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Resist · 08-07-2013, 04:17 PM

What do most people consider the best motorhome to purchase (new and used), with regards to reliability, safety and ease of use? I'm kind of leaning towards Monaco but haven't really researched the others.

Mr_D · 08-07-2013, 04:20 PM

We like Newmar.

palehorse89 · 08-07-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resist

What do most people consider the best motorhome to purchase (new and used), with regards to reliability, safety and ease of use? I'm kind of leaning towards Monaco but haven't really researched the others.

Like the old saying goes "you get what you pay for". And all of them will have trouble from time to time. If money was not a factor it would be a Newell or Prevost would be at the top of the list for the question you asked

Medico · 08-07-2013, 04:40 PM

I like Country Coach, Newmar and Tiffin. You will get dozens of different opinions on this question. My advice attend a few RV shows and test a bunch. Look them over and decide which you like best.

Ramblin · 08-07-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resist

What do most people consider the best motorhome to purchase (new and used), with regards to reliability, safety and ease of use? I'm kind of leaning towards Monaco but haven't really researched the others.

'Best' is so subjective. It all depends on who you are, what your budget is, and what you expect to do with your RV. For instance, someone with kids would not be happy in an RV with only one bed. Someone who rides ATVS might want a toy hauler and be unhappy with a travel trailer.

Someone on a tight budget is looking for bang for the buck, and would not consider a new Prevost, whereas someone with zillion dollar budget might be underwhelmed with a 2000 model 45 ft diesel pusher.

Give us an idea of who you are, your budget, and your ideal RV adventure, and readers will better be able to answer your questions.

clyon51 · 08-07-2013, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Resist

What do most people consider the best motorhome to purchase (new and used), with regards to reliability, safety and ease of use? I'm kind of leaning towards Monaco but haven't really researched the others.

All MH mfgrs use RV suppliers for almost all aspects of the MH except the body. So it boils down to the quality of that aspect and the quality of the interior parts they decide to use. The RV systems are all supplied by others and are pretty much identical across the board.

Where the reliability comes in is at the factory putting everything together and of course after sale support and dealer service.

All the mfgrs still in business today make good coaches. There are mfgrs out of business that made super fine coaches, National is one, which I own.

You will get plenty of various opinions and you should listen. However, you can always get a lemon (plenty of stories about that on here) and it can be a roll of the dice. Personally, I would never buy new. The value just driving off the lot is huge. Then you have the bugs to get worked out unless you get extremely lucky. Buying a 1-3 year old coach will usually eliminate all that.

The main factor is getting something you can live in and the price you are willing to pay. You must like the floor plan, which is the main part. Then amenities and overall appearence and quality of the interior is also important.

I know this isn't what you were asking, but I thought a totally unbiased opinion may be helpful. Good luck in your search!

Christian51 · 08-07-2013, 06:00 PM

The best RV I could find had to be one that pleased the wife and met all her desires. She likes her showers in the morning, she wanted the easiest driving RV, she wanted a king size bed, tile floors no carpet, bath and a half, didn't want to worry about power conservation, hot water needs, she wanted bla bla bla....

I started out looking at an Entrega and by the time she had her say we're looking at a Newell with Easy Steer and a turning tag axle.. You can get both those things in the new Essex by Newmar but she wanted safety and liked the idea of metal skin and over built chassis. So be it, can't be happy on the road without her being happy.
Just hope I can get a chunk of my money back when we decide to sell it.

sirpurrcival · 08-07-2013, 06:09 PM

The one that is paid off!

palehorse89 · 08-07-2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirpurrcival

The one that is paid off!

And then what do you do with your money?
No payments in ones life is a dream..........everynow and then with a payment a dream comes true

HoleInOne · 08-07-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by palehorse89

And then what do you do with your money?
No payments in ones life is a dream..........everynow and then with a payment a dream comes true

Wow I'm glad I'm 62 before I heard that. Had a hard enough time with "Hard to put a price on a good time."

Cbones · 08-07-2013, 07:04 PM

There is no such thing. EVERY manufacturer has issues. I met a guy who had a Marathon Prevost he bought brand new (close to 2M) and he told me he was ready to drive it through the front window of Marathon as he had so many issues. It did look real nice though.

jimmyjnr · 08-07-2013, 07:14 PM

Newell , prevost

IMPULSE DRIVEN · 08-07-2013, 08:15 PM

That is a tough question it depends on you're needs and budget. I see people buying an RV and expect life to be perfect, well it is a machine and they do break. It really doesn't matter if its new or used that can all have problems and that is part of the lifestyle, boats and airplanes have problems too.

RVNeophytes2 · 08-07-2013, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IMPULSE DRIVEN

I see people buying an RV and expect life to be perfect, well it is a machine and they do break. It really doesn't matter if its new or used that can all have problems and that is part of the lifestyle, boats and airplanes have problems too.

In our circle of friends, the worst RV experience we've seen was with a Newell.

The Prevost owners seem devoted to their rigs, old and new.

[There is an RV for everyone, failure rates between brands don't vary nearly as much as people think.]