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Introduce Yourself!

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aimee

Introduce Yourself!
« on: January 12, 2009, 06:10:35 pm »
Welcome to Phoenix USA RV's Discussion Board. We think you'll find this is a nice place to hang out. Why don't you start off with a little introduction and tell us a bit about yourself?
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Homer

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2009, 02:44:27 pm »
 hithere: I am a long time class A owner and presently own an Itasca Suncruiser.  I have been considering downsizing to a smaller RV.  I just recently came across the "Phoenix Cruiser".  I like what I see, but have only seen pictures. I have been supplied much information from another owner of a Phoenix Cruiser, he has been invaluable with his help. 
I would like to attain information on Phoenix Cruiser dealer network and above all, learn of any RV Shows in the Midwest that will have Phoenix Cruisers on display.  An e-mail to the company only produced an e-mail from a dealer rather distant from here.  In the summer that would be fine, but it is the dead of winter and I would like something closer to home.
It is also of interest if Phoenix Cruiser has survived the recent company closures.
I am sure as time progresses I will have more pertinent questions to ask.  Right now I am very interested in the PC as a replacement for My Class A.    tymote
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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • 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: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2009, 05:01:55 pm »
Hi,

This is my first post on the Phoenix Cruiser forum!

My wife and I own a 2007 Phoenix Cruiser model 2350.  Our introduction to the PC was at an RV show at the Stevenson Convention Center in Rosemont, IL in February of 2007.  We ordered ours the following May from Don Keller, the one man opperation of East Acres RV in Mendon MA.  Given we are near Chicago, Don worked it out for us to pick it up ourselves from the factory in Elkhart, IN.  I beleive that was on June 20th, 2007.

We had decided to buy a Phoenix Cruiser 2350 primarily because it was the largest motor home with a full-time permanent bed that we could fit inside our garage.  Soon after we got it home, we realized the level of quality, especially when considering the price we paid.  It didn't take me long to find the forum called RV.net.  I think everyone there has since heard more about the Phoenix Cruiser than they care to.

We tow a small light weight fun car, a 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder that weighs only 2100 pounds.  We manage without secondary braking for the car.  It is towed 4-wheels-down, meaning we do not use a tow dolly or trailer.  We could manage trips without a tow vehicle, but choose to for the mobility and fun sightseeing in a little two seat sports car.

Our 2007 PC-2350 model is built on a 2007 Ford E350 chassis.  We didn't care for the handling of our rig when conditions were poor such as gusty cross winds, trucks passing, irregular road surfaces, and "The Lean" when taking on curves in the road.  A visit to a local truck & RV suspension shop had us fixed up so our PC-2350 now handles like an SUV.  With the car in-tow, we can take on in full confidence,  the worst any paved road can offer.

Like many people, we have implemented some ideas to make our RVing experience more enjoyable, through minor changes and/or improvements with our PC-2350.  Since posting this thread I have put together another thread HERE with pictures that documents most of the changes I've made over the years

I hope this blog takes off.  It would be great to converse with other PC owners and interested parties exclusively.

Ron Dittmer
2007 PC-2350
« Last Edit: January 22, 2015, 02:16:11 pm by ron.dittmer »
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Penny

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: October 2008
  • Model: 2551
  • ModelYear: 2009
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Slate Grey/Cherry
  • ExtColor: Slate Grey Full Body Paint
  • Location: SouthEast Indiana
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2009, 05:12:57 pm »
Just saw Stuart at the Tampa RV Show and he asked me to check out this new forum addition.  Great Idea and I look forward to reading everyones input.
When my husband died 3 years ago I sold our Class A as I hadn’t been the driver and felt it was too big for me to handle alone.  Last year I started looking for a Class C. Requirements were power drivers seat(I’m short), levelers(no more ramps and blocks) and twin beds(one grandson ready to camp).  Went to Hershey RV show in September and found the perfect fit… the 2551 Phoenix Cruiser.  I modified the floor plan by eliminating the slide, replaced sofa with 2 chairs and fold down table, and provided room for golf clubs with lift up platform under the bed.  I picked up my RV the end of October at the factory where I stayed overnight testing everything out.  Next day Kermit (owner of Phoenix) and his crew fine tuned my rig, hooked up my tow vehicle and I headed for home.  Over the next 350 miles my knuckles lost their white color and even relaxed. The best part about dealing with a small company is the personal attention and being able to ask the “dumb” questions and getting a helpful response.  Kermit builds a quality vehicle and takes pride in doing it right the first time.  He’s always available to answer my questions and it’s more than reassuring that he stands behind his vehicles even after they’ve left his factory.  My maiden trip was to Florida for the winter and I’m looking forward to future travel.  If you’re downsizing or looking for an RV that’s friendly to drive you should check out the Phoenix for quality construction and personal attention.

Penny Keller
2009 PC-2551
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2009 PC 2551 - no slide
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Homer

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2009, 07:24:18 pm »
I think this is going to be a very good forum, I am personally very glad to see it initiated.  Ron and Penny you both are very reassuring when it comes to the Phoenix Cruiser.  Ron has sent me a great deal of information and has taken the time to explain his coach and its amenities.  He also has given me information on the availability of just what I think I am looking for in a 2350.  I just need to see and spend a little time around one in a show or a dealer. This weather is not conducive to RV shopping right now.  I have e-mailed PC for dealer information and to find if they have any of their products showing at RV shows in the Midwest.  I have not heard from them as of this minute.  Looking forward to seeing more and more post on this forum. Homer 2o2
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jpf

Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2009, 08:48:59 pm »
Me & the missus have just acquired a 2002 pc2301. We'll be out next w/end at a close state park trying it out. Probably in the snow the way things are going. I'm pleased to see a forum specifically for PC owners. I hope it thrives. I have plenty of questions to ask heh!
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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • 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: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2009, 09:45:32 pm »
Homer,

Where in the midwest are you exactly, state and town?  Maybe there is someone in your area who can show you a later model PC to check over.

Ron
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Homer

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2009, 08:45:14 am »
I am located in the North West part of Ohio, West of Lima on U.S.-30.  There is going to be a large RV Super Show at the Dayton Expo center next week, that follows with a 2nd show at the same location, then Indianapolis RV Show, then Ft. Wayne.  I am trying to learn if PC might be at one of these shows.  No response from factory to date.  I don't wish to impose on any private owner.  Most would be either South or winterized right now. :) 
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Ron Dittmer

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  • 5569
  • Ron and Irene
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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • 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: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #8 on: January 16, 2009, 11:05:23 am »
Homer,

You are only 150 miles from the factory.  Why not take a day off work and drive the 3 hours to the factory for a tour?  My wife and I made a day of it, enjoying our 3 hour trip to the factory.  Our visit there helped a lot in our decision of options, fabrics, and colors.  We met many of the workers.  You could tell they took pride in what they do there.  You get the impression of a close knit group of people who care.  They were very helpful in sharing of ideas and also comparing things like cloth versus leather....all kinds of things.  When we visited them in May of 2007, they had four different models ready for delivery, along with numerous 2350s at different stages of the assembly process.  When we left there, we knew exactly what we wanted.

If something made to your specifications is less important, buying one already built will yield a better value.  Right now there are new 2007s and 2008s on dealer lots, discounted heavily.  The factory wouldn't mind if you placed a custom order on a new one, or bought an existing one from a PC dealer.  Did I mention Don Keller of East Acres RV in MA?  He has a new 2007 2350 with lots of factory options, plus some of his own added options.  It is heavily discounted.

If you were near the Chicago northwest suburbs, I wouldn't mind showing you our 2007 2350.  It is in our heated garage with the temperature as warm as desired.  It is winterized so you couldn't try out the plumbing, but you can surely do a walk-through and try out most things electrical.

Ron
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geomusic

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2009, 08:20:18 pm »
Hello,

It's nice to see a blog specifically for Phoenix Cruiser. I bought an PC-2950 a few months ago. So far, it has done very well and I'm enjoying it for weekend trips around Florida. It appears well built compared to some other RV's and I'm enjoying the overall quality of the rig. I would recommend it to others looking for a reliable B+ or C.

George
2006 PC-2950
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John Weaver

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2009, 09:25:29 am »
Quote from: aimee on January 12, 2009, 06:10:35 pm
Welcome to Phoenix USA RV's Discussion Board. We think you'll find this is a nice place to hang out. Why don't you start off with a little introduction and tell us a bit about yourself?
[/ quote]

I presently own a 2006 PleasureWay Plateau class B motor home.  We really like it, but would like a little larger motor home with a full shower.  We have been looking at Phoenix Cruisers for a while, and we are interested in learning more about them before we purchase one.  We would like to hear about your experiences in owning a Phoenix Cruiser.  We need a motor home that we can comfortably go across country in and possibly to Alaska, as our children and grandchildren live on the west coast and in Alaska.  We appreciate any information you can share with us.
Thanks, John and Lucy Weaver in sunny Florida
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Ron Dittmer

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  • 5569
  • Ron and Irene
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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • 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: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2009, 12:43:39 pm »
John Weaver,

Coming from a B, you will find a B+ Phoenix Cruiser very roomy.  It is still scaled down by most Class-C standards, which I personally think is one of it's strong points.  It is a complete motorhome with full and truly useful ammenities with decent holding tanks, yet still easy to drive.....at least my 2350 is.  If you are big and/or very tall people with excessive weight issues, then I would advise you look at other larger brands.  But coming from a B, I would assume that is not your physical profile.  A PC has an interior ceiling height of only 6'-4" with most bed lengths generally comfortable for people under 6'.  I think there are a few with beds to accomodate taller people.  At 5'-11" I am very comforatble in our 2350.  My wife and I exclusive use the shower, and find it completely practical.  Not just size, but also with hot & cold water and sewage.  As tiny as the bathroom is, one person can shower and the other can use it's other facilities with no problems.

See my website for lots of interior pictures:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/37432012@N08/sets/72157617468317295/

We went on an Alaska cruise through many ports, taking one shore excursion into the Yukon.  We got to experience the roads, and are very confident our 2350 is ideal for such travel.  Then when you consider it gets better gas mileage than the bigger rigs, has the huge 55 gallon gas tank, you are well equipped for long isolated runs between gas stations.  We get near 10mpg towing our car, but never went any long distances to determine mileage without towing.  I estimate it could be very close to 12mpg.  If we went to Alaska, we would not tow our car.

We had some suspension upgrades done which helped a lot in driver fatigue.  We are ready for an Alaska trip, execpt my job would never tollerate my absense for so long.  Our 2350 is very comfortable for two people, taking trips of such long distances.  It was always like being at home from Chicago to San Francisco, to Las Vegas and back.  Of coarse, seeing everything in between.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2009, 12:34:21 pm by ron.dittmer »
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geomusic

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2009, 05:41:19 pm »
Hello John and Lucy,

I agree with Ron that you will find the Phoenix Cruiser roomier than your PleasureWay depending, of course, on which PW model you have. And I agree that the PC is probably better for people under 6' unless you have no issues with a low ceiling. My PC has beautiful cherry cabinets but, if I had my druthers, I would have chosen the maple. Because the PC walls curve in at the top and the ceiling is lower than a class C, I think the lighter wood would provide an airier feeling. But that's just my personal preference. I saw the 09's at the recent Tampa RV show. They looked nice but the dark wood and the darker Corian they had on display gave them a smaller feel.

The size of the shower is fine for me, so far. Of course, if I gain a few more pounds...

My PC handles beautifully on the highway, even without any steering or suspension enhancements. It drives more smoothly than my '04 Concord. And it does not get buffeted around like my big Class A Dolphin. 18-wheelers loved to blow that one off the road. The curved sides and lower profile of the PC really make a difference.

Mechanically, my '06 is doing very well. I looked at quite a few B+ rigs. Aside from the Dynamax (that is very pricey), my choice again would be the Phoenix Cruiser.

George in Florida
2006 PC-2950
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jpf

Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2009, 06:08:39 pm »
Quote from: John Weaver on January 26, 2009, 09:25:29 am
I presently own a 2006 PleasureWay Plateau class B motor home.

Well, that's a sprinter chassis from what I've seen and has it's own pros & cons.
I would be envious of the MPG you get from a sprinter compared to a ford. But the extra width of a B+ will give you lots of space to spread yourselves out a bit which is what I feel is necessary for long distance touring. Plus it's great if the seating doesn't also do double duty as the bed!
The new sprinter chassis'd cruiser models might be the best of both worlds!
« Last Edit: January 26, 2009, 06:22:38 pm by jpf »
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Phoenix

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: January 2007
  • Model: 2910
  • ModelYear: 2910/2007
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Green
  • ExtColor: White
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2009, 01:59:48 pm »
 hithere

I bought my new 2007 Phoenix Cruise 2900 with double slideouts by ordering it through an English Dealer who arranged for its importation and delivery to the United Kingdom (I believe it still is the only PC in the UK).
Previously I have had 4 new RV's from the USA. First was a 'C' Class followed by 3 'A' Class.
A couple of points concerning my downsizing.
First: Getting used to the reduced external locker space. I tow a Suzuki Grand Vitara 4 wheels down which I now use as an extra 'locker'  :lol.
Second: I was surprised how poor the turning circle of the E450 chassis was compared to previous 'A' class Motorhomes owned :beg.
Apart from the above I am very pleased with the Cruiser and would recommended it to anyone wishing to downsize or looking for a good well made reasonably priced B+.

Chris
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