2005 37' Tradewinds

[michguy]

Good morning,
I've found a 2005 37' Tradewinds with around 65,000 miles on a 350 Cat Diesel. I have no idea what quality area the Nationals are in. Are they comparable to Coachmen's Cross Country, Fleetwood's Discovery, Newmar, Holiday Rambler, Monaco ?? They look really nice in pictures,but how well are they put together ?
Don (Michguy)

[mikron]

IMO,if you read the post on this site long enough you will find all RV's have problems. Luck of the draw thing. Buy floor plan and engine that fits your needs.

[Theberrys]

We own a 1999 Tradewinds and although it would be a distant comparison to a 2005 I find the construction of the coach is very good. Tradewinds was always at or near the top of the National lineup and as a result the OEM products were a cut above the average.
In 2005 National wasn't in trouble yet so the unit you’re looking at wasn't rushed through the production line like some of the 2008 models were.

So you need to exercise the normal cautions that you would buying any used RV. Just be assured that National made a good product with some of the leading OEM suppliers.

The Cat Engine and Freightliner chassis isn't necessarily a cut above Cummins or other chassis manufactures but there not a second rate foundation for any Motor Home.

That all being said the mikron is totally correct. Find a coach that just feels right and then have it checked out for soundness. It's real easy to get hung up on the technical details and give up the things you would live with every time you use the unit. Just remember you will spend a lot more time in the coach than under it if you exercise a little caution and a good portion of emotion. In the end who really needs one of these things, get one you like. No matter what your gonna spend some money and time maintaining and improving your new toy.

Good luck in your search.

Dick

[sgtjoe]

We chose our 2001 39' Tradewinds because of the layout. Our friends have a 2005 Beaver and they like our layout better. We've had no problems with ours other then the normal, replacing tires, leaking levelors and regular maintenence. Look over the maint. records, check the tire dates. Also, check out this forum and you won't see many unhappy National folks. I'd buy another in a heartbeat if they were still around. Money management took them out, not Quality.

Bottom line, like the others say, get a layout you're happy with.

[Jeepster47]

michguy,

I don't believe that National RV built Tradewinds in 2005, as they stopped production on them for almost 2 years until 2006 model. Is the chassis a Spartan or Dynamax. Need more information. National RVs are great MH for the money.

Ed

[michguy]

Jeepster, Thanks for your comments. My mistake. The Coach is a Tropical, not a Tradewinds, and it's on a Freightliner Chassis with a 350 Cat. I'm really close to buying it. Why else would I be up at 4:30 in the morning checking IRV2 ??
Thanks,
Michguy

[Vegasdan]

As you can tell, we National owners are just a little fanatic about them. We really like our Tradewinds and the build quality was better than some of those you posted and equal to the rest (I won't say which is which so I don't have people slamming me for my opinions).

[michguy]

Yup. I bought the 2005 TropiCal. Best Preowned RV in Houston made it happen with the greatest of ease. I don't mean to turn this into a commercial, but if you want to hear about a phenomenal experience, drop me a private message.
Michguy

[Vegasdan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by michguy Yup. I bought the 2005 TropiCal. Best Preowned RV in Houston made it happen with the greatest of ease. I don't mean to turn this into a commercial, but if you want to hear about a phenomenal experience, drop me a private message. Michguy

Congrats and enjoy.

[Thewellz]

congratulations, I hope you have as much enjoyment out of your National as we have had with ours .... it has been a good coach to drive on the xc chassis and we havn't had any issues to speak of thus far, I think you will be happy. keep your filters clean!