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Introduce Yourself!

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gradygal

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  • our 3rd PC--Custom 2910
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  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • PurchDate: March 2012
  • Model: 2910
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: cherry
  • ExtColor: slate gray full body paint
  • Location: Florida
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #315 on: July 31, 2012, 10:49:35 am »
Another Welcome. If you choose a PC, you will love it. We are on our 3rd in 3 years but finally got the size/accomodations right.

We are in Georgia, on our way to the Smokey Mountains and then on to New England in our 2910. We love the Euro chairs. We have found that the 2910 is very comfy.

Judi and George
Judi and George Nicholson
Punta Gorda FL

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njheart on the road

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  • "Wherever you are, be all there..." Jim Elliot
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  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • PurchDate: 1/2014
  • Model: 2100
  • ModelYear: 2014
  • Slide: No
  • IntColor: Sunlit leather w/Maple cabinets
  • ExtColor: Cafe lower body
  • Location: NE Illinois
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #316 on: August 19, 2012, 08:39:55 am »
We sold our 2004 PleasureWay Ford TD Excel with the two beds in the rear.  Our new 2551 is like we poured water on the PW and it grew 6 feet.  Our PC has all the things that I wanted...there is more room for two dogs with the slideout.  Good luck on your search!!
Anne
So, I was just sitting here with my morning coffee ("caw-fee" as we used to say when back in Jersey :coffee) re-reading old posts and picking up on some tips and tricks from all my new PC friends -- and I re-read your post Anne and had a good chuckle about pouring water on the PW and it growing...We have been trying to figure out how we are going to tell our B-van friends that we have decided to "move on up..." It's not the first time we have made a change in our search to try to "get it right."  We always went for the small B van in order to fully utilize the vehicle while I am still working:  a quick trip to the park with the dogs, a weekend at the local state park, or the quick across country trip to see friends and camp out with them.  Now, nearing retirement (I can see just over the edge!) I keep trying to tell myself that I can leave that small, quick mentality behind and "graduate" into the idea that it no longer needs to be fast and small -- now a little more room, a more leisurely pace, a longer stay, this is what we have been waiting for.  And next year, when it rains 4 out of the 5 days we are staying by the lake, we can laugh at the weather as we and our friends have room to visit inside the camper instead of having to go to a restaurant in town to even be able to sit and talk together.

As we wait for our PC to be built, we have imagined all sorts of conversations with our camping buddies who will rib us for sure, and the one thing that has come to the fore is that we would tell them that we tried Miracle Grow to give our PW a good shine  ;) and "WOW, you should see what happened.  You really gotta be careful with this stuff!!!!!"  Nah, I don't suppose that's going to work either. 
~marilyn
"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." Jim Elliot

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Anne and Bob

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  • Model: 2551
  • ModelYear: 2013
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  • IntColor: cafe
  • ExtColor: cafe
  • Location: Port Townsend, WA
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #317 on: August 19, 2012, 11:05:40 pm »
You will really enjoy your new PC.  I had about three things that really bothered me:  The small refrigerator in the PleasureWay that I had to sit on the floor to reach what was stowed inside;  The fact that both occupants have to go to bed at the same time since the TV was right over the bunk on the driver's side.  So I wanted a place to sit and read, quilt, or watch TV that wouldn't interfere with Bob's bedtime.  He is a 7 o'clocker and I am a 10:30 person.  I love the electric awning.  No mechanical ability required.  Push the button and it goes out or comes in.  Just remembering 2AM wind calls where the whole rig was about to take off.  The slide gives so much more leg room and my new pantry (formerly shirt closet) with shelves works perfect.

I tested out the dishes in the area above the slide.  Nothing moved at all.  Perfect spot.  Not one tinkle of a dish.

And a shower you can stand up in.

6 feet difference in length but WOW what a difference.  This is sort of MY PC sinceBob was happy with the PleasureWay.  I think we are going to love it and there is plenty of room for the "girls".

Just tell your friends that you watered it,sprinkled with Miricle Grow, and it grew!!!  Have Fun

Anne

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Rotorbrain

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  • Location: Texas
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #318 on: August 19, 2012, 11:14:28 pm »
Hello fellow PC ers!

Rotorbrain is now onboard!

We have a 2009 2551 custom put together by the infamous Stuart and like our previous 2006 2400 PC, it is doing very well.  Phoenix is the only place to get an RV as far as we are concerned based on quality and the absolutely fabulous service and support from the entire Phoenix staff.  Our first visit to Kermit's shop was more out of curiousity but we came away with a tremendous amount of respect for Kermit and his staff.  Bobby is terrific at resolving little problems, Karen is gracious and polite in the front office.

We equipped the 2551 with the Roadmaster Heavy Duty sway bars and Bilstein shocks and highly recommend them for anyone anticipating strong crosswinds.  We also have the Banks Power System and that is a must for anyone considering towing.

We are now working with Stuart and Kermit on putting together a 2552 and will be at the rally in Kerrville in September.

Hope to meet some of you there.

Chuck & Judy Schaffer
Hurst, Texas

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Carolp495

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  • Location: Florida
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #319 on: August 20, 2012, 01:19:12 pm »
Hello:
My husband and I just traded in our 2008 Pleasure-way Lexor van style camper for a 2012 ... 2350 PC on a sprinter Chassis.

We chose the PC because we live in Florida and keeping it inside was a must (with hurricanes). We have limited height of 10'4" so the PC worked out perfect, plus they are finished so much nicer inside then any of the other class B,B+, and C's out there.

Miss the Pleasure-Way for now but love the bigger refrigerator, nice big bathroom, and permanent bed.

The size is just a tad scary and am wondering if you need to tow a car or if you can get around town with the bigger camper and extra length  with no problem ?
I know it is not big deal to most .... but I am still trying to get my head around driving this thing.

We are pretty new to the whole RV thing but have enjoyed the couple of times we have had the Pleasure-Way out camping and look forward to taking the PC on long trips to explore new and exciting places.

Carol & Vince Power
Vero Beach, Florida




Vince & Carol Power

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • PurchDate: June 2007
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2007
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  • IntColor: Cherry Green&Gray
  • ExtColor: Full Body Gray
  • Location: N/E Illinois
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #320 on: August 20, 2012, 01:31:13 pm »
Hi Carol and Vince,

We own a older 2007 2350 on the E350 chassis.  We tow all the time because of our vacationing style.  We need extreme mobility for the places we vacation in and need a vehicle that can handle primitive roads.....very primitive roads.

Unless you plan to drive on roads where a motor home cannot go, I strongly advise you do NOT tow another vehicle on your first long road trip and see how you adapt getting around in it.  I understand your initial feeling of the rig being so big, but in reality , it is not.  If you are like 99% of everyone else, you will quickly get comfortable driving it.  One week into a trip, and you will relax over it.

Just don't get overly confident, especially when backing up.  That is where the biggest challenge will lie.  Have a spotter outside.  Don't rely solely on the backup camera & mirrors.  Low hanging tree branches and eves & awnings of building structures are one such concern that the driver cannot see.

Also watch for the rear-end-swing when making sharp turns going forward.  It can take you by surprise, even more-so with the E350 as it has a shorter wheel base.  Watch your rear view mirrors closely when making sharp turns in a forward direction.  You clear the obstacle with a little room to spare, then turn but the rear end will swing and hit it anyway.

A good video to watch of someone who forgot how high his rig was,  Click Here to see a worst case scenerio.
« Last Edit: August 20, 2012, 01:55:52 pm by ron.dittmer »
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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gradygal

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  • our 3rd PC--Custom 2910
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  • Model: 2910
  • ModelYear: 2013
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  • IntColor: cherry
  • ExtColor: slate gray full body paint
  • Location: Florida
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #321 on: August 20, 2012, 02:03:45 pm »
Welcome Carol and Vince,

Our 1st PC was a 2350 on the Sprinter. Bought it new in 2010 after having a B for a year. We took the PC, without a tow vehicle, from FL to PEI and Nova Scotia without a problem. We just had to carefully choose our places to park when visiting congested areas such as Camden ME. etc.

Now that we have the 2910, we are towing a vehicle. The 2910 is a little too long to tour in without a tow.

We still miss the Sprinter but we wanted more space (2011 2551 and now the 2013 2910) Guess you could say we REALLY like PC's and all the folks that build them.

We plan on stopping at Sebastian Inlet State Park on our way home in Sept. for a couple of days (as long as no hurricanes hit!!!)

Judi
Judi and George Nicholson
Punta Gorda FL

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Carolp495

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  • Model: 2350 Sprinter
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  • ExtColor: Sterling Lower
  • Location: Florida
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #322 on: August 20, 2012, 02:34:53 pm »
Thanks:

I know that we will love the 2350, and my husband said that I can always make a mountain out of a mole hill   2o2 that is me . It is a great RV and I know that I will get use to it, I just have to get out of my mind that it is not a greyhound bus   :-D.  Vince actually loves the way this one drives, he said the PW swayed and had a musy drive where the 2350 has more of a sports car feel. 

She is in the shop right now as the generator which had less then two hours on it has a broken crank shaft .... so as soon as it gets fixed we will take her out and start our little trips to get the feel of the reins before we venture out on a long trip.

Driving is not a problem in general (thanks for the video Ron) but being in a confined area of a town or small roads does bother me and I know we will have to pick our destinations a little more carefully.

I certainly appreciate having this wonderful group of people who can help and give advise from experience to help get us started, and I am so excited and know that we will hopefully have many wonderful trips ahead.
Vince & Carol Power

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tom - reds

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  • Location: Philadelphia, Pa
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #323 on: August 21, 2012, 03:01:03 pm »
Hello to everyone !

I'm Tom of "Tom - Reds" , and although we have been members of this for a few months, this is our first posting. A little history.  About three years ago we decided to get involved in RVing. At that time we didn't even know if we wanted to drag it or drive it.  After thinking about how we wanted to use the RV and some basic research we decided on a Class "B" diesel motor home. So, off we went to Hershey.  We live just outside of Philadelphia so it was just a two hour trip.  We only went for one day, thinking that that would be enough time to pick something out.  W R O N G ! ! !  Too many choices.  We did however,decided  that the "B's" were not for us. Too small overall, Wet baths and beds that need to be built, made up and taken apart every day would not work. We also discovered "B+" (or C-, same thing but "B+" sounds better than "C-")
Over the next year we went to smaller RV shows and did a lot of research on line.  Last year we went to Hershey for three days.  Much better!!!The time was well spent and saw a lot and we liked the versatility of the B+'s. Also we decided that the Ford V-10 chassis would work better than the M.B. for our usage level and circumstances(read $$)

Since then we have continued our Info gathering and went to more shows and local dealerships. I also spent a lot of time reading forums like this one (excellant), RV forum and others.  Formost in this process we looked at construction methods, materials, and workmanship and tried not to be influenced by "eye candy" (Ron's words).  After construction we looked for a true cold weather, three to three and a half season motor home and one that maximizes dry camping capabilities.  Last, we considered floor plans.  A walk around full to queen size bed and bath set up that can be closed off from the living/galley area is what would work for us.   Also a comfortable sofa and a good size work table (maybe a non-slide dinette) in the living area.  All this in 27 to 30 feet.

While all this may not be totally possible, we feel the three motor homes that we have narrowed it down to can come very close. We are considering a PC 2700 or 2910D, 2 units from the new (2010) factory direct mfgr in Ekhart, and one from a company in Mantoba. 

So, all that brings us to now.  Next week we head to Ireland with friends for some R&R and a football game (ND vs Navy). Reds suggested not to take any RV stuff along. I totally agree. Next month it's back to Hershey to talk with Reps from the three Motor home Mfgrs.  Our time line to make a purchase is about a year from now. An end of year new 2013 or 2014.

We hope that some of you folks  will comment on our process. What part or parts did we miss? What are your views on the PC's, cold weather and dry camping capabilities?  What options or changes to a coach would enhance those capabilities?  Any thing else that you could add or comment on would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom and Reds



"All those who wander are not lost"       

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TomHanlon

Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #324 on: August 21, 2012, 03:36:25 pm »
Welcome Tom - Reds.

I think you are doing your home work correctly. Not knowing the type of camping and where you want to do it makes it hard to offer advice. Th PC has double pane windows as an option, heated black and gray tanks are standard, fresh water tank in inside. Talk to Stuart at the PC display in Hershey, he is pretty straight with everyone.

We use our motorhome up to December in the mid-Alantic area and down south in December or January. February and March most campgrounds around here are closed.

Now the big question: ND or Navy? ND gets you points at the factory, a bunch of die hard fans work there. Navy is my choice. But it doesn't mater as all are welcome here. 

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Ron Dittmer

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    • My 2007 2350 Phoenix Cruiser
  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • 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 #325 on: August 22, 2012, 01:29:45 am »
Hi Tom-Reds,

Welcome to the PC forum!

Yep, my repeated "eye candy" thread is quite long winded.  Glad you got through it with something of value.

Our travels is just my wife and me.  We near exclusively dry camp.  I consider our PC excellent for our type of vacationing.

Given the way my wife and I use water, we find our independance to last 3 to 4 days.  Fresh water is always the first to go.  We could extend this duration but would rather enjoy nicer showers.

If we never run the Ford engine, with the 2 batteries we find the need to run the generator for an hour or so a day after the 2nd day.  This because with the inverter, we make coffee every morning and watch a movie nearly every evening.  That hour or so per day charging is done using a 40 amp charger for fastest charge times with minimal generator run time.  It is discussed in my thread here.  We don't like running the generator more than neccessary because it isn't a sound in the wilderness we (and any neighbors) appreciate.  If you don't tow another vehicle, then your PC gets driven a lot more which will charge the batteries, eliminating much of the need to run the generator.

If you plan to camp in cool or cold weather, PCs are designed for it.  Just be sure to get the thermal windows to maximize it's insulation properties.  I would assume a little insulation "R" rating is lost with a slideout, but have no personal experience with one.  Maybe someone else here will chime in about how tight a slideout seals against freezing temps.

The first 3/4 of the Ford's 55 gallon gas tank are available to the generator.  All motor homes are setup this way to assure the generator won't drain you dry.

10 gallons/42 pounds of propane lasts us 17-21 days with the fridge on propane all the time, cooking freely, and hot water on propane roughly every-3rd evening.  The most variation depends on how often we use our furnace which is limited-use.  We fill up with propane at end of week #2 to assure we don't run out for the sake of the fridge.  I want to add that the hot water tank heats up quickly and retains heat extremely well, so when we run the generator, we heat up the water with 110v, so we do not sacrifice the convenience of daily use hot water.
« Last Edit: August 22, 2012, 09:56:09 am by ron.dittmer »
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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gradygal

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  • our 3rd PC--Custom 2910
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  • OwnPC: Yes
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  • Model: 2910
  • ModelYear: 2013
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: cherry
  • ExtColor: slate gray full body paint
  • Location: Florida
Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #326 on: August 22, 2012, 08:18:07 am »
Tom-Reds,

Welcome to the Forum. You are where we were 5 years ago! We bought a B. Too small.

After 2 Pc,s I believe we finally got it right with the 2910.

Next week we have reservations at Corduros State Park in Hanover PA for three nights. If you are not in Ireland on the  28,29 or 30th and live near Hanover, give us a shout and stop by to see our 2013 2910. It is not your standard 2910. We had the factory do some customizing for us.

Judi
Judi and George Nicholson
Punta Gorda FL

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pamelahauk

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #327 on: September 08, 2012, 02:09:31 pm »
I have been dreaming of a PC and visiting the site to ponder. I truly appreciate Ron's posts. He takes beautiful pictures and in very informative. In fact the set up he has is exactly what I want. Ron when you go "New" I'd sure like yours! I could probably afford it by then.

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Ron Dittmer

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  • 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 #328 on: September 08, 2012, 07:48:22 pm »
Ron when you go "New" I'd sure like yours! I could probably afford it by then.
Don't hold your breath.  We are hoping this one will give us another 25-30 years of service. :)
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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pamelahauk

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Re: Introduce Yourself!
« Reply #329 on: September 08, 2012, 10:21:40 pm »
Ron, you just burst my bubble! I'll just need to look for a twin of yours and hopefully taken care of just as well.