1999 American Eagle

[H.Huester]

Walked into my first American Eagle today - a 1999 40' VS, 2 slides. This is the first coach that my wife is raving about. Overall feel was wonderful, the abinet work was exceptional, and build quality seems above par. But, I know nothing about this product line.

Question I have is: It's a 1999 unit... What was the construction quality at that time? What kind of problems should I be expecting if I go with a coach this old? What should I be looking for as I look the unit over?

Thank you VERY much for your help/input!!!!
H.Huester

[Cat320]

The Eagle is one of American Coach's top models. Check out the new ones: American Coach

Service, either in person or on the phone is very professional and top notch.

[TXiceman]

A better than average coach...but as with any RV, look carefully fro leaks on the roof, windshield and windows.

Ken

[FormerBoater]

We have a 98 Eagle. It was the flagship of the Fleetwood line at the time and is very well constructed...generally overbuilt with top of the line components. The Eagle is very well engineered for ease of use at the CG or dry camping.

97-2000 Eagles were of good build quality, ride on Spartan Mountain Master chassis with independent front suspension. Drives like a dream.

Generator is on a slide for ease of service, side mount radiator which allows easy engine access for service and general maintenance.

Good thermal and acoustical insulation.

Large tankage (150 gallon fuel tank is a real plus)

We have had no issues of any substance in the 2.5 years of ownership.

Parts and service from American Coach and Spartan has been excellent.

The only issue that I know of is with the front axle ball joints. They are "lubed for life" and there are many that have had to be replaced so you might want to check on that.

You could do much worse!


Dave
1998 American Eagle 40EVS
Cummins C8.3 -325HP
Allison 3060

[H.Huester]

FormerBoater: thanks - nice to get input from an owner. walked through a bunch of newer coaches today, and while newer, larger, and more expensive... they just felt cheaper when compared to the American Eagle!

Also, you have the three-point leveling system (versus four-point) as does the '99. Anything I should be aware of with in operating that system?

One side note - the coach is riding on year-old General S371 295/75R 22.5 radialtires. I looked them up on the net, and the S371 is a truck tire designed for commercial use vehicles. My thought are that these would provide a much rougher ride and potential other issues. Your thoughts?

Thanks for everyone's input!
H.Huester

[Gary RVRoamer]

Three point jacks: Always make sure the front jack is in contact with the ground and taking some of the load before operating the rear jacks. You want the front end lifted enough so the coach can pivot a bit as the two rear sides adjust the trim.

No need to worry about the General tires - the main difference in RV-specific tires is that they have extra UV protection to help them survive long years in the sun. Lots of us use "truck tires" - I have Continentals on my '04 American Tradition.

[hooverbill]

The AC Eagle is a fine coach, my only concern would be that it is 12 years old.

[FormerBoater]

Gary is spot on about the 3-point jack system. Very easy to use and no issues as long as you remember to make sure the front jack makes contact before the back jacks.

On my coach the front is in contact while the back jacks are about 6 inches off the ground. I just raise the front a tad more and then lower the back jacks. It is the 3-legged bar stool theory of leveling and it works very well.

Age factors are dependent on how well the coach was treated. Ours has been extraordinarily reliable and seems to put a smile on people's faces when they see it rolling down the road.

Dave

[Gary RVRoamer]

One of the best things about American Coach models is the outstanding factory service available. Does not have to be under warranty - they welcome their older children back home too.

[Midniteoyl]

Looking here; 1999 Fleetwood American Eagle 40 VS Used Diesel Pusher

That is a very nice coach..

[336muffin]

We had a 1996 Eagle and miss it still! We're on our fourth American Coach and are very happy. One note about the muffler, change it out with a more open one and it will increase fuel mileage and performance more than you can imagine! As far as problems, the beltline stickon trim covers a row of screws that can sometimes loosen and buldge. I had this prob on mine, a little time and all was well. IMHO you can't go wronge if it has been taken care of. Factory support is great. Drive it and you will be sold. I wouldn't worry about the truck tires, this is a Coach, not a camper! The wiring is one of the best! Look under the stove and you will probably find furnace filters!

[frederick w]

What is the difference between an American Eagle and an American Dream?

Not that I can afford either one. May be an old one?

[FormerBoater]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frederick w What is the difference between an American Eagle and an American Dream? Not that I can afford either one. May be an old one?

For Dreams and Eagle in the 97-99 era, here are the major differences:

-Eagle has a fiberglass roof

-Eagle has pantograph bus style cargo doors (a la Prevost)

-Eagle has the generator on a side

-Different style driver's instrumentation

The Eagles of this era usually had engines rated for 25HP or so more than the Dreams.

Now, both ride on the Spartan Mountain Master Chassis with Independent Front Suspension and the exterior appearance is the same except for the decals (Eagle vs. Dream).

Dave
98 American Eagle 40EVS

[336muffin]

Just sold a 2003 AC Dream 4 weeks ago, Eagles and Dreams are the same except the trim, front and rear caps are different, interior in Eagles are a little fancier and a few more 110 plugs and yes the HP is more. Both have fiberglass roofs and both have slideout gen. Other than that chassis and components are same. People were loading up the Dreams more than the Eagles and saving a ton of money and 2003 they dropped it. My 03 Dream had more options than my brothers 03 Eagle! Both are great coaches!