We have been looking at Winne Vectra TD's , and still love them, but we are still at the searching stage, and have now gotten really interested in the Monaco/Holiday Rambler/ Endeavor 40 foot sft with the full wall drivers side slide. We've now looked at 3 and we are really into it. Lot's of storage space. So as of right now...we have finally gotten it down to these two units and that is a relief. The Vectra & The Endeavor. SO many rigs...so little time. We think it may be better to buy now before this new engine sulfur thing comes along in 2008 with that plus the huge price increase they are predicting. We do not need it until my hubby retires in Spring of 2008, but we're very close to doing it before all the changes, and also while we can still find what we want. Now between these two coaches...any suggestions? Also any input about the new sulfur deisel etc? Thanks everyone for any information and thoughts on these subjects.
BeamerCat said
07:18 AM Jun 25, 2007
We are just beginning to look at coaches (we'd only looked at fifth wheels before) and interesting that just yesterday we saw the Holiday Rambler 40'Endeavor with the full wall slide and loved it also. Don't think we've seen the Winne that you talked about. We probably won't be buying until next year at the earliest or 2009 and are thinking that a used unit might be the best for us at that time. We'll probably only part time for a while anyway. We're hoping we'll find a used full slide by then. One question I have with that size of unit is the dificulty of finding a camp site that has room for those slides.
Best of luck in your search. Sorry I can't contribute much as we're just beginning our search. This forum is a wealth of info though and I'm sure someone will have some great answers for you.
Janet
Jim01 said
07:35 AM Jun 25, 2007
Sounds like you have it narrowed down to two very good coaches.
Who is telling you about the price increase and the sulfur thing? Is it the dealer? They will tell you anything to get you to buy right now. Besides, you may find another RV somewhere that he doesn't sell! I'm sure the prices will go up, they always do, but wouldn't it be good to have and engine with all of the latest technology, that doesn't pollute as much?
What are you going to do with the MH until you go full-timing? RVs don't like to sit around too much. Things seem to go wrong with them when they are not being used. Also, the MH Will depreciate if you are using it or not.
If you decide to buy now, here are a couple of thing that may help you decide which coach to get.
How much ccc (Cargo Carrying Capacity) do they have. I read someplace that the average Full-timing couple needs between 2000 and 3000 lbs of capacity. (From my own experience, I think that's about right.)
How good is the dealer's service? If you can, talk to people that have had work done there, and see what they say. Believe me dealer service is VERY important because you WILL be back for warranty work!
Don't rush into buying a RV, don't trust the dealer, do as much research as possible on you own, if possible talk to other RVers that have purchased those coaches.
When it's all said and done, you will have to go with your "gut" feelings.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
-- Edited by Jim01 at 08:36, 2007-06-25
Jim01 said
08:14 AM Jun 25, 2007
Janet,
Our coach is 40' and for the most part, we do not have problems finding a site where we will fit, although we do not have the large slides. Some of the National Parks and State Parks have small sites, but unless you're in the eastern part of the country, (especially the Northeast), you should not have too much difficulty in private parks.
Jim
Travelin Duo said
08:34 AM Jun 25, 2007
Janet
Good luck to you both, and it is fun planning for retirement, and fulltiming. I believe you will have no trouble with a 40 foot coach. This site is so helpfull, and the people so nice. It is confusing and so many things to consider when starting out.
Arlene
Travelin Duo said
08:59 AM Jun 25, 2007
Jim & Linda Thank you It was not only one dealer, but everyone of them who pointed out the BIG increase due to engine changes. We're talking $20,000 and up depending on the coach. That is a lot of money in our estimation. As to using the MH...it will be on weekends and vacations but not used many times over the winter ...from Dec-Jan-Feb May take it south in March. Larry retires May 1 We would love to have it all ready to go, and purchasing it now would help that out. Selling the house next spring. Plus we need to then (after selling home) to decide which state to use for a home address...considering Texas....Escapees Club Any thoughts on that? Thanks again for the input...it's good to read other ideas and thoughts. Makes you think. Best reagards Arlene
foxriverguy said
11:00 AM Jun 25, 2007
Google RV Reviews.com. They have lots of user experiences and you can search for them by manufacturer and model.
foxriverguy said
11:04 AM Jun 25, 2007
Read Howard's comments on state of domicile. This is one area where you can easily be talked into making a BIG mistake. What's wrong with your home state? Got a relative that will send you mail once every so often via Express Mail? Mail can be sent to:
Mr/Mrs. Smith c/o General Delivery Town, State ZIP
and the postoffice you choose has to hold it for you for 30 days. By law.
Jim01 said
11:20 AM Jun 25, 2007
Arlene,
I don't know, maybe the prices are going to go way up, but I do know that those dealers can't be trusted. If you can, try to find out from someone else, if they really are going up.
As far as a home base, Texas and the Escapees Club are very good. The Escapees have one of the best mail-forwarding services out there. A lot of Full-timers also use South Dakota or Florida.
We use Alternative Resources out of Sioux Falls and have been very happy with them. www.alternativeresources.net Some friends of ours use a mail forwarding service in Florida and are very happy with their service.
You need to check with the different places to see what will work best for you. Texas has a vehicle inspection and you have to go through more steps to get everything registered. SD has no inspections and you can actually do all of your registrations by mail. (We had both the MH and Toad registered in SD before we had even gone to the state), but you have to go to SD every 5 years to get your drivers license renewed. From what I understand, Florida is also quite easy to do.
If you contact the Escapees Club and Alternative Resources, they will send you all the information that you will need to know for those states. Oh, another thing you need to consider is the cost of registration, taxes and insurance on your vehicles. It varies widely from one state to another. For us, SD just seemed to be the best. Have I got you thoroughly confused yet? I hope not.
There is an awful lot to consider when going Full-timing, but don't worry, it'll all turn out OK in the end. You'll make some mistakes, like the rest of us, but they can all be corrected one way or another.
Good luck Jim
Jim01 said
11:51 AM Jun 25, 2007
Arlene,
I just read Howards posts on Choosing a Home Base, and he has done a lot of research in the area. Make sure you take time to check it our, if you haven't already.
Jim
Happytrails said
01:49 PM Jun 25, 2007
We have owned two Holiday Rambler Endeavors - both 40 feet in length. We have had great experiences with Endeavors. Just thought you might want to know. Good luck in your search. Both units you have mentioned are great companies.
mikeway said
07:59 AM Jun 26, 2007
Recent discussions at a branded rally concerned prices on new coaches with the ultra-low sulfur diesel engines. The estimate, "from Monaco" was $10,000 to $12,000 for the newly engineered CATS. Some folks were pushing up their purchases a few months and buying coaches with the older technologies. My understanding is that the manufacturers will build with the engines in the pipeline first and then install the new tech engines. It is something to think about. The old engines run the ultra low sulfur fuel just fine. That is from experience and from the CAT's mouth; a rep at a rally.
The full wall slide is a very appealing floor plan and we have been a fan of Monaco's customer service since our first coach. I don't know where you live but it might be worth a call to one of the giant's like Lazy Days to beat the model year changes. They were discounting A LOT this past winter.
Mike
Travelin Duo said
08:45 PM Jun 26, 2007
Mike We thank you for this information, and yes we are trying to find a 2007 on line as we would travel to buy one... if it had what we wanted in it. I also just read that some of the 2008 models have the same engine as the 2007 models due to the fact Monaco has them left over. Once they are gone ...well...out with the old and in with the new. We did find one with everything in it just about, but they did not put the 32 inch tv in it over the window. That is something my husband really wants. It is not important to me, but he really wants the bigger screen. In the Full slide Endeavor it is built into that nice "wood" cabinet, and to change it may not be possible. Not sure. Funny how they put so many options, but not that. Most everyone we see in different makes has the upgrade on the bigger tv Your Beaver looks so nice. Beautiful rigs. We're getting itchy now...hope we find one soon. We really love the Vectra too, but the full wall slide on the HR Endeavor won Larry over. Also all the storage space in the bathroom and bedroom. Amazing storage in and out of the coach. Plus those solid wood doors. Well, thanks again ...and that's to all. Nice folks here on this forum. We're anxious and can't wait to be fulltimers. Arlene
We've now looked at 3 and we are really into it. Lot's of storage space.
So as of right now...we have finally gotten it down to these two units and that is a relief.
The Vectra & The Endeavor.
SO many rigs...so little time.
We think it may be better to buy now before this new engine sulfur thing comes along in 2008 with that plus the huge price increase they are predicting.
We do not need it until my hubby
Now between these two coaches...any suggestions?
Also any input about the new sulfur deisel etc?
Thanks everyone for any information and thoughts on these subjects.
We are just beginning to look at coaches (we'd only looked at fifth wheels before) and interesting that just yesterday we saw the Holiday Rambler 40'Endeavor with the full wall slide and loved it also. Don't think we've seen the Winne that you talked about. We probably won't be buying until next year at the earliest or 2009 and are thinking that a used unit might be the best for us at that time. We'll probably only part time for a while anyway. We're hoping we'll find a used full slide by then.
One question I have with that size of unit is the dificulty of finding a camp site that has room for those slides.
Best of luck in your search. Sorry I can't contribute much as we're just beginning our search. This forum is a wealth of info though and I'm sure someone will have some great answers for you.
Janet
Who is telling you about the price increase and the sulfur thing? Is it the dealer? They will tell you anything to get you to buy right now. Besides, you may find another RV somewhere that he doesn't sell!
What are you going to do with the MH until you go full-timing? RVs don't like to sit around too much. Things seem to go wrong with them when they are not being used. Also, the MH Will depreciate if you are using it or not.
If you decide to buy now, here are a couple of thing that may help you decide which coach to get.
How much ccc (Cargo Carrying Capacity) do they have. I read someplace that the average Full-timing couple needs between 2000 and 3000 lbs of capacity. (From my own experience, I think that's about right.)
How good is the dealer's service? If you can, talk to people that have had work done there, and see what they say. Believe me dealer service is VERY important because you WILL be back for warranty work!
Don't rush into buying a RV, don't trust the dealer, do as much research as possible on you own, if possible talk to other RVers that have purchased those coaches.
When it's all said and done, you will have to go with your "gut" feelings.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
-- Edited by Jim01 at 08:36, 2007-06-25
Our coach is 40' and for the most part, we do not have problems finding a site where we will fit, although we do not have the large slides. Some of the National Parks and State Parks have small sites, but unless you're in the eastern part of the country, (especially the Northeast), you should not have too much difficulty in private parks.
Jim
Good luck to you both, and it is fun planning for retirement, and fulltiming.
I believe you will have no trouble with a 40 foot coach.
This site is so helpfull, and the people so nice.
It is confusing and so many things to consider when starting out.
Arlene
Thank you
It was not only one dealer, but everyone of them who pointed out the BIG increase due to engine changes. We're talking $20,000 and up depending on the coach.
That is a lot of money in our estimation.
As to using the MH...it will be on weekends and vacations but not used many times over the winter ...from Dec-Jan-Feb
May take it south in March.
Larry retires May 1
We would love to have it all ready to go, and purchasing it now would help that out.
Selling the house next spring.
Plus we need to then (after selling home) to decide which state to use for a home address...considering Texas....Escapees Club
Any thoughts on that?
Thanks again for the input...it's good to read other ideas and thoughts.
Makes you think.
Best reagards
Arlene
Mr/Mrs. Smith
c/o General Delivery
Town, State ZIP
and the postoffice you choose has to hold it for you for 30 days. By law.
Arlene,
I hope not.
I don't know, maybe the prices are going to go way up, but I do know that those dealers can't be trusted. If you can, try to find out from someone else, if they really are going up.
As far as a home base, Texas and the Escapees Club are very good. The Escapees have one of the best mail-forwarding services out there. A lot of Full-timers also use South Dakota or Florida.
We use Alternative Resources out of Sioux Falls and have been very happy with them. www.alternativeresources.net Some friends of ours use a mail forwarding service in Florida and are very happy with their service.
You need to check with the different places to see what will work best for you. Texas has a vehicle inspection and you have to go through more steps to get everything registered. SD has no inspections and you can actually do all of your registrations by mail. (We had both the MH and Toad registered in SD before we had even gone to the state), but you have to go to SD every 5 years to get your drivers license renewed. From what I understand, Florida is also quite easy to do.
If you contact the Escapees Club and Alternative Resources, they will send you all the information that you will need to know for those states. Oh, another thing you need to consider is the cost of registration, taxes and insurance on your vehicles. It varies widely from one state to another. For us, SD just seemed to be the best.
Have I got you thoroughly confused yet?
There is an awful lot to consider when going Full-timing, but don't worry, it'll all turn out OK in the end. You'll make some mistakes, like the rest of us, but they can all be corrected one way or another.
Good luck
Jim
Arlene,
I just read Howards posts on Choosing a Home Base, and he has done a lot of research in the area. Make sure you take time to check it our, if you haven't already.
Jim
We have owned two Holiday Rambler Endeavors - both 40 feet in length. We have had great experiences with Endeavors. Just thought you might want to know. Good luck in your search. Both units you have mentioned are great companies.
The full wall slide is a very appealing floor plan and we have been a fan of Monaco's customer service since our first coach. I don't know where you live but it might be worth a call to one of the giant's like Lazy Days to beat the model year changes. They were discounting A LOT this past winter.
Mike
We thank you for this information, and yes we are trying to find a 2007 on line as we would travel to buy one... if it had what we wanted in it.
I also just read that some of the 2008 models have the same engine as the 2007 models due to the fact Monaco has them left over. Once they are gone ...well...out with the old and in with the new.
We did find one with everything in it just about, but they did not put the 32 inch tv in it over the window. That is something my husband really wants. It is not important to me, but he really wants the bigger screen. In the Full slide Endeavor it is built into that nice "wood" cabinet, and to change it may not be possible. Not sure.
Funny how they put so many options, but not that. Most everyone we see in different makes has the upgrade on the bigger tv
Your Beaver looks so nice.
Beautiful rigs.
We're getting itchy now...hope we find one soon.
We really love the Vectra too, but the full wall slide on the HR Endeavor won Larry over.
Also all the storage space in the bathroom and bedroom.
Amazing storage in and out of the coach.
Plus those solid wood doors.
Well, thanks again ...and that's to all.
Nice folks
We're anxious and can't wait to be fulltimers.
Arlene