The Journey Begins - New 2552

Well it begins soon...

We're taking the plunge into PC ownership with a new 2552 that we've been eyeing for a month or two.  It is a reasonably well optioned rig, solar, AGM batteries, 2nd AC w/ 50 amp service, and MorRyde/Safe-T.  I would have liked the roof ladder and spare in back but the price was right and we got to purchase from a local RV dealer that treats their customers well.

Now begins the process of outfitting.  We haven't been RV'ers.  The desire to travel and maintain our own living space with pets is the driver.  Trips will be short starting off while I am still working.  Longer trips are on the horizon but I'm going to push for a few of those sooner rather than later.  My big outstanding item to figure out is the toad.  I'm going to be pulling my 2022 Bronco and I'm leaning toward the Ready Brute surge brake system.  There is some debate on the Bronco forum on using the stock cast steel recovery points versus swapping to a Blue Ox or similar base plate.  I do know that I need to get a receiver that gives me some rise as the Bronco frame is higher than the PC.

Anyway, the adventure begins.  We're already scheduling our first night out in a couple of weeks.  Just one night and local to get ourselves and pets acclimated.  I'm considering scheduling my first big outing to the 2024 Bronco Supercelebration in east TN...dragging my '75 along.

Welcome aboard. You have purchased a great B+ RV. Looks like maybe form D & H RV & Marine? If so, great folks. We have a loaded 2020, including liquid springs, would be happy to share information. We live just east of Raleigh in small town America, Sims, NC. This forum is a great source for information. Wishing you safe travels, Chuck

We called the short, pre-retirement trips, “preview trips” for all the places we would go back to spend more time. Enjoy the ride.

Welcome aboard. You have purchased a great B+ RV. Looks like maybe form D & H RV & Marine? If so, great folks. We have a loaded 2020, including liquid springs, would be happy to share information. We live just east of Raleigh in small town America, Sims, NC. This forum is a great source for information. Wishing you safe travels, Chuck

Thanks and you got it right.  D & H are nice folks.  I may take you up on the sharing info...once we get our feet under us, I'll drop you a note and maybe I can drive out your way to draw upon your experience.  I might be a few week or even August.  I have a service project coming up in July and a trip to visit family that isn't even scheduled yet.

We called the short, pre-retirement trips, “preview trips” for all the places we would go back to spend more time. Enjoy the ride.

I like it.  Unfortunately, my preview trips will probably be over the next 10 years.  I guess I'll be really dialed in to PC life once retirement hits.

Our preview trips were over ten years also. We don’t regret a minute of it.
You never know what could happen in the future.
You have chosen wisely!

Patti

This is the other half of Don and Patti.  I would weigh your options for towing your Bronco.  Number 1 consideration is if can be flat towed (all 4 wheels on the ground).  Number 2 is the weight, Ford lists curb weight between 4,300 to 4,900 lbs. That is certainly within the towing capacity of the hitch, but will require VERY solid attachment to the tow bar and the Bronco.  I would not recommend trying to modify the built in tow hooks or plates. I would get a tow kit specifically designed for the Bronco from a reputable company like Roadmaster or Blue Ox.  Number 3, mandatory safety item, get a supplement brakeinv system added to the Bronco so its brakes are activated when the RV brakes are applied. And number 4, I would seriously consider having a 5Star modification to the PC's computer done.  I realize the newer models E-450 cutaways have a V8 engine rather than a V10 like my 2015 2551 has, but the 5 Star update made mine FAR smoother in its shift points and allowed better speeds up mountain passes (we have a few in Colorado).  No mstter what you do, expect a significant drop in MPG while towing a Bronco.

Last point, do not attempt to backup while the Bronco is being flat towed.  It cannot be done

Don

Don’t fret over the ladder.   Junk in my opinion. I sure would not climb mine at my 190 lbs.

And very very very smart having 2 ac units.   I don’t think anything over the 2350 should be built without 2 units.  I’m even iffy on the 2350 with just one .   It gets hot out there during the summer and one can’t keep up in 100 degree heat.

This is the other half of Don and Patti.  I would weigh your options for towing your Bronco.  Number 1 consideration is if can be flat towed (all 4 wheels on the ground).  Number 2 is the weight, Ford lists curb weight between 4,300 to 4,900 lbs. That is certainly within the towing capacity of the hitch, but will require VERY solid attachment to the tow bar and the Bronco.  I would not recommend trying to modify the built in tow hooks or plates. I would get a tow kit specifically designed for the Bronco from a reputable company like Roadmaster or Blue Ox.  Number 3, mandatory safety item, get a supplement brakeinv system added to the Bronco so its brakes are activated when the RV brakes are applied. And number 4, I would seriously consider having a 5Star modification to the PC's computer done.  I realize the newer models E-450 cutaways have a V8 engine rather than a V10 like my 2015 2551 has, but the 5 Star update made mine FAR smoother in its shift points and allowed better speeds up mountain passes (we have a few in Colorado).  No mstter what you do, expect a significant drop in MPG while towing a Bronco.

Last point, do not attempt to backup while the Bronco is being flat towed.  It cannot be done

Don

Thanks for the words of wisdom.  If I go with the factory connection points, the only thing I would do is add reinforcement to beef up the end of the frame horns.  I may still go with a Blue Ox connection point.  I'm still reviewing.  I'm thinking of a Ready Brute tow bar with the surge brakes.  There is no way I would tow without auxiliary braking with emergency braking for the Bronco.  I've pulled heavy loads before and take hauling seriously.

I'll look into the 5star tuning.  I want to see what the shifting is like before diving too deep.  Tomorrow we get our first drive...I figure I should drive it before signing on to my new mini-mortgage.

We pull a 2017 Jeep Unlimited, 4700lbs as we load it. Highly recommend the Roadmaster InvisiBrake. Once its installed you do nothing & its easy to adjust the braking pressure. Your tow brakes engage when you brake the RV. Our unit is under the Jeep drivers seat but can be installed in other locations. If you use the hook points on your Bronco make sure Ford specs will handle the weight when flat towing. If the Bronco has a locking steering wheel you will need a charge line to the RV battery. Locking steering requires that the Key be in ACC mode when towing. Lots of Jeep owners install all steel bumpers & hook up to the bumper. We use Blue Ox & are very satisfied. Just my 2 cents, Chuck

Thanks for the feedback folks.  I've been stewing on the attachment / base plate options, and will most likely shift gears and go with Blue Ox in lieu of the OEM recovery points.  I don't like losing my recovery points but Ford hasn't seen fit to come out and say what they are rated for.  They don't use them or not use them for flat towing...that has been bugging me a bit.  Anyway, Blue Ox will be it.  I'm still leaning towards Ready Brute surge style tow bar / surge brakes.  Others with Broncos have been using them with good results.  Super simple operation with very few things to go wrong.

On another note, we went back to the dealer for a test drive late yesterday.  A little rainy and some afternoon traffic to contend with, but it gave some real world driving conditions.  Power was good.  Ride was smooth, but road conditions were good.  Took it up to 65, but cruised around 60.  Steering was ok; pretty much no steering feedback but that is typical of other large trucks I've driven.  Seats were comfortable...I might need a bit more lumbar support.  I didn't see a switch for power lumbar but lumbar adjustment can be added to seats after the fact.  The wife was thrilled and was ready to head out on an adventure. 

Scheduled PDI and delivery is going to be Thursday next week.  Their shop is a bit busy right now, but we are flexible.  Our first outing is already scheduled for the weekend after the holiday.  We'll use the July 4th weekend to do some interior cleaning, set up, and get acclimated with the new systems.

Well picked it up on Thursday.  Only a couple of items from the delivery inspection.  After the paperwork, the wife went back to deal with the pets and pick up dinner.  I drove to the storage unit and set up camp.  We ended up having our first dinner in the RV using that little table...BTW, we know the first thing we're replacing...looking for some TV trays. The table that comes with it is cumbersome to set up and takes up too much space if you leave it up.

Today was cleaning the interior.  Found our first couple of items to fix.  The generator runs for a while then cuts out (Code 36).  It acts like it is running out of gas but the tank is full.  The dealership is open on Monday so right after lunch they are going to take a look.  Also the Garmin docking station doesn't seem to be energized.  I had to charge the tablet at home but it gets nothing when docked.

Tomorrow is loading up some essentials and sanitizing the water system.  Learning about all the systems is like drinking from a fire hose.

If you google Phoenix USA RV, Elkhart, Ind. This is their main website. Under Menu go to Owner Resources you will find PDF files to include many manuals for products installed on your PC. These manuals will not solve your current problem with the docking station but there is a load of good information. Hopefully, you want have to use them. The Owners Manual is generic & will not include every item or process. The individual PDF's are available if needed. Hope this helps, Chuck

Party Pal trays are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Phoenix should really just make the Lagun articulating tables standard equipment.