Yes sounds like he did a big update to an old camper.
My Taco Phoenix Pop Up Camper
- Thread starter MYTACO
- Start date
Yes sounds like he did a big update to an old camper.
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
Agreed. The company should have humbly done the repairs and moved on without putting a spin on it for the sake of advertising.
The best advertisement could have been when MYTACO told us the repairs came out great and the company owners were gracious and thankful to have the opportunity to make it right.
The best advertisement could have been when MYTACO told us the repairs came out great and the company owners were gracious and thankful to have the opportunity to make it right.
bob91yj
Resident **************
Hmm...I was seriously considering a Phoenix Camper at some point in the future (I want a service body on my truck first). I'm not so sure I like the way they tried to cover their tracks on this one. I thought it was a bit humorous when they tried to explain away the paint matching with the curves and planes excuse. Just admit it, matching paint is tough unless you have an actual sample of what you're trying to match. They missed (and did a crappy paint job to boot) trying to use just the color code.
topofpalomar
Enthusiast
I was seriously considering a Phoenix too, Bob, to replace our old Apache in the near future. I'll be reconsidering now.
I too was seriously considering a Phoenix, in fact I had narrowed it down to that brand. I am a noob and joined to learn about popup campers and I think it may have paid off. I really don't like how that wrote it up as if it was a great project to refurbish a customers camper.
I purchased my second Phoenix Pop Up Camper this last fall. Custom design to fit my application up in Central British Columbia. I had an issue where Phoenix was supplied the wrong 20,000 btu furnace by the manufacturer. Obviously not their fault. Furnace worked, just not perfectly and owning a camper previously equipped with the 20,000 btu furnace I knew what to expect. Phoenix campers instantly offered to have the correct furnace installed by a RV shop in my home town. I think you will find issues with every manufacturer and in my opinion how they react sets them apart. In my situation with the furnace Phoenix act exemplary. I would not hesitate to purchase a third camper and most likely will. Now I’m not saying they are perfect (there painter/subcontractor was horrible) but Phoenix Campers are good people whom stand behind their product and you should not hesitate to at least contact them as they have options and campers that are not quite like the rest. Any way it’s good to see everything worked out for mytaco.
rotti
Adventurer
Well maybe....no updates from the OP on the repairs.
The big one is the leaks. I would be down at the car wash immediately.
MYTACO
Adventurer
First, let me say upfront that this is NOT meant to bash Phoenix Campers. I do believe that they have a very important place in the TC market, especially if you are looking for something customized for your vehicle.
The following is just to EDUCATE buyers. When I started this project I was a complete newbie. I wish someone would have walked me through the process and things to watch for, ask for, or consider down the road. To a great degree I didn't get that from Rob or Cari--and in hindsight I should have done more research on my own. They own a camper business, not a consulting company. (Although I might add that part of the reason I use small businesses is for both...in this case, and in fairness to Rob, I should've been more clear on my expectations).
First, the paint matches the truck. It was a better paint job than the first, but would still not rate very high on my overall satisfaction. I do not believe they sanded down or did much prep work for the new paint. Where paint had been lacking the first time, and now painted over, it is obvious. Instead of taping off window trim, locks, and even hinges, they just painted over it. As I was loading it up yesterday I literally had to remove paint to open the outdoor storage areas. In sum, it wasn't worth the initial $1500 and other than the paint matching, probably not worth the second trip. I expect that the paint will peel off soon especially on the plastic pieces.
The cushions and the shower curtain all match and this looks great. I was shocked and saddened when they considered this an upgrade. About two weeks before I picked it up I was asked about black fabric to arch the kokopelli. When I questioned why it wouldn't match, I was told that the fabric was shipped on different sizes. As a result, they were short. Cari further described this as an upgrade. I debated this and do not feel the error was my fault. I was a little put off by this, but tried to remain optimistic. They did ultimately succeed and I am happy.
The solar vent is in. Picture is above. It's not turned on when I don't use the camper so am not sure how effective it will be. I will update--hopefully next weekend.
The liner. Yes it is new. Honestly I can't tell a difference on the thickness from what was normal to the thicker Arctic that I have now. In fact, I would venture to say it is the same.
While it doesn't show leaking over the front bed area, it does in the rear. Curiously we haven't even used it yet. I cleaned it with the recommended tilex and it comes right back. I am convinced that this is just going to be a common problem with this TC. It's both maddening and frustrating, but I have given up.
The lifters. They work great on getting the top up. I recently hurt my shoulder so definitely a benefit. I did take off on because it was next to impossible to put the top down.
The new wave 6 heater is great. It is HUGE. Takes up a lot of valuable space but am hoping it's worth it. To save my toes I plan on buying a cover.
The cabinets look awesome. I am not convinced that they are new--but rather my old ones refinished and stained. Still, they look great. My only question was why he didn't do the same for all of the wood. Specifically there is a panel in the seating area that was untouched. Doesn't show when looking in the door but very obvious when looking in. See picture above.
On Rob's own initiative her changes to plug covers and switches to a darker color. Really looks great.
He also changed out my battery, fixed the solar panel, replaced the water/electric covers, added the vent to the sink, etc. I was impressed by all of that.
I'm not sure about the on going
Warranty. And but for my initial reporting, I don't think this is a common response from Phoenix. I've looked on their website again and don't see any warranty information. The paperwork that came with these repairs clearly states there is no further warranty.
Bottom line, if a warranty is a
big consideration when making your purchase, Phoenix might not be right for you unless you are willing to take the rig back to
denver.
All in all, my lessons learned:
1. Attention to detail and true craftsmanship is not a strong attribute of Phoenix.
2. I spent too much money on my TC--but I am determined to use the heck pit of it nonetheless. It was my fault for not considering much of the outcome.
3. If I were looking for a customized camper, I would still use Phoenix. I would just add to the canvas after I got it.
4. Shop around and visit the manufacturer. Not everyone's needs are the same. Do research. Talk to ACTUAL customers. I still shocked that when I google Phoenix pop up that not my own write up doesn't come up... so dig deep.
5. Trust your gut instinct. So many times I was not given a good feeling when communicating with Rob and Cari, whether by phone or
Email. This should have been a sign, but I chose to dismiss it. I opted to give them credit for a
quick response not content of the
Response.
So excuse the big thumbs as I type this out on my phone.
To end, I have a camper and I am going to use it. It wasn't worth the almost $28k, but live and learn. I'm here to answer questions for prospective buyers. My next entries will be upcoming trips!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The following is just to EDUCATE buyers. When I started this project I was a complete newbie. I wish someone would have walked me through the process and things to watch for, ask for, or consider down the road. To a great degree I didn't get that from Rob or Cari--and in hindsight I should have done more research on my own. They own a camper business, not a consulting company. (Although I might add that part of the reason I use small businesses is for both...in this case, and in fairness to Rob, I should've been more clear on my expectations).
First, the paint matches the truck. It was a better paint job than the first, but would still not rate very high on my overall satisfaction. I do not believe they sanded down or did much prep work for the new paint. Where paint had been lacking the first time, and now painted over, it is obvious. Instead of taping off window trim, locks, and even hinges, they just painted over it. As I was loading it up yesterday I literally had to remove paint to open the outdoor storage areas. In sum, it wasn't worth the initial $1500 and other than the paint matching, probably not worth the second trip. I expect that the paint will peel off soon especially on the plastic pieces.
The cushions and the shower curtain all match and this looks great. I was shocked and saddened when they considered this an upgrade. About two weeks before I picked it up I was asked about black fabric to arch the kokopelli. When I questioned why it wouldn't match, I was told that the fabric was shipped on different sizes. As a result, they were short. Cari further described this as an upgrade. I debated this and do not feel the error was my fault. I was a little put off by this, but tried to remain optimistic. They did ultimately succeed and I am happy.
The solar vent is in. Picture is above. It's not turned on when I don't use the camper so am not sure how effective it will be. I will update--hopefully next weekend.
The liner. Yes it is new. Honestly I can't tell a difference on the thickness from what was normal to the thicker Arctic that I have now. In fact, I would venture to say it is the same.
While it doesn't show leaking over the front bed area, it does in the rear. Curiously we haven't even used it yet. I cleaned it with the recommended tilex and it comes right back. I am convinced that this is just going to be a common problem with this TC. It's both maddening and frustrating, but I have given up.
The lifters. They work great on getting the top up. I recently hurt my shoulder so definitely a benefit. I did take off on because it was next to impossible to put the top down.
The new wave 6 heater is great. It is HUGE. Takes up a lot of valuable space but am hoping it's worth it. To save my toes I plan on buying a cover.
The cabinets look awesome. I am not convinced that they are new--but rather my old ones refinished and stained. Still, they look great. My only question was why he didn't do the same for all of the wood. Specifically there is a panel in the seating area that was untouched. Doesn't show when looking in the door but very obvious when looking in. See picture above.
On Rob's own initiative her changes to plug covers and switches to a darker color. Really looks great.
He also changed out my battery, fixed the solar panel, replaced the water/electric covers, added the vent to the sink, etc. I was impressed by all of that.
I'm not sure about the on going
Warranty. And but for my initial reporting, I don't think this is a common response from Phoenix. I've looked on their website again and don't see any warranty information. The paperwork that came with these repairs clearly states there is no further warranty.
Bottom line, if a warranty is a
big consideration when making your purchase, Phoenix might not be right for you unless you are willing to take the rig back to
denver.
All in all, my lessons learned:
1. Attention to detail and true craftsmanship is not a strong attribute of Phoenix.
2. I spent too much money on my TC--but I am determined to use the heck pit of it nonetheless. It was my fault for not considering much of the outcome.
3. If I were looking for a customized camper, I would still use Phoenix. I would just add to the canvas after I got it.
4. Shop around and visit the manufacturer. Not everyone's needs are the same. Do research. Talk to ACTUAL customers. I still shocked that when I google Phoenix pop up that not my own write up doesn't come up... so dig deep.
5. Trust your gut instinct. So many times I was not given a good feeling when communicating with Rob and Cari, whether by phone or
Email. This should have been a sign, but I chose to dismiss it. I opted to give them credit for a
quick response not content of the
Response.
So excuse the big thumbs as I type this out on my phone.
To end, I have a camper and I am going to use it. It wasn't worth the almost $28k, but live and learn. I'm here to answer questions for prospective buyers. My next entries will be upcoming trips!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kowboy
Adventurer
Good advice sir.
We started down the same path but ended up on dif'rent roads. I had a deposit down with Phoenix for a camper. Got scared off by some weak e-mail responses and backed out. It was early enough in the process that I was able to get my deposit back.
Then visited the Hallmark shop and was major impressed with the facility, the employees, and the campers. So I bought one. Done spent 'bout 30 nights in it since I took deliv'ry in December. Can't speak of their warranty process tho ... 'cause there ain't nothin' wrong with mine. Nothin'.
bob91yj
Resident **************
Not sure how many of you saw the other Phoenix camper thread regarding a new build for a Dodge flatbed, looked like it was going to be a cool build (on paper). Looks like "poof" and what was perceived by some (including me) as a damage control feeler thread is gone!
I read this post as well and noticed it disappeared. I'm guessing OP asked for it to be removed for some reason.
MYTACO
Adventurer
Had my first weekend out with the TC since the "upgrades." Final lesson learned: don't let Phoenix do the painting. New painter or not, I spent hours taking paint off off locks and switches. Can believe the new painter didn't think to tape those up... To make matters worse, the over spray is on the awning canvas. Finally as I was washing her up I noticed that the paint was put over old bug guts on the top front. I knew that it wasn't sanded down, but not even cleaned??
Again, ok custom builder but attention to detail is lacking.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Again, ok custom builder but attention to detail is lacking.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk