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What Options Should We Get?

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:19 am
by Traveler II
The research is done and it’s decision time. We have decided that a Cardinal model 30 ST will best meet our needs. The Cardinal comes standard with a lot of what is needed, that we found were extras with other companies. The only draw back is we are unable to reach the refrigerator when the slides are in. We will just put a cooler in the pick up. We looked at a lot of different pick ups and we like the 2007-2 Chevy ¾ ton short box with air support.

In the past we have bought both new and used motor homes and there is always something we wish we had ordered or not ordered. Last time I insisted that we have a washer/dryer. In the MH they can only do a small load so you are always washing. We wish we had had the space.

My question is; if you were ordering a new 5th wheel what would you want included above the standard package, or maybe what you could lived without? I know that many things can be added later. We plan to order both the 5th wheel and the pick-up next week.

Thanks for your opinions.

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 5:54 am
by Luizianna
Not quite sure what the 30 ST is...the triple slide?? I'm guessing.... :)

Anyway...am glad you are choosing the BIRD!!! Congrats on your choice, and congrats to us on having you guys in OUR club!! :D

In our situation if we were doing it over...I'd definately go with a triple slide. Another must have would be the second AC...I know we can add it now, but it's a lot less expensive done when the unit is built. I really can't think of anything else I'd have different.

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:44 am
by Luizianna
Definately the slide awnings!! When we pull the slides in, the tops of the slides themselves are still nice and clean after more than 2 years of camping. Now and then I will run a wet cloth over the top, more or less just to dust it off. If money isn't much of an issue....get the electric awning for the front....ask Bruce...campswithcritters how nice that is!! :lol:

The solar panels...not worth the money...but that is just my opinion...lol Our unit came with them and they've been more of a pain than they are worth. When ours was stored at a storage yard and not plugged into shore power....that propane alarm would start screeching when the battery got low....the solars kept just enuff power for it to keep on screeching.....yikes! After DH figured out what it was....(I think he called the dealer) He pulled the wire on the solar panel....what a relief!

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:54 am
by campswithcritters
Power awning is sweet! No pulling and no ladder required so the wife can operate it solo. I will never have a rig without it again. Recommend the acrylic fabric, a bit more expensive but never seems to get mold spots or stains. I've had for over a year with no problems.

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 10:26 am
by bbgun
Another vote for the second air conditioner..or at least have it prewired! We have the 30TS and can get to the fridge fine. We turned the table around during travel time. We have total access to kitchen. The electric awning sounds awesome, since we are always too afraid to touch ours! lol

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 2:38 pm
by rosey
Some of the upgrades that I got in my 34qs that you may consider.......... thermopayne insulated windows, power awning, hardwood floors in kitchen area, rear hitch receiver , power rear stablizing
jacks, front hydraulic landing gear, solid surface countertops, custom paint, generator, 2nd air conditioner (a must for me), trail aire pin, fireplace, washer/dryer, etc. DW and I enjoy all of these options and I don't regret getting any of them..........what the heck you only live once!

Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 4:27 pm
by bop11
Traveler II
I agree with the other folks about the 2nd air. At least have it wired for it, that way it's real easy to add the unit later. Something else I've thought about but am not sure if it's availible on the brand of air conditioners in the Cardinals is a heat strip. Some mornings it would be nice to take the chill off with a heat strip in the A.C. rather than running the furnace or hauling out an electric heater.
My other choices also would be double pain windows and slide awnings.
I am going to get an air ride pin box in the not to distant future.
Since you are getting a short box truck you will need a slider hitch of some sort. Our 30 TS is our first fifth wheel so we opted for the Pullrite Superglide automatic slide hitch. To me the piece of mind not having to worry about the trailer hitting the cab when backing or making a sharp turn is well worth the cost of the hitch. Maybe if buy it from your dealer he'd sell it to you at his cost. :wink:
Welcome to the world of the Red Birds!!

Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 5:52 am
by jennyt
Welcome to the club! If we were to do it over we would probably go for the double pane windows o/a of the humidity & condensation down here in the sweltery south! :D I agree with others that wired for 2nd A/C is nice - you can add it later if you think you need it. And if I had extra $$$ to throw at it I would go with the automatic awning - we have the same layout as you and the awning is hard to put up and down without having something to stand on. We are also going to buy the Trailair pinbox for ours, so I guess I would have to add that to my list of "if I'd known then..."

Good luck with your purchase - let us know what you decide!

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 2:35 pm
by Traveler II
Thanks to all of you for the information. We plan to order our Cardinal next week. We have made some changes based on your input. Again thanks for the help.

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 5:27 pm
by Donpop
Traveler II

We ordered a new Cardinal 34QS today so let me throw some $$ at you for planning purposes. Like rest of the posters you will find that you have to have owned one or two RVs to find out what is important. We ordered lots of extras but for us the Thermo-pane windows $1000 and the second air conditioner($495 plus mandatory wiring and frame $50) were mandatory. As a minimum have the wiring kit for the 2d AC installed. The prices shown are MSRP and should not cost you that much as part of the deal. I have a copy of a complete sales order with all the prices. If you have other questions about $$ just post. Good luck. Don

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2007 6:27 pm
by Traveler II
Thanks Donpop,

The price infomation would be helpful. For example I see the list price for the upgrade in insulated glass is $1,500, but you gave a price of $1,000 is there that much mark up?

Is there a % I can use off of list price to come up with a selling price that I should offer?

As I said we plan to place our order early next week with a dealer. I'm to call him on Monday with the options we want for the 30ST the list price is; $56,000.

Thanks

gone

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 5:04 am
by Squire
gone

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:16 am
by Squire
Just realize that when you order "solid edge counter top", that you are getting just the "edge" to replace the wood trim and not a "solid counter top".

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 6:45 am
by Donpop
Traveler II

I don't know what the difference is between the $1500 you were quoted and the $1000 suggested retail from my dealer. The dealer, I assume, can use any price he wants to, and the higher he builds the price the better his deal looks on the final figure. The list I have is not secret. It is a faxed "Cardinal Fifth Wheel Sales Order" from Forrest River to the dealer with a revised date of 3/02/07 that lists all options and the ordering code number for the dealer. This is what my dealer used to arrive at a suggested retail of $57,865 for our new 34QS and all the options we ordered. As stated by many of the posters, the suggested retail means nothing and all that counts is the actual purchase price. Don

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 7:32 am
by Traveler II
Thanks again for all the help. Monday we are meeting with our dealer here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota area. But maybe I should check with your dealers if ours is a :idea: lot higher.

I would prefer to buy from the local dealer and also willing to pay a bit more, but not $1000's