser »
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jatrax

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #10 on: May 23, 2018, 12:44:08 pm »
I saw those signs in California and tried to obey.  But everyone else towing was going 65-70 and the 18 wheelers faster than that.  Thankfully we were only in California for two days.

And they spent a fortune on all those signs that everyone was ignoring.  Seemed like they had a new one posted every two miles................... roflol
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #11 on: May 23, 2018, 12:53:16 pm »
Quote from: CalCruiser on May 23, 2018, 12:31:21 pm
Keep in mind that many states have a 55 mph towing speed limit  >:(
Yes indeed.

I generally set the cruise control 5 mph over the posted speed limit for towing, and of coarse drive in the slow lane.  Even though our PC can really "haul" it, I never exceed a cruising speed above 70 mph.  As far as fuel economy is concerned, I have accurately tracked trip-averages on multiple trips, both towing and not towing.  Not towing, we average 10.5 mpg.  Towing the Jeep Liberty, we average between 9.2 and 9.5 mpg.  That considers our speed limits, and starting out from the Chicago area heading out west and back, so much of our miles are driven on the flats.
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Joseph

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #12 on: May 24, 2018, 10:53:42 am »
My mileage towing changes very little but the car is not heavy.  I doubt any of us worry about the difference in 9 or 10 mpg or we wouldn’t have bought a motorhome.  We need our tow on every trip. Lyft or shuttles won’t cut it and often are not available. IE, we camped for a week at two harbors Minnesota on Lake Superior. Every day we went out exploring finding new places to hike, light houses to visit etc. most days we drove 100-150 miles in the car, some days more. Many places the parking would have been darn tough to find had we brought the PC, but not the case in a tow.  Had we not had a tow we would have needed to roll up everything every time we headed out, not been able to see as many places and if one wants to consider mileage the smart pulled 45 mpg on those back roads.

Everyone travels differently. For us the PC is a B&B on wheels and we don’t wish to spend the day in our room. Others live in the unit months at a time and you have those that the pc is their cabin in the woods. It’s all good, pick your pleasure.
« Last Edit: May 24, 2018, 10:55:45 am by Joseph »
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #13 on: May 24, 2018, 09:57:48 pm »
Quote from: Joseph on May 24, 2018, 10:53:42 am
I doubt any of us worry about the difference in 9 or 10 mpg or we wouldn’t have bought a motor home.
You are right about that.

Still I like to know what my fuel economy is and do what I can (within reason) in my driving to improve efficiency.  My ScanGauge-II can display 4 different bits of information in real time.  There is much information I can choose to display.  One of the 4 things I like to display is the Throttle Position Sensor.  The readout is a 1 to 2 digit number that would typically be useful in diagnosing engine problems.  I will occasionally glance at that reading which tells me how far down I am pressing the gas pedal.  There are many times I won't realize how far down I have the gas pedal.  If I am cruising along and notice the number real high, I back off the gas a bit, drop my speed a few mph, and watch the number drop dramatically which improves my fuel efficiency.  The read-out helps me driver "smarter" than I could otherwise do without that real-time information.

It also injects some entertainment to what can sometimes be a very mundane activity.
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jatrax

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Re: Deciding to not Tow with a 2100?
« Reply #14 on: May 25, 2018, 10:08:08 am »
Ron, I have the Ultra Gauge instead of the Scan Gauge but they work the same.  I was wondering what you display on yours?

I have:
RPM
Ambient temp
current fuel mileage
Transmission temp
Radiator temp
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