Recommended Upgrades/Options on Newer Classic

[kendrick.l.j]

Hi Dave,
My Classic is a 2017 version and I still love it almost 3 years out.
So about the kill switch. I try to stay updated on my model and the ones that have followed here on the forum. Awhile ago there was an issue with the power awning deploying on its own. It did not happen to me but it did happen to 3 other 2017’s. One happened in the middle of the night, very experienced AS owner so it wasn’t a newbie mistake or issue. Another one deployed while being towed. Obviously that didn’t go well but at least nobody got hurt. The awning was destroyed. I forgot the exact circumstances of the 3rd one. As soon as I heard about the first incident I opened the cabinet and removed the draws and unplugged the power to the awning.
When I was at the factory for warranty stuff I had them install a dedicated kill switch for the awning. They said it wasn’t necessary and I reminded them of the 3 incidents.
The switch is right by the door just below the Firefly panel so it’s easy to get to and when I don’t have the awning out I make sure that there’s no power going to the awning.
I’ve learned so much from this forum over the last 2+ years and I’m grateful for those who have posted both good and bad experiences. If I can learn from them and be pro-active it saves me tons of money and time. I did the same with the Dexter never lube self-adjusting brakes. Had the brakes replaced after several folks posted about catastrophic failures. (I do believe that the brake issues were limited to the 2017’s.)

[ajwbarnard]

Of all the things I like about my Classic and I have had a 2018 and a 2019, I love the Alde heat and hot water system. When I have the capacity to dump, I can take as long a shower as I want and I love that the heat does not make the noise associated with other methods. The 3020 makes hot water more consistently and in greater quantity than the 3010 in the 2018. I like the fact that I can use 2 air conditioners in the heat and when I have 50 amp service, but I rarely use both at the same time.

[69SoulShine]

Hi Lauri. Did you go back with original brakes or switch to different type / brand?

[kendrick.l.j]

Hi 69Soul,
I stayed with Dexter but went with their non-self adjusting brakes. I have the part number somewhere on here but as soon as I have time I’ll pm you that information.
There is or was a thread on this topic but it’s more than a year ago. Mine were replaced under warranty but even if they weren’t I would have paid out of pocket for the job to be done. And again, I do think that the brake issues were limited to the 2017.

[iowajones]

Thanks again to everyone for your thoughtful comments. We have determined to go ahead with a lightly used unit from a private seller and will be picking it up late September.

It is a 2018 Classic 30 Rear Twin Beds. Has factory solar and a transferable warranty that runs into 2021.

So our plan is to use it for a time and then see what “upgrades” may be right for us. The suggestions kindly offered give us a good foundation to build upon.



Best Regards

Dave

[kendrick.l.j]

Wishing you the best with the new AS. You’re are going to love the heating system. The only thing I would suggest is to get a TPMS quickly, the other stuff can wait.

[Mike0392]

We went with the 33 Classic twin. Bathroom is huge! Projected tv over the desk is nice. Not happy with the convection microwave. We ordered the light maple cabinets with the black countertops love it. Macerator toilet is pretty nice feature. The Alde system is a pain to figure out and get the air out and the hot water hot. Got that tweaked and hot toasty hot showers. Forgot to check the weather and a storm blew in one night. Awnings were out, not the main though. Wind blew the big drivers side awning close on itself with a Big Bang! I have PTSD and was headed for the bunker. Roll them in if there is storm