Feedback on Surfside 34e model

[k2kane5]

I'm upgrading from a travel trailer to an RV and found a 2007 Surfside 34E bunkhouse that we like. I'm interested in any feedback/opinions on this specific model and/or National's overall quality, reliability and drivability. thanks!

[desobelman]

National RV quality is among the best. I am not a fan of the SurfSide as it does not have enough interior storage space for me. The bunkhouse model is very good for families!

The Surf Side was one of the llast new models to come out of NRV before they went belly up!

All in all, a National Coach is a good bet for good service. I had a 1998 Dolphin for 6 years and 30K miles before upgrading the our current '05 Sea Breeze 47 footer! Wanted the Workhorse chassis and the extra room.

Check NadaGuides for pricing. Offer what NadaGuides lists as Low Average Retail, and settle somewhere in between the Low & High.

Happy Trails!

Darryl

[k2kane5]

Thanks for the feedback!

[desobelman]

Glad to help. If you do buy the Surf Side, check out The Dolphins. It is the National RV Owners club on the West Coast. It can be checked out at www.dolphinclub.com.

Lots of support from other NRV owners. In case you are not aware, National Rv made Dolphin, Sea View, Sea Breeze, Tropical, Tradewinds, Marlin, Islander, Carribean, Pacifica and Surf Side before going bankrupt and closing its doors in 2007. Still a great coach, and no problems getting service. Especially in California where NRV was headquartered (Perris, CA)

Keep us informed if you do buy the Surf Side.

Happy Trails!

Darryl

[m65york]

I just purchased a 2008 34E, love it; top quility. However, take a good look at the under coating on the frames..I found several 2007-2008 Surfside with frame coating peeling off, mine was recoated by the dealer.. I am not sure if it had anything to do with these were some of the last coaches built prior to NRV going Bank-R. Also if you can find one with an 2007 Ford F53 Chassis, it may be under warranty.

The DE34e Full body paint come pretty loaded, check for dual pane windows.

You should look to pay around 59-61 for full body fully loaded and 52-54 for the rest.

They are typically rarely on sale about 4-5 listed across the US.

I am also not sure why the Converter and inverter is in an unventilated outside compartment, next to the entrance door.

But overall I am happy.

[Richard S.]

National RV had to go to a water based under coating, EPA REG. it did not stick to the under side as well as the old type coating. You can get spray cans or brush on type at the auto parts store

[dbstote]

We just purchased a 2007 with full body paint in March. We full time with 2 girls (9 and 12) and absolutely love the coach. It drives great even fully loaded. Here are some items to look at.
1. Check the tires very closely. Even though they may have lots of tread, these tires were probably manufactured in middle of 2006 and are now about 6 years old.
2. Check the awning material on both slides and the main awning.
3. Make sure they have all of the manuals. Some of these are hard to track down.
4. Be sure to get a unit with 2 AC's. I have seen some with full body / fully loaded but have only 1 AC. After being in this one, there is no way that 1 AC will keep up if it is over 95 outside.

Hope you are happy with the coach. I agree with previous poster that you should be able to get fully loaded for about 60k.

Doug