Community Forums

AKITCHELL · 12-18-2017, 01:23 PM

hi, all . i'm a longtime ( 3 years ) forum lurker and never really post. Even though we've owned an rv. I still consider myself a newbie and really don't have any good advice to give. I have narrowed my choices for my next ride to 3. we plan to take the next rv out once a month , for a 3day weekend, close to home - st louis . chicago, kansas city, memphis, nashville, louisville, indy, lake ozarks, and perhaps the longest trip - gulf shores.
we have an autistic child who cannot fly. he is 5 and we have a 10 yo daughter and a small dog. my wife and i .

the 3 units are
2011 damon avanti - $65k with 32k miles, front engine diesel, 31 ft long, like the nicer hardware , styling, we understand a pusher is more desireable , but figure this diesel will at least hold its value better? the interior has been redone with carpet ( yuk). were scared of finding body parts. like windshield , fiberglass , if theres an accident. and dropping 65k on something thats not being made anymore. also , a bit too nice for our needs , but dang , it looks so nice, and my friend says diesel is the way to go. the 13 mpg helps too.
any thoughts on resale?

2012 thor ace 29.1 - $40k with 32k miles, gasser, 8 mpg, cheap plastic construction , gel coated vs painted. its cheap , medium sized and should fit our needs, but buying close to retail vs less than retail for the avanti.

2015 thor vegas, for $45k with 15k miles. smallest and easiest to handle?
like the size to drive , maybe not to live in.

we are coming from 30q no slide 2006 thor hurricane, which we liked. a bit cheap feeling , but nod bad for our first rv. what we didnt like was the handling ( ive heard that stabilizers help out a lot) the road noise , sounds like a school bus full of dishes. and other than that , we loved that rv.

we like all 3 rvs for different reasons. any owners out there that can give me any thoughts? ive read the limited forums on the avantis and read forums on the vegas and the ace. is the avanti quality that much better? i realize they are all made by thor, but the avanti has metal drawer guides and granite counter tops for instance.

thank you , ali

RickyM · 12-18-2017, 02:15 PM

The diesel ! It only has 32k on it, the motor is not even broken in yet. The diesel.

PGCI2006 · 12-18-2017, 02:24 PM

Diesel

saddlesore · 12-18-2017, 02:28 PM

I vote for the diesel,less depreciation, better build , "should " be a more stable coach traveling die to being heavier.
That said... A front engine rig whether gas or diesel will be much louder up front than any DP

AKITCHELL · 12-18-2017, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickyM

The diesel ! It only has 32k on it, the motor is not even broken in yet. The diesel.

you sound like my buddy ! haha . so you believe the diesel motor , is worth the 20k more than the ace? and the diesel motor is enough of a feature, to ignore the fact that the rv isn't made anymore? remember that im going to put about 10k a year on this thing, so is that enough usage to warrant the longevity of a diesel?

Coarsegold · 12-18-2017, 02:52 PM

Don't like the idea of diesel up front much. Wonder why the interior was redone at this stage in life also. I would keep looking................

AKITCHELL · 12-18-2017, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coarsegold

Don't like the idea of diesel up front much. Wonder why the interior was redone at this stage in life also. I would keep looking................

yes , i realize that the dp is preferred. but the dp that is in my budget would be old as heck. i could keep looking, but theres 2 other rvs that i could buy and no offense to your suggestion. but i'm past the looking stage and i'm buying one of these.

Sue46 · 12-19-2017, 05:57 AM

20K buys a lot of gas.

Are you limiting yourself to Thor?

Roger G · 12-19-2017, 06:10 AM

I would buy the floor plan that I liked the best regardless of what’s under the hood. Your going to live in it a lot more than you are going to drive it. I too would be scared of a coach built by a defunct manufacturer.

Crasher · 12-19-2017, 10:02 AM

With the difference in fuel mileage from the diesel vs the gas, you would have $1000 less cost per year with the diesel. In 10 years the diesel will still be going strong and you will have saved $10,000 in fuel costs. Most gas units will be done or have had the engine replaced. The larger size is a big plus when you are cooped up during a rainy weekend. Personally, I'm not a Thor fan, so would look at almost any other brand, but you seem to be ok with them and that's all that matters. Having said all of this, don't let anything we say influence your decision. You're the one paying for it. Pick the one that feels right for you and your family and enjoy.

ray999 · 12-19-2017, 10:06 AM

Diesel!

GBR · 12-19-2017, 12:18 PM

Diesel

CountryB · 12-19-2017, 01:47 PM

Older Diesel.

Something before 2007 so you don't get all that "emissions" stuff which is the problematic and expensive stuff to maintain/replace.

Stay away from those engines that have a "Diesel (Exhaust) Particulate Filter".

IMO.

OR-Viatorem · 12-19-2017, 02:31 PM

For me, it’s Floor plan and length driving my research. (No pun intended hah). With gas engine preferred to reduce maintenance costs. A DP is possible, but like you - budget is a concern. I want a rig no older than 5 years.