Phoenix USA builds motor homes that can be enjoyed with zero up to three

de-outs. The 2009 Phoenix Cruiser Class B Model 2551 is just one of their seven floor plans that are replete with innovations, livability and functionality.  Standard equipped this unit has a base suggested retail price of about $80,000.  Fully appointed the unit is offered with an MSRP of about $94,000.

The interior of the Model 2551 is humongous and can include an optional street side slide-out room that houses a sofa that folds down into a bed and measures 54” X 74”.  Overhead cabinets line the wall above the sofa.  The sofa/sleeper is a tri-fold electric unit that at the touch of a button opens or closes.  A fold down/up center section in the sofa is designed to be lowered and used as an arm rest, a place for beverages or snacks or simple to be used as a work area.   When a large table is needed two stainless steel poles that remain stowed  are then inserted in floor ports in front of the sofa.  To these a removable table top is then attached and viola a dining or utility table is instantly available. 

This is a full coach wide rear bath configuration that also houses on the curb side a huge double door wardrobe and linen closet.  A pocket door sequesters the bath from the bedroom.  An accordion style door separates the bedroom from the galley. Half height wardrobes sits above the foot of each twin bed with an optional LCD television mounted to the wall of the wardrobe on the curbside twin bed.  The television is attached via a robotic style arm.  Overhead cabinets yield access to storage above each of the beds. 

The insulated (dual pane) glass window option pulls its weight in taming the potential for heat and cold transfer between the inside and outside of the unit.  Standard in the galley is maple wood finish, with cherry wood offered as an optional. The galley incorporates a marble looking solid surface counter top and a solid surface material sink.  Beveled pieces of mirror accent the galley.   Generous storage capacity includes huge roll out (very deep) drawers below the counter top (mounted on ball bearing drawer glides) and two counter-top extensions.  The cook-top includes a solid surface cover that yields added countertop surface when the cook-top is not in service.  Directly above the cook-top is a convection microwave oven and across the center aisle and opposite the 2-burner cook-top is a double door refrigerator/freezer that is dressed with matching cherry wood tone panels (when that options is selected).   

The cockpit captain seats can be upholstered with leather. The dash and instrument panel include a faux burled wood treatment with an abbreviated center console that provides drink holders and storage.  Standard equipment includes a swivel feature on the passenger seat for additional salon area seating. Above the windshield is an entertainment center that includes a 26” LCD television with cabinets on either side.  A rear view mirror with a compass and temperature display, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a small but highly functional back up monitor is mounted high and out of the way as an option. 

With its automotive style cockpit, an exterior length of 26’ 5” and an exterior width of 93” this unit is easy to navigate through urban settings.  The spare tire is housed inside a continental style kit cover off the rear wall of the coach.  Exterior storage includes two large compartments.  A ladder leads up the back to a one piece fiberglass roof that accommodates stowing gear and can be used as a viewing platform for spectator sports.  The Phoenix Cruiser Model 2551 platform is the Ford E-450.  The engine is the Triton 6.8L V-10 that is married to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Four wheel ABS brakes are standard as is the 55 gallon fuel tank.    

Phoenix USA uses Vacu-Bond construction, a laminating process that bonds the gel-coat fiberglass exterior to the tubular aluminum members and cut-to-fit pieces of block foam insulation.  Metal framing surrounds all windows and doors. The 2-1/8” thick floor includes welded tubular steel with a sheet of moisture proof plywood sub flooring.  A plastic fluted underbelly stands guard against moisture and dirt.  Phoenix adds rubber pucks between the floor and the chassis frame, a design that yields smooth over-the-road performance.

The only options required to make this a total stand-alone coach is the 4.0kW auxiliary generator and roof air conditioner.  The Model 2551 comes with two standard auxiliary batteries and a 2000-watt inverter.  Everything but the optional 13,500 BTU roof air conditioner can be powered without shore power hook-ups or an auxiliary generator simply by using the house batteries and inverter.  Centrally ducted heating is provided by a 30,000 BTU forced air furnace.  Happy Traveling!