Howdy Cruisers!
First off , I want to say thank you to Aimee for granting me permission to come aboard . I completely understand the need to be vigilant against hackers and spammers that bombard forums like this with bogus registration requests.
The DW and I found our ideal motorhome 2 years ago in Orange, CA , a 2003 model 2350 with the slide-out and power tri-fold sofa options.
We owned a Winnebago Rialta corner bed model but were tired of the Volkswagen parts and service game.
We are thrilled with the 2350's layout and the ammount of comfort and big rig features Phoenix engineered into a compact 23' x 93" motorhome. The 158" E350 wheelbase is the same as a Rialta for easy handling around hairpin curves and in tight spaces, but having big water tanks, a full size refrigerator, a dry bathroom with a real shower, a reclining sofa, and a real bed all in a compact rig is AWESOME !!! With the permanent corner bed we don't even need to use the slideout unless we are staying a bit longer and want to enjoy the amazing additional living space up front. We love the easy handling, quiet ride, and 11 mpg that the lower roof height and aerodynamic design delivers with reliable, adventure anywhere Ford V10 power.
Our 2003 model 2350 is an oddball because it was built with the current generation (2004 and newer) style dry bathroom with separate shower, and the 1st generation style rear coachwork and enclosed tv cabinet over the cab. I converted the tv cabinet into additional storage with a pair of large stacking drawer style storage bins behind the original roll-up door, and installed a 12v 19" LCD tv on the angled transition wall between the passenger seat and coach door by adapting a ceiling mount tv bracket to an under cabinet mount.
After a new set of Bridgestone Duravis R500HD tires and Duallyvalves, the first mod was a Hellwig rear sway bar from Summit Racing. Next was a Scanguage (programmed to add transmission temperature), a Yada wireless back-up camera, a Lloyd Rubbertite one piece floor mat , a pair of Elbow Friends for the door armrests, a Camco vent shade for the fantastic fan, an over-the-door towel rack for the bathroom, and a new memory foam mattress from Same Day RV Maresss. I also replaced the heavy pedestal table with a sturdy 25" x 19" Tablemate XL folding table.
Time and California sunshine had destroyed the original vinyl striping, so that was all removed and custom painted in blue jeans metallic over dark shadow grey metallic.
These superbly designed , well built compact motorhomes are the complete package and should become even more coveted when Ford discontinues the E-series cutaway chassis. Thanks Phoenix
