Flip our Phoenix

We have a 2012 2400 Mercedes Sprinter which we love, but would like to have some renovations done. Where is the best place to get a Phoenix Cruiser rehabbed?

Thanks.

What sort of changes are you wishing to make?

We want to get two facing sofas - removing the dinette, reupholster the Captain's Chairs, replace the flooring, install auto leveling etc.

That sounds really nice. I wonder if PC would do it for you? They would be the most qualified I would think.

Hi Two Hams In A Can,

It has been a long time since I've seen you here.  Welcome back!

I agree that Phoenix would be your best place for the changes you describe, but I doubt they have time for it.  I understand they cannot build new PCs fast enough during this hot RV market, but I would still call them and ask.  You just might be surprised.  They are close enough to drop off and pick up your rig.

And if they don't have time, I will bet they know someone nearby who can do it.

We got off of reading forums after we got comfortable with our PC 2400 Sprinter (which is named "Fawkes" after the Phoenix bird in Harry Potter).  We haven't been doing any long trips even before the COVID pandemic--started to be too much work for this old guy (77 years old).  That's why we want to flip Fawkes to hopefully make it easier to use.  We'll see what Dave Ponsler says...we aren't in any hurry so if PC can't schedule us for a bit, not to worry.   

When I was searching online for a shop to redo the graphics I came across a handful of shops specializing in RV makeovers and remodeling.  Check your local and surrounding areas. By spring they will all be super busy.

They are super busy now. We tried to get solar panels on the rig. They are booked out through May with 100 people on the wait list. That's just the one that responded. Others don't even answer or call back. Same for general RV service. So booked up they are no longer taking reservations. We've been hitting this since last September.

They are super busy now. We tried to get solar panels on the rig. They are booked out through May with 100 people on the wait list. That's just the one that responded. Others don't even answer or call back. Same for general RV service. So booked up they are no longer taking reservations. We've been hitting this since last September.

Who is "they"?  Does PC USA have 100 on a wait list?  When I had an issue, there was about a month wait, but all was pleasingly resolved.

Cheers 
Barry T

Sorry - "They" refers to RV repair shops, installers, solar, etc. We're on the west coast so no where near Phoenix.

Sorry - "They" refers to RV repair shops, installers, solar, etc. We're on the west coast so no where near Phoenix.

Hopefully, this too will pass.  We did a three month trip this past June July and August and the RV parks were full.  Lots of newbies out there...we were all a newbie at one time.

Cheers
Barry T

Barry.  Where were you traveling that was full? Along the west coast?  We did Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky ,Arkansas etc. and only hit one park that had more than 75% capacity and that was during a hurricane in Texas that sent everyone to Houston. Even then they had spaces available and after 3 days they dropped way down.  We found it sad how empty the RV parks were both state and  private in what typically was a busy tourist areas.

Now California and the like is different I know. But I’ll be damned if I’ll pay 300-400 a night to stay in a parking lot in Newport or Mission beach. Yet people do and it’s heavily booked. 

Barry.  Where were you traveling that was full? Along the west coast?  We did Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky ,Arkansas etc. and only hit one park that had more than 75% capacity and that was during a hurricane in Texas that sent everyone to Houston. Even then they had spaces available and after 3 days they dropped way down.  We found it sad how empty the RV parks were both state and  private in what typically was a busy tourist areas.

Now California and the like is different I know. But I’ll be damned if I’ll pay 300-400 a night to stay in a parking lot in Newport or Mission beach. Yet people do and it’s heavily booked.

In short, we were in popular places...The RV "resorts" in Estes Park, Co., those near Yellowstone, Tetons (Jackson, WY), Moab were pretty full.  Our trip covered, CO, WY, UT, back to CO, SD, and then a trip over to Elkhart to PC HQ.   Most of the popular places were totally booked.  We live in Texas.  Speaking of price, the park in Jackson was better than decent and 100 bucks a day.  I would have paid more because it was walking distance to all the goings-on in Jackson. 

We never make reservations for the long haul.  Only the day of or the day before arrival. I don’t like being restricted once reservations are made on how long I’ll be in an area. When the day comes I have to plan a multi state trip in booked reservations I’ll sell the rig and stay in hotels.  We tried it one year with reservations planned ahead and hated being rushed when we wanted to stay in an area longer or found something we wanted to see but couldn’t stop because  we have to be someplace to check in.

All we hit on our last 3 month run for 90% of the trip was tourist areas.  Never had a reservation more than a day out. I guess after years of everything having to be exact to every small detail in retirement I refuse to do operate that way anymore if at all possible.