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Skater, So true. This is it and its an either or choice to have it. The only major company converting campervans that give you choices for customization is Sportsmobile. However, when it comes to generators from Airstream last year you had an interesting choice between the Westfalia with diesel or the Interstate with propane. Those two conversions were so different that I doubt the generator would have been the decider. I believe the Sprinter conversions pretty much all use the 2500 kw Onan propane generator.
There seems to be a lot of opinions whether to have one or not at the Open Roads Forum. I opted for everything I could get on my Sprinter. Not ever having one before, and such a big purchase, I did not want to be left in the position of wishing I had made a different decision after gaining experience. So far our habits have been just about what doctorbob is anticipating. We tour, tour fast, and have stayed with relatives and in hotels about half the time. We camped once without electrical power in the Shenandoah National Park and the generator came in handy. We camped only once when it rained hard and the awning was worth every penny that one day we used it. We used the LCD flat screen TV to watch DVD not television. We've even done that right in our own driveway just for a change of pace. We have used the air conditioner with heat strip both ways, for cooling and once for heat when it was in the 40s even though we also have the propane heater and a tiny ceramic portable electric heater. With all those choices I was actually just curious about the heat strip. We use the refrigerator and microwave and plumbing facilities. The only thing we haven't used yet is the two burner propane cooktop because we alway cooked outside, including a breakfast when it was 27F outside in the morning. For the same reason we never set up the dining table stand and top inside.
Another controversial option is whether to have a built-in electric coffee maker. It seems to be about 50-50 with people. Fresh brewed coffee in the morning is a must with me and more so with my wife. We have one.
What I didn't get and it is more standard with 2007 models is a trailer hitch since I bought available off the lot. I am going to have one installed because I am thinking of adding one of those swing away carriers for outdoor gear such as bulky lawn chairs, etc. that have to be moved around inside. When underway touring, the bathroom pretty much becomes the storage area for those things.
What I had installed and probably don't need now that I have experience is a backup camera. We have very good convex mirrors on top of our regular rear view mirrors that work great. I think these are pretty much standard now with Sprinter. They weren't two years ago. They are a must in my opinion.
We take along no suitcases but we each have a small carry-on duffles that can be collapsed and day packs for overnight hotel stays.
Did I miss anything?
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