Nice job on the survey...hope you can share # of responses, what our found out... good luck on your efforts and decision...
we took over a year to glean what we needed on our camper...our p/u bed pretty much dictated the model--a Fleet...plus we had no desire to do the work on a shell...so deciding the best components as ex-tent campers to suite us was what guided our decisions... the solar was critical to allow "off-grid" camping--got roof mount as didn't want to deal with "packing/unpacking portable" plus can always add it if needed at a later date...got 2 x 6volt batteries vs. 1x12 volt-- installed after market by Steve in Tigard...told that was the better choice with the solar...it has not disappointed... hot water? no need as we can boil what we need and did NOT want the extra wt / system (more to deal with)... as tent campers, can always find a shower, cold lake, or motel when we need a break after 4 or 5 days...upgraded the fan to the auto / 13 setting with remote control... although haven't used all that much yet, it is convenient to use the remote to control speed/like the auto shut down/close if it starts raining--this has worked well when had rain during the night...the arctic pack liner is definitely a plus--helps both heating and cooling...got the 2-way fridge(1.7 cu.ft) as many complained about the 3-way(using propane) acts up if camper not level / on the move... the 2-way(electric only) does quite well with our solar especially if you do a pre-chill, keep full, set low(1.5 works), etc... we also always take a small cooler for ice/frozen food...furnace--a must and quite efficient (set at 58 to 60 at night)...side-awning a must to expand our outside efforts when camping... back steps...just got a nice $20 folding plastic stool (noted by many in blog) which fits neatly inside when traveling...got the bench seat vs. the side or back seating options which reduce storage space big time/costs more...might revisit this decision again as the side seats looks "convenient"... but satisfied so far with this table decision...ideally we prefer the option to eat outside under the awning or at the campsite's picnic table but using the set up table has been adequate when used for eating inside...camper jacks--almost had to get even though camper "permanent" on our pickup...may have to remove once or twice a year for cleaning...and gas strut roof lift assists were critical with roof solar and wife who usually opens the roof...good investment
That pretty much covers our recent purchase decisions in addition to my answers on your survey... as first time camper buyers, this was all "new to us" but feel we pretty much nailed our choices for our camping needs... got a little carried away but I hope this helps in your decisions...
Brad in Scappoose, OR
