|
08-10-2020, 06:59 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 57
|
Looking for Advice on 2104S Options
Any looking at the Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S and would appreciate any input as to factory options as well as the trailer itself. One of the options is the EXTRA MAXXAIR FAN AND VENT COVER, and would especially be interested in hearing whether or not that would be something to have or not have. Is the Extra Maxxair needed or would it just be another hole in the roof. The option list is not that long but such things as the Thermopane Windows, 15,000 BTU AC, Power Stabilizer Jacks, Solar Panel, Ash Cabinetry, and Theatre Seating are on the list. I like the idea of the Murphy Bed and have read the many reviews of that, sort of a love it or hate it thing. Any inputs would be appreciated, Pro or Con.
|
|
|
08-10-2020, 07:41 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 13,688
|
We had dealer install a MaxxAir fan and cover in place of the roof vent (no fan) over the bed in our Flagstaff. The standard fan in our bathroom is 4 speed exhaust only. The one we had dealer install is 10 speed intake and exhaust fan. It's nice to intake air in the front and exhaust out the back especially if there's no breeze. IMHO skip the Thermopane windows. The 13.5k ducted AC cools our unit down with no problems. Now if you're going to spend time in the Arizona heat with no shade then I would consider it and the T-pane windows. We factory ordered our 5th wheel with the T-pane windows and they did help with the temp as well as noise but we had over a dozen windows. I might be old fashion but I like the tactile feeling of knowing how hard I'm putting the stab jacks down. Plus it's one more thing that could go wrong. Do you boondock in sunny places to make the solar panels worth the $? You could always add that later if needed. I've read alot of good things about people really liking the theater seating; very comfortable, massage, heat, cup holders. One guy said they fold flat enough to sleep in. If I was factory ordering I'd want to find an on lot unit and put them to the test before making the decision. Ours has the hide a bed sofa and table which fits our needs but frankly if I was factory ordering I'd get them. We have the Ash cabinetry and like the more modern look. Good luck with your decisions and enjoy your 2104S!
|
|
|
08-10-2020, 08:07 PM
|
#3
|
Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Crested Butte CO
Posts: 88
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MontanaCamper
Any looking at the Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S and would appreciate any input as to factory options as well as the trailer itself. One of the options is the EXTRA MAXXAIR FAN AND VENT COVER, and would especially be interested in hearing whether or not that would be something to have or not have. Is the Extra Maxxair needed or would it just be another hole in the roof. The option list is not that long but such things as the Thermopane Windows, 15,000 BTU AC, Power Stabilizer Jacks, Solar Panel, Ash Cabinetry, and Theatre Seating are on the list. I like the idea of the Murphy Bed and have read the many reviews of that, sort of a love it or hate it thing. Any inputs would be appreciated, Pro or Con.
|
Just my 2 cents worth........
I believe the "Extra" maxair fan would replace the existing roof vent that does not have a fan. Therefore, not an "extra" hole in the roof. AS I recall that option is like $275 so not crazy expensive and does help move air in the rig. I went with the 15k A/C...... but our trailer is larger than yours... so I don't think that it is necessary in your case unless you plan to camp in arizona in July! Also, important to note that a 15K A/C takes more power to run, even with a softstart A/C installed, so running A/C without a large generator or of course plugged in, would be difficult. If you own a portable drill/driver you REALLY don't need the power stabilizers. Frankly the stabilizers are more motors to draw power and potentially provide problems. A power drill/driver with a $5 socket will set your stabilizers in less than a minute. I would wait on the solar panel until you really know what kind of power you need. Solar panels really won't run much and are really only useful in charging your battery. We have the theater seating and love it. The heated seats are AWESOME in the morning when it is cold. Downside is you have no dinette. We fixed this by purchasing a small plastic table. Ash cabinetry is simply a personal choice... if you like the look , get it. Good luck!
|
|
|
08-10-2020, 09:58 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 264
|
We love our 2104. Didn't think I wanted the electric jacks but it came with them and I really like them, so easy to use. Personally would go with a smaller AC but that's up to you. Thermal windows would be nice, I didn't know that was an option. With the murphy bed the inside is kind of exposed to the front storage area and it gets cold at, not as well insulated as a regular bed layout. If you camp where it snows and aren't plugged in that would be a factor.
We like the dinette, we always eat inside, also enjoy the couch during the day. We did replace the foam in the dinette cushions, they are way to soft and you just sink right down to the plywood.
We are almost always unplugged so solar is a must but we use a portable unit and move it to face the sun. A roof mounted one would be nice to supplement it.
Hard to beat this trailer for the size, it feels huge inside.
__________________
2020 Rockwood 2104s towed by 2018 Nissan Armada. Curt WDH with sway, portable 150 watt solar, Home made window evaporative cooler
|
|
|
08-11-2020, 12:36 PM
|
#5
|
Member
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Posts: 42
|
We purchased our 2104s this last December and they offered us the maxair fan over the murphy bed and we said we didn't need it....that was a mistake....it was only $300 and it not only includes the fan but also the maxair cover ....so worth it because it would cost us a lot more now.
We also went with the 15,000 AC.... worth it to us
__________________
Charlie
2020 Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite LT2104S
2016 Ford F-150 Crew Cab XLT Truck
WDH: Equal-i-zer 4 point
|
|
|
08-11-2020, 12:58 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 113
|
We also love our 2104S, our first TT and we've spent many nights in it (until this year ).
I'm guessing dreedo is correct and this is using the same hole over the bed, and that'd be a nice option. It would also fix the annoyance of worrying about rain if the vent's open. (I know, I could just get a cover...)
I agree with the advice to pass on the stabilizer motors, for the same reasons. Battery drill (which is good to have anyway) and this takes no time to set up. I also agree with the advice to pass on the 15kBtu a/c - we have the 13.5k and it does work fine with a 3500W generator we haul around.
All of these decisions, including/especially the question of factory-mounted solar panels, does depend entirely on how, where and when you'll use the rig. I still debate getting PV but we like being under trees, we don't usually boondock more than 2-3 nights and we are usually gone during the day. While theft of panels is not rampant, I'd be nervous leaving the portable kind out on the ground. Plus it'd be tough to find a convenient storage spot for them inside the 2104S.
As for theatre seating, we like the couch - gives us a nice place to lay down for a nap. T-pane windows seem like overkill...while it's been pleasantly surprising how well it retains heat/cool, there are holes everywhere for air infiltration so not a bit benefit IMHO. We bought our unit at a show so got what it had, but the options list has fit us very well. I think we have the upgraded cabinets and that's a nice touch. The floor plan is a bit different now but I think you'll love it.
FYI, one of the posters on this forum has a blog site with a bunch of fantastic mods for the 2104S. https://wordpress.com/read/blogs/47249406
Happy camping!
__________________
Jack & April Connell
2017 Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S
Tow Vehicle: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel
Blog for our trailer trips: www.jackandaprilblog.com
|
|
|
08-11-2020, 03:57 PM
|
#7
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 57
|
Thank You, Thank You all for taking the time to respond. I truly appreciate your comments and expression of your experiences with these campers. There seems to be none of these 2104S models in stock within hundreds of miles so will be ordering but that's not bad as I will then get to pick the options. Again Thank You All !!!
|
|
|
08-11-2020, 07:31 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 324
|
Do it
We have fan with cover. Wish we had added Maxxair fan!
|
|
|
08-11-2020, 07:34 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 324
|
Couch upholstery
One other thing ordered was fabric on couch, hate that sticky leather-like stuff!
So glad we did!
|
|
|
08-12-2020, 06:25 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 1,222
|
I was just at Camping World yesterday. They had a package deal that included a "special PDI" solar panel, sanitizing, and some other nonsense for only $987. You can do it for a lot lesss if you do it yourself. I love having solar on the roof, because it maintains my battery at all times. We also have a portable panel for cloudy days, or when we park in the shade. Depends on your use, but I don't even take my generator. We took out our microwave for the storage space, and we usually camp in the mountains where we don't need A/C, so everything else runs fine off two golf cart batteries. We usually don't go below 80% charge overnight. Of course we use sleeping bags and turn off the heater at night. The noise wakes me up when it goes on in the middle of the night. I do like the fan and the cover.
__________________
2009 Roo 21ss + 2007 Superduty 6.0
|
|
|
08-20-2020, 08:46 AM
|
#11
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 57
|
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to comment and I did value the comments. I ordered the new Rockwood 2104S yesterday, added the Extra Maxxair Fan & Vent Cover as many suggested, did not add the Power Leveling Jacks. An option that I did include was the Night Roller Shades along with the Newport Ash Cabinetry (Maple is no longer an option). I may regret not including the Thermopane Windows but the dealer discouraged it.
|
|
|
08-20-2020, 09:06 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Dayton Ohio
Posts: 3,566
|
Thermo pane windows do little for heat retention. Minimum. They slow sound down some. Not a lot. we did not choose these.
However, they do prevent condensation on windows. So if you travel a lot in colder weather it might be a plan.
On our fiver it was $1800. Not really worth it.
|
|
|
09-08-2020, 12:58 AM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 733
|
I know you already ordered, but thought I'd give my new guy experience...
I just picked up a 21DS (equiv of the 2104s) on Thursday and spent the weekend with it where temps hit 108-111 degrees during the day.
I only have the one MaxxAir and standard roof vent and opening the vent over the bed and turning the MaxxAir on "2" once it started to cool off (even in the low 80s) it cooled the trailer off and by 2-3AM it was actually cold inside. I could really feel the air flowing, had to get under the blanket. I don't think a second Maxxair is needed but I won't discourage anyone from getting it.
I did notice a ton of heat coming in from the simple roof vent with the lid closed. For now I am going to get one of those insulated pillows that fit in the opening. Not sure an external cover will help or not.
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|