I tried to get a photo of every Pleasure-Way motorhome on-site. 

This is the fifth time we’ve attended the Sarasota rally, so it must be obvious that we really enjoy the format and location. 

For this year’s write-up I’m just going to share the calendar and some random notes jotted down during the sessions. 

with Dave & Bruce from Lakeland, FL

AquaGo Tips

Comfort Mode 110-112

Eco mode will keep the loop above 41° F.

Use the exhaust plug when on the road (to keep wind out) and when winterized (to keep bugs out). Unfortunately it is only available as part of the DC antifreeze kit. The DC antifreeze kit does this without the propane on. 

Still recommend decalcification annually. Decalcification tablets were available for $26.

“When in doubt, winterize”. The AquaGo, in eco mode, will save itself and the recirculation loop, but it won’t save the rest of the water system. 

Winterizing just the AquaGo is easy. Change valves to winter mode, release the drain ramp, and pull the filter. 

VarioHeat Tips

The varioheat will lock up if it doesn’t see propane. Turn propane on before turning the furnace on. Turn the red rocker switch off and on again. Cutting the DC clears the memory in Truma appliances. 

Truma uses a different temp sensor than the Spyder temp sensor. On the Truma CP+ network, there is a temperature offset so you can coordinate the two systems. Truma usually reads higher than Spyder. The offset will be lost when the batteries are turned off. 

Dave is seeing that regulators are failing every 3-4 years. Appliances need at least 10.5 in propane. Max 14.0 in.

Aventa Info

3000 watt inverter and 600 Ah lithium is minimum recommended to run Air conditioning from batteries.  Onan has an auto gen start with a temp sensor that works with the Truma. Just set the Truma temperature. It also has inputs for house battery voltage. 

They are installing Aventa Eco Air Conditioners at the Rally for $2,500. 

Truma’s difference between air in and out is 30 degrees. Dometic is more like 15 degrees. 13,500 btu is output. The more the compressor runs, the better for the system and the better the control. 

(They upgraded at least six vans to new Aventa Ecos during the rally.)

Opening Dinner (provided by Pleasure-Way)

Roast Beef

Dinner, and all events, were in Woodland Hall rather than the Boondocks Restaurant this year. It took a long time for almost two-hundred people to go through the one serving line.

08 November

Ice Cream Social (provided by Pleasure-Way)

The treats were popular on an 80° Florida day.

What is new in 2024 from Pleasure-Way

Doug (Younger & Better) Drover

Sprinter based models from PW 2023 & up have a 5 year, 75,000 bumper to bumper warranty

Moved to 3M thinsulate for insulation 5.2 R value

3 KW inverter

600 Ah batteries

Truma Aventa AC on all models except the Ontour 2.0 (there isn’t room)

RV World (Rally Sponsors)

Lyle Kusler & David Knowles 

RV World History with Q&A

RV World brought 5 new Motorhomes to the Rally, four 2023 models and one 2024.

Sun Outdoors

Resort Fee is 1200/month for park models. Owner must be gone at least 3 months per year. There are lots of activities like lawn bowling, swimming, and pickleball courts.

Solo Travelers 

Meeting at 4:30

Summary courtesy of Diane Heck

There were about 20 attendees at the meeting. Everyone introduced themselves stating their name, state of residence, and brand of Pleasure-Way they were currently driving. We also discussed interesting places and plans for upcoming travels. We started a list of solo travelers with emails and state of residence so travelers could be contacted when planning future travels. The list was emailed to everyone before we left the rally. Finally, we discussed joining the Solo Travelers Pleasure Way Adventurers Facebook group. Everyone seemed to enjoy meeting new solo travelers, sharing information, and getting to know each other better.

Dinner (provided by RV World)

Hot Dog & Hamburger Buffet

Volunteers numbered tables and improved the dinner flow by choosing table numbers to go to the serving line.

09 November

The “Red Key” switch has been used since 1987, but they started seeing issues 3 years ago. The OEM part number is Hella Marine 002843011. Phil replaced several at the Rally.

(What other company sends executives to rallies to repair out-of-warranty products?)

Awning – Clean the lip that fits into the main case. Lubricate with silicone spray. Lubricate all hinge points with silicone spray. Hold a paper towel between the part you are spraying and the awning material to prevent staining the awning fabric.

Did PW have a certification with RAM similar to the Master Upfitter certification they have with Mercedes? Yes, with MB, RAM, & Ford. That is what allows the delayed warranty start.

When in storage: Fill all tires to 80 to prevent flat spotting. Cutting boards under tires to prevent oil being pulled out. If a gas vehicle, then fill up with Premium and run it through the generator too. Drive the vehicle every two weeks if possible. Return tires to door sticker psi before driving.

Toyo Open Country or Michelin Agilis are recommended replacement tires. Must be load range E. 

Eurocamper.com for accessories. 

Owl boxes are good quality. 

Agile off road and Bigfoot make good suspension upgrades. 

Sika 505 UV is the sealant used for anything on the roof. Clean, use isopropyl alcohol, then recaulk. 

3M white silicone is used in the bathroom. Clean, use isopropyl alcohol, then recaulk. 

Get a paper cup with a few drops of dawn and water. Use this on the tool or your finger to smooth the silicone. 

Wood Cleaning. Mild soap and water on a rag to clean. Don’t spray the wood directly. 

Group Photo

Thanks to Beth Haskell for organizing the crowd while I messed with the camera

Wrap-up Dinner (provided by Pleasure-Way)

Chicken Parmesan

Numbered tables and a few more servers had the dinner serving process flow smoothly.

Closing Statements and final giveaways

Spare Propane regulators, engraved water bottles, and t-shirts were popular prizes. 

Phil was assisted by his lovely bride who pulled names for the prizes.

Pleasure-Way Owners and Vloggers Thavone & David were prize winners. You can find their video channel on YouTube at TD Adventures.

2024 Eastern Rallies

Sarasota will be here again on November 4-8 

Cape May, NJ June 6-8

Rally by the Sea PEI in June (Phil is going)

Hershey, PA in September 

Branson, MO East-West Connection Rally will be in 2025

10 November

Pets of Pleasure-Way 

There were lots of friendly animals at the rally. This is my favorite candid from the week.

Thank You to Bobbi & Harold Bergstrom (front seat) from the East Club and Phil Nickel from Pleasure-Way for organizing the rally.

If you would like a different style of write-up, here’s a link to our post about the 2018 Sarasota Rally.