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2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Yahoo Message Number: 105947
Hi Folks - after a two year research project, much thought, cost/benefit analysis, looking at used units and reading most of the group's posts, we've decided that purchasing a new 2010 LD MB coach is our best option. The chassis/suspension improvements in 2008 and coach improvements in 2009 (particularly insulation) lead us to buy new. We are relative "newbees" (DW has extensive experience in her previous life with FW and Class A), I'm totally ignorant. We're been retired almost three years and are about done with the group trips to Europe, etc. and want to seriously explore the RV lifestyle in the US, Canada and Mexico. My conclusion is that a new coach is the best option for our purposes. I am of the opinion that LD makes the best, by far, Class C coach on the market. We did the factory visit last month and are ready to go. I have the option list in hand and am about to place our order. I would greatly appreciate the group's input on which options folks recommend on the basis of utility and functionality. My thoughts at present are (and greatly impacted by Andy's superb Eureka II information (Andy - if you are ever in Maryland - stop bye, I'll take you out for a great dinner. You've done a great service to any LD wannabe)) to minimize things that can go wrong or are not really functional, e.g., electric step, insulated tanks, power mirrors, Bilstein shocks (LD says that factory shocks are much improved) , back-up camera, satellite antenna, etc. The option cost is not really an issue, I do count my pennies but am unsure what really is useful. i am particularly interested in your opinions regarding: 1) satellite antennae - we haven't watched TV for decades but am concerned that having the wiring harness might be desirable; 2) power mirrors - nice but prone to failure; 3) electric step - nice but prone to failure; 4) tank insulation - not really good and screws up accurate readings on tank status; etc. Please accept my thanks in advance for your input.
Tom Reilly
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105967
Our 2003 MB had an electric step and our 1997 RB does not. I REALLY miss the electric step.

best, paul

"Thriving not surviving" - Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon)
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105971
Quote
From: pilgrim21784

to minimize things that can go wrong or are not really functional, e.g., electric step, insulated tanks, power mirrors, Bilstein shocks (LD says that factory shocks are much improved) , back-up camera, satellite antenna, etc.
Tom Reilly
 Okay, obviously there are differences of opinion re options! I'll take 'em one at a time:
 electric step - - I'm with Paul on this, wouldn't be without it. Lubricate it and it'll likely last a long time. I've had one on two motorhomes with no problems. Open the door, step extends. Don't have to worry about retracting step before launching as it stores when you turn on the ignition switch.
 insulated tanks - - I have them. Probably would buy them again. No, they won't stop freezing, but they will, at the very least, delay the onset of freezing. I've had to work on my tank to repair a leak and this required removing some of the foam - - not all that hard to do. I used some of that "RightStuff" foam in a can to replace the foam I had to remove. I don't have as strong an opinion about this option as with the electric step.
 power mirrors - - I don't have them. The factory mirrors have pretty good "range" for changing seating position without having to adjust the outside mirrors.
 back-up camera - - worth every penny, especially if you ever have to back up without a spotter on foot and two-way radios for communication (I use that too when necessary).
 satellite antenna - - I have the manual one. It's convenient to have it on the roof. No strong opinion on this, especially if you don't mind setting up a portable dish.
 Be sure to read the archives on options, then decide for yourself. Consider that due to the way the LD is contructed, most any option can be installed after the fact, though often with a lot more work, and usually more expense, to do it nicely. Also, some options (e.g. solar) may well be available afer market with more capacity and/or better installation quality or design than what the factory installs.

bumper Yonder Minden, NV
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105975
Have a 1993 MB, electric steps are a no-brainer and opens/closes automatically.
Levelers are expensive, however, sure cuts down on set-up/rig leveling time (especially in the dark). Custom color matching embroidered L-D dash cover is a nice touch.
Make sure additional 12V/120 plugs are added (dinette / between sink-stove and rear coach). Windshield and side vinyl window cover in cooler camping climates. Look closely while you are at Mothership for plastic things that are unique that may break, ex, plastic outside door latch, extra entry grit mat L/R, you get the hang of it.
Bring CASH and Congrats

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105977
Quote
I have the option list in hand and am about to place our order. I would greatly appreciate the group's input on which options folks recommend on the basis of utility and functionality.
Congratulations.  I know how exciting (and somewhat intimidating) it can be at this point.
 I would second (third, fourth?) the comments about the electric step.  I know many don't feel the need for it, but I cannot imagine not having it.
 We do not have power mirrors and have really never missed them.  Of course, living in Texas we have traveled almost exclusively in the dry (and mostly warm) southwest, so only rarely would we have liked to have had the heated mirror feature.
 We have the Bilstein shocks.  I don't have a good sense whether they were important or not, but love the ride and handling.  Given the relatively modest cost (at least compared to many of the other options) I would get them again.
 I don't use the backup camera that much, but sure do appreciate having it.  I would get it again.

We don't have the satellite antenna and don't miss it.
 Unless you plan to always camp at locations with hook-ups, get the extra solar panels or plan to have someone install solar panels later.  They significantly expand your camping possibilities and add to the sense of freedom.  I am not talking Wal-Mart parking lots.  For example, we could camp at the delightful Mather Campground on the south rim of Grand Canyon rather than being squeezed between other RVs in the campground with hook-ups.
 Tim at the factory talked us into getting the CB radio due to the difficulty in adding the wiring later, but we have barely used it except for occasionally for the weather channels.  I would probably not bother with it again.
 The outside shower was an after thought as we filled out the order, but it has been great if we needed to hose off muddy bikes after a ride in a campground or even as an easy way to fill a bucket of water when at the RV "car" wash.  I am sure I am in the minority here, but have found it useful.
 I am not sure on the MB where they are needed, but I would definitely suggest you think about extra electric outlets.  We got an extra 12v outlet over one of the front sofas in our RK and can't imagine not having it.
 We also had them install a 'T' in the cold water line under the kitchen sink to later add a filter.  I would definitely recommend that.
 We had them install a gps antenna on the roof.  With our old gps, that was useful.  Our newer unit is much improved and the roof gps antenna has not been necessary.
 Good luck.  Whatever you decide will probably work out fine.  Unlike many other motorhomes, so many items (not to mention all of the incredible little design features) are already standard on the LD.  You won't go wrong.

Ruthanne Silver -- 2007 RK
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105979
I'll speak up with a minority view on the electric step.
 The Kwikee step  on my 1994 TK floorplan finally gave up after 12 years and over 120,000 miles of traveling right behind the front-right wheel with all the attendant road splash. Being a KISS sort of person, I replaced it with a manual step and I haven't missed it at all. The Kwikee maintenance instructions called for a monthly 10-point lubrication, which involves crawling underneath the rig of course, and IMHO that was more net effort than just popping out the new step with my toe. If you get the electric step, be careful when parking along curbs.
 But I am in the majority when it comes to extra 120 and 12-volt outlets: Make sure you have them handy at all points possible.

Joanne in Boston NE-44
2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105981
Hi, Tom,

You'll probably get all sorts of answers to your posts..here's mine:

Electric step: perhaps a convenience, but we've had two LD's and neither had it, we've never missed it.  The step down to the ground without the step is not that great, and the step is very easy to swing in and out.  In my mind, one less fancy thing to go wrong.

Insulated tanks: save your money!  We ordered our first LD with them, but I don't think it does much.  Our current LD, which we just recently bought used, also has them.  Should you want to add better sensors or a wash system, you'll have to struggle with clearing off some of that insulation.

Power mirrors: never had 'em.  But the question might be how often do you switch drivers?  If very seldom, then they may not be needed.

Bilsteins: we've had them on both LD's and have no complaints about the ride.

Backup camera: never had one.  We do not tow, so we're not worried about seeing if the Toad is still with us.  When backing into a campsite, Liz gets out and spots me.  I feel very secure when she does that.

Satellite antenna:  Our current LD happened to have one when we got it, the first one did not.  Personally, I would save my pennies.  The problem is that if you're relying on a roof-mounted antenna, then you may often find no signal, thanks to wooded sites.  I have a small portable dish with a simple PVC stand and about 150' of cable.  With that, I can almost always find a hole through the trees for the signal.

Again as noted above, there are all personal preferences and your needs/desires may well be different from ours.  Just some things to consider.

Good luck!

Ted H.
 electric step, insulated tanks, power mirrors, Bilstein shocks (LD says that factory shocks are much improved) , back-up camera, satellite antenna, etc.
The option cost is not really an issue, I do count my pennies but am unsure what really is useful. i am particularly interested in your opinions regarding: 1) satellite antennae - we haven't watched TV for decades but am concerned that having the wiring harness might be desirable; 2) power mirrors - nice but prone to failure; 3) electric step - nice but prone to failure; 4) tank insulation - not really good and screws up accurate readings on tank status; etc. Tom Reilly

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2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105983
Quote
Electric step: perhaps a convenience, but we've had two LD's and neither had it, we've never missed it.  The step down to the ground without the step is not that great,

 *IF* you're able bodied.  However, I have a bad hip and I could never make the step either from the rig to the ground or vice versa...at least not on any kind of continuing basis.  I have enough problems just going up and down regular steps as it is!

Linda Hylton http://map.datastormusers.com/user1.cfm?user=1167 http://earl-linda.blogspot.com/
Linda Hylton
2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105987
Tom, you asked about ", electric step, insulated tanks, power mirrors, Bilstein shocks (LD says that factory shocks are much improved) , back- up camera, satellite antenna, etc. The option cost is not really an issue, I do count my pennies but am unsure what really is useful. i am particularly interested in your opinions regarding: 1) satellite antennae - we haven't watched TV for decades but am concerned that having the wiring harness might be desirable; 2) power mirrors - nice but prone to failure; 3) electric step - nice but prone to failure; 4) tank insulation - not really good and screws up accurate readings on tank status; etc. Please accept my thanks in advance for your input.
Tom Reilly"
 When I bought my 2008, I struggled with the same questions.  Here are my decisions at the time and after 1 year of continuous use.
Electric step - not needed.
Insulated tanks - I did not get my tanks insulated.  I spent December and January in NJ and had weather down to 5 degrees.  My tanks did not freeze but the dump valves and drains did.  I made the right decision for me.
Power mirrors - I travel alone.  Adjusting the right hand mirror would be a real hassle, so I opted for the power mirrors.  So far, I have not regretted my decision.  For two people, they may not be important.
Bilstein Shocks - As Steve pointed out, the factory shocks have been improved.  On my test drive at the mothership I considered the ride good. I decided that I didn't need Bilsteins, as I could always add them later if I wanted.  So far, I don't feel that I need them.
Back-up camera - absolutely essential Satellite Antenna - It is cheap to do now, but all but hard to add later.  I planned on using a tripod-mounted (not on roof) dish so Steve put in wiring on the side of my rig for that.  So, the wiring was right for me.  If you don't watch TV, it may not matter to you.
One thing that I virtually never use is the CB.  If you plan on traveling in caravan, you should have it.  So far, I have had no need of it.
Satellite Radio - I like mine.
Solar Panels - I sometimes camp without power being available.  I watch a lot of TV.  I have 4 panels on my roof but the decision for solar panels depends entirely on your use.  Many of us here could write a book about that one question.
Outside shower - I got it, but have never used it - yet.  Once I am out west, that might change.
I hope that helps you with some of your decisions.
 After market, one thing that I added that has been extremely valuable to me is automatic hydraulic levelers.
Ken F.

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'08 MB
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105991
Hi Ted,
 As listed in Frequently Asked Questions, the CB radio is a safety feature.  I am thankful I haven't had to use it, but this summer as I was traveling all alone out in the middle of WY with no cell coverage, I was happy to think that I could get on the emergency channel (9) if I needed to.  The weather radio feature is nice too, especially in that neck of the woods.  A warning of 60mph winds told me I should put down the levelers and turn the LD in different direction when I first got to South Dakota.
 I wish you as much pleasure with your new LD as we have had with ours!

Mari
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105992
wrote: the CB radio is a safety feature....I was traveling all alone out in the middle of WY with no cell coverage, I was happy to think that I could get on the emergency channel (9) if I needed to.
--- JMHO, but I would not rely on being able to rouse anyone on channel 9 to respond to an emergency. Your CB may not transmit a signal for a sufficient distance, especially if there is interrupted "line of sight", and there may be no "local" (and "official", i.e., legitimate)monitoring of channel 9 where you happen to need help.
 In fact, I'd be curious to know if anyone on this board has personal experience with successfully soliciting emergency aid using only channel 9?

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105994
I'll throw in my comments about the CB radio.  Whenever I am traveling on a highway with a lot of truck traffic I monitor channel 19.  On several occasions the chatter has alerted me to problems down the road in time to either avoid a situation or continue my trip. One time it actually enabled me to get home by alternate route a day earlier than if I had simply pressed on with my planned route only to be stuck for hours waiting for the highway to reopen.  On that day, snow had many of the highways closed and I heard truckers talking about an alternate route that was open.

My wife thinks it is just a lot of irritating noise but by using an external speaker mounted over the driver's door I can set the volume so I can hear what is happening and it is not too much of a distraction for her.

I also regularly use the weather feature so I know the conditions ahead or for the next day (or few hours) when we are at a campground.
 It has served me well and is an option I would certainly install again.

Monti

Monument, CO
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105996
Quote
--- On Sat, 9/19/09, mr29442000  wrote:

.

My wife thinks it is just a lot of irritating noise but by using an external speaker mounted over the driver's door I can set the volume so I can hear what is happening and it is not too much of a distraction for her.
 Funny My girlfriend thinks the same way. And yet the shrieks and howls from her 6 grandchildren is music to her ears......John Orange Ca.
.

Monti Monument, CO

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Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105998
wrote: Whenever I am traveling on a highway with a lot of truck traffic I monitor channel 19.  On several occasions the chatter has alerted me to problems down the road in time to either avoid a situation or continue my trip.
--- My CB is the old style that doesn't have a weather radio, but monitoring the truckers'channel 19 for road/traffic information is one of the three uses of the CB for me; I just sift out the road-related information and ignore the "colorful stuff". ;-)
 The other two uses of a CB (for me) are using channel 30 to communicate when "caravanning" with another rig and hearing announcements when camping with a group. If I were to get another LD, I would definitely have a CB (with an integrated weather radio) installed. YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 106003
--- In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com, "jctaylor1941"
 
Quote
In fact, I'd be curious to know if anyone on this board has personal experience with successfully soliciting emergency aid using only channel 9? 
Joan
Joan,
 It was many years ago but my wife and I responded to a medical emergency after hearing a CB transmission.  I admit we couldn't raise any help but a trucker then relayed our request for medical help to someone else etc until they did get emergency services.  But that is the only occasion in over 30+ years of CB.

Terry R
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 106004
Quote
... The other two uses of a CB (for me) are using channel 30 to communicate when "caravanning" with another rig and hearing announcements when camping with a group. If I were to get another LD, I would definitely have a CB (with an integrated weather radio) installed. YMMV.
For these uses, when my original CB broke I replaced it with a hand-held one from Camping World.  I can have it sitting on the picnic table if I'm monitoring the weather or having breakfast during Morning Announcement time. When I'm on the road, the antenna is attached outside. The portability is a big advantage, IMHO.
 http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/cobra-roadtrip-cb-radio/28569

Joanne in Boston NE-44
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 106005
We rarely use our CB, which came with our previously-owned 2002 rear kitchen.  However, when we are traveling with another couple in a separate RV, it's really nice to have a way to communicate that is cost-free (no cell minutes used) and easy. Though of course with everybody using cell phones these days, that particular advantage may be disappearing.

Sonsie
 
Re: 2010 Mid-bath Options - Opinions Appreciated
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 106015
Hi Tom, The CB radio is just OK. The way it was installed the coil wire to the handset comes out of the dash where my right knee rests while driving. So I have to throw it up over the doghouse cup holders to get it out of the way. I tested mine against the same exact radio installed in a pick up truck. My transmission range was only about two blocks. The reason I assume is that the length of coax to the antenna was not in multiples of 9' and the antenna was never tuned. (SWR) The installation on the pick up truck was made so you could unscrew the controller and cable to stash it away if needed. The SAT antenna I feel is a must if only for resale purposes. One more 110 volt outlet I would have had installed was in the entertainment shelf where you may want to plug in a DVD player, Satellite Receiver, etc.
Best of luck, Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA