Hi Ron! See your tag on quite a few message strings on the forum!
As you might guess from my intro message, I worked hard to understand the models, options, and then the experience of other buyers, and think things through to spec out my build pretty carefully. This was a major and almost surely one-time purchase for me, so I wanted to do my best to get it right to begin with. I decided that although cost is a very important consideration, things like an RV have to fall in the category of a non-essential splurge in life anyway, so if you're going to spend that kind of money on something you WANT versus NEED, you should spend a little more to get the extras where the extras seem to make common sense. As an example, my first intent after careful evaluation of available models was to buy a 2351. That was because I thought my probable use of the unit would be to travel a lot--see a lot of country-rather than spend most of my time in RV parks. The 2351 seemed to be a good compromise between a compact unit that could navigate nimbly in most areas, yet still offer comfortable accommodations during extended trips. After making a trip to Elkhart in August of last year and actually spending time inside the units, I was torn between my initial assessment of the 2351, and the more spacious bath area, storage, and sleeping arrangements of the 2552. During that visit, I actually initially wrote a buy order on a 2351, but kept struggling with the differences I'd seen. When I got home and sat down and ran the numbers, I was amazed to find that I could buy an equally equipped 2552 for only 6% more money than the 2351. Still debating, I sought and received some excellent advice from Jatrax on his experience with his new 2552, and when he told me that he could take the 2552 anywhere that I could take the 2351, I called Phoenix and changed my order. That's an example of being willing to spend a little more money to try to get a big purchase correct the first time.
I used the same approach in selecting options, and in most cases that resulted in spending more to get the capability. I struggled a little bit with the full body paint and automatic levelers--both pretty high dollar options--but overall input from a lot of forum posts over the years was that both options added real value and were items that owners would purchase again. It's hard to argue with that kind of experience from so many sources, so I included them.
After living through many Oklahoma summers, I KNEW I needed 50-amp service and the second A/C unit (with both units upgraded to 15K BTU). If you've never lived or traveled in the heat and humidity of the south, you may not understand how miserable even nights can be when the single A/C can't begin to handle the 90+ degree temperature with 80% humidity at 11 PM at night. The same rationale dictated the insulated windows also. I didn't even blink in maxing out the climate control capability. I also upgraded to the Maxx Aire 7000K units for both vent fans based on the rave reviews on this (and other) forums compared to the Fantastic units (which are good fans themselves--I have that in the bathroom). The 7000K are dual direction, 10-speed w/remote units, and have a built-in rain cover that automatically raises and closes, so they don't require an additional add-on hood like other units.
Adding solar was another expensive option, and one that could be excluded if the unit spends most of it's time sitting in RV parks hooked to power. Since I expect to spend appreciable time on the road and potentially in remote areas, optimizing the battery system and inverter power to the coach is important. Solar is a major ingredient for that, so I added the 300 watt system, along with AGM batteries, and the Timetric battery monitor and solar controller. This isn't a "state of the art" system, but it's a good solid system that will contribute a lot to electrical capability while off the grid. The Progressive "EMS" system to protect the coach power input from surges or out-of-spec input power completes the electrical.
My biggest debate on the coach interior was between the dinette and the sofa/pantry option. The sofa/pantry that forms recliners and and additional sleeping space was by far the most useful choice, but I didn't know how to compensate for lack of a fixed table for desk space, etc. I finally settled on the sofa and replacing the euro chair with the cabinet set in that spot that includes the fold-up table that makes a desk for the passenger seat. I figured I could live with that, but at the last minute JJ Cruiser posted some pictures on the forum of his new 2351 that had the new Lagun swivel aircraft-type tables fixed to the two recliners. WOW! That was exactly what I was looking for, and I was on the phone to Phoenix the next day in a successful attempt to get them added to my build. They are ideal for what I needed (more value from this forum)! My other interior options included the power slide-out on one bed, adjustable shelves in the shirt closets, leather on the seating, and power on the driver's seat and heat on both. Based on prior experience, I bypassed their in-dash navigation for my Garmin unit, but have the Bluetooth/Sirius capability, back-up monitor, and I did spring for the Automatic Satellite Dish (that one may have been a mistake--we'll see).
Beyond these major options, two or three more things fall into the "nice to have but probably worth it" category. I mentioned before my technical background, so naturally I find accurate information and data important. I REALLY like the Timetric battery monitor--you know exactly what is going on with your coach batteries; amps going in, amps going out, and percent of charge from all charging sources (engine, generator, solar). The SeeLevel Tank Monitor system is similar: rather than indicator lights at "thirds" of full, it gives you exact percentages of full of your water, black, and grey tanks, LPG, and battery. It's supposed to be a very reliable, long-lasting system also (as opposed to the regular sensors that frequently read erratically-or not at all- after a period of time). As a $500 option it's very much "nice to have", but if it holds up as advertised it will provide accurate important information over the life of the coach. I mentioned the Progressive EMS system; this is more data for the user, since it provide a continual reading of exact system voltage, system amps and system frequency on each lead of the power input. It also provides error codes for several possible problems with the input power. I put the insulation and heat pad on the Sani-Con system, as an addition to the standard heat pads on the tanks. I also added the rear docking lights to be able to light up the area behind the coach to deal with my tow vehicle connections or any time I feel I might need a light source at the rear the coach while parked at night.
Well, I feel like I've rambled on again, but you did ask about options and custom add-ons. I think that covers most of the stuff that I opted to include. Other than options commonly included on orders, such as the "Premium Convenience Package", the slide out, awning, etc, my personal options and customization came to about 20% of the total price. That is obviously a substantial number that could have made a measurable reduction in the purchase price if I had eliminated all of them. However, going back to my original premise: when one is making an expensive one-time purchase, hopefully he has done his homework and included the things (some difficult or impossible to add at a later date). that will allow that purchase to best return the value and the pleasure that one made it for in the first place. Hopefully that's what I've accomplished with a very careful purchase process--but only time will tell. With the very short period that I've had to use the unit and evaluate things so far, I'm very happy with the results.
All the best, Mike
