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Build quality on newer PC's

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WillLloyd

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: Feb/2017
  • Model: 2910
  • ModelYear: 2016
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Pebble
  • ExtColor: Grey
  • Location: Virginia
Build quality on newer PC's
« on: October 24, 2021, 07:53:25 am »
Until recently we owned a 2016 2910.  We thought it was great when we bought it but multiple major build related quality issues wore me out and we sold it.  The big issues were leaks (from multiple locations), driveshaft/driveline issues (from chassis extension), paint and fiberglass problems with rear cap, and others.  You can find information for most of these in the forums.  The good news is that the gentlemen that bought it got a better than new coach, literally, it was better than new when we sold it….  The bad news is that after all my work to fix it I could not stand for it to be in our driveway any longer.

We have another non-PC B+ on order and are now looking at their exterior paint options and we aren’t that thrilled.  I’ll bet we got compliments on our 2910 every time we went out, which means the door may be cracking open for another PC.  So my question is, for those with newer PC’s, what kind of issues are you having?  Do they leak?  Do the new slide mechanics work?  Other issues?  I’m wondering if 2016 was a bad year for PC or are my expectations too high even for Phoenix?

Thanks for the input.

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garmp

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 3/20
  • Model: 2351
  • ModelYear: 2020 2351D
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Greystone
  • ExtColor: Jack Doub Grey/Greystone
  • Location: St. Louis, MO
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2021, 03:18:43 pm »
We have a2021 2351D and have no issues to this point other than those which were operator malfunctions. We don't have a ton of miles on it, but so far so good. We did have the dash radio go out and Keith told me to find one locally and send him the bill. We did have an additional cabinet added and Doug & Danny do super work and seem to really care about the customers.
Jack is what we call our PC 2351D, and he has taken us from campers to RV'ers and loving it. We're no longer Team Bob. Just Jack the RV!

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Woodchuck

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 04/2021
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2020
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Toast
  • ExtColor: Toast
  • Location: North Carolina
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2021, 05:24:11 pm »
No issues, 2020 2552 with 10,000 trouble free miles. :)
Chuck & Sheila

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Free2RV

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: P.U. 6/11/18
  • Model: 3100
  • ModelYear: 2018
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Nightscape (Cherry)
  • ExtColor: Graystone (FBP)
  • Location: Northern Michigan
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2021, 06:02:11 am »
We have had no major problems/issues with our 2018, 3100.  The problems/issues we did have were very minor and were resolved by Doug in less than 30 minutes when we stopped by on one of our trips.  We have been impressed with the quality of our PC, compared to the two previous RV's we have owned.
Gary

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JKSan

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 3-13-2021
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2021
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Nightscape
  • ExtColor: Nightscape
  • Location: Guyton, GA
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2021, 06:56:58 am »
Our 2021 model 2552 has had only minor issues, most of which I fixed myself.  Had a small leak at the bathroom window that turned out to be from two of the three upper marker lights.  Also had one HWH jack malfunction and Campers Inn fixed it with no further issue.  All in all, my wife and I are very happy with the quality of our PC.  There is a Ford recall on our E-450 for inspection of a wiring bundle for fraying.  Ford to take care of it this week.  Of course, not a PC problem.

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mikeh

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 02/2019
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2019
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Toast
  • ExtColor: Toast
  • Location: Oklahoma
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2021, 10:28:01 am »
It's been said many times (and most RV'rs understand) that any RV is a relatively complex item of equipment with a lot of potential components and systems to fail.  The only things that can offset that come from the manufacturer--selection of quality components and then well-designed and careful assembly.

Having worked with equipment all my life I knew this well, so when I bought my very first RV I spent a huge amount of time researching RV manufacturers and facts about RV systems.  When I finally wrote the check to PC for my 2019 2552, I was as comfortable as an inexperienced RV'r could be that I was making the right choice.  After 2 1/2 years and 15,000 miles of use I still feel that way.  I couldn't afford a half-million for a big top-line unit, and I didn't want that type of RV anyway--I wanted a nominal-size unit that I could easily take most places BUT, I wanted to be comfortable doing so.  Consequently, I added most options that PC offered--50A/twin A/C, automatic leveling, solar, satellite TV, See-Level gauges, and others--even knowing that every system I added was one more to maintain or fail.  I guess I was putting my trust in Phoenix's long experience building these models with a stable workforce and that they would maintain their reputation for a quality build.  So far that trust has been largely met.

I have had one failure that would track to either the component or Phoenix.  My slide failed early summer--wouldn't extend.  I had had the occasional pop noise in the front when moving it since not too long after delivery, but it had always extended and retracted fully and smoothly so I assumed that might be normal.  When it failed, it jammed in the lower front and couldn't be moved.  I made the trip to Elkhart in late September, and they removed the slide and repaired it--works great now.  After researching slides (when it failed), I'm not too impressed with the current Lippert Schwintek slide system, but it's in over 70 brands of RVs with hundreds of thousands of units in service--the huge majority working flawlessly--so I'm giving it a pass for now.

I know there are other quality RVs on the market besides Phoenix--but there are also an awful lot that don't approach the Phoenix level of quality build.  Overall, mine has been reliable, comfortable, and a joy to use--and I'm satisfied that I made a good decision to go with them.

Mike 
« Last Edit: October 26, 2021, 10:33:07 am by mikeh »

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Woodchuck

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 04/2021
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2020
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Toast
  • ExtColor: Toast
  • Location: North Carolina
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2021, 10:17:21 pm »
Well said Mike. We just down sized from a Tiffin Class A. I have always done my homework before writing a big check. Studied 2 years before buying the Tiffin. Did the same before buying our PC. The Tiffin rv network has about 10,000 members. I still read the post nightly.  There is always a problem with the electric  Lippert slides. According to Lippert, in order to keep the system in sync, you should hold the in/out button for 3 or 4 seconds after the slide is in or out. Never stop half way. Love our PC! After 40 yrs rving, this will be our last. I do all maintenance & fix 90% of failures. Would like to see PC expand there service center. Can't rely on dealer network for service. Subject probably should be another post. Chuck
 
Chuck & Sheila

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mikeh

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 02/2019
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2019
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Toast
  • ExtColor: Toast
  • Location: Oklahoma
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2021, 12:27:25 am »
Absolutely correct about the PC service center Chuck.  When my slide failed, I knew it would require a significant repair job and didn't even consider trying to find a PC dealer or another independent source to work on it.  I'm sure there are some quality operations out there, but I didn't personally know of one and I wasn't about to roll the dice--knew the PC factory should be as good as it gets. 

Called Keith at the end of June, and the first date he could give me was starting 28 September for three days.  I actually made two more trips in the interim without use of the slide, but I was traveling alone so it was a minimal inconvenience.  I think that timing is pretty standard for PC's factory service currently (at least for major jobs) based on conversations with a couple other owners.  It would be great if Phoenix could expand their capability to cut that down--I think they'd have no trouble staying booked.
Mike


 

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Woodchuck

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: 04/2021
  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2020
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Toast
  • ExtColor: Toast
  • Location: North Carolina
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #8 on: November 04, 2021, 08:48:57 pm »
Adding this statement: Having owned 9 rv's over the years, I can say that all manufactures could learn from Phoenix Cruiser USA. The build quality of our motor home surpasses all previous rv's. Considering supply chain problems, I wouldn't want to build anything that required hundreds of parts. From what I hear, PC is doing better than most. Just my 2 cents, Chuck
Chuck & Sheila

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Ron Dittmer

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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: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2021, 10:19:29 am »
Adding this statement: Having owned 9 rv's over the years, I can say that all manufactures could learn from Phoenix Cruiser USA. The build quality of our motor home surpasses all previous rv's. Considering supply chain problems, I wouldn't want to build anything that required hundreds of parts. From what I hear, PC is doing better than most. Just my 2 cents, Chuck
I am glad the quality of your new 2020 model is  2o2.  That is good to read.

The prices on new Phoenix Cruisers keep climbing, I assume in part due to the high demand (lack of) of motorhomes in-general from COVID and the supply chain being broken.  Adding sky-rocketing inflation now makes prices higher yet.

If Phoenix still built model 2350, it would have an MSRP of around $160,000 (a new 2100 MSRP is $156,000).  That is $82,000 higher MSRP than our 2007 2350, and we paid $67,205.  The way things are going, in a few years we could sell ours for what we paid for.  roflol  One thing certain, a Phoenix Cruiser is a sound investment compared to most other motorhomes.
« Last Edit: November 05, 2021, 10:38:56 am by Ron Dittmer »
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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donc13

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  • NewUsed: New
  • PurchDate: 03/2015
  • Model: 2551
  • ModelYear: 2015
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Nightscape/Hickory
  • ExtColor: White/Nightscape
  • Location: Colorado
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2021, 11:00:59 am »
Everything is going up.  Cost of fuel means transportation costs go up, cost of food means labor rates are going up.  Cost of parts means finished product costs go up.   EVERYTHING is eventually paid for by consumers.  Consumers pay all taxes, profits, costs of products, food, you name it... consumers pay for it.
 
---
Don and Patti

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WillLloyd

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  • OwnPC: Yes
  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: Feb/2017
  • Model: 2910
  • ModelYear: 2016
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Pebble
  • ExtColor: Grey
  • Location: Virginia
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2021, 08:09:54 am »
Thanks for the input everyone.  After a lot of thought, I don’t think there will be seconds on a PC for us.  When did our initial research we thought we found one of the upper end motor homes.  And I think as a brand we did, unfortunately our particular unit didn’t make the cut and that leaves a bad taste.  Mind you, ours were not the typical little RV problems, I can fix those in my sleep.

I still think PC is one of the three top B+ units, and anyone should be happy to own one, it’s just time for us to try another flavor.  I was even impressed with the support the factory provided even though we did not buy from them, ours was used with 1700 miles on it.

This forum is a great asset as well.  Lots of good input and good ideas.  Hopefully I can still contribute and glean input.

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Joseph

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  • Model: 2552
  • ModelYear: 2011
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Tan/Cherry
  • ExtColor: Gray / White
  • Location: California
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2021, 10:23:24 am »
WillLoyd… nothing wrong with trying another flavor. For 59 years I rode motorcycles. I was never brand loyal. Their nothing more than tools and I tried as many as I could over the years. Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Husky, Harley and so on. I rode the last one 190,000 miles in 5 years so I was no collector. Some were good some were great some not so much, but I had fun with all of them. So go have fun in what ever floats your boat, you’ve earned it.

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Ron Dittmer

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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: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #13 on: November 21, 2021, 05:26:43 pm »
WillLoyd… nothing wrong with trying another flavor.
I agree.  I would likely try another brand after a bad experience.
Ron (& Irene) Dittmer

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CalCruiser

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  • NewUsed: Used
  • PurchDate: November 2015
  • Model: 2350 Ford
  • ModelYear: 2003
  • Slide: Yes
  • IntColor: Hickory/ Beige
  • ExtColor: Custom Ford colors- dark shadow grey & blue jeans metallic
  • Location: SoCal
Re: Build quality on newer PC's
« Reply #14 on: November 21, 2021, 07:39:03 pm »
The Outlaw has room for all the toys,  and enough space to carry a spare refrigerator, air conditioner, water heater, leveling jack, awning,  Schwintek gears, and a compressor and air tools. It also has a standard WiFi hotspot to get help from YouTube. No more need to wait for warranty work or dealer service appointments.  Problem solved!
« Last Edit: November 21, 2021, 09:49:37 pm by CalCruiser »
Goin' where the wind goes...