Some wisdom please

The pictures shared by sarz above has me confused because the kitchen is partially inside the slide out like a current-day 2910.

The 2910 pictures that Ron S has shared are indeed from a PC that was built between 2012 and 2016.  The first one of these built was a custom model by gradygal.  After the first one built others asked for the same design. It was called a 2910. 

We camped with gradygal on a few occasions and it was a very comfortable model.  It did not have a large hanging closet like the rear both models offer.

2lucky.. what’s the advantage to the beds being in the rear in the 2552?

The only thing I dislike about our 2551 is that the head of the bed is almost in the "head." Also, by moving the waste tanks forward you move the weight distribution forward. A mid bath would also create two distinct living sections, leaving the bedroom being very private.

IMHO the 2551 chassis wheel base and coach length is a very well balanced combination, with stable driving characteristics. Longer wheelbase makes maneuvering difficult, longer rear section overhang results in weight distribution problems. You see way too many class C that just look out of balance, like 1/3 of the coach is behind the rear axle. Tho I've never driven one, the 2950 does not appear to be balanced and is just too long for me. Again, just my opinion. 

IMHO the 2551 chassis wheel base and coach length is a very well balanced combination, with stable driving characteristics.

I agree.  And model 2351 and 2552 are right on it's heels.  Longer yet becomes a weight and weight-distribution problem.  Models shorter than a 2351 (like our 2350) requires additional investment in suspension stuff to control the rig better.  At least I was able to correct the condition rather than live with it.

2lucky,,,, ok I get that but I’ve never felt the rear of my 2552 sagged or out of balance. I sure have seen some longer rigs that have what appears to be huge over hangs both in class A as well as C.   My preference for having the bath in the rear rather than a mid bath is the kitchen. I don’t want the commode anywhere near where my food is prepared. It’s all personal preferences no doubt.

I really like the 2900  and 3100 models but like almost every brand class c out there, once it gets to 30 foot or beyond there’s weight issues. At least in most I’ve read about.

Joseph...I never thought of it that way, you make a good point, and saved me thousands of dollars and a ton of work! Thanks!
And I agree there is no weight issue in the 2551 except when heading home with full waste tanks (I like to dump and clean at home) And the heavy ebikes and rack on back I seem to feel a bit more drift, could be my active imagination...

2lucky...  I’ve driven with full tanks although not often if I can avoid it. Mostly if I’m returning from noon docking . I do not however have Ebikes on the rear but do have the tow bar for the Jeep.  I’m guessing the E bikes weigh 60-70 lbs or are the lighter than that?

My rack is heavy and the bikes are 45# each. Like I say, probably my imagination...the 2551 handles the best of any class C I've ever had or driven even with the waste tanks full. I just figure the more the weight is distributed between the axles the better.

Joseph,

I carry 2 Ebikes (about 70 lbs) on a bike rack that weights about 15 lbs plus an 8 lb extension.  So, close to 100 lbs total.

I use an extension hitch receiver on the PC's hitch receiver. The extention moves the mount point back about 12" and raises the receiver about 6".   The bike rack also raises the bikes another 10 or so inches.   That way, the bikes (in a bike cover) don't hide the tail lights.

I use a J-pin for the extension and the bike rack mounts to the extension with a bolt that keeps the rack from clacking around.  I keep the ladder folded up and use a bungee cord to insure it stays up.  That way, with the bikes on, I can still partially open the rear storage for power cord or long garden hose.

Zero issues, handling or otherwise with or without full tanks, etc.  My 2551 does not even "know" the bikes are there.

Don

I really like the 2900  and 3100 models but like almost every brand class c out there, once it gets to 30 foot or beyond there’s weight issues. At least in most I’ve read about.

I agree with you.

In those "At Limit" or "Just Over Limit" conditions, the weakest link is always the tires.  Most often a rear tire explodes, and when it does, it destroys the motor home.  It happens up front too, but not as often and with less damage as long as you maintain control of the vehicle.

If I owned a 2910D, 2910T, or 3100, my first trip out would include getting the rig weighed at a truck stop weigh scale to determine the actual "trip-loaded" weight per axle on the tires.  Tires per axle that are at or over the limit with 80 PSI in them, I would replace them with a set of extra load tires that increase the weight capability per tire by roughly 500 pounds.  That translates to roughly 2000 pounds of extra load ability on the rear axle, and 1000 on the front axle.

There are two different extra load tires available.  One with a max of 83 PSI to get the max load rating, the other at 90 PSI.  I would get the 83 PSI since the stock Ford steel wheels have a max rating of 80 PSI.  3 PSI over is negligible.

One other topic rarely discussed is the tire gauge you use.  CLICK HERE to read my experience on tire gauge inaccuracies.  The one tire gauge that was supposed to be my best, turned out to read 9 PSI high.  That meant I was under-inflating my tires by 9 PSI, a condition ripe for a tire explosion.

Hi, Thanks for all your advice... We went to Jacksonville FL where we were about to drive a new 2020 2552 with Liquid Springs V-10 and a 2021 2552 with the new V-8.  My husband was able to tell a difference with the Liquid Springs but thought the V8 handled great also.  We actually bought the 2021 instead of waiting for the one we ordered so we take delivery tomorrow instead of waiting for January (and with COVID who really knows how long).  I'm very excited.  Thanks for all the advice.

Hi, Thanks for all your advice... We went to Jacksonville FL where we were about to drive a new 2020 2552 with Liquid Springs V-10 and a 2021 2552 with the new V-8.  My husband was able to tell a difference with the Liquid Springs but thought the V8 handled great also.  We actually bought the 2021 instead of waiting for the one we ordered so we take delivery tomorrow instead of waiting for January (and with COVID who really knows how long).  I'm very excited.  Thanks for all the advice.

Superb!   Enjoy your new PC!

Congratulations ginnyp and hubby.

Congrats Guys!!
Look forward to your impressions of your new rig!

Congrats PCers! Fine RV!  Please send pics when you can. 

Ron S