Introduce Yourself!

seaurchin

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #45 on: December 30, 2009, 12:36:35 pm »

Hello. I'm taking delivery on my Phoenix Cruiser 2551(no slide) sometime end of January, first of February if all goes well. After my master's degree in English, I hit the road in a Class A, set up my own transcription career and full-timed it. That was 1989 and I've loved my work and my lifestyle ever since. Two Scotties and a poodle are my traveling buddies, and we publish little short stories about our lives on the road, people we meet, and local recipes wherever we are. A laptop and a cell phone and our common sense and wit keep us going. This last year has been rather grim as we lost our best friend of 23 years, a university professor and gentleman of the "greatest generation." That is not a misnomer, as it truly was a great generation of men and women. He was 84 years old, a veteran of the Pacific campaign, a man of letters and honor.
This is a new year, and time to drag out our "bucket list" and once again go adventuring! Wishing you and yours a happy New Year. We are,
Seaurchin
Scottie Lillie
Scottie Mollie Rose
Foodle (for fool poodle)

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bert

6
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: Oct 2009
Model: 2400 Ford
ModelYear: 2010
Slide: Yes
IntColor: Umber
ExtColor: classic umber
Location: SC

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #46 on: January 01, 2010, 11:40:08 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?

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Hello,We are Eldora and Bert and we are the proud owners of a Phoenix Cruiser 2400. We met factory rep Stuart at the FMCA rally at Bowling Green, Ohio this summer and after much discussion there and via phone and Email after we returned to our home in South Carolina we ordered our unit and picked it up at the factory in the fall of 2009. Every thing was just as we specified. Had a good time at the factory for a couple of days visiting with Phoenix personel and other owners and potential owners and touring the Elkhart RV museum etc. We are quite pleased with the unit and what a pleasure it is to be able to pick up the phone and talk to owner Kermit who knows every bolt and screw in the unit.
We have been RVing for many years; tents, boats, popups and this is our 8th motor home. The first was a used 72 Winnabago we bought in 1974. We downsized from Class A s when I reached my 80th birthday and we decided to simplify our lives. This is the third Class C; took that many to get it right.

Our unit has twin sofa beds. May be the first 2400 Phoenix has made with the twin sofas. I had noticed on the Phoenix web site that the 2551 has a little computer desk behind the copilot seat. Looked like it should fit on my unit so contacted Kermit and he shipped me aknocked down desk which I assembled and installed. Fits fine and the cherry wood and composite top matches the kitchen also.

Posted by the Carolina Kecksp

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Bert and Eldora

titsikama

2

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #47 on: January 25, 2010, 05:50:47 pm »

Hello all,
My family and I have been doing many road miles and many hours camping in our Ford F-250 4WD with a Lance camper for nearly10 years and loving every minute of it. But the kids are getting bigger and the truck camper just seems to get smaller and smaller( and older). I have been looking into all of the new sliding truck campers and such, but that would mean a new-bigger truck etc to carry the extra weight. I wanted something that is no bigger (length of total vehicle) then my current set up and have been scouring the interenet for something. That led me to the PC 2350.
The ability to go nearly anywhere, anytime within reason (like our current set-up) is very important to me-so I wanted to get a 2350 on a Ford chassis and have the chassis converted to a 4WD. Most of our camping is done on some BLM road somewhere. I was thinking the diesel, but read in the forum it is pretty loud and not super powerful.
So I have a few questions for those willing to comment. What do you think or the potential 4WD set up with the diesel?
I need sleeping arrangements for 2 adults 2 teens and liked the permanent bed idea-so I was thinking the couch arrangement with the slide. What I wasn't sure about was the ability to see out when riding on the couch and driving, but the couch seems to give them more sleeping room then the dinette when the slide is out. Is there another type of arrangement that I should consider?
How long does it take to do the slide?
Any other comments, suggestions, are much appreciated!
Thanks!

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bigbadjc

223
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: Used
PurchDate: February 2010
Model: 2551
ModelYear: 2006
Slide: Yes

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #48 on: February 22, 2010, 09:42:38 am »

I am 67 years old and my wife is 65 and we live in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, supposedly the largest gated community in the US (about 26,000 acres). We have been retired for almost 11 years. Our previous RVs have run the gamut from a VW camper van to a pop up camper to a small class A to a Leisure Travel van to a Damon Hornet class C and most recently a BT Cruiser, which will shortly be on the auction block. I just picked up a 2006 Phoenix Cruiser 2551 from PPL Consignment RVs in Houston, where we keep an apartment to visit kids and grandkids, with an unbelievable 3,500 miles on it and 9 hours on the generator. The previous owner lost interest in RVing, and it was just what I was looking for. I expect to have many questions on it for the forum members, as it has items I'm not really used to, like a macerator for example. I drove it home to Arkansas this past weekend and am already in love with it. We'll be heading to the Canadian Rockies again this fall with it and our trusty 2007 Chevy HHR toad. FYI, if you love RVs and are looking for a place to retire to, one of the amenities we enjoy here is a large fully enclosed indoor storage facility and on the same grounds a full service RV mechanic shop, a propane dealer, a dump station, and a pressure washer. It doesn't get an better than that.

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gradygal

742
our 3rd PC--Custom 2910
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: March 2012
Model: 2910
ModelYear: 2013
Slide: Yes
IntColor: cherry
ExtColor: slate gray full body paint
Location: Florida

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #49 on: February 22, 2010, 03:54:24 pm »

Welcome to the forum.
We just took delivery of our 2350 Sprinter last month and are lovin' it already. We just have to get used to all the room and where to store stuff (we had a Class B prior to the 2350).

The gated community sounds great. We live in a deed restricted community and have to pay monthly to store the RV.

We are heading to the Canadian Maritimes again this summer.

Enjoy your PC.

Judi

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Judi and George Nicholson
Punta Gorda FL

jlooney

3

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #50 on: March 07, 2010, 03:51:33 pm »

Hi, We're new to rv'ing and are considering purchasing a PC. We would like some feedback on the pros and cons between the regular gas fueled/Ford chassis and diesel engines/Sprinter chassis. Also, any experience in whether it's better to choose slide-outs or not with the 2350. Thanks for your feedback.

Jennifer L.

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NC Sailors

52

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #51 on: March 07, 2010, 07:11:58 pm »

We have a 2010 2350 Sprinter-based PC with a slide. The slide is well worth it for the extra room and it provides a second adult sleeping area with the airbed/sofa. We chose the Sprinter chassis because it has many handling/safety features, gets great fuel economy, and is quieter on the road. It's our Mercedes for the price of a Dodge. We just just added another Mercedes as a towed vehicle (a smart car, see http://www.smartusa.com/). As in other areas, you get what you pay for.

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gradygal

742
our 3rd PC--Custom 2910
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: March 2012
Model: 2910
ModelYear: 2013
Slide: Yes
IntColor: cherry
ExtColor: slate gray full body paint
Location: Florida

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #52 on: March 08, 2010, 06:40:41 am »

We have the 2350 Sprinter as well. We agree with NC Sailors regarding the reasons that we chose the diesel over the gas. Our previous RV was a 2005 Airstream Interstate (Class B) with the Mercedes diesel. Good mileage and dependable.

For us, the dinette option was the best option. We did not need the extra sleeping space. There is more storage. We did not want to set up the table everytime we wanted to use it. Also there is less weight without the slide. To each his own!

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Judi and George Nicholson
Punta Gorda FL

Ron Dittmer

5569
Ron and Irene
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 #53 on: March 08, 2010, 05:42:38 pm »

Jennifer,

My wife and I special ordered our 2007 PC-2350 (built on a 2007 Ford E350 chassis) without a slide, so we have owned it a few years and 10,000 miles now. We always travel as a couple (always towing a car), so the fixed-dinette (no slide) is ideal for just the two of us. The RV is very comfortable for us, though I suppose it depends what you are used to. Being in our early 50s, the only issue is a minor one, managing getting in and out of the rear corner bed. It surely is not ideal as compared to being at home, but we manage well with the limited access to the bed. It is so much better than our old RV so like I said, it depends what you are used to.

I don't recommend investing in a slideout if you travel alone or as a couple, as our experience has proven there is no need for one, and the dinette with huge over-head cabinets and bench storage is quite nice to have. But if you plan to accomodate guests on occasion, then the new BIG slideout is the way to go. That slideout includes the fridge so you get a lot more floorspace, especially appreciated when that 2nd double bed is set up. I always thought the small slideout was simply too small to make enough difference, but when including the fridge, it really opens up huge inside.

I am partial to the Ford E350 chassis and tend to make effort in convincing shoppers to go that route. But the Sprinter is popular as you are reading here. There are advantages and disadvantages of each choice which you will have to decide for yourself, what is more important to you.

There are very few pictures on the web showing a NO Slideout Dinette, and they don't capture what it really looks like. My website here has some good pics of that. Our Ford chassis was the last year with the old front styling, but the interior of our 2350 is relatively unchanged compared to a brand new 2010.

My Phoenix Cruiser Pictures, CLICK HERE---> http://www.flickr.com/photos/37432012@N08/sets/72157617468317295/show/

Ron Dittmer

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

stressproof

1
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
Model: 2100
Slide: Yes

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #54 on: April 15, 2010, 10:07:14 am »

Hi everyone. This is my first time on the message board. Looks like a great forum.
My wife and I just purchased a 2009 Phoenix Cruiser 2950 and have had it on a couple of test trips. No problems, everything works well and we're getting used to the features.
Question: We'd like to keep it looking new and want to purchase a cover for it while in storage. Since it's not really a C with the standard bunk overhang above the cab, are there any recommendations on buying the cover? Manufacturers? Web contacts? etc.

Thanks.
Paul

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PJ Corey

57
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: 4/2010
Model: 2551
ModelYear: 2010
Slide: Yes

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #55 on: April 16, 2010, 06:19:37 pm »

Hello, In March, my partner and I purchased a 2010 2551 with slide. Our previous rv was a Winnebago View on a Sprinter chassis. We gave the View up reluctantly but because we wanted a little more space and had a real need for better sleeping arrangements we needed to move on and went with the PC 2551. We did our research and felt our best choice would be the 2551 w/slide. We haven't regretted that choice but there has been a good deal to get used to in the transition and we have been modifying the rig like overeager interior decorators. The kitchen w/pantry in the View is superior to the kitchen in the 2551. In order to account for the difference in better storage and counter space in the View that we lost with the PC we turned one of the short closets over one of the twin beds into a pantry. That works well. We did not like the mirror in the kitchen and removed it and replaced it with tile half way up that wall which then gave us space for hanging things above the tile. That mirror may be intended to make the galley look bigger but it takes away valuable hanging space. We took the valance off the kitchen window and turned it upside down and mounted it on the wall inside the slide. Works perfectly for books and magazines. We took the valance off the bathroom window and mounted it upside down over the outside door where the exit sign is to hold binocs and headlamps. Works perfectly. We really disliked the small stationary "dining" table and it is now stored in the garage. We are looking for the perfect table to put in front of the sofa. There are a couple of possibilities at IKEA. We junked the stiff short curtain meant to enclose the cab. Totally worthless to our minds. We now have customized sun shades that look better and allow us to sit in the swivel chair in privacy. The short curtain when opened did not allow for that. The cab space now looks bigger without those things. We found a perfect wine rack to fit next to the small table and outside door behind the passenger seat. Next comes a new kitchen faucet to replace the leaky one that came with the rig. A bar faucet by Aquasource at Lowes is a perfect match. I'm sure everyone here does modifications to their rigs to make them their "own" and we are no different. We are almost there in the light remodel. In our first trip out we ran into some minor annoyances which we can fix and two potentially major problems which I won't go into here since it is only fair I consult with Kermit about them first. I'm confident they can be resolved. We are planning numerous trips between now and late October. Hope to see you all on the road.

Paula
Santa Fe

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Ron Dittmer

5569
Ron and Irene
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 #56 on: April 17, 2010, 09:28:46 am »

Hi Paula,

You described making changes that nobody else did. I encourage you to take some pictures, start a new post in the Tips and Tricks section, and post them along with your descriptive strategy. I would love to see what you did.

Welcome Aboard!

Ron

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Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

PJ Corey

57
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: 4/2010
Model: 2551
ModelYear: 2010
Slide: Yes

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #57 on: April 17, 2010, 10:58:43 am »

Hi Ron,

I'll be happy to post the pics of my modifications. I have to finish up the tile around the galley and then will upload the picturess. I did look at your modification pics and was intrigued by the slide out shelf you put up in the bedroom. There is no place to put glasses, water, etc. at night and that shelf would do the trick. So, I'm appropriating it!

Paula
Santa Fe

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mwleung

13
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: 6/2010
Model: 2551
ModelYear: 2010
Slide: No
IntColor: tan
ExtColor: brown/sable
Location: central IL

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #58 on: May 13, 2010, 02:05:27 pm »

Wow just signed a contract for a 2010 2551....excited to start on our new journey!

My partner and I already own and stationary camp in our 1967 Airstream Caravelle(Bambi)...but thought we would step up a bit for on the road. I retire next month and we will be able to plan our getaways based on weather and considerations other than work!

Loved hearing about Karma's rennovations...especially the galley mirror!!??!! who would have needed that there? And making a book shelf from the valance - I was wondering where to keep my books- great idea!

Happy RVing!
Mary K

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PJ Corey

57
OwnPC: Yes
NewUsed: New
PurchDate: 4/2010
Model: 2551
ModelYear: 2010
Slide: Yes

Re: Introduce Yourself!

« Reply #59 on: May 13, 2010, 06:11:45 pm »

Mary,

If you are going to remove the mirror in the galley I would suggest what worked for us: cover the mirror entirely in duct tape; use a rubber hammer to strategically slam it in the middle and four corners; use a small crowbar to start working the corners; wear leather gloves and eye wear; be careful that you do not put too much pressure on the "wall" the mirror is attached to because that is where damage will happen since it is merely a very thin layer of whatever it is. You will run into black silicone mastik that can be rolled off with your fingers but is a bear to deal with. Thankfully, the mastik was used sparingly. We are so happy that mirror is gone and so is everyone we know with rigs who saw and could not understand its function.

The valances turned upside down make great shelves to hold books, etc.

I wanted to upload pics of all our modifications but am running into the space size allowed here and could not upload them. If someone would tell me how to resize jpg files to fit this format I will do it.

Paula
Santa Fe

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