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Old 01-18-2013, 05:01 PM   #15
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I think the first thing to do is to determine what your immediate needs are, and try to forecast what you may want to do in the future. Then, come up with a list of what is most important to you (towing capacity, holding tank capacity, cargo space, size, generator, heating/cooling, floorplan, warranty, drivetrain, tire size, driveability, other amenities). Then do a side by side comparison of what each coach offers. The newer Hurricane's floorplan and warranty is certainly attractive, but it may lack features and overall finish that the others have.

We recently went through a similar conundrum, and ended up buying the new thor ACE 29.2.
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:12 PM   #16
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Few are legal to drive with 8, must have seat belts etc.

I think ours is good for 4 or 5, can't remember how many seatbelts on the sofa.

Suggest slightly older, country coach is top end, and can be found in many different configurations for that price.

Other high line models too.

Ebay is great as many photos and pricing information.

Our CC is 1989, in great shape and was cheap, does not look flashy like the newer ones but it is paid for.
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:17 PM   #17
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Regarding the idea of "off-loading" some people for sleeping, also consider the use of camping cabins at many places. KOA has them at almost all locations. Nice amenities, including heat and A/C, plus the use of the campground toilets & showers.

We found that 4 adults was the maximum that we felt comfortable with in our 37 foot DP.
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:19 PM   #18
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Most RV parks , are one RV per site and no tents, so that would eliminate some of the sugestions. Seat belt and Cargo Carrying Capacity ( CCC) have to be factored in as well. No sense loading every one on board if you can't carry even a 6pack in the fridge without being overloaded. GVW.
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:21 PM   #19
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Diesel, I would look for a 05 06' most likely that year in a DP will fit your budget. Footage will increase as well as live able floor plan to accommodate you kids!
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Old 01-18-2013, 05:47 PM   #20
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Is a 38-40 foot DP much more difficult to drive and manuever than a 33 foot gas? I was trying to keep length down below 35 feet because I keep hearing that you can't get into all the parks and that they are a lot easier to drive.
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Old 01-18-2013, 06:00 PM   #21
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Humm - I bet you thought this would be easy. Since you only want to use it maybe a few times per year I would still stay with gas. And the Southwind is the better MH.

I was not going to mention other options because there really are not going to be any clear cut 'better' options. But here goes anyway - just other options, not better.

5th wheels offer more room and there are models with huge opposing slides in the back with 4 bunks and plenty of room for kids. But in a 3/4 or 1 ton truck you can only carry 5 people. If I had kids with friends this option would be something to consider. But not as cool as riding in a MH.

Another option - a class 'C' with the big bunk over the cab. These have less room but a lot of sleeping areas. Not as cool as the class 'A'.

When you look at MH's pay attention to how many seat belts at the couch and dinnette. Then how much weight you can add. Also what the MH looks like with the slides in.
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Old 01-18-2013, 06:07 PM   #22
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Also keep in mind some of the gas units, with short wheelbases can be a bear to drive. If I were choosing based on length, I'd say a 38-40 ft DP would be a heck of a lot easier to drive, with much better handling dynamics than a 32-35 gas rig.
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Old 01-18-2013, 06:16 PM   #23
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We took sleeping bags kids everywhere in our 34 foot journey. If you want a nice pusher there are a lot of real nice low mileage Monico Windsors that you can buy for that much $$. I love my 2002 Monico best I've ever had.
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Old 01-18-2013, 06:33 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bill_m3 View Post

You guys gave me some good things to think about on trying to squeeze so many people. So yes, I agree my decision needs to be made based on what will fit my family. I can always have guests drive their own car to the location or keep it to 1 or 2 "small" kid friends.

Regarding towing, I really don't know. I am thinking not for most trips since it will be only 2-3 day trips.
I would definitely buy the diesel and then tow a small travel trailer behind the diesel where you can stuff all of those extra people when nighttime arrives. or even when it's daytime too. Even a large Pop-Up trailer would do. That would sleep 4 or more.

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Old 01-18-2013, 06:34 PM   #25
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If you can find a Tiffin Allegro OPen Road 35 QBA it might fit your needs. It has 2 bunk beds, a queen bed, the couch pulls out to a queen bed and the dinette makes into a bed.

2013 Allegro Floor Plans | Tiffin Motorhomes

For the price range you will have to find a used one. There are other manufacturers that build bunk house models you can check out.

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Old 01-18-2013, 07:27 PM   #26
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We had a Hurricane 34 with Ford Triton V10. Had it about 5 years. Never had any issues. The power always surprised me. Put many miles across varying terrain.
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Old 01-19-2013, 07:10 AM   #27
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I'd go with the diesel if the floor plan works. Check out used Newmar Dutchstars. I got a well cared for 2002 3852 for much less than 85,000. Safe Travels
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Old 01-19-2013, 07:16 AM   #28
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You have enough of a budget to look for a fairly new bunkhouse unit on a gas chassis. I would look for a used Tiffin Allegro 35 QBA or its equal in a Winnebago or Newmar made unit. If you find something on a Workhorse chassis, make sure all of the brake recalls have been completed.
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