Community Forums

TBorstad · 08-18-2013, 09:17 PM

We purchased a 1999 Seaview, 31' last spring. As I read about other National Models such as Tropical, Dolphin, Seabreeze, I got to thinking where is my Seaview in the hierarchy of models. Do I have a Chevy Belaire, Malibu, or Chevy Impala? Or did I get an Edsel? So far we're really happy with our purchase.

donhoward49 · 08-19-2013, 07:30 AM

Please, it is not an Edsel.. Which I believe were pretty good cars actually.. My understanding, the Tropical is top, then Dolphin, then See Breeze, then Sea View.. What I have seen between mine and a Dolphin, is an extra window or two and an extra slide (storage) compartment in the dash. The ,Bones, will be the same.. Chassis, frame, plumbing wiring, appliances..
donnt worry about it just go have fun. We are in a camping club and the guy in the "A" frame camper has as much fun as the guy in the new Monaco..

Dmorgan6375 · 08-19-2013, 08:01 AM

Now that was a very nice way of putting things Don, I'm also glad to see where my Old Dolphin places on the list! Thanks and have a Great Week Y'all

two slides · 08-19-2013, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBorstad

We purchased a 1999 Seaview, 31' last spring. As I read about other National Models such as Tropical, Dolphin, Seabreeze, I got to thinking where is my Seaview in the hierarchy of models. Do I have a Chevy Belaire, Malibu, or Chevy Impala? Or did I get an Edsel? So far we're really happy with our purchase.

I have a 2000 seaview 8341 model, so maybe i'll add some additional info.

Tropical was the top followed by Dolphin then Seaview--there wasn't a Seabreeze model then. somewhere around 2001-2002 Tropical was made a diesel model & Dolphin became top gas model. the Seaview model was rebranded to be called Seabreeze LX models & the plain Seabreeze without LX became entry model. so in 2002 yours & mine would have been called Seabreeze LX models according to NRV literature I have.

NRV did come out with an even cheaper model called Surfside around 2005 I think. anyway I was able to see the Dolphin/Seaview side by side before I purchased it new---main difference Dolphin had solid wood cabinets, fancier lighting & leather upholstery.

all NRV models were very well made--mine to this day has no squeaks/rattles and nothing falling apart. just those lousy storage bay doors cracking made by Delcraft plastics in Helmet, Ca.

two slides · 08-19-2013, 08:57 AM

donhoward49 you have the TOP Seabreeze model for 2004 and dmorgan6375 yours also TOP dolphin model.

now you'll can rest much better at nite

donhoward49 · 08-19-2013, 09:57 AM

Thanks "Two Slides".. As long as the roof is not leaking I sleep pretty good.... Papers are in the rig, but I believe the original owner gave $109,000 for it new.

chboone · 08-20-2013, 12:51 AM

Just wondering, where is the Islander in the hierarchy?

Chuck

earlmarsden · 05-26-2017, 04:58 PM

Tradewinds. Wasn't that a National as well?

Fred and Bonnie · 05-26-2017, 07:57 PM

Islander was top dog in it's time, through the years models shifted in the line-up.

Fred

radmn1 · 06-27-2017, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two slides

I have a 2000 seaview 8341 model, so maybe i'll add some additional info.

Tropical was the top followed by Dolphin then Seaview--there wasn't a Seabreeze model then. somewhere around 2001-2002 Tropical was made a diesel model & Dolphin became top gas model. the Seaview model was rebranded to be called Seabreeze LX models & the plain Seabreeze without LX became entry model. so in 2002 yours & mine would have been called Seabreeze LX models according to NRV literature I have.

NRV did come out with an even cheaper model called Surfside around 2005 I think. anyway I was able to see the Dolphin/Seaview side by side before I purchased it new---main difference Dolphin had solid wood cabinets, fancier lighting & leather upholstery.

all NRV models were very well made--mine to this day has no squeaks/rattles and nothing falling apart. just those lousy storage bay doors cracking made by Delcraft plastics in Helmet, Ca.

interesting i have a 1998 seabreeze you say they didn't start making them tell 2001 or 2002

FredV · 06-27-2017, 08:16 PM

It does not matter which National model you have. The point is you have one of the best RVs in its price range at the time it was produced. We have a 2000 Tropical with over a 100,000 miles and would not trade it for anything. We have been to alot of RV shows and have seen nothing we would be even tempted to buy. If we had to replace ours, we would buy another National.

chboone · 06-27-2017, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FredV

It does not matter which National model you have. The point is you have one of the best RVs in its price range at the time it was produced. We have a 2000 Tropical with over a 100,000 miles and would not trade it for anything. We have been to alot of RV shows and have seen nothing we would be even tempted to buy. If we had to replace ours, we would buy another National.

Frantz · 06-28-2017, 01:18 PM

In the later years I believe the Pacifica became the top-of-the-line. We ❤️ ours!!!

ka7suz · 06-28-2017, 10:23 PM

Yes, where does the Tradewinds rank? I thought it was the first (and only) diesel National made at the time c 1999. Wonderful well-built and we love ours.

JoAnn