Newbie seeks advice

[Ashlander]

Hi Everyone-

This is my first post on this forum of so please bear with me.

I am taking delivery of a new 2007 25' Airstream in May. We are driving from Oregon to the dealer in Wisconsin then heading south to come home. My only experience with RVing was a tent trailer several years ago. I can use any advice that you would like to give.

Specifically-I am having a 600 watt inverter installed in the bedroom. I need this for a CPAP that I need at night. The quote from the dealer is $1570. I would like to have solar panels installed. A 53 watt system is quoted $2404. A fantastic fan in the bedroom is $983. These costs, on top of a weight distribution hitch with a brake controller and start up kit ($1000-$1500), really add up.

Any advice, comments, or suggestions about these items or anything else will be appreciated.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by Ashlander

Hi Everyone-

This is my first post on this forum of so please bear with me.

I am taking delivery of a new 2007 25' Airstream in May. We are driving from Oregon to the dealer in Wisconsin then heading south to come home. My only experience with RVing was a tent trailer several years ago. I can use any advice that you would like to give.

Specifically-I am having a 600 watt inverter installed in the bedroom. I need this for a CPAP that I need at night. The quote from the dealer is $1570. I would like to have solar panels installed. A 53 watt system is quoted $2404. A fantastic fan in the bedroom is $983. These costs, on top of a weight distribution hitch with a brake controller and start up kit ($1000-$1500), really add up.

Any advice, comments, or suggestions about these items or anything else will be appreciated.

Ashlander,

Regarding the CPAP, check with your supplier, you can get a 12V DC adapter for the CPAP and plug it into a regular 12V outlet. Do you have an existing vent where they are installing the Fantastic Fan? The fans are $209.99 at Vintage Trailer Supply for the top of the line unit.

Bill

[bmklawt]

Holy crap that's a lot of money, $983 for a fan is way to much if it's replacing an existing vent.
I agree get an 12 volt cord for the CPAP and add an extra battery.

[cammur]

There have been a number of forum members dealing with CPAPs. You might use the search feature (the advanced Google alternative) and see what others have to say about CPAP issues.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The prices that you quote for the inverter and the Fantastic Fan seem very high. I'm guessing that your 25FB has a manual vent already in the bedroom. Assuming that is the case, that price for the fan and install verges on the outrageous.

If the 12 volt alternative for the CPAP doesn't work out, consider a 1000 watt Honda generator. This would cost a lot less than the inverter and give you a lot more versatility.

Brian

[eharv]

all of the prices you listed are 50 to 70% too higher----higher than normal. Wonder if your price on the 2007 25' is too high as well?

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, like other's have stated, those prices are way off base. Since you are in Oregon, I think you should have a little talk with George Sutton before dive in head first. [George Sutton RV in Eugene, Oregon]

Hey, let's give this guy a deal on a two year old, new trailer, and get it all back on accessories.

[ROBERT CROSS]

WELCOME ABOARD!!
As others have stated, those up-grade prices are way out of line.
Next time you contact the dealer you might casually mention that you have researched costs on the Forum.

Not clear on those start-up costs, (Pre-delivery Inspection?), It's not a Moon Launch after all. Just what is he starting-up?
$1000 for a Fantastic fan is absurd, especially if the vent is already there.

IMHO The generator would be a much better alternative, to the inverter. Add an extra battery and you have a lot more versatility.

Have them test the batteries, they could very likely need replacement, ( I would insist on replacement before taking delivery, ck the tags for dates)

Solar, I got a 30w portable system on-line two years ago for $1000.00, pretty basic but it serves our needs just fine.

When you pick your "baby" up pay special attention to the walk through, should take at least 2hrs, 1hr the first day and 1 more hr. after breakfast
when you wake up on his lot the next morning....for real!!! TAKE NOTES. ASK QUESTIONS.

We were all newbies at one time, the idea is to be a Smart Newbie.

[silverleeper]

I agree with everyone else. The pricing is why too high. You might also try these guys. Airstream of Spokane. I've heard good things about them. Good luck on you new adventure.