trading smart or crazy?

[WhenIm64]

We are trading our 2009 Itasca Suncruiser 32H for a 2006 Itasca Meridian 36G. Main reason is for the diesel, chasis, brakes..... love the extra room but are giving up a few things too. But nothing we couldn't add eventually! Mileage is the same, 30 hours on the genset. Going from a year old coach to a 4 year old coach......are we crazy?

[Thudman]

You're not crazy. Relax and enjoy it !!!!

Thudman

[TW]

Sounds like a very good idea

TW

[wagonmaster2]

Is the trade already a "done deal", or are you just contemplating doing it?

Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

[WhenIm64]

Not a done deal but will be by Monday afternoon. So far we have heard nothing but good things about this coach, you own one how do you like it?

[wagonmaster2]

I love the pulling power, which was the main reason we traded our 32' Southwind w/454 Chev engine, since we travel from Okla to the mountains a couple times a year pulling a Jeep Wrangler. But the repairs and maintenance after it reached 4-5 years of age are astronomical. At about that time the air dryer must be replaced, the engine thermostats and coolant changed (if they weren't done at 3 years), the transmission fluid and filters replaced at 4 years (assuming it does have Transyand), tires are reaching the 5-6 year age for replacement, the valves may be at the point to need adjusting (30,000-40,000 miles if a Cat engine), etc.
As has been stated in previous Posts, when trading for a used DP be sure you have $2-$4,000 extra handy for all the necessary maintenance items the prior owner may not have done or have left good records.
As far as the ride and brakes, I can't say I'm overly impressed as compared to my previous two gassers. But if you need the pulling power the diesel is the only way to go, you can't beat them.
But I guess you've already driven the DP and know the comparison to your gasser so good luck on your final decision.

Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G

[majfrizz]

we have the Winnebago version of that model, and really enjoy the layout. we have the Cummins 300, small but it still has plenty of power thru the mountains.

[smlranger]

We have the Winnebago equivalent, although it is older....2002. We had a gasser and absolutely love the diesel....great power, smoother ride, exhaust brake.

However, as previously noted, enter into DP ownership with eyes wide open in terms of maintenance costs. I bought this coach used in 2005 and the previous owner kept meticulous service records which I added to my own records. At this point in the life of the coach, maintenance and repair costs have averaged $1,500 per year. Now that includes $2,300 for a new set of tires. That number includes routine chassis service and things that neeeded repair on the coach itself. I have done much of the service and repairs myself so, if I paid someone to do it all, the number would be higher. As I get older, I am more likely to pay others to do the maintenance and repairs that I had previously done.

I've had boats and there is no question that owning a motorhome, especially a DP, is the most expensive hobby I've ever had.

[fun time]

Have the same model coach but with the 300 Cummins and love it. Bought it new and have no regrets. Have not had one single problem with ours.

[Olive]

I have a 2007 Journey 36G and love it. It does cost more for maintenance but I do not think it is all that bad. The parts do cost more and on my Adventurer I could do the oil change and basic tune up stuff myself. To me the ride and other comforts far outweigh the cost. I have the Cat 350 which is plenty of power for my heavy foot. Mine was a year old when I bought it and I had what Freightliner then called the M2 service done on it for well under $1000. This year I again had the M2 done there which included changing the CAC for ab $600. I agree with Thudman and TW that you aren't crazy and enjoy it.

[AFChap]

Quote:

Going from a year old coach to a 4 year old coach......are we crazy?

I know a guy who has had three or maybe 4 motorhomes ...and each "new" one was a few years older than the one he was replacing ...but each time he "upgraded" in terms of quality, features, and livability!! Enjoy the adventure

[RickO]

You done good. Don't look back

[WhenIm64]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun time Have the same model coach but with the 300 Cummins and love it. Bought it new and have no regrets. Have not had one single problem with ours.

Ours will be the same...you must have the SE.

[ichn2go]

All the maintenance doesn't have to be done right away..Spread it out some doing the most important things first. Hopefully you will have good service records..
I went from gas to diesel, back to gas and now back to diesel. Do like Smallranger has done, buy it, keep it, maintain it ,enjoy it. Diesel is the way to go for ride and comfort, power etc. Like Geo vs Caddy. Good Luck and Be Safe