SeaDawg

From what I've read, I think all the blue tooth remote panels are backward compatible. If you have a non bluetooth panel, then it would be worthwhile to check the serial numbers . We have a xantrex 2000 on our boat (not in the trailer), so I've been watching this issue with interest, though we've not had a problem with ours.

Sailors definitely "get" the whole idea of many systems. Especially water 💧, and conservation. Backing a trailer into a spot is definitely easier than docking and tying up in a slip in high crosswinds . You'll be fine. Read (and watch) all the land-based stuff. Many of the other systems are already familiar. Ps, dumping is much easier than pumpout. Imo

We had an appointment for next week, but I postponed because we ordered the Houghton quiet ac. We'll take the trailer to Hudson sometime in April. Their reviews are plentiful, and good. Hopefully, we can get the old Dometic ac off, and the new Houghton installed by then. Suncoast is running roughly three weeks out for appointments right now.

We decided to give Suncoast designers a try. They offer a lifetime warranty, and you have your choice of staying in one of their many rv electric and water hookups, or dropping off the trailer and picking it up a few days later. We're going with the dropoff/ pick up later option, as it's only a little over an hour away, and not really my kind if camping experience. I know there are similar facilities in Arkansas and Texas. Quite possibly, many more. I only researched close to me.

Thanks for the insights. We don't have an ac thermostat in our 2008, just switches on the face of the dometic indoor unit, so the remote will be a nice upgrade. I studied the drawings again today, trying to look ahead, but didn't see anything that would work with the condensate drain. Do you plan to fabricate your own gasket? Shipping estimates early next week for our Houghton to arrive. I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like,xin real life.

I love the nostalgia. But, a cotton liner needs to be dried out, daily, to stay warm. There's an old saying in cold country, "cotton kills. Wool warms."

You would be surprised at how much warmer a wool blanket is, with a sheet on top. Kind of like insulation. If, you ever feel you need it.

We usually leave the bed made up. In our 2008, the table is pretty heavy and awkward for me to manage alone, plus I like the extra storage beneath the bed. For those who do like the sleeping bag option, silk slerpbags are really nice by themselves in the warmer months, or as a liner in cooler months. I bought them for our family decades ago for cabin camping and hostels in Scandinavia, where you either must bring your own sheets, or rent them. Sleeping bags are usually not allowed. Our sleep sacks have ties, not zippers. But they're easy to handwash, dry quickly, and breathe. They weigh almost nothing, have a pillow cover attached, and roll and squish down into a little stuff bag. I saw on Amazon that some versions now have zippers. They come in different sizes.

I have to say, we appreciate all the data you send our way, as well.

By the way, as promised, I got an email when the white quiet unit came back into stock. Ours should be on a truck this afternoon. 🙂

@katanapilot, have you installed the Houghton unit yet? I'm wondering if you found the noise level to be as specs, and if the drain location works with the existing drain tube installed by Oliver.

I have never heard of a discounted price. Except when the years' end demonstrators are sold.

I think this problem has been resolved, so I'm going to close the thread. I've really appreciate the responses.

Thank you for your help!

For the most part, and for many folks, annual maintenance is probably it. And, you can have that done at your local rv shop, too. Campingworld, or local shops, offer good prices on winterizing and annual checkup. As in most new purchases, you may have a few hiccups. That's why most of us strongly recommend some time not too far from hohenwald the first few days. Here on our forum, we seem to attract a lot of the extremes. The brand new, never ever had an rv before, or, the technical geniuses, highly experienced rv owners. On balance, it's really nice we have both, but I can see where it can be intimidating to new owners, novice campers. Frankly, I've been camping, and rving, much of my adult life, and a lot of the highly technical stuff requires second and third reads for me. I'll say this. Don't let the technical talk scare you away from getting a trailer, of any brand. The most important thing, to me, is to get out, and enjoy the great outdoors our country (and Canada, when they let us back in:) ) has to offer. And, if all the jargon and stuff makes you nervous, you can go two ways. Scale back, get the minimum options. And/or, dive in, study up, watch the videos in the University, rent an rv or two, and learn at least the basics. Everybody is new the first time. None of us were born with the knowledge or skills. It's a learning curve, but, oh, so rewarding.

With all the storms going through the country, there could be tower problems, as well.

Thank you both. I suspect this is an issue isolated to that user's internet provider. I appreciate your help, very much. Sherry

Thank you.

I've been working with a member who uses apple devices. He has reported being able to like posts, and pm, but cannot reply to posts, or create a new post. I don't have an apple device to test this. If you normally work from an apple device, would you add a post here, or pm me, please? Thank you. Sherry

Do you have an electric heater to supplement?

Omg. This is crazy weather! I'm so sorry. You are really putting your resources to the test. How much propane do you have?

I want to thank Minnesota Oliver for the very detailed report. Have to say, I loved the photo of the outdoor shower spraying. 👍 As much as I love my native Minnesota, I'm always glad (in the winter) that I live in Florida. Though, I miss my family.

Congratulations! Lots of time to study posts, and the University videos. Have you owned a camper before? That really helps to choose options, as you "know" your desired camping style. If not, we can help, in answering questions. And, welcome!

We never serviced "every year," either, after the warranty expired. We blew out dust, and removed mud dauber nests,, if necessary,, checked color of the flame, etc.. Maybe that made us "bad owners", but honestly, the fridge mechanical systems were pretty reliable.

I agree. Much safer to stay home, and postpone, no matter how disappointing. Black ice is the scariest. When I lived in (tropical) Southern Minnesota, it was the worst part of winter.