Things to have dealer take care of before delivery?

[nebster]

Dear iRV2 Newmar People,

I am very excited to be joining this community as we purchase our first RV, a DSDP 4313. We are under contract for a delivery in late March, and of course we're super excited. We are also total newbs, so we have no idea what we are doing. Fortunately, you all have collected so much information here in the form of your posts and images. Thank you.

My first question, after which I am sure there are many more, is about whether there are some modifications or upgrades we might ask our dealer to perform on our coach before we take delivery. We have a month where it's just hanging out there, and I'd love to take care of anything that might be worth pursuing with that "dead time."

Some things I have considered:

* vent covers -- dealer says will just pick out and install on the spot; easy
* dometic basement freezer -- dealer says won't fit in front passenger bay anyway, plus I think I can do this myself for cheaper
* sanicon -- this seems like something we want, but again maybe straightforward to just add later
* solar -- dealer doesn't want to take responsibility for this complex of a project


Are there other things we should consider?

Many thanks,

Ben

[PDR John]

Originally Posted by nebster

Dear iRV2 Newmar People,

I am very excited to be joining this community as we purchase our first RV, a DSDP 4313. We are under contract for a delivery in late March, and of course we're super excited. We are also total newbs, so we have no idea what we are doing. Fortunately, you all have collected so much information here in the form of your posts and images. Thank you.



Congratulations



My first question, after which I am sure there are many more, is about whether there are some modifications or upgrades we might ask our dealer to perform on our coach before we take delivery. We have a month where it's just hanging out there, and I'd love to take care of anything that might be worth pursuing with that "dead time."

Some things I have considered:

* vent covers -- dealer says will just pick out and install on the spot; easy

We did these.


* dometic basement freezer -- dealer says won't fit in front passenger bay anyway, plus I think I can do this myself for cheaper


How big is the freezer he's selling? That's where the factory puts it. We have a 64 qt in that compartment. Does the 4313 have a smaller compartment right there?


* sanicon -- this seems like something we want, but again maybe straightforward to just add later

Very simple install. Just twist the connections and hook up power.


* solar -- dealer doesn't want to take responsibility for this complex of a project

This is one thing you want a solar specialist to do. You may have to become that specialist.


Are there other things we should consider?

Many thanks,

Ben

I would suggest having a hard wired surge protector installed, either of the 2 companies will serve you well. Progressive and Surge Guard are their names.

[nebster]

John,

Thanks for the welcome and congrats!

Regarding freezer, we didn't discuss a particular size. I'd seen the Dometic CF series in other coaches in that front bay. Moreover, this particular had "prep for freezer" as a special, which I think means they've pulled power to that bay. I don't know if this is the standard size, but maybe it is the FWS that is causing the trouble. Here's a pic, if it means much:



Also, thanks for the tip on the Progressive unit. I have that one on my list. I imagine I can just wire that in as well?

Ben

[Algoma]

I would do nothing. As a newbie you need to spend some time with your coach before you get to know it and think of things you would change. The things you mentioned are things you can do yourself if you decide you really need them. Save your money and spend it on diesel.
P.S. I prefer the external Progressive surge guard, no wiring involved.

[GaryKD]

Hi nebster,
Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar Owners Forum. Not much to add to PDR John's post. The pic of the bay for the freezer is correct. One will need a slide out tray to put the freezer on. Newmar service will do this for you. Give them a call and they will provide a cost. The benefits of going to Newmar for this item is:
1. First trip to Camp Newmar you can see and feel what all of us rave about.
2. Take the factory tour, at least once.
3. The area has all that is Amish. From Nappanee to Shipshewana if you have never been, it is quite an experience. Next to the back side of Newmar is Dutch Village Market. Amish do the cooking. There is no finer breakfast anywhere. They open at 6 AM so when the lead tech shows up at 6 AM to get your coach, you can go right to breakfast.
4. The RV Museum is just north of Elkhart by the Interstate. Nice day trip.

[nebster]

Originally Posted by Algoma

P.S. I prefer the external Progressive surge guard, no wiring involved.

Thanks for this, I was kind of wondering about that. I guess it leaves it out where it could be swiped, but I'm not too worried about that.

[nebster]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

The pic of the bay for the freezer is correct. One will need a slide out tray to put the freezer on. Newmar service will do this for you. Give them a call and they will provide a cost.

Hey, thanks for verifying! Any idea which one they put in there? I am concerned also about being able to access it with the slide out. Even if the tray brings it out, it seems like it could be hard to get the lid to open.

I guess they have this figured out, though. And yes, one day I would like an excuse to visit the fabled Factory. All the treats and nice people sound good, too.

Ben

[vsheetz]

Agree with others comments of adding progressive EMS is a must. Portable or hard wired, as with most things pros and cons. I have a portable, not a biggie to connect/disconnect but would be one less thing to do during setup and teardown. Theft has not been a big concern for me.

[PDR John]

After seeing you pic, the full wall slide on the right makes those compartments shorter. That would be a problem with most freezers.

Freezer prep adds 12v wires (no plug) and a 110v outlet in that compartment.

I went with a hard wired surge protector. On our other coach I used the plug in model, both worked the same.

[nebster]

Originally Posted by PDR John

After seeing you pic, the full wall slide on the right makes those compartments shorter. That would be a problem with most freezers.

Okay, makes sense. I think my option, then, is to put one on the other side. We will probably end up with one, but they're cheaper off Amazon that at the dealer by a long shot, and anyway if I delay I can see how full the basement ends up before I spring for it.

["007"]

Welcome to the forum and irv2.
Here is a Brochure and Owners Guide for you.
Below in my signature are links to many more for your Newmar and Mod sections by PDR John and Dutch Star Don who has Solar wiring information in his plus many more mod's by members.
Here is a thread with links for Tech stuff.
You will save a bunch of money and learn your coach by doing the mods yourself not had to do just take you time and enjoy.
Enjoy the forum and congrats on your coach & many safe travels to come.

[siggyd]

FWIW, SANYO has a nice fridge for the basement, about 23" high , it . would fit nicely.(but measure first). I bought it from COSTCO for my
former KSDP. It will hold about 2 cases of beer. Runs on 120 Volt AC only.
Siggy

[nebster]

Thanks, guys!

007, I am now officially inducted (indoctrinated?), since I have received my copy of the DSDP owner's guide. I've been excited just thinking about it, for weeks.

[Ramets]

There are a few others besides a Dometic freezer. We went with an Edgestar 5yrs. ago and it hasn't missed a beat. You can just google compact freezers. Ours is dual powered. Although we seldom use the 12V plug.