In this post we continue our in depth look at some of the points mentioned by others who commented on this project. Here are the second 10 items.
11. curbside vs. driver side dinette
I don’t think there is much room for disagreement here. I prefer the curb side dinette. I like sitting at the table in the morning, checking emails and looking out the window at my own patio, not whatever is on the driver side in my neighbor’s patio area. I see no good reason for putting the dinette on the driver side.
12. hinged stove top cover
This is one of my pet peeves and I discussed it in an earlier post. If an RV manufacturer is going to provide a cover for the range top, put it on a hinge so there is some place to store it. Simple solution, yet often ignored.
13. driver controls, arrangement and what do they include
I am going to save this subject for a future article. This is an area where the manufacturers should put in a lot more thought. I would like to hear some of your suggestions on this subject as well.
4. additional fire extinguishers
Fortunately, this is a subject that there should be no disagreement about and which can be solved easily. All RVers should carry extra extinguishers in their RV.
15. the “captcha code” on this blog
Is there anyone who disagrees with me on this one? Yikes, what an annoyance.
16. duel fuel fillers with 125 gallon tank
This is a feature that should be included on all DPs. If you are looking at one with only a single filler neck, consider where else the manufacturer may have cut some corners as well.
17. larger fresh/black/gray tanks
This is a subject where I would like to hear from owners. What capacity for each would you consider minimum and what would be an ideal capacity for these tanks?
18. convenient water manifold
My first motorhome was a Coachmen and it had a really nice arrangement of valves for controlling the flow of water. I have seen some that are really nice (some of the Monaco coaches come to mind) and some that made no sense whatsoever (like the one in my current motorhome). This is a subject that is difficult to describe but I would welcome any thoughts or suggestions for you folks.
19. one vs. one and half bath
I really have no use for the second bath and those RVers I know who have one really don’t like it. Is there anyone who is really “in love” with the second bath and thinks it is a good tradeoff vs. the loss of storage or living space?
20. basement entertainment center
I have mixed emotions on this subject. I agree that in general, RVing is an outdoor centered activity. However, I don’t think that means spending a lot of time in front of the TV outdoors. I will agree that it is nice to have an outdoor TV to view when you have friends over for the big game or to watch the race, and with the cost of large screen LCD TVs going down, it makes sense to have a good quality TV in the basement for outdoor viewing. I don’t think it makes much sense to have a high power radio/stereo system as this implies the real possibility of disturbing your neighbors or even distant neighbors in the campground. Keep in mind that your entertainment center also takes up valuable storage space in the basement.
21. basement freezer
I have never owned a basement freezer and cannot comment on this feature. I have heard some full timers who make good use of their freezer so I would put this in the category of “it’s up to you”.
In our next post, we will continue to wade through the list. In the meantime, happy camping.
Larry