American Coach: 2005 American Eagle

[ribrunner]

Considering buying 2005 American Eagle, 500 HP. Can anyone tell me about any experiences they have had with this motorhome...pro or con? Thanks in advance.

[JohnRR]

[Cat320]

One of the top models of Fleetwood's American Coach line with excellent service from the factory and the help line. Check out the new ones:

American Coach - Luxury RVs

[aschuh53]

welcome to irv2

[jeryan59]

I previously had a 1999 40' Eagle for 12 years with a 350 HP, it ran great and pulled a Full Size GMC Denali and also a trailer with both a car and Harley with almost 10,000 lbs. Unfortunately my Denali caught on fire and I was unable to disconnect from motorhome in time and it burned up my coach, 10 days after $10,000 of improvements. I had just put in wood floors on a 45, new valances and blinds, flat screen TV's, etc.

My current Coach is a 2009 42' Eagle with a 425 hp, I tow a trailer with my Escalade inside, or a vehicle and my Harley Road Glide, grossing almost 10,000 lbs and it pulls fine, doesn't have the hill climbing that my previous coach had, but I think previous owner may have had it chipped?

I love American customer service, you might contact the factory with the VIN of the unit you are looking at and see what information they may provide you? I found my Brother a 2001 and provided American the VIN and they provided a lot of background information.

I don't recall the years that Spartan had issue with front ends, do a search on Spartan Chassis Owners group for that. My Brother's 2001 required some front end work. My '99 had rear air bag leveling arm issues, I carried spare parts, 'C' Clamps, zip ties, and tools as I become proficient in roadside repair on the rear leveling arm.

I would get on a crawler and look underneath as much as you look at the remaining of the coach. Tire date codes would be another must verify. I would also look at both sides of the radiator for debris and any rotting or damage.

American will email you drawings of the wiring, plumbing, etc. if you request, they are unbelievably helpful.

I averaged about 7.4 mpg with the 40' with 350 HP, with the 42' 425 HP I find it difficult to get 6 mpg.

Good luck in your evaluation!

[Mrchips]

Can't help on the 05' but I have an 07 Eagle 45H with a 500 Cummins. We love our coach. Mileage is tough to keep much above 6MPG at 65MPH. That would be the only downside I have.....it's thirsty. Beyond that American CS has been great and coach seems to be great. Only had it for a few months though.

[Clayobx]

FW/AC service is beyond exceptional. We have owned two FW coaches, an 03' and 12 Providence. Nothing but great quality and performance. Next coach probably new 15 Eagle, 45ft. Welcome to the forum!

[arlinv]

If the coach you are considering has the 500hp engine, I presume it is a 42' model. While I can't specifically tell you about the 2005 model year, I just traded a 2003 version (the first year 42' and 500hp). It was the second of three Eagles we have had (including the new to us 2011 45' we currently have). We had the '03 for more than eight years, and loved it. We spent 5 1/2 months traveling over 9000 miles in it over the summer of 2012, and it never missed a beat. During our ownership (we bought it when it was 2 1/2 years and 23,000 miles old), we had occasion to travel to Decatur for some service work, as well as having a few things done at rallies. American Coach was always very good to deal with. In my mind you can't go wrong with AC.

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by ribrunner

Considering buying 2005 American Eagle, 500 HP. Can anyone tell me about any experiences they have had with this motorhome...pro or con? Thanks in advance.

The engine is probably a Cummins ISM. The ISM is an outstanding engine. The EGR that was used first after '04 was prone to failure and I believe it is around $2500 to replace. I also believe they solved that issue with revised EGRs.

[Scottspence]

We just bought an 04' 42.5.... Love it. Great unit, high quality. The 500 is thirsty but oh well.

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by Scottspence

We just bought an 04' 42.5.... Love it. Great unit, high quality. The 500 is thirsty but oh well.

What kind of Milage are you getting?

[Scottspence]

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

What kind of Milage are you getting?

We are averaging 6, but that was pushing her fairly hard through some Canadian Rockies, had places to be..