Options for the 38 CKRD

[Mike and Terry Hilty]

We are firming up our options we want on our soon to be ordered 38 CKRD.  I am looking to you experts to tell me if I am missing something I should be considering.

I have listed my options below:

2 piece washer /dryer
Fantastic fan bedroom & bath
Safe
Ice maker if available
Laminate flooring in Kitchen
Platinum d?cor with curtains
Leather recliners
Leather sofa
Fireplace
Built in vacuum
Big Foot Auto levelers
Disc brakes
Spare tire
Receiver hitch
Dual pane window
Electric awning
4 6 volt batteries
Inverter
Slide tray in baggage compartment
Surge protector EMS
Window awnings for couch and recliner/desk slides
Additional 50 A connection on front of coach
Electric stabilizers on rear of coach.

Keeping in mind that this will be our full time home, what am I missing?

Thanks in advance.

[old 66 mustang]

+

We are firming up our options we want on our soon to be ordered 38 CKRD.  I am looking to you experts to tell me if I am missing something I should be considering.

I have listed my options below:

2 piece washer /dryer
Fantastic fan bedroom & bath
Safe
Ice maker if available
Laminate flooring in Kitchen
Platinum d?cor with curtains
Leather recliners
Leather sofa
Fireplace
Built in vacuum
Big Foot Auto levelers
Disc brakes
Spare tire
Receiver hitch
Dual pane window
Electric awning
4 6 volt batteries
Inverter
Slide tray in baggage compartment
Surge protector EMS
Window awnings for couch and recliner/desk slides
Additional 50 A connection on front of coach
Electric stabilizers on rear of coach.

Keeping in mind that this will be our full time home, what am I missing?

Thanks in advance.

How do you plan on obtaining your television reception?   Possibly need a roof mounted auto signal seeking satellite receiver?

Stan 

[jwill]

I don't know where or how you will use your RV but our heat pump is one of our most important options.  I also recommend strongly the SeeLevel tank monitors.

Jim

We are firming up our options we want on our soon to be ordered 38 CKRD.  I am looking to you experts to tell me if I am missing something I should be considering.

[Mrseas]

Rear window slide down screen is nice.
Upgrade tires and wheels to 17.5 and "H"
Mor-Ryde  IS suspension
Air ride hitch for TV
Rear Back-up camera
Additional out-side security lights
Step light (may already be included)
Inside switch for "outside" electrical plugs
Additional 12VDC plugs
Wired for satellite at both TV's
Fantastic fans with all the controls on the wall similar to living room fan
Led lights inside and out
Pre-wired for wi-fi antenna and/ cell phone antenna

Just a few ideas that may get you thinking......

Scott

[Hawk Holiday & Miss Muffin]

Pretty sure with Bigfoot you don't need rear electric stabilizers. I have Bigfoot and no stabilizers. Not sure you can get them with Bigfoot, but you might be able to. Our unit doesn't move real bad, think we're ok without stabilizers. But thats just me.

Darin

[Jeff Collingwood]

Ask for the electric rear stabilizers.  With Big Foot you still need them.  The stabilizers do help.  Besides, how about those times you pull in a place for only one night and you don't want to unhook.  I just put down the front BF rams, and then put down the electric rear stabilizers and you are good to go.  In my opinion they are needed.  The electric rear stabilizers do a very good job.
...Jeff....

Pretty sure with Bigfoot you don't need rear electric stabilizers. I have Bigfoot and no stabilizers. Not sure you can get them with Bigfoot, but you might be able to. Our unit doesn't move real bad, think we're ok without stabilizers. But thats just me.

Darin

[mmitc100]

My two cents worth.   I believe heat pumps and See Level monitor are both standard on the Champagnes.    One can consider the Plug it Right stabilizers on the front Big Foot Jacks instead of the electric rear jacks.   I am told this greatly stabilizes unit for less money and maintenance.  We can install them during production.  Cost is not the same as for four of them, which Quadra says are not needed with the Big Foot.       I assume the standard "rolltop" desk will suffice.       One needs to determine if they want the "new" to be designed padded bench seat under the rear window, which is planned as seating for two at dining table.  And to create some storage.   In fairness I don't know yet that we will create something that seats and looks good, but a bench seat would increase the spaciousness of the dining table on the kitchen counter side.  We now have  three 38's on order all without the bench seat, but mostly because they can't envision what it will look like or the dealer may just not want to confuse the buyers.  This hasn't been designed yet, but plans are that it can installed or eliminated between the two rear pantries.  Thus a customer choice assuming we get it created.  But ordering it could delay production of trailer and it could be that we indicate it iwon't be available if it doesn't work out.  The two rear pantries will remain full height unless told otherwise or until we decide if a newly suggested more modern look will work.  Not sure if and what a new look might be yet, but at present a order will receive the full length pantries until designers can show us something better looking that still has good functionality.  I just bring all of this up for complete disclosure of what the efforts will be on this model, as decorators have a chance to work on the proto after completion.  But we will have to build sold orders before some of these changes are put into motion, so there could be slight changes to this model later.    MIKE

[Jeff Collingwood]

Mike, my opinion is with Big Foot, put the electric stabilizers on the rear and Plug It Rights on the front.  Of course, Roto Chocks on the wheels.  With that no King Pin Stabilizer required and you have nearly a rock solid trailer.
...Jeff...

[Mike and Terry Hilty]

Mike,

The standard roll top desk is fine, that is one of the features that drew my wife to this unit.  However we would like to have the bench seat between the pantries.  I have no problem envisioning it and I think it will look great, plus provide more storage.  The existing pantries are also fine.

I also like Jeff's suggestion about the plug it rights and the electric stabilizers, sounds like the way to go.  One silly question:  with a tri-axle do I still only need 1 chock on each side?

Thanks,

Mike

[skihoser]

Mike - why not a second AC in the bedroom instead of the fan??  It is a chance to have both ducted in your CE and a big plus in hot climates.

Just asking.

Don

[Jeff Collingwood]

The CE's come with two ducted AC's.  If you want cold air in the bedroom, you get plenty.  The CE has tons of air outlets for the AC that you can close as you like.  For us in the winter, we close the air outlets in the bedroom because we use the heat pumps and we don't need the heat in the bedroom.   The Fantastic Fan in the Bedroom and Bathroom are good options, I have them.  They offer you the ability to cool the rig many ways without using the AC (spelled "dry camping).  We have 3 Fantastic Fans in our trailer and we can always have one on far away from where we are, so it is very quiet.  The FF in the bathroom gets rid of the whirly bird and it's noise and lack of air movement..
...Jeff....

Mike - why not a second AC in the bedroom instead of the fan??  It is a chance to have both ducted in your CE and a big plus in hot climates.

Just asking.

Don

[mmitc100]

Present pantry design will most likely be the choice of most buyers (unless the girls come up with something beautiful).   Bench seat is yet to be designed, but I am hoping we can pull off a nice look and functional storage.   The "arched" window will go away above the main lower rear window which will rise 14" so back of bench seat is not resting against window.   Not sure you necessarily need both the Plug it Rights in the front and the electric jacks in the rear.  I assume one or the other will suffice and the rear jacks are always and uncertaintly on a given model for possible lack of place to attach them with the Big Foots attached.  With tri axle and Big Foot and glide tubes each unit has to be reviewed for availability of electric rear jacks.      I think one chock on each side will be enough, as this would serve the same purpose as on a tandem axle unit.    MIKE

Mike,

The standard roll top desk is fine, that is one of the features that drew my wife to this unit.  However we would like to have the bench seat between the pantries.  I have no problem envisioning it and I think it will look great, plus provide more storage.  The existing pantries are also fine.

I also like Jeff's suggestion about the plug it rights and the electric stabilizers, sounds like the way to go.  One silly question:  with a tri-axle do I still only need 1 chock on each side?

Thanks,

Mike

[Mike and Terry Hilty]

Present pantry design will most likely be the choice of most buyers (unless the girls come up with something beautiful).   Bench seat is yet to be designed, but I am hoping we can pull off a nice look and functional storage.   The "arched" window will go away above the main lower rear window which will rise 14" so back of bench seat is not resting against window.      MIKE

Mike,

The standard roll top desk is fine, that is one of the features that drew my wife to this unit.  However we would like to have the bench seat between the pantries.  I have no problem envisioning it and I think it will look great, plus provide more storage.  The existing pantries are also fine.

I also like Jeff's suggestion about the plug it rights and the electric stabilizers, sounds like the way to go.  One silly question:  with a tri-axle do I still only need 1 chock on each side?

Thanks,

Mike

Oh No, don't get rid of the arched window and shelf!!  That is another feature my wife loves!!

Maybe I AM having a problem envisioning the bench.  I had pictured a bench, think window seat or hope chest type, with a padded top and no back.  The front would match the other cabinetry and the top would lift like a hope chest.  The height of the seat would be roughly the same as the dining chairs so the seat could be used to seat 2 at the table with storage underneath.  The width would be the same as the pantries, maybe the pantries would need to be square faced instead of angled.

I guess if this is not how the final product turns out, it could be custom built this way?

Just my idea of what I would like to see.

Mike

[Jeff Collingwood]

Yes, you only need one Roto Chock on each side.  The third wheel has no where to go 
...Jeff....

[mmitc100]

We tend to think that most will want some sort of back rest rather than just a "bench".   If so, the window will need to raise.   If no back rest, it still seems having the window right behind your back would not be comfortable.  At this time our plan is raise window 14", which pretty much eliminates the arched window.   MIKE

Present pantry design will most likely be the choice of most buyers (unless the girls come up with something beautiful).   Bench seat is yet to be designed, but I am hoping we can pull off a nice look and functional storage.   The "arched" window will go away above the main lower rear window which will rise 14" so back of bench seat is not resting against window.      MIKE

Mike,

The standard roll top desk is fine, that is one of the features that drew my wife to this unit.  However we would like to have the bench seat between the pantries.  I have no problem envisioning it and I think it will look great, plus provide more storage.  The existing pantries are also fine.

I also like Jeff's suggestion about the plug it rights and the electric stabilizers, sounds like the way to go.  One silly question:  with a tri-axle do I still only need 1 chock on each side?

Thanks,

Mike

Oh No, don't get rid of the arched window and shelf!!  That is another feature my wife loves!!

Maybe I AM having a problem envisioning the bench.  I had pictured a bench, think window seat or hope chest type, with a padded top and no back.  The front would match the other cabinetry and the top would lift like a hope chest.  The height of the seat would be roughly the same as the dining chairs so the seat could be used to seat 2 at the table with storage underneath.  The width would be the same as the pantries, maybe the pantries would need to be square faced instead of angled.

I guess if this is not how the final product turns out, it could be custom built this way?

Just my idea of what I would like to see.

Mike

[jericote]

It is our thought that the cabinets above the back window are a lot more practical than an arched window you can't see out of. Just our opinion. It will definately be our next 5ver. Elston

[Brutus Driver]

Elston..   We for sure agree with you about the arched window. When we ordered our 38 Lk we made sure to delete it and get cabinets that actually serve a purpose.

Glad you remembered us as your neighbor at TL in Branson summer of 2008.  We were not there much last summer but will be this summer.  Maybe we can be fortunate enough to be your neighbor again.

As for our heavy pin weight (4550 lbs) I do not know how to explain it. I do know that there is a whole lot of trailer out in front of the front axle. Items included are 2 door fridge, most of 2 ac's, a 2 unit washer and dryer, a very heavy fire proof safe(not the one provided by NuWa.)  a bunch of cabinets, closets and basement storage area.  All of them are pretty much  FULL.   It is what it is and we enjoy all 19,050 of it.

Have fun in designing your new HH.  It can be an exciting time.  Consider everything carefully.

Roll On-----------------------------Larry

[Hut]

That's about 24% and you sure have the rig to handle it. I imagine the 4550LBs on the truck helps smooth the ride a bit?

[Brutus Driver]

Hut.......Check out my signature.  Brutus can hold up 4550 lbs and a whole lot more. Yes the truck rides great with the house hooked on. Both truck and trailer are perfectly level.   

Roll On--------------------Larry

[Jeff Collingwood]

We ordered our CE without the vista window.  The storage is necessary for us.  The downsides to the Vista Window:  they are only single paned, added unwanted heat loss or gain, no shades so light and sun come in when not wanted, and hard to clean.
...Jeff....

It is our thought that the cabinets above the back window are a lot more practical than an arched window you can't see out of. Just our opinion. It will definately be our next 5ver. Elston

[mmitc100]

I believe the 4000+ lb hitch weight of the 38' described is above the norm.  It really depends on the manner of load, the quantity of load and the items themselves.   The 38' has a slightly longer distance from front axle to the pin box than does the 36' tandem axle.   I wouldn't think that the third axle would transfer weight forward that would otherwise be behind the axle, but would simply transfer it to more axles.   The kitchen and most of the refrig weight should rest on the axles.  The variable is the greater amount of storage space in the bedroom cabinets, bath, etc. and the basement storage.  I would guess that depending on load management of these areas one could experience a swing of as much as 500 lbs of hitch weight.  I believe that under 4000 lbs is more typical of hitch weight of the 38', but admittedly if one loads heavily for living in the trailer, 4500 lbs may not be out of the question.   The trailer weighs 15,000 lbs coming out of the factory with options with a hitch weight of 2800 lbs.   The typical load might be 600 lbs for water/liquids and 1500 lbs to 2500 lbs for cargo.  If 25% of a 2500 lbs of cargo/liquids is transferred to hitch pin, then 635 lbs is added.  Thus a hitch weight of near 3500 lbs.   But now lets load her up, and realize that much of this increased load goes in the bedroom and/or the cargo area.  Might that above average load incrementally add 40% to hitch weight because of its location?   Or even 50%-60%.  So if one moves from a total weight of say 17,500 to a weight of 19,000 lbs, and that last 1500 lbs adds 40%-60%  hitch weight, then one can see how the hitch weight for some fulltimers could get higher than we all might suspect.  Nothing wrong with that weight as long as one has the truck for it.   Two points to remember here in my mind.  Remember that the greater the hitch weight, the better the 5th wheel handles.   And that each individual has the ability to manage the load and will basically determine the hitch weight.  NuWa provides you the space because you want it.  How it's managed it is up to each individual.   

[Brutus Driver]

Thank you Mike M.   Sometimes It seems that I need a little help.   My whole point on the pin weight is that folks getting a big trailer need to consider the fact that 4,000 lb + pin weights are not that unusual.  And you are suggesting that it may be the norm. Which I believe it is.  And I remember the guy I talked to out west last summer who had an older 38LK who told me his pin weight was about 4,520 lbs.

Our rig rides and drives and handles great.  A little light trailer it is not. 

Roll On----------------------Larry

[Hut]

Hut.......Check out my signature.  Brutus can hold up 4550 lbs and a whole lot more. Yes the truck rides great with the house hooked on. Both truck and trailer are perfectly level.   

Roll On--------------------Larry

Yep I saw your sig, that why I say you sure do have the rig to handle it. Like the bed too. 

Even on lighter trailers we all tend to get heavier on the pin. Realistically the way the trailers are you just end up with a bunch of stuff toward the front. I was concerned about our weight being at 22% but everyone let me know I'm good to go, it tows great btw.

[Mike and Terry Hilty]

We ordered our CE without the vista window.  The storage is necessary for us.  The downsides to the Vista Window:  they are only single paned, added unwanted heat loss or gain, no shades so light and sun come in when not wanted, and hard to clean.
...Jeff....

It is our thought that the cabinets above the back window are a lot more practical than an arched window you can't see out of. Just our opinion. It will definately be our next 5ver. Elston

You know, generally I am a function over aesthetics kind of guy.  However, sometimes in the marital world, you have to yield to the wishes of your partner.  In this particular instance, Terry is absolutely in love with the look and ambiance of the vista window and dinette area and basically the whole floorplan.  The one and only time we have been in this coach, 2 years ago,  she walked in, sat in a recliner and just gazed longingly around the coach.  When Ed Cox approached her and started talking about the coach, she said "Please be quiet, I am trying to take all this in".  For 2 years this is the only coach that she continually talks about.

After all, this will be our full time home, and you all know the saying, "If Mom ain't happy....."

In 35 years of marriage I have learned to pick my battles.  To quote Kenny Rogers, "You gotta know when to hold them, Know when to fold them"

[gillsr1]

In this particular instance, Terry is absolutely in love with the look and ambiance of the vista window and dinette area and basically the whole floorplan.  The one and only time we have been in this coach, 2 years ago,  she walked in, sat in a recliner and just gazed longingly around the coach.  When Ed Cox approached her and started talking about the coach, she said "Please be quiet, I am trying to take all this in".  For 2 years this is the only coach that she continually talks about.

After all, this will be our full time home, and you all know the saying, "If Mom ain't happy....."

In 35 years of marriage I have learned to pick my battles.  To quote Kenny Rogers, "You gotta know when to hold them, Know when to fold them"

I was the same way with our 37 CKRD... and bless his heart, Steve knew when it was time for it to be "my turn"...    He's a really great partner for the most part and it's well worth the wait... the only window I would give up in this unit if I had to would be the smaller one in the dining area and only if I needed the wall space for something else.  Part of what makes these units home is the ability to have space in them for "decorating"... I wasn't lucky enough to know that I could request the older style of open shelves in my units living area that the previous unit's came with... Where I could put out pictures in frames and special knick knacks, but it's all moot, we love our CKRD.    Cheryl


Note: Edited only to repair quote box. - Bryan