Option 2: $45K 2005 Forest River RV Georgetown 370TS w/ 18,000 miles (37', 3 slides, no bunks, 1.5 bath, W/D option)
Floor plan (not the actual one we are getting - they are both new to the dealers and not listed yet).
Any thoughts suggestions? We like the bunks but they are not a must but really like the fact the 2005 has so many less miles. We have not gone to see the 2005 yet but have been in the 2009 - it was very worn...very worn. The dealer said they would take care of all the little things that are worn, stained, broken but still.
Any opinions/thoughts/suggestions would be SO helpful. We were told that Ford re-did their engines in 2006. Not sure if that is a big plus to get the 2009 or if it doesn't make a difference.
This will be our FT RV :)
RVPAINTER said
09:24 PM Jun 11, 2011
Checkout the Winnebago Chalet real careful, as this unit was designed primarily for the RENTAL MARKET. I would ask if it was from a rental company. Lots of rental companys rent them out for a year or two, and then sell them off. Stay on the side of caution.
Blythe N Chuck said
09:04 AM Jun 12, 2011
Thank you! This is great info. The dealer said it was a family but I am wondering if that is 100% true. I will have to dig some more to make sure if we consider that one.
RVPAINTER said
11:27 AM Jun 12, 2011
A 2009 RV with 60,000 miles is a LOT of milage in 2 years. If you figure the average RV-er drives somewhere between 5-7,000 per year, I'll let you do the math. Even at 15,000 a year - even at 20,000 a year - -------. I would ask to see the OWNER'S maintance records - which you should ask for any ways as you would want proof that the RV has been maintained properly. El Monte is a big renter of Winne Chalets and they unload them every couple of years - be very carerful. I found 5 of them on-line the other day at a CampingWorld Rv dealer. Anyused Rv that you do buy, you would want an inspection of the RV componenets - as welll as pressure test all the tanks for leaks - as well as a mechanical inspection of the vehicle - they cost about $250-$350 each but you should state that any problems found would be fixed or you would not be obligated to buy the unit. Just IMHO
RVRon said
03:57 PM Jun 12, 2011
Blythe N Chuck wrote:
Thank you! This is great info. The dealer said it was a family but I am wondering if that is 100% true. I will have to dig some more to make sure if we consider that one.
I'd agree with what RVPainter says. If you look on the Winnebago site you can look at previous year models HERE. The Chalet isn't even listed because it is sold ONLY to rental outlets. Your dealer might be telling the truth that it belonged to a family but it without a doubt started life as a rental. Also, it seems to me that the Chalet wasn't built with all of the amenities a comparable unit would have. Fewer things for a rental customer to screw up no doubt.
60,000 is a whole bunch of miles for an RV only 2 model years old for sure. Not that they were bad miles - probably all road miles, but that many miles devalues the unit tremendously. If you're serious about the Chalet I'd get a CarFax report to verify where it's been, then expect a HUGE discount on the price. The dealer is gonna have a rough time selling it anyway.
RVPAINTER said
04:58 PM Jun 12, 2011
RVRon knows of what he speaks - heed his words would be my advice!!! Not only aare the miles high but the price is sky-high- be caeful!!
RVRon said
07:46 PM Jun 12, 2011
Blythe N Chuck wrote:
Option 2: $45K 2005 Forest River RV Georgetown 370TS w/ 18,000 miles (37', 3 slides, no bunks, 1.5 bath, W/D option)
This will be our FT RV :)
I just checked the floorplan on the 370TS - the 1.5 bath would be awesome for a FT couple. We looked at a Fleetwood Southwind with the 1.5 bath layout and loved it. If you're serious about the 370TS you'll want to check the weight sheet very carefully. A 2006 model I found had a GVWR of 22000 lbs. and an unloaded DRY weight of 19040 lbs. Fluids (gas, water, propane, etc. will add 5-600 lbs. Add a couple of humans at 3-400 lbs and the weight of the W/D and you might be down to a CCC of only 1800 lbs. Not much considering most everyone recommends 2500-3000 lbs minimum for FT.
Blythe N Chuck said
09:12 PM Jun 12, 2011
RVRon - that was what we were torn on with the 370 - it looked like it only had 1400 pounds for "us" and that isn't enough. I was hoping it was a typo online and inquired about it but haven't heard back yet (it was only last night I asked for them to check it for me). Our budget is really tight - $50K would be the most we would want to go since we are keeping our home etc. This makes it so tight - plus we have a 2 year old who will be going with us so we need to make sure we can work something for his crib. I didn't think we would get them down in price enough on the 370 so it was a pleasant surprise. We're keeping our options open. After thinking about what you all said on the "rental" thing - I have a bad feeling about that one so I think that's out. It was worn hard and that concerned us before finding out it was probably a rental. Are winnebago's and Georgetowns both good brands overall?
Thank you all!!
RVPAINTER said
06:49 AM Jun 13, 2011
I think Winnebago's are IMHO and my research TOP DRAWER I would suggest that any brand you look at NOT be an entry level catagory. We are looking at mostly mid-level Winnebagos. They are a very solvent company and do most of their own fabrication as well as fabrication for others.
Bill Adams said
08:23 AM Jun 13, 2011
Winnebago is one manufacturer and Forest River is the other. The Chalet and Georgetown are the models they sell so if you are looking to research the company be sure to research Winnebago and Forest River.
RVRon said
02:50 PM Jun 13, 2011
Blythe N Chuck wrote:
Are winnebago's and Georgetowns both good brands overall?
Fortunately for us (knock on wood) we haven't had to fix much of anything on our Itasca, made by Winnebago. I've heard on other forums though that the great thing about Winnebago is their customer responsiveness. You'll find full schematics for all of their older models on their website if you want to do your own work. If you have a problem the local dealer can't/won't solve you can drive right to the factory and get what you need. They have a full service repair shop and a campground right next to the factory. Their owner's clubs are very wide spread with rallies everywhere, including the Winnebago Grand National Rally in Forest City, Iowa every July. Although any manufacturer can make a lemon and if you search enough you'll find someone who has an issue with them, you probably can't go wrong with a Winnebago.
So we have found 2 Class A's we love. This is our first RV and are torn.
Option 1: 2009 $48K Winnabego Chalet 32K w/ 60,000 miles (33', 2 slides, bunks, 1 bath)
Floor plan (not the actual one we are getting) http://www.smithrvidaho.com/rv/winnebago/classagas/555/Winnebago_Vista_32K
Option 2: $45K 2005 Forest River RV Georgetown 370TS w/ 18,000 miles (37', 3 slides, no bunks, 1.5 bath, W/D option)
Floor plan (not the actual one we are getting - they are both new to the dealers and not listed yet).
Any thoughts suggestions? We like the bunks but they are not a must but really like the fact the 2005 has so many less miles. We have not gone to see the 2005 yet but have been in the 2009 - it was very worn...very worn. The dealer said they would take care of all the little things that are worn, stained, broken but still.
Any opinions/thoughts/suggestions would be SO helpful. We were told that Ford re-did their engines in 2006. Not sure if that is a big plus to get the 2009 or if it doesn't make a difference.
This will be our FT RV :)
I'd agree with what RVPainter says. If you look on the Winnebago site you can look at previous year models HERE. The Chalet isn't even listed because it is sold ONLY to rental outlets. Your dealer might be telling the truth that it belonged to a family but it without a doubt started life as a rental. Also, it seems to me that the Chalet wasn't built with all of the amenities a comparable unit would have. Fewer things for a rental customer to screw up no doubt.
60,000 is a whole bunch of miles for an RV only 2 model years old for sure. Not that they were bad miles - probably all road miles, but that many miles devalues the unit tremendously. If you're serious about the Chalet I'd get a CarFax report to verify where it's been, then expect a HUGE discount on the price. The dealer is gonna have a rough time selling it anyway.
I just checked the floorplan on the 370TS - the 1.5 bath would be awesome for a FT couple. We looked at a Fleetwood Southwind with the 1.5 bath layout and loved it. If you're serious about the 370TS you'll want to check the weight sheet very carefully. A 2006 model I found had a GVWR of 22000 lbs. and an unloaded DRY weight of 19040 lbs. Fluids (gas, water, propane, etc. will add 5-600 lbs. Add a couple of humans at 3-400 lbs and the weight of the W/D and you might be down to a CCC of only 1800 lbs. Not much considering most everyone recommends 2500-3000 lbs minimum for FT.
Thank you all!!
Fortunately for us (knock on wood) we haven't had to fix much of anything on our Itasca, made by Winnebago. I've heard on other forums though that the great thing about Winnebago is their customer responsiveness. You'll find full schematics for all of their older models on their website if you want to do your own work. If you have a problem the local dealer can't/won't solve you can drive right to the factory and get what you need. They have a full service repair shop and a campground right next to the factory. Their owner's clubs are very wide spread with rallies everywhere, including the Winnebago Grand National Rally in Forest City, Iowa every July. Although any manufacturer can make a lemon and if you search enough you'll find someone who has an issue with them, you probably can't go wrong with a Winnebago.