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Options qustions...

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
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  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #30 on: March 13, 2019, 10:13:34 pm »
Mike: Yet again I am impressed and very appreciative of your well thought out and detailed response.
My comments added below.

OK Jim,

--Mirror w/Compass.  Didn't buy this $300+ option since you can't see behind the coach with the mirror anyway (and I have a compass heading on my Garmin GPS).  I assumed this would mean there would be no rear view mirror at all--but one is installed--just no compass heading in it.  I'm fine with that. Ok, just moved that into the NO column.
About the compass and outside temperature center mirror.  For years I thought I made a mistake by not getting that option.  That was until I took down the generic center mirror and installed the rear view monitor in it's place.  This was one of my better ideas.  For our older 2007 chassis, the Scan Gauge-II is handy.  You can see it sitting on top of the monitor.  We are both very pleased in how it well it has been working for us.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2019, 10:20:03 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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jim.godfrey

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #31 on: March 13, 2019, 10:17:38 pm »
Interesting Mike.

More thoughts on Jim's list.
- Not sure if you deleting the slide out or modifying the configuration within the slide out. Not deleting the slide. Based on the online pricing tool, the 2552 comes standard with slide and dinette. so I selected the option to change the dinette to the sofa and pantry. This is actually a price reduction option.
- 6V AGM batteries are $500 above and beyond conventional 6V batteries?  At that price it seems no credit was given to the conventional batteries.  I would opt for conventional technology, get whatever years you can from them, then replace them with Duracal AGM 6V batteries from Costco for $350 for the pair.  That is a $350 savings.  Spend the $350 on something else for your PC.
- What shades come if not getting Magna shades?  I thought Magna was standard. I believe Magna Shade (not MCD) is an option that provides a cover on the outside of the windshield and side windows that is held on by magnets. Don't think I'll need them but if I do they are available directly from the Magna Shade company and look fairly easy to install.
- Water accumulator tank.  I installed a Home Depot 2 gallon tank and love it, love, it, love it.  I highly recommend the stainless 2 gallon tank version with feet.  Spend some of the $350 battery savings on that one. I Will!  2o2
- Thicker marine plywood, most certainly.  It seems a lot though, but would still get it.  I wonder why they went thinner? That price was just my guess and now that you mention it it does seem very high.
- Get the biggest awning you can.  Bigger is better.
- Ask about fabric-matching upholstered zippered mattress covers making them look more like couch cushions instead of mattresses. Interesting, I'll talk to Marge about this. Thanks
Here is ours that matches the material on the dinette.

- This one bothered me (and still does) with our 2007 PC.  Our bedroom curtains and headboard do not match our living area.  I would ask so you know what to expect.  CLICK HERE and go through my interior pictures and notice the differences.  I don't know what Phoenix was thinking.  I would have loved to have our PC finished the same throughout.  It's not so big to be decorating rooms differently.  I feel it's like having the family sedan with mismatched front and back seats. Thanks for mentioning this. We will certainly take a closer look and clarify with PC.

Here is the 2 gallon accumulator tank I like.  It actually holds 0.7 gallons of water.  The rest is compressed air for water pressure.  They used to be found much cheaper.  The lowest I found just now is HERE for $139.  If the compartment in your PC for it has "height" mount the pump on top of it which would have been ideal for our PC.


Here is the "Home Depot equivalent" accumulator I installed in 2008.  It has never given us trouble, only nice consistent water pressure, good pump cycling, and quiet pump operation.


Here it is shrouded for protection against stuff being in the outdoor compartment under our rear corner double bed.


Appreciate all the details and pics Ron. This forum is making PC shopping a lot of fun. Now I've just got to pry open my wallet and order one!  tymote

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jim.godfrey

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #32 on: March 13, 2019, 10:22:10 pm »
Mike: Yet again I am impressed and very appreciative of your well thought out and detailed response.
My comments added below.

OK Jim,

--Mirror w/Compass.  Didn't buy this $300+ option since you can't see behind the coach with the mirror anyway (and I have a compass heading on my Garmin GPS).  I assumed this would mean there would be no rear view mirror at all--but one is installed--just no compass heading in it.  I'm fine with that. Ok, just moved that into the NO column.
About the compass and outside temperature center mirror.  For years I thought I made a mistake by not getting it.  That was until I took down the generic center mirror and installed the rear view monitor in it's place.  This was one of my better ideas.  For our older 2007 chassis, the Scan Gauge-II is handy.  You can see it sitting on top of the monitor.  We are both very pleased in how it well it has been working for us.

That looks like a nice setup. What rear view monitor is that? The buttons on the side make me think it might be a multi input. If so, have you connected anything besides the rear view camera to it?

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
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  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #33 on: March 13, 2019, 10:30:01 pm »
Yes it is a monitor that could do more, but doing enough already.  The brand is one I never heard of before and it escapes me at the moment.  It is a small 5" size.  All I can say is that it works.

The back-up monitor system used to have sound but that feature stopped working maybe 6 or 7 years ago.  It was real nice to hear my wife give me verbal instruction when backing up, especially in the dark.  I tried numerous times to talk with Kermit and the manufacture of the system to figure out where the mic was located thinking maybe a spider plugged the hole, but I never heard back from anyone, nor ever found the mic on the unit in-back.  The sound up front on the monitor works because when I raise the volume, I still hear the normal "hisss" as it gets louder and louder.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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mikeh

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #34 on: March 14, 2019, 01:13:58 pm »

--Backup Monitor.  Phoenix spec sheet said it was a "Sony Monitor".  Unit installed in mine turned out to be a Boyo 7-inch monitor manufactured by Vision Tech America.  Seems to be OK; yes, it can be run continuously. I took a look at the Boyo on Crutchfield and they look like a quality unit. Does yours have multi-input capability?

--Awning.  Believe your listing is the regular awning option for the 2552.  My build sheet from Phoenix lists only the 18-foot awning as the option for the 2552 (the 17-foot is listed as the option for the 2551).  There is the second option for the wind sensor and remote control. ok, didn't realize an awning was an option. And thought the standard was 17'. Thought maybe the 18' listed on the pricing tool was some kind of longer, upgraded option. So I have to pay that option if i want any awning?
     

Jim, I believe I owe you answers on the above two questions:

--The rear-view  monitor that Phoenix installed is the Boyo model VTM7000S.  It has the primary rear camera connection, and connectors for two additional video sources.  The video source is selectable by a button on the screen or by the included remote.  Can't find identification on the rear camera, but it looks just like the current Boyo VTB301C, except it apparently includes a microphone.

--Regarding the awning, you are correct.  There isn't a "standard" awning on the PC's; each model has an optional awning, the length which is determined by the length of the coach.  On the 2552, that's an 18-foot unit.

Hope you're making progress on your specifications,                Mike

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jim.godfrey

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  • Location: South of Boston MA
Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #35 on: March 17, 2019, 08:42:48 pm »
Hello Folks: Been dreaming about a new PC again and working my spreadsheet for option decisions.
There are several items that I realized I just don't know what they cost or if some of them are worth considering.
Here is the short list of items I am still up in the air about. If you know about their approximate cost and don't mind sharing, that would be great.
If you have opinions about their worth or practicality that would be appreciated too.
Hope you don't mind me asking all these questions, fact is we are still a bit away from calling PC and pulling the trigger and this is just my way of making it real  :beg

Upgrade to Maxx air 00-07000K                                        Will most likely do, wondering on cost
Advanced AC upgrade                                                       Will probably do at least one, maybe 2 depending on cost
Alcoa wheel option                                                             Like the look, wondering cost and maintenance requirements
Upgrade refrigerator to 12v compressor                            Thought I wanted this but not sure why
Auto Gen start                                                                    Do not need now, but if reasonable might consider for a future pet
Truma combi HW Comfort plus                                          Never ran out of HW w/ 6 gal DSI but this sounds cool $$$?
Central vacuum                                                                  Wife would like it if they work like home.
6" longer option cost and benefit                                        Would love the 6" longer DS bed and extra counter space $$$?
Safe-T-Plus stabilizer                                                         Thought this was standard but can't find it on PC site.
Lagun swivel tables                                                            Want these, just curious on cost and credit for std table

Best regards, Jim Godfrey

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TzrNPeg

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #36 on: March 17, 2019, 09:45:02 pm »
Jim, I have the MaxAir vents and the auto gen start, but my invoice isn't itemized with prices.  Looks like I can't help you.

Peg

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mikeh

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #37 on: March 17, 2019, 10:14:37 pm »
Jim,

I do have a couple of these options listed on my option build-out sheet for my unit, which I didn't spec but which should still be the current MSRP prices:
--Central Vacuum System = $450
--Auto Gen Start = $378
--Safe-T-Plus Stabilizer + $833  (not standard--it's an option)

Although I did get the Lagun Tables and the Maxx Air 7000K vent fans, they were installed by change order after my original order sheet was completed, and I don't have those costs itemized in my final invoice.  What I can tell you is that the change orders consisted of four items, and that all four totaled $913 (discount price) over my original build price.  In addition to the Lagun Tables and the Maxx Air 7000K substitutions, I had Phoenix install a weBoost Drive 4G-X RV cell phone signal booster, and a Mobilevision MV100 WIFI Extender-Booster.  They didn't provide those units--I did--but they did the roof-mount and interior installation on both.  So the $913 covered the tables (by the way, kept the standard table--didn't think about getting credit for it), the vent fan upgrades, and the installation of the two electronic systems.  I think that's about as much as I can assist with from your list.

All the best,          Mike
 

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
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  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #38 on: March 18, 2019, 01:32:08 am »

Alcoa wheel option                                                             Like the look, wondering cost and maintenance requirements
Upgrade refrigerator to 12v compressor                            Thought I wanted this but not sure why
Best regards, Jim Godfrey
I am considering the Alcoa DuraBright wheels, but our rig is pampered so the wheels will also be pampered.  I would not consider them if exposing the wheels to salt.

I would consider the fridge #3 12V option ONLY if I had a diesel.  All PC diesels will be equipped a propane generator.  If you run out of propane, the 12V would be a viable back up.  But the basic fridge running off propane and 110V has been serving us very well without incident.  Remember that running off propane, you still need a small amount of 12V for the electronic controls.  We don't have the #3 12V fridge feature so I cannot speak from experience, but I understand the fridge works least efficiently on it.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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biglegmax

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #39 on: March 18, 2019, 12:19:57 pm »
There is more to #3. If you have an absorption  fridge in your slide out it will most likely not work very well once outside temps hit the 80's. There has been lots written on this subject check it out. Some say added fans will cure the problem. PC, appears to bury their heads and blame it on Norcold, I think its a poor installation . I have the slide/absorption combo, after monitoring temps the first year I actually would call the temp variations dangerous. Depends on how you use your fridge, I personally want it to work correctly, its something I depend on 24/7. I installed the external fans this winter and have not had a chance to get into hotter weather yet, to test. This is a last resort and I have probably thrown more money down a rat hole.   If I were to do it all again I would never order an absorption fridge, slide or not, WHY? Marine grade compressor, 12v/110 are a far superior quality, more interior space, hardy any amp draw. I don't know the prices but I assume less than a $500 upgrade.
Of all the upgrades you have mentioned, this one should be at the top of your list, just my thoughts anyway.... good luck.
Doug

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IowaRVers

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #40 on: March 30, 2019, 05:15:42 pm »
Is a propane oven an option, or has anyone installed one post-factory? We like to camp in no-generator National Forest campgrounds ( we enjoy the quiet of nature, not the noise of crowded campgrounds where in the absence of electrical hook-ups, folks run generators most of the day and night).

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Ron Dittmer

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  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #41 on: March 30, 2019, 08:40:31 pm »
Is a propane oven an option, or has anyone installed one post-factory? We like to camp in no-generator National Forest campgrounds ( we enjoy the quiet of nature, not the noise of crowded campgrounds where in the absence of electrical hook-ups, folks run generators most of the day and night).
Phoenix will do just about anything you request.  But as for a propane oven, I think you would be much better off having Phoenix install an outside-access propane line on the passenger side and use an outdoor oven or grill on a picnic table.  For most PC floor plans, a typical RV indoor stovetop/oven unit installed where the PC stove-top goes would sacrifice all your crucial kitchen drawers.  Galley storage in PCs is in short supply already of which I later addressed the deficiency myself.
 CLICK HERE to see the project.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2019, 08:46:43 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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ragoodsp

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #42 on: March 31, 2019, 03:29:33 pm »
Jim:  there is no doubt the insulated windows are well worth the money.  I have had the surround sound system and could go either way!
Ron Goodspeed

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #43 on: April 15, 2019, 11:30:21 pm »
Oh, oh, oh, I forgot one thing.

If your black tank is the bigger of the two waste tanks, request duplicate waste valve switches be mounted inside your PC.

I will be adding duplicate waste tank switches located inside our bathroom sink base cabinet so I can flood the larger black tank with bath water from the smaller gray tank to maximize the waste tanks between dumps.  The gray tank always fills up at the worst opportune time, when taking a shower.  Having duplicate switches located inside will save me from running outside half dressed after my shower, while Irene is taking her shower.  Otherwise the shower pan fills up with water for her.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2019, 11:43:44 pm by Ron Dittmer »
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Volkemon

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Re: Options qustions...
« Reply #44 on: April 16, 2019, 05:09:36 am »
Oh, oh, oh, I forgot one thing.

If your black tank is the bigger of the two waste tanks, request duplicate waste valve switches be mounted inside your PC.

I will be adding duplicate waste tank switches located inside our bathroom sink base cabinet so I can flood the larger black tank with bath water from the smaller gray tank to maximize the waste tanks between dumps.  The gray tank always fills up at the worst opportune time, when taking a shower.  Having duplicate switches located inside will save me from running outside half dressed after my shower, while Irene is taking her shower.  Otherwise the shower pan fills up with water for her.

 roflol Indeed!    I was in the same exact situation this last festy. Was leaving the valves closed to fill the tanks for a good 'dump' flow....and had to go out and open them while Mrs V stood in water... Switches are going to be added.
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