Three questions - shelf, fresh water capacity, and turning radius

[Bruce and Jenna]

Three interesting questions have arisen from our recent research on new fifth wheels.

1 I've seen RVs with fresh water ratings include the capacity of the hot water heater. Does PI do this too? I can't tell from their literature.

2 I'm evaluating whether to order a longer trailer than my current 33RSE. I figure one factor is the length, but the other is what I'll call the turning radius of the trailer. Should I compare the distance from the pin to the front or rear axle?

3 I also wonder about this narrow shelf in the kitchen of my 33RSE.

Why do you think PI made it this way? Did they need to leave room to get to the AC outlet? Can't see any other reason, but I would not have chosen to permanently reduce the counter space for that reason.

[ExcelRVGuy]

Hi Bruce,

For comparison purposes with our competition, P.I. does include the h2o in the water heater when stating our capacities.

As for caculating turning radius, your trailer actually tracks from the dual axle "center point" so if you're concerned about that it might be best to use the measurement from your pin to the center bracket between the axles, however, in real world driving, there's very little actual difference in turning radius between your 33' and a 36'.

Prior to 2012 model year, we used "Toughstone" countertops. They were made in a mold, as were the lift-up shelves. Each mold was expensive to have built and maintain so we consolidated sizes and used about 3 different sizes to fit most countertops.

Thanks
Bryan

[Bruce and Jenna]

Kewl enough. Thanks much Bryan for the quick and complete answers.

[chief02]

My lift up counter extention is the same width as the counter top

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chief02 My lift up counter extention is the same width as the counter top

Showoff!

Oh wait, I see. You're offering me yours.
Oh yeah, don't forget to pay for insurance on the package.

[Workshop]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce and Jenna Three interesting questions have arisen from our recent research on new fifth wheels. 2 I'm evaluating whether to order a longer trailer than my current 33RSE. I figure one factor is the length, but the other is what I'll call the turning radius of the trailer. Should I compare the distance from the pin to the front or rear axle? 3 I also wonder about this narrow shelf in the kitchen of my 33RSE. Why do you think PI made it this way? Did they need to leave room to get to the AC outlet? Can't see any other reason, but I would not have chosen to permanently reduce the counter space for that reason.

We started out wanting to be 'shorter' and keep getting longer in length. Our prior was a 29' Newmar towed by a regular cab, long bed truck. Backing the unit in from from the road to where it was parked in the back yard was over 170ft, with very little distance where it was straight at the same time....maybe 35%. I was able to put it in the back and around the corner of the house on an 11-12 ft wide drive and stay off the grass or not worry about taking out the corner of the house, as it's on the curbside on the unit.

Over the years I've upgraded to an Extended cab truck, a 33 ft unit and now a crew cab truck. Each time the backing has became more difficult as the turning radius has increased. Sometimes it will back in with several attempts and others I stop for lunch. But I wouldn't want a longer unit as I still like going to some State Parks and can't get in with my unit or have a shorter list of sites. As we dont full time...storage space isn't a problem for us .

As to the counter top, the working space from the corner of the work area is the first 12-18 inches...as that is the closest to reach and sit things down. As it would be hard to make an extention for each counter, you got what would be functional. It also allows for more space in the living area by not having the counter go the full width. If it was full width and had a radius corner, that might have worked...but with a mold ? So I would guess it was designed for more living area and installed because this size fit.

workhorse

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Workshop Over the years I've upgraded to an Extended cab truck, a 33 ft unit and now a crew cab truck. Each time the backing has became more difficult as the turning radius has increased. Sometimes it will back in with several attempts and others I stop for lunch. But I wouldn't want a longer unit as I still like going to some State Parks and can't get in with my unit or have a shorter list of sites. As we dont full time...storage space isn't a problem for us . workhorse

Precisely. We spend much of our travel time in state and national parks. At 35', we barely get into some of them as it is.

Bought the Supercab rather than the Extended cab to reduce the truck length and weight, as well as avoid making and taking friends. So far I've achieved both goals. My only friends are online, thus provide their own transportation. Or I introduce them to Clancy, and they say, "Leave the dog and you can come with us."

[RickS]

Bruce,
I really don't think you would notice going from a 33->36ft. One thing I found out moving from a 3500 GMC DRW and 2011 F350 DRW to the Freightliner, is that even with a longer trailer it is much easier to get into places with a better turning radius on the tow vehicle. In the Ford line the F450 comes with a wide track front end which turns much sharper. Wouldn't buy or drive one again.....though....long story. .

[Triker56]

Quote:

I also wonder about this narrow shelf in the kitchen of my 33RSE

Looks like it was put there so no one would kick the pet bowls below it.

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56 Looks like it was put there so no one would kick the pet bowls below it.

Looks like it was put there so I would always keep the bowls full.

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickS Bruce, I really don't think you would notice going from a 33->36ft. One thing I found out moving from a 3500 GMC DRW and 2011 F350 DRW to the Freightliner, is that even with a longer trailer it is much easier to get into places with a better turning radius on the tow vehicle. In the Ford line the F450 comes with a wide track front end which turns much sharper. Wouldn't buy or drive one again.....though....long story. .

Would that I could consider it. But DW cannot regularly climb into the cab, let alone drive one.

[Endeavor2BnC]

OMG, this thread has gone on for FIVE (5) DAYS and there is not one comment from SKIA, aka "Washout". OOPs, I think I may have just jinxed the thread to go off topic.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endeavor2BnC OMG, this thread has gone on for FIVE (5) DAYS and there is not one comment from SKIA, aka "Washout". OOPs, I think I may have just jinxed the thread to go off topic.

Me OT? I didn't respond cause I knew Bruce was just being facetious!
And you know me......I don't waste my time on "foolishness"!!!!!!!!!!!

OK....I'm just kiddin'. We are at our GD home! Keep up the silliness while I'm "out" for a while. You do that so well!!! rockygrandpa

P.S. Don't think I'm not watching though......I'm like Bryan.....not saying much, but lurkin' like mad!!!