Hi. We are a newbies to the forum and thank each of you in advance for any advice. Please review these two models and give us your opinions.
We have narrowed our choices down to two RV's (fifth wheels). One is used and owned by a gentleman who has a compulsive passion with his stuff.
Here is the info on the 2007 KZ Escalade 37REB: This one is asking $59,000 but will negotiate. Will probably offer $54,000.
This is a must-see-to-appreciate coach. It has 2 standard slideouts and one super-slide for a total of 3 slideouts. Fully-enclosed underbelly & heated water compartment and garage, a true 4-season coach. Questions? Other features: *Gel-coated fiberglass exterior. *Thermopane Tinted windows with day/night shades. *Alloy wheels. *Electric Awning w/wind sensor and remote control. *Central Vacuum System w/ dust pan in stairs. *Fireplace w/electric heater. � Corian Countertops. *20/30/50amp power service w/ electric cord reel. *Electric front landing gear. � Electric rear stabilizer jacks. *Basement storage w/HUGE slideout tray. *Hasmpton Bay ceiling fan in kitchen. *Fans in living room and bath w/ rain sensors. *Huge 4 Door Stainless 12 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer w/ ice maker and water through the door. *Stainless Microwave/Convection Oven Combo. *FULL-FUNCTION DISHWASHER *4 Burner Propane Range. *Pantry in kitchen. *15K BTU DUAL (living and bedroom, separate thermostats) Ducted AC. *35K BTU Gas Furnace (Heat Pump, Ducted). *Mor/Ryde Suspension. � Exterior shower. *Porcelain toilet w/ spray hose.� Free standing dinette w/ 4 chairs. *INSTANT HOT TANKLESS WATER HEATER *Black tank rinse system. *Sony Bravia 42� LCD TV w/ Sony Rcvr, 5 Disc DVD & 5.1 Surround. 2 speakers in bdrm with on/off switch. *Samsung 20" LCD TV in bedroom. *Battery/slide power disconnect. *Power vent fan in bathroom. *Roof ladder. *Exterior Flood lights, porch and step light. *Automatic Winegard Satellite Dish (park and turn on, no manual tuning required). *Superior R-Factors in Roof, Floor and walls to other brands! *Electric Disc brakes. *Cedar Wardrobes on either side of mirrored closet in bedroom (lots of space!). *Four drawer dresser in bedroom. *King Bed, storage underneath. *MAJESTIC-brand STACKED WASHER AND DRYER. *Glass Shower w/ sky light. *Central Control Center for: Slides, Tanks, Generator, Water Heater, Water Pump, Lights, Bedroom speakers, Awning, Ceiling Fan, Satellite Power and Battery status *Cherry cabinets with European Hinges. *Removable Corian sink covers. *Cold water in kitchen sink has in-line filter. *Two 40# (10 gallon) LP tanks. *State-of-the-art Onan propane-fired generator. *Two Leather Recliners and Couch with hide-a-bed. *Wood hi-lo coffee table and magazine rack that match cabinets (Coffee table top raises up for storage underneath and make a great TV Tray for eating or working). *Blanket storage underneath couch *Spring-loaded Colorado Custom awnings over all slideouts. *Tons of storage (Literally: the GVWR is 16,800 lbs. and the dry weight is 14,200 lbs.). *Fifth Airborne Air-Ride King Pin. ALL ORIGINAL OWNERS' MANUALS. ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS. ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE, AT THE K-Z-AUTHORIZED DEALER.
I will also provide, at no charge to a cash buyer, a full day (more if needed!) of detailed instruction. Hookup, towing, hitch operation and safety, truck (if purchased) features and operation, coach systems and procedures (INCLUDING stuff I have learned that's not in any manual; I am a VERY experienced RV'er and know this rig like the back of my hand), etc. YOU WILL BE READY TO GO ON THE ROAD when I am finished with you; this will be much more comprehensive training than you would get from any dealer.
Our second choice is a 2010 (not built yet) Excel 36TKE fully loaded and I mean fully loaded. Generator, washer/dryer...every expensive option plus all other options.
This one $86,000 is the best price I could get. Its MSRP is over $112,000.
NADA guides are notoriously high, compared to what a unit will really bring. I hope there is someone out there who can tell you what percentage to deduct in this current market.
One way to find out what the asking prices are, is to look at the ones on consignment at www.pplmotorhomes.com and very often they go for less.
Happy Trails, Penny, TX
Dixie said
08:00 AM May 7, 2009
If you are going to be fulltiming like we plan on doing. Our choice would be the Excel probably GKE 36. Regardless of what model you pick, Excel is going to build a much better
fifth wheel than the KZ. Just our opinion and worth the extra money.
Excel is one manufacturer that is on our top list of 3.
bayou316 said
08:50 AM May 7, 2009
Thank you for your reply. Why the GKE over the TKE? Is there something we are missing?
Thanks.
Dixie said
10:51 AM May 7, 2009
I think everyone just has their own taste. We liked the TKE too until we saw one and then we changed our minds because of the small entrance at the door with the kitchen counter
being in front of the entrance. Hope that makes sense. I do really like the couch in the TKE though. We just thought that it may be nice to have an open area from the door for when we may be taking things in and out of the fw.
Both the other 2 36's we are considering.
Did you see their new 2010 Hickory cabinets when you ordered?
Did you order the Pergo wood floor through out?
Ken & Sarah said
11:39 AM May 7, 2009
We have looked at the Escalade and had them on our list of units to consider. Then we visited the Excel factory in Smith Center, KS. Very eye opening for us. If you are going to full time you want to make sure you get the best fit for you. Just like a stick house you will feel more comfortable in one unit vs another. You ahve to pick for you. Good luck in your choice it will be worth it what ever you choose.
bayou316 said
11:57 AM May 7, 2009
Dixie
No..we haven't seen the hickory cabinets or the Pergo floors. Is there a website where you can see them?
Thanks.
bayou316 said
12:02 PM May 7, 2009
Ken & Sarah
Thanks for the info.
I know what you mean about making the decision. We have looked at the Carriage, Excel and then saw this used Hitchhiker and thought well maybe if it's been treated well; it may be a good buy. We have heard that if you can chance upon a good used one to grab it.
The only thing about the used is the warranty will run out in a couple of weeks. That means, we will automatically be paying for an extended warranty (probably through Good Sam) right away. So that will be a cost to think about.
Anyway, we are saying we will make our decision tomorrow night. Wish us luck.
Oh, since Dixie said something about Excel offering Pergo flooring and hickory cabinets; we may have to delay that decision a few days until she sees those colors.
Thanks to all of you.
Judy said
12:36 PM May 7, 2009
You might want to ck out the New Horizons Rv rated a 4 season unit for full timer's Rv. We saw the rustic cherry cabinets at an RV show and its simply the most beautiful I have ever seen. southwestjudy
Dixie said
01:28 PM May 7, 2009
I have not seen the Excel's new Hickory cabinets or one with the wood floors but reading the Excel forum there is a lot of talk about how nice they look.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f116/
I spoke to Bryan with Excel and he said the Hickory cabinets were new for 2010.
We will be going to Kansas to tour Excel, Nuwa and New Horizons this summer so will know more then. I assume that Excel will have a 2010 with hickory... at the summer Tampa FL show too, would need to check on that.
New Horizons are beautiful but they have changed some things and now they are the full time heavy weights. May have to have a bigger truck than we want. Still keeping them in our top 3.
We have not seen a Nuwa so we would like to see a Nuwa Champagne before making our decision. They are all in Kansas.
We have narrowed our choices down to two RV's (fifth wheels). One is used and owned by a gentleman who has a compulsive passion with his stuff.
Here is the info on the 2007 KZ Escalade 37REB: This one is asking $59,000 but will negotiate. Will probably offer $54,000.
This is a must-see-to-appreciate coach. It has 2 standard slideouts and one super-slide for a total of 3 slideouts. Fully-enclosed underbelly & heated water compartment and garage, a true 4-season coach. Questions? Other features:
*Gel-coated fiberglass exterior.
*Thermopane Tinted windows with day/night shades. *Alloy wheels.
*Electric Awning w/wind sensor and remote control.
*Central Vacuum System w/ dust pan in stairs.
*Fireplace w/electric heater. � Corian Countertops.
*20/30/50amp power service w/ electric cord reel.
*Electric front landing gear. � Electric rear stabilizer jacks.
*Basement storage w/HUGE slideout tray.
*Hasmpton Bay ceiling fan in kitchen.
*Fans in living room and bath w/ rain sensors.
*Huge 4 Door Stainless 12 cubic foot refrigerator/freezer w/ ice maker and water through the door.
*Stainless Microwave/Convection Oven Combo.
*FULL-FUNCTION DISHWASHER
*4 Burner Propane Range.
*Pantry in kitchen.
*15K BTU DUAL (living and bedroom, separate thermostats) Ducted AC.
*35K BTU Gas Furnace (Heat Pump, Ducted).
*Mor/Ryde Suspension. � Exterior shower.
*Porcelain toilet w/ spray hose.� Free standing dinette w/ 4 chairs.
*INSTANT HOT TANKLESS WATER HEATER
*Black tank rinse system.
*Sony Bravia 42� LCD TV w/ Sony Rcvr, 5 Disc DVD & 5.1 Surround. 2 speakers in bdrm with on/off switch.
*Samsung 20" LCD TV in bedroom.
*Battery/slide power disconnect.
*Power vent fan in bathroom. *Roof ladder.
*Exterior Flood lights, porch and step light.
*Automatic Winegard Satellite Dish (park and turn on, no manual tuning required).
*Superior R-Factors in Roof, Floor and walls to other brands!
*Electric Disc brakes.
*Cedar Wardrobes on either side of mirrored closet in bedroom (lots of space!).
*Four drawer dresser in bedroom.
*King Bed, storage underneath.
*MAJESTIC-brand STACKED WASHER AND DRYER.
*Glass Shower w/ sky light.
*Central Control Center for: Slides, Tanks, Generator, Water Heater, Water Pump, Lights, Bedroom speakers, Awning, Ceiling Fan, Satellite Power and Battery status
*Cherry cabinets with European Hinges.
*Removable Corian sink covers.
*Cold water in kitchen sink has in-line filter.
*Two 40# (10 gallon) LP tanks.
*State-of-the-art Onan propane-fired generator.
*Two Leather Recliners and Couch with hide-a-bed.
*Wood hi-lo coffee table and magazine rack that match cabinets (Coffee table top raises up for storage underneath and make a great TV Tray for eating or working).
*Blanket storage underneath couch
*Spring-loaded Colorado Custom awnings over all slideouts.
*Tons of storage (Literally: the GVWR is 16,800 lbs. and the dry weight is 14,200 lbs.).
*Fifth Airborne Air-Ride King Pin.
ALL ORIGINAL OWNERS' MANUALS. ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS.
ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE, AT THE K-Z-AUTHORIZED DEALER.
I will also provide, at no charge to a cash buyer, a full day (more if needed!) of detailed instruction. Hookup, towing, hitch operation and safety, truck (if purchased) features and operation, coach systems and procedures (INCLUDING stuff I have learned that's not in any manual; I am a VERY experienced RV'er and know this rig like the back of my hand), etc. YOU WILL BE READY TO GO ON THE ROAD when I am finished with you; this will be much more comprehensive training than you would get from any dealer.
Our second choice is a 2010 (not built yet) Excel 36TKE fully loaded and I mean fully loaded.
Generator, washer/dryer...every expensive option plus all other options.
This one $86,000 is the best price I could get. Its MSRP is over $112,000.
Thanks.
NADA guides are notoriously high, compared to what a unit will really bring.
I hope there is someone out there who can tell you what percentage to deduct in this current market.
One way to find out what the asking prices are, is to look at the ones on consignment at www.pplmotorhomes.com and very often they go for less.
Happy Trails, Penny, TX
Thanks.
No..we haven't seen the hickory cabinets or the Pergo floors. Is there a website where you can see them?
Thanks.
Ken & Sarah
Thanks for the info.
I know what you mean about making the decision. We have looked at the Carriage, Excel and then saw this used Hitchhiker and thought well maybe if it's been treated well; it may be a good buy. We have heard that if you can chance upon a good used one to grab it.
The only thing about the used is the warranty will run out in a couple of weeks. That means, we will automatically be paying for an extended warranty (probably through Good Sam) right away. So that will be a cost to think about.
Anyway, we are saying we will make our decision tomorrow night. Wish us luck.
Oh, since Dixie said something about Excel offering Pergo flooring and hickory cabinets; we may have to delay that decision a few days until she sees those colors.
Thanks to all of you.
southwestjudy