New Full Timer on Ascent

[Gaucho]

Back to Papasaur’s question regarding smartphone control of the electronics.

This is all speculation based on the following assumption...

I am convinced that the system is from Firefly that runs on a Spyder network. On Firefly’s website, Spyder is referenced multiple times.

Even if PW did not include smart device control capabilities in their upcoming model, it looks like one can add that functionality one’s self fairly easily. Check out pages 17 and18 of Firefly’s catalogue for their Vegatouch Mira Module and Vegatouch Eclipse Module:

http://www.fireflyintegrations.com/a...v8_digital.pdf

The Mira has a range of 90 feet (bluetooth?) while the Eclipse uses the internet and provides control from anywhere.

It seems self-evident to most of us that Pleasure-Way should make this functionality standard in a modern coach (and perhaps they are now), but maybe they don’t want to deal with the support calls!

Short video from Firefly on the Mira:

https://youtu.be/gSxOEeoCcrg

Unfortunately, there is no pricing info on their site.

I encourage a Pleasure-Way owner to try adding one of these modules and let us know how it went.

Edit: based on this May 2020 thread on an Airstream site, the Mira will set you back around $550 while the Eclipse around $800. Probably a big reason PW hasn’t been adding them.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ra-208571.html

[Papasaur]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

Back to Papasaur’s question regarding smartphone control of the electronics.

This is all speculation based on the following assumption...

I am convinced that the system is from Firefly that runs on a Spyder network. On Firefly’s website, Spyder is referenced multiple times.

Even if PW did not include smart device control capabilities in their upcoming model, it looks like one can add that functionality one’s self fairly easily. Check out pages 17 and18 of Firefly’s catalogue for their Vegatouch Mira Module and Vegatouch Eclipse Module:

http://www.fireflyintegrations.com/a...v8_digital.pdf

The Mira has a range of 90 feet (bluetooth?) while the Eclipse uses the internet and provides control from anywhere.

It seems self-evident to most of us that Pleasure-Way should make this functionality standard in a modern coach (and perhaps they are now), but maybe they don’t want to deal with the support calls!

Short video from Firefly on the Mira:

https://youtu.be/gSxOEeoCcrg

Unfortunately, there is no pricing info on their site.

I encourage a Pleasure-Way owner to try adding one of these modules and let us know how it went.

Edit: based on this May 2020 thread on an Airstream site, the Mira will set you back around $550 while the Eclipse around $800. Probably a big reason PW hasn’t been adding them.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ra-208571.html

Thanks for the info!

[Gaucho]

Regarding mods, I just placed an order for a headliner shelf.

My research revealed 3 vendors...

1) Vancillary which offers a do-it-yourself kit to create your plywood shelf with the required brackets for $120 or buy their aluminum shelf for $400. What I liked was the weight at just 11 pounds. You can get a 10% discount by getting a code from the fromshetome youtube channel.

2) RB Compenents. I did not go with them because their product weighs 33 pounds and it’s more pricey at $500 plus at least another $120 for shipping.

3) VanWife Components sells their 22 pound shelf for $500 with another $50 shipping. They include an instructional video for installing the shelf. Their shelf also includes a curtain rod and they sell a blackout curtain for $300. However, the shelf + curtain is sold as a $650 package. I was planning on waiting to make a purchase and was waffling between this and Vancillary, but they are running a 10% discount today only (Aug 8 ) with code VIRTUAL2020. So, I pulled the trigger on the package.

Links
Vancillary Shelf:
https://vancillary.com/products/spri...shelf-aluminum
Vancillary DIY Kit:
https://vancillary.com/products/spri...eadliner-shelf

RB Components:
https://rbcomponents.com/products/20...-lower-mounted

VanWife Shelf:
https://www.vanwifecomponents.com/st...th-curtain-rod
VanWife Curtain:
https://www.vanwifecomponents.com/st...ackout-curtain
VanWife Shelf/Curtain Package:
https://www.vanwifecomponents.com/st...ackout-curtain

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

Regarding mods, I just placed an order for a headliner shelf.

My research revealed 3 vendors...

1) Vancillary which offers a do-it-yourself kit to create your plywood shelf with the required brackets for $120 or buy their aluminum shelf for $400. What I liked was the weight at just 11 pounds. You can get a 10% discount by getting a code from the fromshetome youtube channel.

2) RB Compenents. I did not go with them because their product weighs 33 pounds and it’s more pricey at $500 plus at least another $120 for shipping.

3) VanWife Components sells their 22 pound shelf for $500 with another $50 shipping. They include an instructional video for installing the shelf. Their shelf also includes a curtain rod and they sell a blackout curtain for $300. However, the shelf + curtain is sold as a $650 package. I was planning on waiting to make a purchase and was waffling between this and Vancillary, but they are running a 10% discount today only (Aug 8 ) with code VIRTUAL2020. So, I pulled the trigger on the package.

Links
Vancillary Shelf:
https://vancillary.com/products/spri...shelf-aluminum
Vancillary DIY Kit:
https://vancillary.com/products/spri...eadliner-shelf

RB Components:
https://rbcomponents.com/products/20...-lower-mounted

VanWife Shelf:
https://www.vanwifecomponents.com/st...th-curtain-rod
VanWife Curtain:
https://www.vanwifecomponents.com/st...ackout-curtain
VanWife Shelf/Curtain Package:
https://www.vanwifecomponents.com/st...ackout-curtain

That's the spirit. Already modding your on-order van.

[Papasaur]

I got a few quotes for the 2021.5 Ascent. They include a freight charge and a dealer prep charge. Is the freight charge from PW or a dealer mark-up? What's reasonable for the dealer prep charge?

Thanks

[Gaucho]

Originally Posted by Papasaur

I got a few quotes for the 2021.5 Ascent. They include a freight charge and a dealer prep charge. Is the freight charge from PW or a dealer mark-up? What's reasonable for the dealer prep charge?

Thanks

Before I started negotiating, I asked the dealer to list out additional fees. A dealer prep charge was not included.

The “freight charge” should not be negotiated separately or allowed to be tacked on after-the-fact. It’s just part of the overall price.

Here are the additional costs I was charged on top of our negotiated price:

Document processing - $85 (could have contested)
Sales tax
Electronic vehicle registration - $30 (maybe an upcharge, but meh)
Registration/title - $1198
Calif tire - $8.75

The freight charge is included on the factory order sheet, but again, that charge should not be added to your negotiated price.

Mac shared his purchase price, and mine was super similar to his.

[Papasaur]

Originally Posted by Gaucho

Before I started negotiating, I asked the dealer to list out additional fees. A dealer prep charge was not included.

The “freight charge” should not be negotiated separately or allowed to be tacked on after-the-fact. It’s just part of the overall price.

Here are the additional costs I was charged on top of our negotiated price:

Document processing - $85 (could have contested)
Sales tax
Electronic vehicle registration - $30 (maybe an upcharge, but meh)
Registration/title - $1198
Calif tire - $8.75

The freight charge is included on the factory order sheet, but again, that charge should not be added to your negotiated price.

Mac shared his purchase price, and mine was super similar to his.

Thanks for sharing the details! One of the quote I got have a freight charge of $3K on top of the discounted MSRP price. Another one has a dealer prep fees of $1,500 ...

[Gaucho]

Originally Posted by Papasaur

Thanks for sharing the details! One of the quote I got have a freight charge of $3K on top of the discounted MSRP price. Another one has a dealer prep fees of $1,500 ...

You’re welcome!

I got rather lucky in that Nanci at the Vegas Pleasure Way dealer hipped me to the practice of some dealers charging a bunch of extra fees, so I made it a point to ask about that up front prior to negotiating. That dealer also has a fly-and-buy program where they will pay for a plane ticket or rental car to get you there. They also pay for a night or two at a nearby RV park to help get you acclimated to your new rig prior to driving it home. Her customer service impressed me when I was in touch with her back in February. She just happened to be late to reply to my factory order inquiry or I very well may have bought through her.

Her email is nanci.villegas@vancityrv.com in case you haven’t already reached out to her dealership.

Good luck!

[PleasantonMac]

Yup. Don't pay dealer prep or delivery charge. $85 Doc fee, sales tax, and DMV fees -- which my guy actually gave me a dmv website printout to compare against -- should be it.

As a side note, I never knew that (at least in California) I could get a printout of DMV fees from the dmv itself so that I could audit a car dealership. Good to know in the future.

[Papasaur]

I plan to use the Ascent with 3 passengers and unsure with the comfort of the rear seat on long ride especially without the headrest. So far haven't found much feedback on this.

Someone just posted a YT video on the inflatable bed setup and review, https://youtu.be/jGkAEGXvjVE

[PleasantonMac]

I got to sit in the rear of a Pleasure-Way lexor for literally about 5 Seconds. I also got to sit in the back of a Coachmen Galleria for a little bit. I can tell you that the Pleasure-Way was more comfortable, but neither test was really anything.

On the other hand, it will be me, my wife, and my daughter, and the basis for comparison for my daughter is the 2nd row captain's chair of a Chrysler Pacifica minivan that is overloaded with crap during our road trips. So, I imagine that anything will be an improvement.

[Papasaur]

Found a FB group of PW RV owners, https://www.facebook.com/groups/36212588524, and their feedback on the passenger seats are mixed. There are lots of good tips on troubleshooting problems and mods specific to the PW RVs

[IWUGrad]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

A compressor fridge replaces 150 yr. old "absorption" technology with 80 yr. old "compressor" technology.

A compressor fridge uses more battery power, but is like your home refrigerator. Set and forget. Cools faster, maintains temperatures better, and does not need to be level like the older fridges. Plus, you don't have two big vents cut into the side of your van. I'm wondering if they've gone to a diesel fuel furnace and water heater? If so, they will have eliminated the need for propane. One less thing to bother with.

Can these be installed in older models? I have a 2007 on a Chevy chasis.

[mkguitar]

hee hee- there are many long threads on this and the costs involved as the old electrical systems can't power a compressor fridge

I'd guess $2500 for a fridge and a bunch of lithium batteries to supply it

themexicandoctor is fighting this battle for us now
https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...tml#post115007



I live in AZ- I can get my 3 way fridge a reliable 60~65º below ambient temperatures but when it's 113º degrees out...
but when traveling cooler climes its fine

propane gives best cooling, then AC and DC on a good day will maintain cold while driving

I've added fan kits,internal thermometer and when driving we rotate cooler packs from freezer to fridge
mike

[IWUGrad]

Okay then. Nevermind. I'm getting ahead of myself.

[SteveJ]

Originally Posted by IWUGrad

Can these be installed in older models? I have a 2007 on a Chevy chasis.

Yes.*

*This can be done, depending. Lithium battery(ies) not required, but depending on how the van is being used, could be quite desirable.

The biggest challenge is boondocking. The genny can be used to replace the current drawn but is counter productive with non lithium batteries when used on an ongoing basis. From what I have read here, another 100 AHs of battery(200AH kind of minimum) and at least 200 watts of solar with a genny for backup for cloudy weather and/or shade would be required. The 200 watts of solar can be self installed using portable panels for under $500, slightly higher for flex panels.

Lots of info on this forum on various installs. I currently have a RM2451 LP fridge. If this goes I will likely go the compressor route.

How is the van being used, i.e. traveling style? Current power usage, AH/day?

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by IWUGrad

Okay then. Nevermind. I'm getting ahead of myself.

Maybe not.

Our compressor fridge-equipped '2012 Airstream Avenue Suite has a 3.1 cf Novacool compressor fidge and came with two standard lead-acid batteries. I never turned on the inverter since everything used 12 volts and I had already taken efforts to reduce any paracitic drains.

Provided the batteries were working properly, we could go overnight while running lights, tv, and Maxxfan roof fan or propane heater throughout the night (depending on temperatures) with no problem. And that was for 16 hours (6 pm until 10 am). Still had about 70% average battery when hitting the road the next day and we always drove enough to recharge.

But, we did finally upgrade to 200Ahs of lithium and a 3000W inverter to extend our boondocking capacity to two nights (maybe 3 with power conservation). But mainly did it to run the run the microwave without having to start the generator. As someone here previously stated after I revealed the almost $3000 upgrade cost, "That's one expensive way to heat a burrito." I have to agree.

[mkguitar]

next time put the burrito on top of the motor while driving!
mike

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

next time put the burrito on top of the motor while driving!
mike

Plus extra characters required.

[themexicandoctor]

I am in the middle of it, already had a 250 watt Solar System & 2 Lifeline Batteries in place before I purchased after much research, a Novakool R3800 - people love this, they work, my system will support the fridge, I am going through some set up issues they may be

1. the installer's fault

2. an issue with the system that wasn't revealed until the fridge came on board

3. An issue with yhe fridge venting

4. A failed fridge part.