New Independent Front Suspension Vegas 27.7, Real news or Hype? - Page 2

Drau2th · 05-14-2018, 01:37 PM

I agree with DocMike on the need to make the overhead bed an option. I do like the fact that the bed is lockable with a key and will probably use it as a safe to secure valuable items while away from the rig at campsites. I also use a truck size Club on the steering wheel for an added deterent against theft of the coach. When it comes to the drivers seat in our Vegas, I find that I cannot rotate it fully due to the steering wheel so the best I can do is rotate it so it is facing the passenger seat! Has anyone figured out how to rotate the drivers seat so it will face the living room?

DocMike · 05-14-2018, 01:55 PM

I like the name, are you a dentist (dr gold tooth)?
The drivers seat can be manipulated around to face the rear, but it forces one to go through a series of contortions that would make Houdini sore! We have had our RV for 3 years and and only gone through the workout maybe 4 or 5 times.

DocMike

Drau2th · 05-14-2018, 02:27 PM

Being a dentist yourself I am not surprised that you figured out my forum name. I’m also a retired LTC after 29 years in the Army Dental Corps. Glad to see a fellow “molar mechanic” in the Forums. We love our Vegas! Ray

DocMike · 05-14-2018, 03:13 PM

Nearing retirement and "Old School" (Drill, Fill, and Bill)...none of the fancy implants and what-nots.
We too enjoy our Vegas, just would like to see a 27.7 at a showroom. Feel kind of silly falling for the "New Independent Front Suspension" Ad-speak claim.
Live and Learn.

DocMike

DocMike · 05-14-2018, 04:39 PM

Some other questions about the 27.7 for any and all to chime in on:

1. Can you get around the bed when the bedroom slide is in?
2. How is the outside storage (the little 24.1 has the most available in the Vegas/Axis Series.
3. How was the steering? We had to add Safe-T-Plus and front Sumo springs to tame down the tendency to jerk towards the tire that hits the pot hole.
4. The lower position of the microwave below the range, any problem?
5. The shower, does it have the curved "The ARC Shower Rod"?
6. Is there any type of radiator screen behind the pretty horizontal section of the nose? We had to add a bug screen (actually a screen door "dog" protector from Home Depo).
7. At three feet longer than our 24.1 I wonder about how far the rear end would sweep out behind the rear wheels in a turn ("tail wag" I think the more seasoned call it).
8. With two slide on the same side, do you notice any tilting when they are deployed?

GM, I hope you jumped over to this thread as you are one of the few I have seen listing ownership of the new 27.7 floor plan.

DocMike

JamieGeek · 05-14-2018, 05:21 PM

I can mention the outside storage: there is only the front two and another small storage spot in the back that isnt very big.
At the last show we were at they had a 27.7 and I snuck around the back to check the outside storage out. Very minimal.

DocMike · 05-14-2018, 06:00 PM

Bummer on the storage.

DocMike

Chance · 05-14-2018, 09:46 PM

The June 2018 Motorhome Magazine has an article titled “More in Store”, focusing on “ motorhomes that have extra space for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and all your outdoor gear”

Other than the very large DPs with pass-through basement storage (which is common for many of those types of rigs), I don’t see what they are talking about. The smaller units don’t appear to have even one compartment large enough for a bike or two. It’s very disappointing.

gmtech16450yz · 05-15-2018, 04:20 PM

Hey Doc, don't worry, I'll answer those questions as best I can with some pictures when I get a chance. Super busy yesterday.

I can answer the steering question now though, it's pretty much the same deal as all the other Ford chassis motorhomes. I put helwig sway bars on it, along with Bilstein shocks all around, Sumo springs in front, Ride Rite airbags in back and of course a safe-t-plus steering stabilizer too.

I then did my own alignment and replaced the upper ball joint sleeves with adjustable ones. I gave it as much caster as I could and about 1/8" of toe in. I did all of that at once without driving it in between so I couldn't break down each mod's effect, but as everyone knows, the difference is HUGE. So yeah, any of the Vegas models are going to NEED suspension mods to be driveable. As far as the rear end swinging out and the tilt when the slides are extended, I'll give you actual measurements on those things when I get a chance. It might be a few days for that though, I'm waiting on an engine knock detector system to get here before I can put the engine cover back on and drive it.

(Totally off topic sidenote... For those that wonder about power increases on tuning the Ford V10, Yeah the gains are pretty significant. VERY significant actually. That's a whole 'nuther subject though.)

I'll be able to give you guys a TON of feedback and mod ideas in the future. I'm almost to the point of finishing up all my rebuilding and major modding so hopefully we'll be able to put some miles on this 27.7 soon. Yesterday I spent finishing up my onboard compressor install and also built the table top for the engine cover compartment. Here's a few teaser shots of that...

DocMike · 05-15-2018, 05:24 PM

GM,

Thanks for the info.

Nice mod, great use of the space there over the dog house.

Doc

gmtech16450yz · 05-15-2018, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocMike

GM,

Thanks for the info.

Nice mod, great use of the space there over the dog house.

Doc

Oh just wait. lol.

lazinskm · 05-16-2018, 01:30 PM

Chance
I agree with you completely on the storage. My wife and I saw an older motorhome that had for lack of a better term a "storage locker" that was built in over the back of it. It would be great if they would make them with a 2 foot closet in the back with a ramp- sort of a "mini" toy hauler design to hang bikes, put in some paddleboards/ Kayaks etc...
I also hope someday they make a "toy hauler" model that doesn't look like a garage and has a king bed that comes down "north-south" with walk around space. I think I could get that one by the DW.....

Muggs · 05-16-2018, 02:13 PM

Can anyone post the cargo capacity of the 27.7 Axis/Vegas off yellow sticker on door? I am curious how much of the capacity is taken up with extended house.

Chance · 05-16-2018, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazinskm

Chance
I agree with you completely on the storage. My wife and I saw an older motorhome that had for lack of a better term a "storage locker" that was built in over the back of it. It would be great if they would make them with a 2 foot closet in the back with a ramp- sort of a "mini" toy hauler design to hang bikes, put in some paddleboards/ Kayaks etc...
I also hope someday they make a "toy hauler" model that doesn't look like a garage and has a king bed that comes down "north-south" with walk around space. I think I could get that one by the DW.....

It doesn’t appear to me that a compact garage large enough for bikes, scooter, or even a motorcycle is a priority for most buyers. As I’ve stated before, I’d love to see a Euro-style bike garage on an Axis 24.1. And if large enough for a scooter or small motorcycle, even better.

DocMike · 05-16-2018, 06:13 PM

Chance,

That is a neat picture...what brand of RV is it on?

Doc

Chance · 05-16-2018, 10:39 PM

Doc, I’m not sure about the motorhome brand — can not see brand printed on motorhome. I believe the picture is for the scooter rack which includes the integrated ramp, I think made by Fiamma. I’m guessing they kept RV brand off picture on purpose due to marketing.

Most European motorhomes have a large bike garage in rear that goes across the entire body. And unlike many American “garages” or MegaStorage compartments, they are tall and have a nice flat floor to make loading large items much easier. In many cases they are large enough for many bicycles, or even a smaller motorcycle.

What appears common to most of these RVs is that the beds in rear are elevated above the garage. The garage floor is usually lowered also to improve garage size/height. Europeans seem to pay more attention to design details.

We should have more options like these motorhome designs in US.

DocMike · 05-16-2018, 10:54 PM

Chance,

That is a neat concept, a short kayak could fit in there.

Doc

lazinskm · 05-17-2018, 12:32 AM

That looks awesome. I have mega storage in my 28z and I will be hard pressed to get another rv without it. So easy but another 12-18 inched would be awesome and u are right there is plenty of room in the bedroom.

Chance · 05-17-2018, 12:42 AM

It’s also a great way to haul motorcycles as long as they are not too long.

Thor years back manufactured a front engine diesel that had a huge garage in rear. It’s one of the few American motorhomes that I’m aware of that split the difference between a conventional toy hauler and a MegaStorage compartment.

This is a small Euro C.

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