Community Forums

arcatasus · 01-01-2014, 08:17 PM

We used to pull an 28 foot travel trailer and now want to move into a class A Diesel. We live in Florida not snow birds. I have driven a few in the past and one today as Camping World ate up many smaller dealerships. We have been to Lazy Days and Bates out in Dover, FL . I am a navy Vet worked on diesels in the past on a Nuclear Submarine so the basic systems mechanical wise anyway I am familiar with. You can go to a dealership and they will sell anything as in buying cars and homes the negotiations are a part that is important but not my concern. We do like the 38-40 footers like the 40's better. i have looked at Winnebago's and Itaska units a 2006 Tour with 44K so it has been moved a bit and I work any where there is a computer connection. So we are mobile. What types of motor homes would you recommend. I did enjoy driving the beast drove well and was quiet the dealer said it had been PDI'ed had new tires , "Looked good from the perspective of a guy with my background , but it ain't a sub ." The hydraulics for the leveling jacks had an issue and gut wise red flag issue was and may have been simple but if PDI'ed should have caught it. issue the right front jack indicated down and in fact it was up and the alarm kept sounding on the dash and in my head the tech riding with us , was a pretty neat guy but cut the ride short. Good friends purchased an expensive one 10years old with 100 k paid around a 100K I think a fore travel. Price was good NADA about mid range 123K I am familiar with the Monaco used vehicles and some of the axle problems would prefer to steer clear of those unless you know something i do not. So NEWBIE needs advice. Can you steer us in the right direction what is a good solid unit that will last and give us the most bang for the buck? Please correct vernacular as needed. We thank you in advance ,

Tony and Judy

"007" · 01-01-2014, 09:53 PM

Welcome to irv2.
I just made up a post that may help you in your decision give this a look.

It may not be the coach you may want but has links to different forums for your questions.

In my signature below there are three links that may help you also especially the QT's # 3 link about people buying coach's.
May want to consider a good used coach by Newmar there are many good ones out there, just Google for them.
Good luck in your hunt.

sdennislee · 01-01-2014, 10:42 PM

Hi and

MSHappyCampers · 01-02-2014, 07:59 AM

Hi Tony & Judy! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join us!

If you're looking for something a few years old I highly recommend the 2002 Monaco Windsor. It did not have the trailing arm problem and has 8 air bags with air leveling. We love ours! You can probably find one in the 70 to 80K range.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

deandec · 01-02-2014, 10:47 AM

Focus on the middle to upper end of each manufacturer's offering models for quality. That will avoid Monaco's trailing arms issue.

NADA shows the models built by each manufacturer and the suggested retail cost before owner added options.

I personally prefer a diesel pusher, side radiator, and a tag axle if 40' or longer with a 400 hp engine. (I only own two of the four of the preferences.)

If staying long times in one place or if there are more than two travelers I would also want three or four slide outs.

Shopping used I would covet a Foretravel, Country Coach, Travel Supreme, or any of the upper end Monaco, Holiday Rambler, or Beaver, rigs and would investigate Newmar, Tiffen, and Winnebago. The Tour would fit in this list.

JMHO.

csrrsr · 01-02-2014, 04:24 PM

Tony, welcome to IRV2. I would look at all manufactures and find the floor plan that beckons to both of you. Dean suggested some good ones and I might add Fleetwood to his list. Once you've selected that perfect one then it's time to do your due diligence and get it checked out from top to bottom. I wouldn't depend on salesman on this issue, but get a knowledgable person for this. You might pay for this service, but the cost is well worth it compared to the cost of the coach. Good luck and happy trails.....

arcatasus · 01-02-2014, 10:30 PM

Hi IRV2 , Thank you all for the tremendous welcome and expertise , we feel at home with kindred spirits . It's a great way to start out the year.
So in staying with the jargon.
Tony And Judy Catasus
Sweetie (Scottish Terrier) Tippy and Tiger a pair of feral kittens ,,cats now , that don't know they are cats the three get along great. We are from the Tampa Bay area in New Port Richey. So quoting our drive home DJ that went national during 911 "we are on the west coast of the east coast." Thanks for the huge welcome and all the tips and advice , we were blessed to find great folks. The happiest of New Yerars,

Tony & Judy