Coachmen Lifespan?

[RLC06]

We just bought our first MH and now having read all we SHOULD have checked and looked for and researched I realize how naive we were. Thankfully, so far so good on our coach and our deal but I am wondering about our name brand and how the Coachmen Catalina fairs as a good entry level coach? Whenever I read threads from others shopping around I hear much about the Newmar and Tiffins etc...does anyone have any input on our Catalina? Problems? Strengths? Thanks in advance!

[RodgerS]

I think if I was in your position, I would be focused on having a good experience with what you have and focusing on preventative maintenance. I would not bother making comparisons to other rigs unless you are looking to make yourself happy or sad.

On the internet and in this forum put up "Problems (date) Coachmen Catalina RV, but have a couple of shots of whiskey first. Then: what are the dot dates of the tires, is the roof leaking, any problem with rust under the chassis, have a complete and through safety and operating inspection by a good mechanic and if you are religious, then pray nothing meaningful is wrong with the coach.

Knowledgeable due diligence when done minimizes (not eliminates) risk. In a high risk situation, well, you might as well put your mind to it and hope for the best.

[Z714X4]

Originally Posted by RodgerS

I think if I was in your position, I would be focused on having a good experience with what you have and focusing on preventative maintenance. I would not bother making comparisons to other rigs unless you are looking to make yourself happy or sad.

Good advice! Be happy with what you have! Besides, every manufacturer has coaches with problems even Tiffin, Newmar, and more expensive units have some with problems.

Also remember that the majority of people who own motorhomes don't bother posting unless they have a problem. That can make things look worse than they really are. Don't make yourself crazy.

Learn about your motorhome, read up on some of the problems people are having and check those things on your coach, then work on the maintenance getting everything up to snuff.

Get out and enjoy your motorhome... no regrets.

[RLC06]

Thanks definitely not havimg any regrets. Jusst wondered if their are any common problems. We knew going in that it needed new shoes and put 6 on first week home. No roof leaks. Very very minor spots where paint has flaked on chassis with small evidence early rust. House items all working and with a new carport, supplies stocked, and a new dolly now sanded, painted and ready, this cold weather leaves me surfing these forums to expand my knowledge on our new toy!

[fastcat]

AS the others have said, enjoy and try not to second guess.

I know that I probably paid $20K more for mine than I should/could have but it's what I, and more importantly my wife really like and wanted.

In our short time on this rock we need to back the truck up once in a while.

Now, back to the happy Cajun music my wife just found on Pandora!