Thank you! We have shopped for 5+ years. The first unit I fell in love with five years ago was a Redwood - could have saved a lot of cycles if we just bought it then.

Those that answered - THANK YOU! Great things to look out for. Some are now standard but many were not. We are headed back to the dealership this weekend to finalize details.

I would suggest you think about disc brakes (if you haven't already) as the most important option to consider. I think they now come standard with H rated tires and upgraded suspension. The undercarriage was it's weakest point in year's past, but I think Redwood management has listened to enough owners state that the past few years and have made the upgraded undercarriage mandatory now. The difference between disc and the standard electric brakes is like night and day. I've had both and it's just my opinion.

I know things have changed a lot since we ordered our Redwood in 36RL in 2013, but I ordered almost every possible option. Keep in mind, if you have negotiated a good discount off of MSRP, that applies to your options as well. i.e - an $1,100 second awning was only $700, etc and its a whole lot easier and cheaper to have the factory do it that try to retrofit later.

Second awning, alumna guard on both awnings, slide in slide, genny prep, H rated tires, disc brakes, 3rd AC, slide toppers on all slides.

I look at it like this, IF it is cheaper to have it done before delivery then I get it.. Somethings can be added after the fact..

Congratulations on selecting a Redwood and welcome to the Owner's Group.

Our coach is now 5 yrs old and the options/standard fittings have changed substantially, but here are my suggestions:
- Agree with Jim regarding disk brakes. We did over 25K miles, with many of them through the Rockies, on the standard factory brakes. Didn't have any issues, but the disk brakes are a vast improvement. If you don't get them factory installed, we have a vendor that installs them at the rally and also travels extensively throughout the U.S.
- Full paint - not sure if it is an option again, but for us it is a must have. The standard finish coaches have experienced some fading.
- Propane bottles, our coach came with 2x30lbs, but we upgraded to 2x40's at the dealer. Little harder getting them in, but you do it less often.
- Dishwasher - a must
- Electric fireplace - excellent option, saves using the furnace, which saves costs when staying short term and electricity is included in the daily/weekly fee
- A/C's - 2 or even 3 with at least 1 heat pump. Heat pump again saves using the furnace and saves money when staying on daily/weekly rates
- Wireless camera, if was available in 2012 we would have got it
- Genny, do not have one, but do have the prep. We don't boondock, so don't see a need for a genny. On the FL we need the space for storage.
- Slide toppers, some like them others don't. Since we prefer to be close to the coast and tendency for wind, we opted not to install them.
- Tires - while the tires are "H-rated" which easily handle the weight, check the speed rating on the tire. Some tires were only rated for about 60 mph. Might want to consider Goodyear of Sailun tires.

You have a budget and you have different uses for your RV than a lot of us. It's going to be hard to say exactly what will work for you. But, for opinions:

01) Disc brakes are mandatory
02) H Rated tire are mandatory
03) 8,000 lb axles are mandatory
04) I prefer the Centerpoint Suspension system. Some prefer Mor-Ryde. If you select Mor-Ryde, get the 3000 series for a 8,000 lb axle. read the specs on Mor-Ryde and you will see why. If money is no object, get the Mor-Ryde IS system. You'll pay about $6k for that.

From here, it gets tricky...In no particular order...

04) Dual Golf Cart Batteries
06) 2nd Awning
07) Generator (for boondocking and emergency power)
08) Good, quality furniture. Not this cheap junk furniture. Make sure Redwood does not screw you over by making the slide 2" shorter toward the couch. They probably won't budge on this, but refuse to buy unless they make it so. You'll save money when you have to replace them (in 2 years).
09) Carpet in the living area versus tile (remember that I told you it is an opinion).
10) Halogen lights (many will disagree but the halogens are MUCH cheaper to replace and last just as long. The LEDs will provide you with less wattage for boondocking. I don't worry about that. I would rather spend $0.20 a bulb. Not $20 a bulb)
11) The dishwasher is nice but I prefer hand wash. If there are only 2 of you, you can be done in 15 minutes rather than waiting an hour for the dishwasher (and you still have to dry them from the dishwasher).
12) The propane is nice to have for boondocking. The electric is fine if you stay connected to electricity 7/24.
13) A Convection oven is a must. You can cook conventionally or microwave when connected to electricity.
14) The induction stove is useless if you boondock. Get propane for flexibility.
15) Refrigerator - We PREFER Propane/electric. It provides versatility. You will hear some claim that it is cheaper to have a residential. By the time you add up a quality inverter, the extra wiring, the extra batteries required to run off-grid, you'll find little difference. It's worth having the Propane/Electric model for all modes of camping. If a coil pack fails, it is $600 to replace. Keep you unit level and you'll have no problems. Some claim a fire hazard. That's old news. Today's propane models do not have that issue.
16) The electric cord reel is nice.
17) Have them install a water manifold. Not the series piping they prefer. I'm not sure they will do it, but it will be on my next rig or I won't buy. You need ways to shut off piping when it breaks. You need the proper water flow per pipe.
18) Have the water filter moved to the Utility cabinet. NOT in the basement where you will spill water every time you change it.
19) The ceiling fan is crap and does not move air. It is too close to the ceiling.
20) All of those LEDs are "cool" under the counter tops and in the decorative wood surfaces. But have you thought about how you will replace them when they go out? save your money and use it in other places.
21) Double pane windows should be standard. They are nice in preventing frost and wet walls.
22) If you have triple air, make sure 2 units are heat pump. If you have dual air, get both heat pumps. If you are going to be in the south a lot, make sure you have the triple air setup. Duel's can't handle it above 95. the rig is too big and not that well insulated.
23) Fire extinguishers...There are recalls on some of the Kidd Fire Extinguishers. Most of the RV models are small, quart size units that could not put out a cigarette lighter. Bypass this and go to Home Depot or Lowes for the 20 lb units. 1 in front and 1 in back minimum. Keep a spare in the truck.

Some other side items to consider (Redwood or aftermarket):

01) Electric dump valves. They are about $175 to purchase. They should be able to install them for less than that since they are in factory mode.
02) Dimmer switches are nice in the restroom at night.
03) Dimmer switches are nice in the living and kitchen area.
04) Dimmer switches are nice in the bedroom.
05) Backup cameras are extremely nice and handy. If you can at least get them pre-wired, that's good.
06) A Power Watch system. Progressive hard-wired EMS HW50C would be my recommendation to prevent your internal wiring issues from bad park pedestals.
07) Armor roof. Forget the thin TPO roof and get something that will last. The detriment to RV's are water leakage. A lot of it comes from the roof. Slide seals come in 2nd.

Some things to WATCH for at the PDI Inspection:

01) Pull the front shoe boxes and watch to make sure they didn't screw you on the insulation. If they do, make them pull the front cap off and do it right.
02) Pull your A/C collers down and have them cut them to the proper length.
03) DON'T let them sell you 7,000 lb axles, G-Rated Tires, and/or electric brakes. You will kick yourself.
04) Have a look at the black and grey tank installations. Make sure they properly support them. They like to hang them and then they buckle in the bottom and split out.
05) If you can be at the factory during the construction, MAKE SURE it is not 15 degrees when they install the glue for the roof. In fact, if there is one single thing I would want to be there for, its the installation of the roof. That glue is not designed to be installed in cold weather and there are time limits for when the roof is installed over the glue. Otherwise, you WILL have bubbles develop in your roof and the roof will begin to gradually let go. Redwood will not support you for this crappy defect if you get it and it will take a year or two to show up.
06) Make sure the seals seal properly. If the slides are out of adjustment, you'll have leaks.
07) Make sure they run separate runs for cable, TV and Satellite. DO NOT allow splitters to be run behind walls a light fixtures. Not only do they degrade signals, you can't find them when problems arise.
08) Double check the insulation under the floor before they close it up.
09) Try and see if you can avoid the triple glass shower. Get a swing door shower. you cannot clean the triple sliding shower easily.
10) Make sure they installed the anti-siphon vents for the dishwasher/sink area.
11) If you can be there during assembly, watch the back cap as well. Make sure that the insulation has been installed correctly there. You won't be able to see that afterward.

There are probably a few more things...This ought to get you started...

Best advice...Be at the factory during certain stages of construction if you want a good quality unit.

First let me put you at ease. Your new Redwood will come with 8k axels and H rated tires. Your not likely to be there for the construction process, nor will you be able to hang out and watch or offer advise on the process. If you are fortunate during a tour you may see your unit on the line. The entire process is performed inside, in climate controlled environment. There is no option to select different light types or re route cables or omit splitters. In fact even adding an extra sat run is no longer an option. Units are produced on a line with engineering approved build sheets. You may be able to get a carpet delete but even that’s questionable.

So of the factory options you have, I would suggest the second awning, disc brakes, and definitly slide toppers. Generator is a matter of preference. I have one and could live without it. Dishwasher is a matter of preference. We opted not to get one. Tank heaters were not needed despite being in Canada. The heated basement seems to keep everything thawed during the few short days we are in freezing temps. If it’s cold we go somewhere warm as soon as we can.

From the dealer you may want to switch up your battery requirements. Either 2 6volt AGM or if budget and climate allows 2 Battleborn Lithium Dealers will supply washer and dryer if you want and we have found that very convenient. The wireless camera is great but be sure to get the monitor version not the backup only version.. The WiFi is stronger and the view is better.

As always I suggest DIY solar. It’s cheap, and easy to install and will keep the batteries topped up It was just a year ago I was making the same decisions you are. Enjoy and read a lot. Even after all that it will take a few trips to find out what you like and what you missed.

Dual awnings are a must, if using it often or fulltime the dishwasher & washer/dryer are a must, disc brakes are a must, slide toppers are nice if not in windy areas often. Ours has 7k axles & other than upgrading to heavy shackles with wet bolts have had no problems with suspension in 50-60k miles. We don't have the generator & don't need one, but there's been a couple times in 5 years it would've been handy, but the storage was/is needed more when fulltiming.
Don't let that looong list of "what ifs" dampen your excitement!
Welcome to the forum, congratulations on the new RW, & go enjoy it!

Gen prep is good, as it allows you to have extra power supply inlet added at front of the RV, so when the power supply at park is more forward and you can just use the extra 15' foot power cord instead of buying a 25' extension (much cheaper and easer to store). This is an after marker add on, that I really enjoy.

Thank you for the great advice, it is truly appreciated.

I have not heard of this "alumna guard on both awnings" Thank you so much!

This is amazing advice, very thorough. Thank you. Some of these we are aware of (and requested) the others we have to look into.

What a detailed list! Thank you! Think I have to print this one and ponder each item. I'm not familiar with the PDI acronym, what is it? Be at the factory? I didn't know that was an option.

Very logical, thank you. Good advice on the battery - wasn't aware of this. Oh My - I am learning so much !

PDI= pre delivery inspection done at the dealers to attempt to show how everything operates, unfortunately some dealers don't have a clue on most of the equipment so if you have questions ask here.
The main thing DO NOT sign any paperwork til after the PDI & any issues found during the inspection are taken care of to YOUR satisfaction.
And NO you can't go to the factory to watch yours being built, they do offer tours, but they are after assembly line operating hours.
The "Alumigard" is a cover that protects the awning fabric when the awning is rolled up, the few inches of aluminum attached to the rv curve around the fabric.