How we made our adventure, part 9

 

Shopping

 

Shopping for the 5th Wheel for the AZ site - continued

We continued looking for a 5th wheel for the site. It was now spring 2016. We had agreed upon some criteria for that RV and were willing to accept trade-offs. A brief list, in no particular order:

1. We did not want a Park model at a resort. We would most likely keep a larger RV on the site for 5+ years, but we wanted the ability to move it, when or if, we decided to do so.

2. We had an ideal budget and a maximum budget.

3. Prefer 1-1/2 baths. Larger shower.

4. Prefer rear bunk/office area with no rear facing windows. Our site had a western exposure for the rear of RV.  In AZ the sun heat load can be a lot.

5. 37 ft. minimum length, 41 ft. maximum if it has rear bunk/office area.

6. We did not want a large residential refrigerator. These can be an issue to remove if there is a problem. Furthermore, if there is a refrigerator issue, it may be problematic getting a tech to work on it. A 120 V AC  only refrigerator with inverter acceptable.

7. Good kitchen with propane stove/oven and microwave. Food preparation surfaces. We wanted sufficient room for our cooking and baking.

8. 2-interconnected A/Cs and one to be a heat pump. 

9. Queen or king bed.

10 Prepared for laundry washer/dryer.

11. Outdoor cook station.

12.  The usual 5th wheel amenities including ceiling fan and 3 or so vent fans.

13. New RV preferred, rather than used.

14. Must fit within the confines of the site overhead structure and existing supports.

With spring 2016 nearly upon us, we had narrowed down our search after reviewing hundreds of floor plans and models. The most suitable from a criteria perspective was a Redwood Cypress and we had found a less desirable, but workable alternate. 

The Cypress was at the maximum length and budget. However,  it met all the other criteria. I took a lot of measurements to assure the site would accommodate it. The various supports of the site covering would have to clear the slides, entries and so on.  We could make modifications but it would be best if the supports weren't an obstruction. 

The dealer had two new 2015 models of the Cypress that we were interested in. By the time we had completed the measurements, one had been sold. We returned to the dealer, discussed the total cost, and decided to purchase the alternate. I told the dealer "We really want the Cypress, but we can't reach that price point." We had a budget and it would be too great a financial stretch. The Cypress was also a bit over 41 ft. in length. This was doable, but might require future modifications to the site supports and the lower bay covering.

The salesman and the manager held a short conference. They returned and gave us an adjusted price for the Cypress. It met our criteria! We sat down and completed the paperwork and arranged for the delivery. The dealer offered to include the delivery in the selling price. I don't own a truck and we didn't intend to move this RV for a number of years, unless we decided on a different resort. On March 24 the dealer set the Cypress up at a nearby KOA so we could try it for the night and determine any issues. We made a short list and established the delivery date. We had already notified the resort. On March 27 the Cypress was delivered and put on the site. 

This time, I photographed G accepting the keys:

 

Delivery

G accepts the keys

 

in place

 

Main living area

Bunk area rear wall, ready for me to install our tech.

The line-up. The Mothership had landed

Floor Plan - 5 slides, 1-1/2 baths.

We barely had time to set up the 5th wheel and it was time to depart AZ.  On April 10 we spent some time at  the Big Texan in Amarillo, en-route to the condo and our summer location. But, we were looking forward to winter 2016-2017.

 

Dining Hall at the Big Texan

 

 Original material http://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/