bghouse wrote:
Before I put this to rest - I need to make sure I've given the Cruise America model a fair analysis. There are currently a couple things that make me pause, and I need to understand if there are potential solutions that I can live with - or move off CA for good.
1.) The single battery vs dual battery. I'm concerned that in the future if I want to add solar and an inverter that the Cruise America 23A will not allow it. Are there other options for the battery (even if it costs more) to be able to add the second one somewhere? Hanging bracket under the coach? Somewhere inside with Lithium maybe? I don't plan to boondock immediately - I'll be at campgrounds. Anything else that the single battery limits me on? Can I still run A/C or the microwave on shore power?
2.) Backup camera. I read somewhere that someone tried to install a backup camera on the Cruise America coach and couldn't run the wires, so had to go wireless - but the wireless was buggy and cut out. Is this true? A backup camera is high on my list for safety as a new driver.
3.) Anything else that is non standard that would be critical to know? Am I limited in what can be install on the roof? Does the hardwired electric cord cause any "gotchas". Stuff like that.
4.) Do the CA rigs have the black water flush like the Coachmen Leprechaun I've been looking at with El Monte RV?
Hopefully some of the folks that bought from Cruise America will be able to let me know if I'm worrying for nothing. The pricing difference for me is substantial, even when I add back things like the awning. Since the difference is roughly 5 months of living expenses on the road - I really need to make sure I'm giving the CA rig a fair evalution.
My 2012 23A has a small solar panel installed on top of the AC unit. They started using what appears to be trickle charging for the house battery. It seems to keep the house battery topped off. The panel monitor has a light indicating the solar panel is generating power.
I have a single 12V house battery and thinking of purchasing a portable 50 or 100W suitcase solar panel that attaches directly to the battery, or replace the small solar panel with a larger one.
I don't use a television or excessive electronic devices while traveling, so I don't need much. The only thing I need is power for my CPAP machine.
CA installed my awning for $800 (CA also gave me a $1000 discount for ordering during a spring promotion).
Regarding back up camera. I just had a wired model installed. It is on the rear bumper and the wiring goes under the rig. It was not possible to have a wired camera installed at the top of the rig. I got it done at a local radio installer in my home town. I did have to find one who knew RVs and was willing to do the install. The shop owner has an RV and is very comfortable with RV camera installs.
Also installed a car alarm and activated key fobs for entry. My 23a has electric doors, but only was able to enter by unlocking the door. With key fob, I can unlock/lock from a distance.
When I looked at El Monte rigs, they were a hot mess. Nothing was refurbed and they looked like they just came back from a wretched ride. I liked how CA does the refurb. Granted, it wasn't perfect, but I was pleased with what I eventually ended up with.
