Let's talk about party decks

[Spleenstomper]

DH and I have zeroed in on a Fuzion 342 Toy Hauler and haven't made the plunge yet. (Waiting to see how taxes treat us-- last year we owed a heavy amount).

The only option I have to decide on is yes or no on a party deck.

To those who have party decks:

A) you are happy you have it. You use it alot and you would definitely get it again.

B) Have it, hate it, won't get it again.

Thanks.

[Vulcanmars]

Y-Guy wrote:
Back when we had our Raptor I made up the cables to use the ramp as a deck, I think we used it once. It was 'cool' but not very practical for how we camp, which is usually with other families. The party is around the campfire, not hanging out in the RV if the weather is good, if it's bad that's another story but the deck wouldn't be of any use.

I had the same experience. I've used mine twice in six years.

[stro1965]

We finally used the deck on our Fuzion last weekend for the first time. It's kind of neat. Easy to set up and take down. I didn't want it but my rig was bought off the lot and the dealer wouldn't remove it and allow me the savings. If I were ordering one I would pass on the deck but I can see why you like it too.

[Earvinery]

We are th shopping and it is a must have. We stay in several spots where you can back up to a seawall. Fishing on the party deck w/o leaving the fridge full of beers? Priceless!

[RUFFSTUFF]

We have one but haven't used it yet, mostly because we just got the trailer and the site we were just at wasn't big enough for a 43' trailer with the party deck out...

[Carlos___Ranae]

We do not have a built in. We implemented with pvc pipes and a 12X12 tent to keep our dogs happy. We love the concept and we are looking at trading in for a Cyclone 4200 which has two ramps/patios.

[Spleenstomper]

Poor swamp... I hope he doesn't look like my 100 pound Hank, lol

I have decided I want the party deck. The heart wants what the heart wants....

[2500_Grunt]

Another option if concerned about door strength would be to just use jack stands and add the (dog/fence kit LOL) this way you are not needing to add any cables to the door frame. On my TH (no patio kit option) I find it hard to believe that the strength of the door is any different than if it had a patio option? The door now withstands a 1400# sandrail and has/had warning stickers on it indicating the allowable load it can withstand and I can't see having more than 1400# of people on it ( 4 adults at 200# each plus a small table plus...) at once sitting on the deck? Or am I looking at this wrong? I guess the door when opened and resting on the ground at an angle is able to withstand more # than if it was level? And without the cables attached to the door opening you are not stressing out the door/ramp anymore than if you were to add them.

[dougford]

Spleenstomper wrote:
All good points, thanks.

Swamp reminded me of my two dogs...

Kind of a cold statement, don't you think? 😉

We went to the RV Super Sale in San Antonio a couple weeks ago. Alot of the toy haulers had the patio option. We have also seen a couple at the RV Resort we go to over the Fourth of July. They look really cool (have not yet seen one with a stripper pole though). I thought about adding one, and found a kit online that has a screen room and stands for about $600. However, I decided it might be more hassle than it's worth, Plus, between this thread and another one, it appears the ramps doors are different if it comes as an option. Also, all (or at least most) of the ones we saw that had the patio also had sliding glass doors that would lock ( I know this becuase my son thought it would be funny to lock me on the patio of one of them. It was NOT funny).

So, I guess it comes down to how you think you will use it. I think, as Sledge Hammer has pointed out, that on the toy haulers that come with them as an option, they don't take that long to set up. I assume the rials stay on the door when it closes up for traveling? I' not sure.

So, bottom line, you have to decide if you're going to use it enough to make it worth $3500. If you enjoy pole dancing, it's probably a mandatory option...:B

[ksss]

Stripper pole? I don't believed you, show pics with stripper so that I can that it is structurally sound (the stripper, could careless about the pole).

We had the old style on our 2010 322 Fuzion, it took 30 minutes and 5 beers to get stood up. We did not get it on our 342. I kinda which we had it.

The fireplace in the 342, initially I thought it was joke and could have cared less about it. After having it for year now (in Idaho) I would not to be without it. Great additional heat source and it just looks cool.

[Macs_Dad]

If you are talking about the add a room check out the pics in this thread. We have had one for about 5 years and used the hole thing (the room, canopy and cables) twice and just the canopy with the cables maybe 4 times at the beach with a beach front space and the ramp towards the ocean. It was pretty nice especually since you could put the ramp door up at night without taking down the room and canopy. The sunsets from the deck were pretty cool also. Just kind of a pain in the ass to put up and take down is all. Expecially the room. The canopy not to bad.

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/20563224/print/true.cfm

[nayther]

Y-Guy wrote:
Back when we had our Raptor I made up the cables to use the ramp as a deck, I think we used it once. It was 'cool' but not very practical for how we camp, which is usually with other families. The party is around the campfire, not hanging out in the RV if the weather is good, if it's bad that's another story but the deck wouldn't be of any use.

Ditto and Ditto for us. There's one beach camp down here (Emma Wood) where you back in with the back end pointing out to the waves, close to the rocks. When the tide is high you sometimes get spray. I camped there once and opened the back, rolled down the canvas and used the deck. But then had to close it all up at night.

That's the only time I've used it.

[Sledge_Hammer]

The 315 Fuzion we bought has one and I love it. We open and close it all the time based on the weather. We are snow birds right now and use it anytime we don't put the air on. The awning and deck increase the space of the RV and gives the dog a place to get out and see what is going on as well. Don't let anyone tell you it is too much work to set up. Open the door, pull 4 pins, fold up the railing and reinstall the 4 pins. If this takes you more than about 4 minutes, something is wrong. The awning extends by pushing a button and the awning supports/tie downs are simple as well. You get a lot more air flowing through the unit. Is it mandatory? No. Is it really nice? Yes.

[jdmac1]

I don’t have one on mine but I would like one. My favorite camp ground has a campsite that once I back in the party deck would be right over the lake. I could fish right from the deck and that would be nice.

[Y-Guy]

Back when we had our Raptor I made up the cables to use the ramp as a deck, I think we used it once. It was 'cool' but not very practical for how we camp, which is usually with other families. The party is around the campfire, not hanging out in the RV if the weather is good, if it's bad that's another story but the deck wouldn't be of any use.