What "options" to get when buying my RV

[docque]

So, we decided on getting a 303RLS (slight leaning to the 337RLS) for our full time rig. The question I have is what options to you order from factory. I will clarify what we want in the rig before we hit the road.

1. Free standing Dinette. I think this is a given and should be part of the order.
2. 2nd AC
3. Double the solar power.
4. Inverter. Not sure if we need 3k or 4k. I think 3k.

Batteries I will deal with after purchase. So, what do you think? Add all when we buy or do some after?

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

So, we decided on getting a 303RLS (slight leaning to the 337RLS) for our full time rig. The question I have is what options to you order from factory. I will clarify what we want in the rig before we hit the road.

1. Free standing Dinette. I think this is a given and should be part of the order.
2. 2nd AC
3. Double the solar power.
4. Inverter. Not sure if we need 3k or 4k. I think 3k.

Batteries I will deal with after purchase. So, what do you think? Add all when we buy or do some after?

Dual pane windows!

 

[kb0zke]

That floorplan is similar to our 315RLTS travel trailer. We've had ours since February and live in it full-time. We wanted the free-standing dinette rather than the two chairs and bench that is standard. The dealer was willing to take the bench and sell us two more chairs. We decided to keep the bench and get our own chairs later on. That bench is the grand kid's toy box. Those toys are for them to play with when they visit us and then stay with us when we leave. The bench moves around as needed and we use the two chairs. Something to think about.

You might be able to do better on your own with solar and batteries. Remember that if you change something from factory, and there is a problem, they will put it back to what it was when it left the factory. That said, the Furrion solar controller has a history of not remembering that it is connected to LiFePO4 batteries. Also, the factory converter most likely is NOT set up for LiFePO4 batteries, so you will need to change that. Some dealers do a better job of catching those details than others.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

JMO, but if you're thinking lithium batteries, push for them now, rather than get the LA and then change.

 

[docque]

Dual pane windows!

Oh, that. Unless it is a dual pane window that has a space in between them that is filled with some sort of gas, its R value is not worth the extra money.

Unless it is a European style dual pane, that is a different animal.

 

[docque]

JMO, but if you're thinking lithium batteries, push for them now, rather than get the LA and then change.

In the short time I have owned my RV, I have learned a ton about that stuff. I think I will be just fine getting what the dealer gives me for a battery and I upgrade them.

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

Oh, that. Unless it is a dual pane window that has a space in between them that is filled with some sort of gas, its R value is not worth the extra money.

Unless it is a European style dual pane, that is a different animal.

Well, from experience (we have dual pane windows), it has really helped in keeping the coach cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. I used my laser temperature gun on the inside from my coach and the inside of a friend's coach and the difference was about 15°. It also helps to cut down on noise.

So, each to their own.

 

[Redapple63]

So, we decided on getting a 303RLS (slight leaning to the 337RLS) for our full time rig. The question I have is what options to you order from factory. I will clarify what we want in the rig before we hit the road.

1. Free standing Dinette. I think this is a given and should be part of the order.
2. 2nd AC
3. Double the solar power.
4. Inverter. Not sure if we need 3k or 4k. I think 3k.

Batteries I will deal with after purchase. So, what do you think? Add all when we buy or do some after?

Nice list. I would add the dual pane windows to it.

Bill

 

[docque]

Nice list. I would add the dual pane windows to it.

Bill

The only real plus to the double pane windows is the noise reduction. Other than that, the R value is about 2 which is just a little better than the normal windows. Get better R value if you close the blinds and we added thick curtains to each window which is way better at keeping out the cold/heat.

So, it looks like most are saying to have the dealer add all the things vs doing some after which surprised me. I would think someone would state that it is best to do the inverter after.

 

[COGrandDes]

I have a 2022 303RLS and added most of the upgrades you are being recommended like the Lithium batteries, the additional solar panels, the upgraded solar charge controller, the lithium capable converter/charger, a 2K inverter hooked to all the plugs inside the camper, a variable speed water pump controller (love this mod), shunt monitor, soft starts for both AC units, and DC powered Starlink. You can do those things much more efficiently and likely cheaper yourself than having the dealer do it. It's easy work with lots of tips available from this forum and YouTube if you need.

 

[triplethreat]

I'm not sure if it's even an option for that model, but I would suggest AGAINST getting a King size bed....unless it is absolutely mandatory for you. We bought our Momentum (big triple axle, 394M) from dealer stock, and it had been ordered with the King bed. The very first mod we did to the trailer when we got it home was to cut down the frame and turn it into a Queen size bed! The reason: The King took up so much room in the bedroom that my wife had to shuffle sideways along the wall to be able to get into bed. Here are a couple of before and after pics and just as a reference....she is a small woman...5' 2" and less than 120 lbs

Before the cut down.....very minimal space between the edge of the bed and the wall.....

After the cut down....much more room to walk beside the bed to actually get in bed....

 

[Captcolour]

If it were me, I'd seriously consider the 337RLS for full-time over the 303. You will have more room to walk in the bedroom and likely more closet space. Bathroom seems better getting more of a full size shower instead of the corner one. Other than the 2nd AC, to me these are really important upgrades/options.

 

[WhittleBurner]

If it were me, I'd seriously consider the 337RLS for full-time over the 303. You will have more room to walk in the bedroom and likely more closet space. Bathroom seems better getting more of a full size shower instead of the corner one. Other than the 2nd AC, to me these are really important upgrades/options.

I agree with most of that, I like the bath in our 303 with the double entry. A bigger shower isn't important to us because we are not large people.

We spend about 8 mos a year in our 303 and have been very comfortable but the 337 will buy a bit more storage and a larger basement. Todays 303 has quite a bit less storage than our '14 does. With the changes made, today I would go with the 337 just for that reason. it's a balance act either way..you will need a dually for the tongue weight of the 337 IMO especially full timing. Definately a 2nd AC in either unit. We aren't in cold climates for long so passed on the dual pane.

 

[ajg617]

The only real plus to the double pane windows is the noise reduction. Other than that, the R value is about 2 which is just a little better than the normal windows. Get better R value if you close the blinds and we added thick curtains to each window which is way better at keeping out the cold/heat.

So, it looks like most are saying to have the dealer add all the things vs doing some after which surprised me. I would think someone would state that it is best to do the inverter after.

We have dual pane windows and they also help with interior condensation - we've had none now in two years. Heat gun difference is measurable (couple degrees difference) because the sliding windows that are exposed when the slides are extended are not dual pane. May or may not be worth it to you but I would get them again. With the fireplace and the heat pump (which is inexpensive and I would also suggest if it is available) very few times I've had to turn on the furnace - we're good to the mid-30s with the fireplace alone which was a total shock. As far as noise reduction if you are 100' away from railroad tracks nothing helps. But we rarely hear voices or noises outside when closed up for the night - even late arrivals and early departures don't bother us - the interior of the coach is really quiet.

I had the dealer install lithiums (I supplied them) before delivery and I don't think they had ever seen one before. I am too kind by saying it was a total mess. They drilled holes with a hole saw in the factory battery boxes to run the cables through with positive and negative cables rubbing against the rough cut of the same hole. I installed the lithium converter which required some re-cabling of the ground connection, shunt, starlink, replaced the solar charge controller. Had a mobile tech install the soft starts (I hate heights) for $500 apiece (dealer wanted over $2K just for labor). So far, everything that the dealer has 'fixed' or 'inspected' is going to be re-fixed by GD at Elkhart in April.

 

[LMagelitz]

…..a variable speed water pump controller (love this mod)...

Now this caught my attention… Does this stop the cycling, without adding an expansion tank like used in well systems??

 

[COGrandDes]

Now this caught my attention… Does this stop the cycling, without adding an expansion tank like used in well systems??

Yes---this is super cool. I can't even hear my pump any longer. No hammering or stops and starts like normal. It spins up and down based on demand and has several built-in safety features. One of the best mods that I've done. We only boondock and rely always on our freshwater tank and pump. Here's the link to it: https://www.irvwpc.com/

 

[COGrandDes]

I agree with most of that, I like the bath in our 303 with the double entry. A bigger shower isn't important to us because we are not large people.

We spend about 8 mos a year in our 303 and have been very comfortable but the 337 will buy a bit more storage and a larger basement. Todays 303 has quite a bit less storage than our '14 does. With the changes made, today I would go with the 337 just for that reason. it's a balance act either way..you will need a dually for the tongue weight of the 337 IMO especially full timing. Definately a 2nd AC in either unit. We aren't in cold climates for long so passed on the dual pane.

I would agree with everyone on the 337 vice the 303 even though we intentionally bought the 303. We only boondock in the mountains and wooded tight spaces. I downgraded from a 40' Montana and wanted something smaller that was easy to maneuver in the woods. We totally LOVE our 303 and all the mods that I've done to it but if space is not an issue....go with the 337. My basement has a ton of space though and I built a sliding tray that holds our Pit Boss smoker, Blackstone griddle, and a host of other gadgets and tools that we haul. My front compartment is also large and even with all my electrical mods, I still have a ton of storage left.

 

[docque]

I agree with most of that, I like the bath in our 303 with the double entry. A bigger shower isn't important to us because we are not large people.

We spend about 8 mos a year in our 303 and have been very comfortable but the 337 will buy a bit more storage and a larger basement. Todays 303 has quite a bit less storage than our '14 does. With the changes made, today I would go with the 337 just for that reason. it's a balance act either way..you will need a dually for the tongue weight of the 337 IMO especially full timing. Definately a 2nd AC in either unit. We aren't in cold climates for long so passed on the dual pane.

My Wife did not like the bedroom in the 337RLS. The 303RLS will be just fine. We are minimalists and we even thought about it and the 231RK we could full time in just fine.

Not interested in a dually due to its size. Bad enough we park the furthest away from any store we go to with the F150. We just can't be "that guy" (or gal) that takes up four parking spots close to the store.

 

[alias100]

and DC powered Starlink.

Just curious, the dealer converted the Starlink from 120 volt to 12 volt? Never heard of that from a dealer before.

 

[Foxtrot]

One thing that I don’t see and was pointed out by the GD SRT at Big Muddy Rally was if you have lithium batteries you also need to be carrying a CLASS D Fire extinguisher in case of battery fire.