5.0TA options advice

[StillCampin]

Originally Posted by ritacasita

1. Inverter - single outlet or all

I went with the all outlets option to give me the most versatility. I've also upgraded the inverter to a 2000 watt unit. Based on experience I figured my microwave just might exceed the 1500 watts. My (very little) testing shows my microwave puts the new inverter to at least 75% of its capacity so I figure the change was worth it.

Originally Posted by ritacasita

2. Radio and speakers.

I had the speakers installed but not the radio. Not installed yet but I have a fancy AV switcher with radio & bluetooth input that I'll be installing to go with my satellite receiver & 12 volt tv. I also have a front speaker bar and 12 volt amplified subwoofer that will go with the AV switcher while using the ETI speakers for a bit of surround sound.

Originally Posted by ritacasita

3. The back-up camera.

I installed my own wired camera since my truck was already set up for a wired system for my home 40' 5th wheel. I use it mostly to see behind me when driving tho it gets use when backing into locations with an obstacle at the rear (like the fence in the storage lot).

Originally Posted by ritacasita

4. outdoor shower.

I've had an outdoor shower on other rvs and never used it. But, I got one on both sides of my 5.0 for versatility. The one on the door side is ideally located for an outdoor kitchen, or at least a wash sink. If I need to rinse sand, mud or the dog I did not want a puddle near the door so I got the one on the other side. If nothing else, it will be handy for adding water to the icemaker I will sometimes have under the nose.

Originally Posted by ritacasita

5. captains lamps over u-shaped dinette.

I had one put near the dinette/fridge wall and another centered for the back of the U-dinette seat. That centered one makes a good evening light when pointed at the closed curtain.

Note: the original stove hood light was useless for anything besides an evening light but I replaced the bulb with a backup bulb and it is now too bright for a decent evening light.

Originally Posted by ritacasita

6. under trailer insulation necessary?

I had it added for the bit of sound & temp insulation it provides. It should also help protect somewhat from rocks & highway chemicals.

[phalaney]

We use our blue tooth speaker and find it to be more than adequate.

We got 2 solar panels and are really glad we did, use it to run the fridge on DC while in transit.

We really like the back up mirror, helps to keep an eye on our bikes on the bike rack while going down the road.

We have the outdoor shower and had it placed on the passenger side. We mainly use it to fill the ice maker we keep on a table. My husband has rinsed off while in his swimsuit and find it really handy!

[ritacasita]

Thank you so much to all the folks who have replied to my post. Your individual and and diverse opinions on equipment are interesting and certainly thought provoking.
In the end the winners were full inverter option, outdoor shower, and captain's lamps. Losers were Factory radio, back-up camera, and underneath insulation. Except for those items, we opted to select most every option available with exception of power awning. When you throw in the Andersen hitch we are approaching $40k US and I think that's about enough. Cheers, Jim & Barbara

[gbaglo]

Good choices.

[UncleTim]

Depending on how serious you take music, I suggest the Bose S1 Pro. It is a mini PA system. You can sing into it with a mic. There is a guitar port. The sound is great since it uses a curved array of speakers and a big overall speaker.

It is battery operated, fully bluetooth and it has it's own EQ system.

At low volumes it is clear and crisp and not loud. You can address a crowd with this too.

Highly recommended for audiophiles.

Tim G.