Hey all! We are looking at 36RL as first RV. We’ve seen lots of good reviews but still needing to equip ourselves with more knowledge. I will spend some time reading around here.
We really enjoy our 36 RL. When we backup to the lake the rear windows provide a 180 degree view. During super hot days, rain or snow times we can sit in the rear and enjoy the scene. We did remove the rear sofa and had two custom swivel recliners installed. The two RW recliners, in the slideout were replaced with a queen sleeper sofa suitable in size for the slideout and added a buffet that was also custom made for the dining table area.
Welcome to the site!
BE SURE to dig around. We have all gad extensive questions and conversation about RVs in general. There are pros and cons to ALL RV manufacturers. There are many floor plans to choose from.
From personal experience, any unit you look at, be sure to put on an engineering hat and go over whatever rig you select with a fine tooth comb.
Areas of high concern in mp particular order:
1) Make sure your tow vehicle is sized for the load.
2) Check the axle size and make sure you have the 8k axles.
3) Put piece of mind in your pocket looking for H rated tires. G tires are good but H is insurance.
4) Opt for disc brakes. If electric, make sure they are at least 3.5" shoes. With the 2.5" shoes, take out a ton of insurance. You are going to need it. Having experience disc, there is no going back.
Getting past these issues, just read thru the blogs. There is plenty to look at.
BTW... Are you full timing or weekend?
Looking at new or used?
Many of us will give you feedback. Don't hesitate to ask.
Best wishes!
Thank you! It's great to hear how fun and reliable the 36 RL are. I'm gonna take a look around for some mods like what have you done.
Alright, thank you for these great tips! It will be a weekend or occasional vacation RV.
For a weekender, you'll want to verify that the battery kill switch has been wired to disconnect all electrical drain sources. They typically are wired with things like CO detectors still connected (among other possible items). While in storage, it could drain your batteries and ruin your next weekend out. Or worse yet, shorten the life of your batteries...
We enjoy our 36RL, we "half time" in it and it's worked well.
A couple of comments specific to the model:
The rear sofa (in ours it's a sofa bed, probably an option) moved around quite a bit, enough that it damaged the back window opener when it moved back and hit it. I anchored it down to the floor to keep it in place.
The 36RL is about 40 ft. long nose to tail, not 36 ft. Not a problem, but important if you have driveway length restrictions, don't use the 36 as the actual length. It also makes a difference in some campgrounds.
One item that I would have liked to have gotten as an option is the generator prep package, we have a portable Honda genny that would be much easier to hook up at the front of the RW. We don't boondock enough to justify a built in genny.
Thank you Almcc! Good thing you mentioned about the length, I need make the further adjustment of garage space.
