First Diesel Pusher Buyer

[Hidesert]

Ok were finally leaving Cailf. Looking to buy our first diesel pusher MH. So Im looking for a used model, (2009 - 2006) thinking of Monaco Knight or Diplomat, Gulfstream, Beaver etc. 40 ft will get rid of one couch and get some flexsteel lounge chairs. We have been RV'ing for many years.
Lets hear the pros and cons of which one to buy. Should I buy one with a side radiator, air bags, levelers, tag axel? Im sure there are plenty of opinions out there.
What items should I be looking to get or not to get.


Thanks
Don & Mary

[Batman_777]

Beaver is the best!!!

[Bum Steed]

Tag axle not less than 42 ft , aqua hot, air leveling, side radiator, 400 ISL or bigger Beaver-Travel Supreme Alante or Select -Monaco Camalot or Dynasty

[skigramp]

Whichever one your wife likes best ...

[Gary RVRoamer]

You covered a broad price range there - The Diplomat is a good step up from the Knight and most Beavers are even higher up the scale. As for Gulfstream, well, let's say they aren't high on my list.

I'd be looking at Monaco Diplomat (or the identical HD Endeavor), Dynasty/Imperial, Newmar Dutch Stars or Mountainaires, Fleetwood Excursions or an American Tradition, Travel Supreme, or the Beaver models that are essentially identical to the Monaco & HR sister models.

[SlickTX]

Take a look at the Tiffin products if you can.

[Batman_777]

I've been hearing good things about Tiffin

[RV Wizard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV Roamer [Gary] You covered a broad price range there - The Diplomat is a good step up from the Knight and most Beavers are even higher up the scale. As for Gulfstream, well, let's say they aren't high on my list. I'd be looking at Monaco Diplomat (or the identical HD Endeavor), Dynasty/Imperial, Newmar Dutch Stars or Mountainaires, Fleetwood Excursions or an American Tradition, Travel Supreme, or the Beaver models that are essentially identical to the Monaco & HR sister models.

I would say, that if you are thinking Gulf Stream; you do some homework from other owners of the year and upper end model you are considering.
Our Scenic Cruiser has been great. I was with Gary on the Gulf Stream stereotype and until I found this one did not consider them due to their up and down quality control depending on the year and model.

[Techie]

Since you're looking at used you can expand your search dpening upon the $ you're willing to spend.

Personally I like the CC and you can get these with tag, side rad, jake brake, hydrohot in 40' and longer. Another option, and one that I would favor depending again on the $, would be a Newell or Prevost.

You really need to focus on how & where you'll be using your rig in order to determine what is best for you. For example, when we bought our rig the important stuff (not in sequence) was: hydro-hot, tag axle, true air suspension, air levelling, <= 40', turning radius, floor plan, stacked washer-dryer. Only you can determine your own needs.

Regardless of brand, I would look for a pre-07 engine to avoid the particulate stuff, or an 09 engine that has those kinks worked out.

[camelot05]

Make sure you go with a side radiator the rear fan loses about 15-20 horse power.

[mythplaced]

Only one opinion from here....

Depends on how you use it....

If you like to camp (and by camp, I mean in a state/national park, or wilderness type of setting, not in a "parking lot" camprground)

Your choices of campsites and ability to get in and out easily is limited with any class A over 38 feet...

To chime in with others...and add our wrinkles

• bigger is better with engine power (pre-07),
• 100+watts solar is a real plus,
• large fresh water capacity (100 gal +),
• lots of battery amperage,
• macerator.
• Lots of heating and cooling capacity,
• limited carpet in the entry area.

Again, our use is typically where there are limited hook-ups, and real "dirt" on the ground.

[mrschwarz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by camelot05 Make sure you go with a side radiator the rear fan loses about 15-20 horse power.

Based on my research, this might not be accurate.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Older rear radiator models ran the fan 100% of the time with a direct drive, so they cost power & fuel all the time. More recent models have a clutch and thermostat control like the side rads do, so there isn't much difference. Not sure when the change occurred and it probably depends on the coach manufacturer who spec'ed the chassis as well as the individual chassis manufacturer.

[azloafer]

This coach has less than 5,000 miles on it! I have nothing to gain if you bought from this firm except that I bought mine there, but I wanted you to see how quality coaches in that year are priced. This is just a sample picked at random. Joe



2008 Gulf Stream Crescendo 8386 3 SLDS
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(Click picture to enlarge) Stock #: 9904
Year: 2008
Brand: Gulf Stream
Model: Crescendo 8386 3 SLDS
Retail Price: $158,870.00
Pedata Direct: $124,995.00 Length: 38' 0"
RV Type: Diesel Pusher
Description:
This 2008 Gulf Stream Crescendo is a beautiful diesel pusher with some wonderful features for your next adventure. Features include: rear facing living room, TV, 5.1 surround sound, fantastic fan with rain sensor, central vacuum, pull out pantry, solid surface counter tops, convection microwave oven, icemaker, exterior refrigerator, smart wheel, sleep number bed, encased patio awning, built in washer/dryer, and full pass through storage with slide out tray. For complete information call us toll free at 888-545-8314.