It was nearly two years ago that this process began for us.Here in Oklahoma City, the Spring RV Show was going on at the fairgrounds, which, incidentally, we pass on our way to and from work each day.On that particular day, as we were going home, Jo said, “Let’s stop by the RV show.I want to look at something.”
In my mind, I was thinking, “OK, she wants to look at something bigger than the 26 foot fifth wheel that we currently own.”(Perhaps maybe a 30 footer.)To my surprise, she began looking at 36 and above, particularly the Mobile Suites that was carried by the RV dealer we had dealt with before with our earlier campers.So, I had to ask her what she had in mind.It was then that she told me of wanting to eventually full-time and travel the country.
Now, we are getting close to a decision.If we don’t do something this year in the way of purchasing a fifth wheel, we might not ever get as big as we want and be able to full time.We recently had the dealer give us a price for ordering a Mobile Suites 38TKSB3 with some upgrades including a fourth slide in the bedroom.
To our thinking, the price they gave us was a good one, but maybe just a wee bit high for what we wanted to pay.So, now we are looking at deleting some of the options that we had put into the initial price quote.Once again, I come to our online friends for your ideas, suggestions and thoughts, since you have all been so valuable to us in the past.The last point will be a question for the “electrical minded” out there.
We will be getting the Level-Up system with remote, the side by side refrigerator, upgraded TV to Sony Bravia, “Theatre-Seating” recliners with center console, built in fireplace, GE Advantium microwave (convection plus), 3 burner range with oven, Select Comfort queen size bed, 2nd 15.0 BTU A/C with heat pumps in both, Comfort Air w/rain sensor and remote for kitchen and bathroom, washer/dryer prep with vent, Power Management System, whole house surge protector, Canadian All Weather package with two 30,000 BTU furnaces, Trailair suspension and pin box, Tire Pressure monitoring system, back up camera system, four step entry steps, and thermopane windows.
1. We first deleted the fourth slide.While the vanity slide will give a bit more walking space in the bedroom, plus some more hanging space in the closet, it comes at the cost of storage space in the “dresser” drawers, overhead storage, and extra cabinet space to the left and right of the window.Saved nearly $2200.
2. The central vacuum was another choice to delete.For the $400 listed for that, we could buy a small Dyson “ball” upright that has more “flexibility” and better suction than what a long vacuum hose would necessarily allow.
3. Slide topper awnings were another to delete.My thinking is that with the Oklahoma winds, that is something that wouldn’t be getting torn up and flapping in the wind. As for cleaning the tops of the slides. I can always use a ladder from the ground and sweep them off.
4. Dinette slide patio awning was next.A powered one is $1994 and a manual one is $908.We’re just not sure how much the additional awning would be used.We will have the one running from the entry door forward.
5. We also decided to delete the Winegard Trav’ler HD Auto Satellite for Direct TV.That was another $2500.We figure we can always use the normal DirectTV dish on a tripod.That would give us the added flexibility to be able to move the dish around for a better shot at the satellite.
In addition to the above, we plan on getting the Xantrex 3000 Watt Inverter w/four 6-volt batteries.That one leads to the question for the “electrically minded” individuals to kindly answer.If we delete the Onan 5500 Marquis Gold generator we can save$6070, although I’m considering to still get the “Generator Prep-Auto Change Over” option for $654 should we later decided to add the Onan.We currently have a Honda EU3000IS rated at 3000 watts and I think 25 amps.While I know that this generator won’t run any of the air conditioners, it would still work for heating and lights, etc.Does anyone know if this generator would be “heavy” enough to still be able to recharge the batteries in the Xantrex 3000 Watt inverter?If it would manage but take a long time to charge, thus making it ineffective or inefficient, please let me know your thoughts on that as well.
Anyone wishing to comment on whether we should go ahead and delete all of the above, or perhaps keep certain ones, I would welcome your thoughts.This is now being done because with the right answers to the above and just a wee bit more tweaking of numbers, we MAY be about to order our DREAM RV.
Thanks to everyone for your comments and answers in the past and for any that you provide for this thread.God bless you all.
Terry
bjoyce said
07:53 PM Feb 14, 2010
If the Xantrex is like most inverter/chargers of that size the charging rate can be turned down, often called "power share", so your Honda could charge the batteries at a lower rate than the inverter maximum or 100 to 150 amps DC. You should be able to set the power share to 20 to 25 (AC amps) and charge somewhere between 60 and 90 amps DC instead of the 100 to 150 the inverter/charger is capable. It will take you half an hour or so more to charge the batteries with the generator you already own and only when the batteries are really discharged. Sounds good to me and you can always look at getting another Honda and the kit to use them together if you ever need that much power.
You should find out the upgrade cost to go to a pure sine wave inverter if available. We paid $200 extra for a 2000 watt and it was well worth it. I have heard some were charged $500 and others $1000, but with pure sine wave you can run anything so you have to make your own decision. Some friends just went from an RV they installed their own pure sine wave inverter/charger to a new one that came with a Xantrex modified sine wave one with no option to upgrade. Their clock radio will not work on modified sine wave and he is worried about a couple other devices. He is debating doing a swap himself to the same size pure sine wave from Xantrex since it will fit. About six years of having pure sine wave spoiled him.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Sunday 14th of February 2010 07:55:39 PM
Luvglass said
08:38 PM Feb 14, 2010
As well built and insulated as your rig should be, I would suggest you revisit the need for 2 furnaces and 2 air conditioners. We've been very happy with only one of each and I think yours is better insulated.
You should also reconsider the back up camera. I think you will find it unnecessary. It's very easy to have a partner outside spotting you as you back up.
BTW, the 3000 generator is more than capable of running one air conditioner and probably another high usage device once the conditioner is running. It only draws heavy on startup I believe.
You might also consider deleting the furniture and buying your own. A lot of full timers have done this and wish they had ordered this way. It's more comfortable and cheaper.
Good luck, that's some awesome rig your considering.
53 Merc said
08:55 PM Feb 14, 2010
Like others, I have my questions on the deletes also. Personally, I would leave the slide awning covers on. I feel it keeps trash from traveling inside when rigging down. I have spent 3 years in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon (can you say windsailing mecca?) and the covers are still good to go. I did build a de-flapper for the living room slide to take out some of the noise.
Also, skip the tripod for the satellite. Instead, get a ground mount, or if possible a Bullseye mount. I undertand Bullseye is being taken over by someone else and going back in production. I have a 30 pound base for my satellite, and it never goes out of adjustment like the tripod did.
And, I woud not go with heat pumps. Instead get heat strips in the ACs. WAY less expensive.
Good luck, and I hope you can get to a number you like. Sounds like it may be close.
lmcallis said
09:50 PM Feb 14, 2010
I'll second Fred's comment about getting only 1 furnace instead of 2. But I'd keep the 2 AC units. Go with the heat pumps. Both our AC units are heat pumps (Carrier), and they work great down to about 44 degrees outside.
Don't think we've ever run both at the same time. (been full timing for 2 years) One is in the living room (back end of the rig), the 2nd in the kitchen (center of rig). The center one does a better job pumping cold or heat into the bedroom, so we'll run that one at night. The living room one does a great job in the living/kitchen area....and I like having a spare for something this critical. They will put out a lot more heat than a 1500 watt heat strip (the fireplace is 1500 watts for comparison)....
And it's all about not using propane, we seldom use the furnace (used twice this winter), even here in this years COLD south where most nights have been in the mid 30's, and days in the 40's.
We always stay in campgrounds so we don't have a generator and haven't missed it.
That's a great rig you're looking at and you're outfitting it to the nines so good luck with it. You'll enjoy.
dream reachers said
12:44 AM Feb 15, 2010
I have read many of the comments that you have posted on the forum and know that you have spent a great deal of time researching and investigating different RV makes and models. I believe that it is so important before purchasing an RV. I think you will be happy with the DRV that you are ordering. We have many of the options you chose and I think you made a wise decision on which ones to keep and which ones to delete. I do think Bill and Fred made some good suggestions. You might want to keep 2 AC units if you stay in the south in the summer but one heat pump should be enough. Your trailer is a little longer than ours but one furnace has been sufficient for us and we don't have the fireplace but wish we did. We use electric heaters at times they are quiter than the heat pump. The slide top awnings are very controversial. We do not have them and only wished we did when we had to move when it was raining which was twice in 2 years only because we had a schedule to keep at the time, most of the time we don't have to move when it is raining. I believe you are correct in deleting the Onan, you can always add it later but I doubt you will find it necessary and the weight is a killer. I would expect you figured how much weight the options would decrease your carrying capacity. We certainly wish you the best on the purchase of you new trailer and as you pursue your new adventure.
God bless,
Allan and Jeanne
bjoyce said
07:12 AM Feb 15, 2010
I know Carrier heat pumps can go below 44 degrees since I know someone with them who told me they work the same as the Dometic ones we have, including having a de-ice mode. This morning it was just below freezing and our two 15,000 BTU heat pumps are able to keep it at 70 inside. They are going into de-ice mode some, but they are cycling off. Below 30 degrees the thermostat switches to furnace, but it gets the signal from the heat pump to do so. On 30AMP we have to switch to furnace at about 40 degrees since one heat pump will not keep up. At least for us we need two A/Cs to keep things cool when it is 90 or above outside.
rjenkins said
08:08 AM Feb 15, 2010
Ok here is my opinion from a non-RV owner but I have been learning a lot from reading this forum.
Of the items to delete, I would agree with number 1, 2, 4 and 5 but I would keep 3. It will get old going up and cleaning the top of the slide and besides you mention winds in OK but I figure you will be travelling the country so you shouldn't decide just based on RV'ing in OK.
I also agree with Luvglas on the two furnaces, if you can defer one based on whether you will need it or not, I would defer.
In fact my decisions would be based on whats the most I can defer and add later if absolutely needed without additional or much additional cost. You may find that by deferring lets say, 8000 dollars worth of options, and you find out you need one later on that orginally cost you 2000 upfront but now costs you 3000 when you finally decide, you still saved 5000 overall.
Thanks for sharing, for us non-RV owners its exciting because I feel like I am doing the purchasing and helps me think of the decisions I will need to make when I get to that point.
DagoRanch said
05:24 PM Feb 15, 2010
Another place you may want to save some cash are the bed and entertainment center upgrades.
For the bed, what are you sleeping on now at home? If it's a fullsize Queen and you're happy with it, just take it with you! There's noting special about an RV bed, unless of course if it's a shortened one. This past winter Madonna and I HAD to upgrade our bed and we fully intend on taking it with us! :)
On the Sony Bravia upgrade, just make sure it's not more expensive to go with an upgrade through them. There are too many places to shop for electronics these days, and you may be able to save some money by upgrading on your own instead of a factory option.
Those DRV Suites are great rigs, I'm sure you're going to enjoy yourself. Just keep in mind what's REALLY important to you that you absolutely can't do without. The rest, you can do yourself!
Luvglass said
05:29 PM Feb 15, 2010
I guess I'll jump in again on the slide toppers. We've never had them and in 4 years I've had to go up and clean the slide tops ONCE - for ice when we got stuck in Wisconsin. Maybe it's the way Carriage designs the slide wipes, but we've never had anything come in the coach. And quite frankly, very rarely are we under heavy trees that are dropping stuff on the roof.
On the other hand, we have a number of friends that that can't sleep if there's any kind of wind and have to pull in the slides. doesn't sound like a comfortable way to live to me.
I'd rethink that one Terry. You can always add them later.
Racerguy said
06:22 PM Feb 15, 2010
Terry,You have done your home work well and have come up with a nice setup.The only thing I can help you with is to tell you that you are wise to delete the Central Vacuum system.We have one in our Cedar Creek and it is worthless. The hose is heavy and cumbersome and with extended use I could see where it would scratch the woodwork in the coach when pulling it up to the bedroom.Besides that, it actually takes up more room to store the hose and attachments than a good upright.The bags are very small and quit expensive also. One more thing,I heat my 2600 sq foot pole barn with a 65000 btu furnace.IMHO one 30000 btu furnace will more than keep up since the DRV's are so well insulated. I'm sure you will do well in your final decision.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Monday 15th of February 2010 08:58:50 PM
Mallo said
06:44 PM Feb 15, 2010
Four built in heaters wow...
>> 2nd 15.0 BTU A/C with heat pumps in both, ... Canadian All Weather package with two 30,000 BTU furnaces,
Two heat pumps and two 30K furnaces I have to agree your going over kill on the heat.
That said the issue I'm really posting about is the Genset. I have the same generator and it does start and run 1 15K AC so for your rig while it won't let you run flat out both AC's it would allow you to run one of them.
Now running the AC compressor and the Microwave and multiple PCs and then starting the coffee maker does trip the breaker and cut out the Generator there are limits but for basics the Honda 3000 is a good option.
Mallo
Jim01 said
07:27 PM Feb 15, 2010
We have two different friends that have Mobile Suites 5th wheels, and they both have the powered main awning and the manual dinette side awning. The extra awning is especially nice if you think you will be spending a lot of time outside. It also helps shade the RV if that side is to the South and you are in a sunny location.
Jim
dream reachers said
09:48 PM Feb 16, 2010
I saw that it was suggested deleting the Queen size air mattress in lieu of your present mattress and that is an option if you are not concerned with weight. We have the queen sleep number which helps us to keep the weight down and we find it comfortable for us. Some people with back problems have had to resort to buying specialty mattresses. What works for one person may not work for another. I agree with Fred about the backup camera if you have someone that can watch behind you as you back, they can observe more than the camera can spot. I would have one if I had a motorhome pulling a toad however.
It was nearly two years ago that this process began for us. Here in Oklahoma City, the Spring RV Show was going on at the fairgrounds, which, incidentally, we pass on our way to and from work each day. On that particular day, as we were going home, Jo said, “Let’s stop by the RV show. I want to look at something.”
In my mind, I was thinking, “OK, she wants to look at something bigger than the 26 foot fifth wheel that we currently own.” (Perhaps maybe a 30 footer.) To my surprise, she began looking at 36 and above, particularly the Mobile Suites that was carried by the RV dealer we had dealt with before with our earlier campers. So, I had to ask her what she had in mind. It was then that she told me of wanting to eventually full-time and travel the country.
Now, we are getting close to a decision. If we don’t do something this year in the way of purchasing a fifth wheel, we might not ever get as big as we want and be able to full time. We recently had the dealer give us a price for ordering a Mobile Suites 38TKSB3 with some upgrades including a fourth slide in the bedroom.
To our thinking, the price they gave us was a good one, but maybe just a wee bit high for what we wanted to pay. So, now we are looking at deleting some of the options that we had put into the initial price quote. Once again, I come to our online friends for your ideas, suggestions and thoughts, since you have all been so valuable to us in the past. The last point will be a question for the “electrical minded” out there.
We will be getting the Level-Up system with remote, the side by side refrigerator, upgraded TV to Sony Bravia, “Theatre-Seating” recliners with center console, built in fireplace, GE Advantium microwave (convection plus), 3 burner range with oven, Select Comfort queen size bed, 2nd 15.0 BTU A/C with heat pumps in both, Comfort Air w/rain sensor and remote for kitchen and bathroom, washer/dryer prep with vent, Power Management System, whole house surge protector, Canadian All Weather package with two 30,000 BTU furnaces, Trailair suspension and pin box, Tire Pressure monitoring system, back up camera system, four step entry steps, and thermopane windows.
1. We first deleted the fourth slide. While the vanity slide will give a bit more walking space in the bedroom, plus some more hanging space in the closet, it comes at the cost of storage space in the “dresser” drawers, overhead storage, and extra cabinet space to the left and right of the window. Saved nearly $2200.
2. The central vacuum was another choice to delete. For the $400 listed for that, we could buy a small Dyson “ball” upright that has more “flexibility” and better suction than what a long vacuum hose would necessarily allow.
3. Slide topper awnings were another to delete. My thinking is that with the Oklahoma winds, that is something that wouldn’t be getting torn up and flapping in the wind. As for cleaning the tops of the slides. I can always use a ladder from the ground and sweep them off.
4. Dinette slide patio awning was next. A powered one is $1994 and a manual one is $908. We’re just not sure how much the additional awning would be used. We will have the one running from the entry door forward.
5. We also decided to delete the Winegard Trav’ler HD Auto Satellite for Direct TV. That was another $2500. We figure we can always use the normal DirectTV dish on a tripod. That would give us the added flexibility to be able to move the dish around for a better shot at the satellite.
In addition to the above, we plan on getting the Xantrex 3000 Watt Inverter w/four 6-volt batteries. That one leads to the question for the “electrically minded” individuals to kindly answer. If we delete the Onan 5500 Marquis Gold generator we can save$6070, although I’m considering to still get the “Generator Prep-Auto Change Over” option for $654 should we later decided to add the Onan. We currently have a Honda EU3000IS rated at 3000 watts and I think 25 amps. While I know that this generator won’t run any of the air conditioners, it would still work for heating and lights, etc. Does anyone know if this generator would be “heavy” enough to still be able to recharge the batteries in the Xantrex 3000 Watt inverter? If it would manage but take a long time to charge, thus making it ineffective or inefficient, please let me know your thoughts on that as well.
Anyone wishing to comment on whether we should go ahead and delete all of the above, or perhaps keep certain ones, I would welcome your thoughts. This is now being done because with the right answers to the above and just a wee bit more tweaking of numbers, we MAY be about to order our DREAM RV.
Thanks to everyone for your comments and answers in the past and for any that you provide for this thread. God bless you all.
Terry
You should find out the upgrade cost to go to a pure sine wave inverter if available. We paid $200 extra for a 2000 watt and it was well worth it. I have heard some were charged $500 and others $1000, but with pure sine wave you can run anything so you have to make your own decision. Some friends just went from an RV they installed their own pure sine wave inverter/charger to a new one that came with a Xantrex modified sine wave one with no option to upgrade. Their clock radio will not work on modified sine wave and he is worried about a couple other devices. He is debating doing a swap himself to the same size pure sine wave from Xantrex since it will fit. About six years of having pure sine wave spoiled him.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Sunday 14th of February 2010 07:55:39 PM
Don't think we've ever run both at the same time. (been full timing for 2 years) One is in the living room (back end of the rig), the 2nd in the kitchen (center of rig). The center one does a better job pumping cold or heat into the bedroom, so we'll run that one at night. The living room one does a great job in the living/kitchen area....and I like having a spare for something this critical. They will put out a lot more heat than a 1500 watt heat strip (the fireplace is 1500 watts for comparison)....
And it's all about not using propane, we seldom use the furnace (used twice this winter), even here in this years COLD south where most nights have been in the mid 30's, and days in the 40's.
We always stay in campgrounds so we don't have a generator and haven't missed it.
That's a great rig you're looking at and you're outfitting it to the nines so good luck with it. You'll enjoy.
-- Edited by Racerguy on Monday 15th of February 2010 08:58:50 PM
>> 2nd 15.0 BTU A/C with heat pumps in both, ... Canadian All Weather package with two 30,000 BTU furnaces,
Two heat pumps and two 30K furnaces I have to agree your going over kill on the heat.
That said the issue I'm really posting about is the Genset. I have the same generator and it does start and run 1 15K AC so for your rig while it won't let you run flat out both AC's it would allow you to run one of them.
Now running the AC compressor and the Microwave and multiple PCs and then starting the coffee maker does trip the breaker and cut out the Generator there are limits but for basics the Honda 3000 is a good option.
Mallo
Jim