FR3 vs Winnebago 31ke vs ACE 30.1/29.2

[sailorboy]

My wife and I are in the market for a 30ft Class A and the following models are available at dealers nearby. They share a similar feature set and seem marketed to buyers new to Class A motorhomes

• Forest River FR3 30
• Winnebago Vista 31ke
• Thor ACE 29.2
• Thor ACE 30.1

They all seem to be in a similar price range and the 30ft models all have a similar floorplan. Here are the pros and cons of the different models so far.
FR3

PROS: Side cameras, Full length queen bed with slideout. Tons of storage. 18,000lb GVWR. Nice looking linoleum. Outdoor shower
Cons: Longest of the 4 models, Rubber Roof, Brand new model (Issues not ironed out yet)

Vista 31ke

PROS: Winnebago build quality, fiberglass roof, Tons of Storage
CONS: No ladder, no outdoor shower, wimpy overhead bed, lower quality fit and finish than non "Value-Priced" Winnies (IE: no LED lights, no corian counters etc.) 16,000lb GVWR

ACE 30.1

PROS: Nice overhead bunk, 18,000lb GVWR
CONS: Tiny kitchen sink, Tiny black water tank, Much less exterior storage

ACE 29.2, Rubber roof

PROS: Smallest of the 4 but with similar features. Lots of exterior storage. Shower in Bathroom
CONS: Kitchen on slideout, tiny sink, 16,000lb GVWR, Rubber Roof

Any advice for me in choosing? I'm leaning towards the Winnie or FR3

[usinvestment]

Looked at your list plus more for over a year. You're missing a few gems that are better but it depends on what you want. Stick to your list of priorities and what is important to you. Look at the details close, the ACE look pretty but look closer and look at the ratings and measurements of everything. Exterior storage is key, weight of drop down bed, quality of fit and finish.

Spend time reading this blog. Check each manufacturers section here. How long has the coach been in production? Are there bugs to be worked out still?

Pricing can be a factor, but I see too many people exclude other coaches because the MSRP is higher. Don't be fooled, you can get dealers to negotiate down a long ways, so look at coaches that you think are out of your price range, you will be surprised the deals out there for new coaches. Don't be afraid to fly and drive home as I did, saved thousands.

[cucamelsmd15]

Ill add my experience with the caveat that we have not seen the Winnie, and it was out of the running first because of the "studio" bunk.

The FR3 has several advantages that Ive found over the Thor 29.2 and 30.1:
1. Front bunk is 300lbs vs 200lbs (I think) in the Thor
2. Fit, finish and materials are better on the FR3
3. IMO, I think the layout on the FR3 is better
4. Full size queen in the FR3
5. Pull out sofa seemed to be bigger in the FR3 as well
6. Interior appointments seemed to be better in the FR3 (nicer floor/carpet, leather/appliances etc).

FWIW, the ACE in both varieties and the FR3 have TPO roofs. I also noticed an immediate difference in build quality driving the FR3 and ACE on the same day. The FR3 was just better all around. Less bumps, jars and rattles from the get go. With the price difference rapidly narrowing between the two (i.e. the FR3 is quickly coming down in price), Id also pick the FR3 and intend to do so in the next few months.

[sailorboy]

I just read through the FR3 thread and got tons of great information on that coach. Sounds like you guys have been doing your homework! I was curious if anyone has heard much about the 31ke. The studioloft bead isn't a problem for us as our kids are still pretty tiny.

[cucamelsmd15]

Originally Posted by sailorboy

The studioloft bead isn't a problem for us as our kids are still pretty tiny.

Thats true, but consider this: IIRC, its the width of a single bed. But, your kids get older at some point, right?

Also consider, if you use it for storage, it greatly limits the space/weight of whatever you put up there. I know in the FR3, you can drive with the bunk down (just with a lack of headroom), but it is doable. Not sure about the Winnie.

The fiberglass roof is a big plus for the Winnie though.

[szn8tt]

Vista 31ke occc must be really low

[Finally Time]

I don't have any experience with the FR3 but I do with the Vista and ACE. I know these are not the size you are looking at, but I think my coments relate to all the ACE's and Vistas. I owned a 2013 Thor ACE 27.1 for 3 months. Took a loss and traded it in on a 2013 Winnebago Vista 27N. Not happy about loosing the money but very glad to be rid of the ACE. The ACE has very poor handling, wanders all over the road, the fit and finish is poor, lots of rattles and bangs. Check some of the other threads about ACE handling. I had multiple water leaks, trim pulling away from the body, one pocket door pulled off the rollers and jammed blocking the bedroom, and those are just the high points. Also try sitting on the throne,. Unless you're over 6 feet, your toes will barely touch the floor.

The Winnebago has so much better quality, more storage, more counter space, a real double sink (rather than one round sink), better handling, a level floor so the cockpit chairs really become part of the living area, It's was more expensive than the ACE but to me it was worth every penny.

[fiddle girl]

Saw a comparison of the Ace and FR3 on another site. She bought the Ace in December and saw the FR3 in a show in January. Her comparison was the FR3 "was truly upgraded; designers/engineers looked at the ACE and improved it just about everywhere." She gave me a list of 18 things better on the FR3 and a few things on the down side. I'd be happy to share the list with you if you message me to do so.We saw an ACE today. The dealer didn't have an FR3, but we saw a great Forest River Georgetown 328TS - residential size refrigerator, great floor plan, 34 feet (larger than what we were looking for), but also a great price listed in Texas. It's worth taking a look at. Like you we were looking for a 28-30 foot, but I'm now leaning at the 328TS.