Itasca/Winnebago, Monaco/Holiday Rambler/post 2001 Safari are much like Pontiac/Chevrolet/Buick, essentially the same but might have some models that are unique to each brand.
http://rv.org/ is a start on picking particular models and floorplans. Some people do not like their ratings, but at least you will have something to work with. They also have books to help you inspect and handle salespeople. Note that most fulltimers are in Rv.org snowbird rated RVs and most of the rest are in fulltime rated RVs.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Thursday 25th of July 2013 08:44:04 PM
The Restless Youngs said
11:54 PM Jul 25, 2013
So, we are currently researching class A deisel and have a few questions.... First, I realize that everyone has different preferences...and it really is what feels right for you, however, just researching the different brands/makers, it gets a tad confusing. What's the difference between Itasca and Winnebego? Holiday Rambler and Monaco? Is this a Toyota/Lexus kind of relationship (regular vs luxury) or a chevy/oldsmobile kind of relationship (same cars, different names)?
Also read on another thread, some of the manufacturers to focus on for full timing would be: Newmar, Tiffin, Winnebago? Any other thoughts? Can anyone recommend a good book or resource that outlines all the manfacturers, their low, mid and high end models, reviews, etc?
Thanks in advance for reading and hopefully helping!!
Jim01 said
01:19 AM Jul 26, 2013
Don't know of any books to help you. All 3 of the brands you mentioned are very good units and probably any of them would be fine for full-timing. Best thing is to go to dealers or a show somewhere and see what you like.
Don't be caught up in the "wow" factor. Many units look really good at first but do your research to find out what suits your needs.
I feel, as a general rule, the entry/low priced models do not hold up as well for full-timing as a mid-level or high-end models.
Hope his helps a little.
Jim
Terry and Jo said
05:46 AM Jul 26, 2013
At the last RV show we attended, there was a sign at the dealership that was selling the Tiffin motorhomes that Tiffin was the to selling Class A and that their Phaeton line was the top model of the brand. When we were researching, we took a liking to the Phaetons, with a preference for a 42-footer because it had the "tag axle." A tag axle are those with a second axle on the rear, usually with only one wheel in each side instead of duals like the front "rear" axle. To Jo and I, it seemed like the tag axle really added to the stability of the coach going down the road and changing lanes.
Now, all that said, all the brands mentioned are good ones. You just have to find one that is built to your standards.
Terry
The Bear II said
03:14 PM Jul 26, 2013
A good place to compare is to go to a large RV show put on by an RV organization like RVIA or a Statewide RV dealers association. You'll see lots of manufacturer and models to choose from. I would find 3 to 4 models you like and then do some research on line with RV forums, RV magazine reviews, and an owners club if there is one.
Make the decision based on research but also trust your heart. Before making a final decision I would spend 4 to 8 hours in the RV. Live in it for the 4 - 8 hours, try out everything to make sure it fits you.
Our 19 year old 5th wheel was chosen based on how well we liked it. She liked the inside and I liked how everything was setup on the outside. We had to trust our gut because there wasn't the info available like there is now due to the internet.
We are still very happy with our choice.
kb0zke said
02:52 AM Jul 27, 2013
You didn't mention your budget, or whether you are looking only at new coaches or also considering used ones. There is quite a price range from the lowest priced DP coaches to the highest priced ones. Buying a used coach can let you move up in quality for the same cash outlay. Our coach was the top of the Foretravel line in 1993, and sold new for over $350,000. We bought it this spring for much less than 10% of that. Yes, we've put new tires on it, and have some additional work to do to get it back to what it should be, but even when we're done I doubt that we'll have $35,000 in it.
We knew we would be buying a used coach, and wanted quality, so we looked only at some of the higher-end ones. The three brands that made our short list were Bluebird Wanderlodge, Foretravel, and Newell. We would have been satisfied with any one of them. We saw our Foretravel first and fell for it. Had we found one of the others first we might have gone that way. PM or email me if you'd like to know our process.
The Restless Youngs said
04:48 AM Jul 27, 2013
Thanks for the responses. The www.rv.org is exactly the type of resource I was looking for. I think this site will give us some direction. We're also planning on going to the Hershey show, but this resource will help us do some research before we go.
We haven't finalized our budget yet.....and are open to new or used. We do know it won't be a new or newer Prevost! Wow!
Itasca/Winnebago, Monaco/Holiday Rambler/post 2001 Safari are much like Pontiac/Chevrolet/Buick, essentially the same but might have some models that are unique to each brand.
http://rv.org/ is a start on picking particular models and floorplans. Some people do not like their ratings, but at least you will have something to work with. They also have books to help you inspect and handle salespeople. Note that most fulltimers are in Rv.org snowbird rated RVs and most of the rest are in fulltime rated RVs.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Thursday 25th of July 2013 08:44:04 PM
So, we are currently researching class A deisel and have a few questions.... First, I realize that everyone has different preferences...and it really is what feels right for you, however, just researching the different brands/makers, it gets a tad confusing. What's the difference between Itasca and Winnebego? Holiday Rambler and Monaco? Is this a Toyota/Lexus kind of relationship (regular vs luxury) or a chevy/oldsmobile kind of relationship (same cars, different names)?
Also read on another thread, some of the manufacturers to focus on for full timing would be: Newmar, Tiffin, Winnebago? Any other thoughts? Can anyone recommend a good book or resource that outlines all the manfacturers, their low, mid and high end models, reviews, etc?
Thanks in advance for reading and hopefully helping!!
Don't know of any books to help you. All 3 of the brands you mentioned are very good units and probably any of them would be fine for full-timing. Best thing is to go to dealers or a show somewhere and see what you like.
Don't be caught up in the "wow" factor. Many units look really good at first but do your research to find out what suits your needs.
I feel, as a general rule, the entry/low priced models do not hold up as well for full-timing as a mid-level or high-end models.
Hope his helps a little.
Jim
At the last RV show we attended, there was a sign at the dealership that was selling the Tiffin motorhomes that Tiffin was the to selling Class A and that their Phaeton line was the top model of the brand. When we were researching, we took a liking to the Phaetons, with a preference for a 42-footer because it had the "tag axle." A tag axle are those with a second axle on the rear, usually with only one wheel in each side instead of duals like the front "rear" axle. To Jo and I, it seemed like the tag axle really added to the stability of the coach going down the road and changing lanes.
Now, all that said, all the brands mentioned are good ones. You just have to find one that is built to your standards.
Terry
Make the decision based on research but also trust your heart. Before making a final decision I would spend 4 to 8 hours in the RV. Live in it for the 4 - 8 hours, try out everything to make sure it fits you.
Our 19 year old 5th wheel was chosen based on how well we liked it. She liked the inside and I liked how everything was setup on the outside. We had to trust our gut because there wasn't the info available like there is now due to the internet.
We are still very happy with our choice.
We knew we would be buying a used coach, and wanted quality, so we looked only at some of the higher-end ones. The three brands that made our short list were Bluebird Wanderlodge, Foretravel, and Newell. We would have been satisfied with any one of them. We saw our Foretravel first and fell for it. Had we found one of the others first we might have gone that way. PM or email me if you'd like to know our process.
We haven't finalized our budget yet.....and are open to new or used. We do know it won't be a new or newer Prevost! Wow!
Appreciate everyone sharing!! Thanks.