Community Forums

vito.a · 08-24-2011, 11:10 AM

Lots of great advice in this thread. I would add two things:

Be careful of some dealers. Some dealers pricing does not reflect actual market conditions. They are living in the past when they could mark up the price on coaches. There are some great buys on eBay, but I would have it professionally inspected before you seal the deal. There are a few dealers out there cutting prices as much as half the other guys.

Ask for the engine torque rating, not the horsepower. The Cummins ISB is a great engine, but be careful. If you live out west or in a mountainous area and tow a car behind you, it can be a little short on torque in a large motor home. A great comparison is the 350hp 5.9L ISB and the 350hp 8.3L ISC Cummins engines. The ISC can have 300 ft lbs more torque at the same horsepower rating. A 370HP 8.9L Cummins ISL only has 20 more horsepower, but can have double the torque of the ISB. Remember, it is torque that pushes you up the hill and more torque will allow a lower throttle setting and also run cooler.

It’s a buyer’s market out there, so make your choice wisely.

wackodacko · 08-25-2011, 09:52 PM

Thanks guys, we finally did it - got an '04 Itasca Horizon 40 footer. 3 slides, Cummins 350hp 8.3L ISC, nice kitchen counters and pullout tray storage for the skis! the only thing i want that i dont have yet is an automated reel for the power cord - thats really useful during the winter when the cord is stiff. WOOHOOO!

Gary RVRoamer · 08-27-2011, 10:24 AM

I'd vote for an older, higher-end coach unless you feel you really need multiple slide-outs. You won't get three slides in a high end coach until around 2003 and that probably exceeds your budget.

American Coach, Country Coach, Monaco Diplomat & Dynasty, HR Endeavor, Tiffin Allegro Bus, Fleetwood Excursion & Providence, would all be good choices. Winnebago has good models in your price range too. Adjust the year to fit your price range. Shop around a lot!!!

wackodacko · 08-30-2011, 08:05 PM

Thanks Gary - we went ahead and purchased the 2004 Itasca Horizon for a few extra thousand on top of our original budget, after so many people on this forum told me that dropping the years is not a big deal (at first, i was apprehensive, because i would never buy a normal vehicle/car sooo old) but i guess these diesels seem to last FOREVER if properly maintained. now its time to sell the 5th wheel!!

GOLDWINGER2 · 08-30-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wackodacko

(at first, i was apprehensive, because i would never buy a normal vehicle/car sooo old)

Even a 2004 car can be a good one nowadays. I bought a '93 Pontiac Bonneville in '01 with 71k on it, still have it with 135k. Ive only had to maintain it. No eng/trans yet.
It's the SSE with the supercharger, cost more than 20g's new, I got it for 4g's. One tps six years ago and a motor mount two months ago.

J