Features of New Phoenix USA RV Website-- From Phoenix Cruiser Travel Club

If you haven’t been on the Phoenix USA RV website lately, you should check it out.  Wow—is it impressive.  But it’s not just glitz and stylish—there are several very practical features available. 

There is now an On-Line Parts Request available  Parts Request | Phoenix USA RV | Elkhart Indiana.  Prices are also shown for some common items Parts Department | Phoenix USA RV | Elkhart Indiana.  Needing a part on Saturday—no need to make a note to call Phoenix on Monday morning—just file your request immediately online. 

You can also schedule a service appointment at the Elkhart factory using the new on-line request form Service Department | Phoenix USA RV | Elkhart Indiana.   Also now on-line are Owners Manuals for many of your PC’s components Owners Manuals | Phoenix USA RV | Elkhart Indiana.

I recently noticed that myself....very nice website on-line features, not only for owners, but also for prospective buyers wondering about such matters.

Did they remove the build feature or am I missing it?

I don't see it either.  But I guess that makes some sense as they have stated they are no longer "factory direct".  Sales would be through their dealers so having a build feature is less important.  Especially since they would not be able to put pricing on it.

They have stated that customization going forward will be limited.  Lots of options, more than most companies, but much more standardized than in the past.   But I don't see the list of those options anywhere on the website so maybe you have to go through a dealer to see them.

Jatrax, I’m not one to buy new anyway but just wondered as I saw some 2552 models with dual air. Ill never own another without dual air so was wondering about upgrade costs. Sure wish it was something that could be retrofitted.

Needs 50 amp service for 2 A/C's

On a recent trip, around the first part of Oct, we were at the plant & I asked Tina about an online build sheet. I told her that it was one of the things that really attracted us to Phoenix. We could play put & take with accessories, etc and not get the salesman hassle, until we had a pretty firm idea in mind of what we wanted and what we could afford. As she explained to me, because the web site is done by an agency and the constant updates, changes , additions etc that go into a bu9ild sheet it would be not only cost prohibitive, but perpetually obsolete.

That's a brush off... They had a build sheet, just revive it.

BUT

At the very least, they could list the options for each model (along with LIST price).   Especially if they're not doing customizations anymore.

The list can be based on a spreadsheet, update the spreadsheet and the website is updated.   Look at it this way... They provide dealers with pricing, why not us?

Or not

Keelhauler I understand it needs 50 amp for 2ac.  Stupid that any builder sends a unit of 28 foot and beyond out the door with 30 amp and one unit.  I am seeing more and more 27- and beyond units with 2ac now so some companies are waking up. I’ve also seen a couple that somehow were retrofitted for a second ac with an additional receptacle near the 30 amp receptacle that a power line could plug from it to the 15 amp at the post. Issue there is I think I’d have to move the present ac forward to the first opening so that they wouldn’t be too close together and secondly the issue of ruining the power for the second to another outside receptacle  of some sort. Then assuming the cost of the labor at some point it’s cost prohibitive on an older unit.  Wish I’d looked into it when I first bought it .

I checked and we don't have the cost of the second A/C unit, but I believe it was in the neighborhood of $1500, which included the 50 AMP upgrade which is required to operate 2 A/C units.  When we ordered our 3100, we wanted both units to be operated by wall thermostats so we had them upgrade the rear A/C to include it which also added a heat strip.  On the front A/C, we had them upgrade that unit to include a heat pump.  Another change we made was to have them delete the roof vents in the living room, and move that A/C unit forward and also move the bedroom A/C forward 2 feet.  We seldom ever used the roof vents in an RV, except the one in the bathroom so now our roof is less cluttered and we don't have to worry about unneeded extra holes in the roof.  If you do go to 50 AMP, I would recommend having them put the water heater on the second leg of the system to reduce some of the power draw on the main leg.  If you are ever in a situation where you are only on 30 AMP or are running the generator and need hot water, you can just run it on propane (the generator does not power the rear A/C).

I got a chuckle from the pictures on their website showing two a/c units so close together that they almost touch.  Phoenix does not actually install them so close to eachother....Do they?  If not, they really need to fix the picture.  That could turn away prospective buyers.

Ron , now that’s not something that should happen. I guess they don’t proof their own source of advertising.  Funny though.   On another note.  They could at a minimum wire them 50 amp with wiring for a second ac. Many come pre wired for solar as an example even though not everyone wants solar. My friends bought a 5th wheel and ordered it with no Gen set. They still delivered it pre wired for one in case they change their minds later on and didn't charge them anything. Beining realistic they have a large profit margin but it wasn’t something they asked for.

That's a brush off... They had a build sheet, just revive it.

I'm not sure that is really possible.  They could build it new from the ground up if they wanted to, but the platform the old one was on was ancient and amateurish even 5 years ago.  The new website is built to modern standards it appears and reusing that old code would be problematic. 

But I think the real point here is that we are seeing a change from "factory direct" to a dealer network.  I'm not sure I like that as the primary reason I was attracted to Phoenix was the build sheet and the ability to work with the factory on a custom build.  But that doesn't work with a dealer network.  Like it or not they are going to work at making their dealers happy and having any kind of build sheet would I think be an issue for the dealers who want to build the customer relationship with themselves, not the manufacturer.

They could at a minimum wire them 50 amp with wiring for a second ac.

I am not sure what the cost for 50 amp over 30 amp is but I suspect it would be relatively minor.  Personally I think there is no reason these days not to just wire a larger coach for 50 amp as standard.  Same with solar, the coach should have the wiring and connections in place.  Its so much easier to do that during the build than try to retrofit.  Makes it easier for the dealers to sell the solar as an add-on because the dealer can install it.

When I ordered my 3100, I made sure it was 50amp with two air conditioners.  Someone mentioned how far back the front A/C is and kinda close to the rear A/C.  I didnt realize this would be the case.  I would have ordered the 3100 with the front A/C more to the front.  However, I am OK with the setup.  We spent 2 months in Central Texas living in the PC while looking for a house.  Temps reached 100 plus for MANY consecutive days.  We were comfortable. 

Also, regarding ordering parts online.  This past Saturday, I ordered a hubcap online.  Monday morning, I had a confirmation from Carol and the request to call her with my credit card.  I was pleased with the process.

Finally, regarding custom build. I am also a bit disappointed with PC USA going to the dealer network.  I "hate" dealing with dealerships and have found them to be less than knowledgeable about product and even more deficient in getting things fixed after delivery.  Factory direct and customizing the build  was a MAJOR factor in me ordering a PC...along with the recommendation of some good friends.  I had the factory replace the dinette with a nice cabinet and counter top, with 5 inches  between the cabinet and the sofa for storing TV trays.

Service at Elkhart is still good.  I had an appt in August and everything went well.  I will probably make an annual trip to Elkhart, even though I am back in Texas and it is quite the trek.

Cheers 
Barry T