Dumb RV Design

[ctpres]

I’ll bet every RV model produced has at least one really stupid design feature. Anybody listening? Ours has several, but my vote for the worst one goes to a 110 outlet on one the end of the kitchen counter top, right by the entry door. That is not bad, BUT as shown in the picture they put it directly behind the exit assist handle. If something is plugged in, you hand invariably gets involved with the wire when reaching for the handle, also no cell phone charger, in fact we do not have one charging device we can plug into this outlet, NOT enough space. So the only use we have for this outlet is the coffee maker and that is not easy to plug in, I have to climb down into the stairwell so I can see what I am doing.

[BigSkyBob]

I have to agree, double dumb

[Texas TC]

My first two coaches were almost void of 110v and 12v outlets. It was very annoying when something needed power. However, our new Winnebago Journey 34Y almost went overboard with outlets. There is a 110v outlet every 5' on each side of the coach and no less than 4 12v outlets scattered throughout the coach. It is very handy but almost overkill. However, I would rather have too many than too few. Also, there are none that are placed in awkward locations like the one you demonstrated in your pic. Someone at the factory should have thought before installing that outlet in such a poor location.

Good luck!

TxTC

[mhs4771]

What you want an installer to Think? They just have to put in it, doesn't really matter to them where they put it.

[two2go]

ctpres, You can get an extension with a right angle plug that is flat that should be easier to plug in. I could recommend mounting a multiple outlet strip in a convenient place.

As far as stupid design, we look at most new models now and think, "That is really dumb." My #1 is multiple TV sets. Why have two or even three TVs in one living area? We saw a bunkhouse coach that had 5 TVs. I thought the idea of going camping or RVing was to enjoy the experience and sights, not watch TV in every possible location.

As long as I'm bit**ing, my #2 dumb design is a huge wraparound dinette that could seat 6 and takes up half the living space, but has a table barely big enough for two and is unsuitable for lounging.

[ksg5000]

I got that one beat -- in my rig one of the exterior storage doors swings up/open and covers the hot water heater vent outlet -- can anyone say "help my rigs on fire".

[Paul R. Haller]

Yea, I had an old 5er that the TV boost switch that was unreachable if the TV was installed in the cabinet. That same RV had a hot water electric switch in the storage bay behind the water heater. You literally had to remove everything from the storage bay and then crawl in on your belly to get to it. I later ran a piece of romex to a switch inside the coach so I could turn it on and off from inside. Stupid, STUPID!
-Paul R. Haller-

[jspande]

I'd like to fearlessly nominate the two dumbest RV ideas of all time, from a company (now out of business) that actually had a lot of quite good ideas, but balanced them out with a couple of stinkers. The company was Alfa and the models were 5th wheels (fortunately different models - none had both).

The #1 dumbest was using three 20# propane tanks (instead of two 30#) and locating them under the living room slide-out. This was in some of their latest model units.

The #2 dumbest was in earlier models (like my 2001 model) where they included a walk-in closet in the bedroom slide in such a way that the bathroom sink moved with the slide. Not only does this require all the plumbing to allow several feet of movement, but when the slide is in, the sink totally blocks access to the bedroom (unless one climbed over the sink!)

[chasmatt]

Don't blame the installers for the lousy designs. The coaches and interiors are designed by an engineer sitting in an ivory tower. The installers hate the lousy design as much as you do.

[Tha_Rooster]

Would it be possibly to move it, looks like a safety hazard a grounded steel bar almost on top of a ac outlet.

[sgtjoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksg5000 I got that one beat -- in my rig one of the exterior storage doors swings up/open and covers the hot water heater vent outlet -- can anyone say "help my rigs on fire".

I can see that and raise you two more bay doors that cover the furnace exhaust when in the up position. Have actually scorched one to a dull yellow once.

[sgtjoe]

Wait til you remove the factory carpet. Mine had two different size staples and the installers must have been paid by the staple.

[ctpres]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster Would it be possibly to move it, looks like a safety hazard a grounded steel bar almost on top of a ac outlet.

OP Here: I can solve the problem several ways, posted this just to start something on a boring day.

[62_inrightlane]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctpres I’ll bet every RV model produced has at least one really stupid design feature. Anybody listening? Ours has several, but my vote for the worst one goes to a 110 outlet on one the end of the kitchen counter top, right by the entry door. That is not bad, BUT as shown in the picture they put it directly behind the exit assist handle. If something is plugged in, you hand invariably gets involved with the wire when reaching for the handle, also no cell phone charger, in fact we do not have one charging device we can plug into this outlet, NOT enough space. So the only use we have for this outlet is the coffee maker and that is not easy to plug in, I have to climb down into the stairwell so I can see what I am doing.

It was supposed to go in a different location in your coach, however someone forgot to install it. When the prepared the coach for delivery to the dealer they found it and decided to install it close to the door so they wouldn't get the inside dirty!

All kidding aside, it could be an early build of you model coach and was installed before the exit assist handle was installed. To make it usable can you add a new box and move it over? You can then get a solid outlet cover for the old box.