Community Forums

Electra 225 · 06-01-2016, 10:28 PM

Hey Mojoracing,
I must agree with Mr_D regarding the level of execution of laminate construction being important. I can speak to this from personal observation. I have owned both Newmar and Itasca, and love both brands. But with my Ellipse, my walls are flat and smooth as can be. I believe Winnebago has a good procedure for laminating their walls. Everything is laser cut, and the press used to squeeze it all together is a hoss. The walls are very strong too, my coach is very quiet on the road.

My Canyon Star though, did start to have waves in the walls in a few areas during first year. (I bought new on both). I don't think this is common for Newmars, but, it did it on mine. Didn't ruin the look of the coach by any means, and it had nothing to do with the hung wall construction. The fiberglass just simply started to show waves. Just FYI.

I most likely will buy another Newmar someday if I'm able to move up to their high line models. Like you, I have my sights on the Essex (with King Aire add ons)

. I must say, I'm staring at Cornerstones more too though. Also, a good friend of mine has an '09 American Eagle, (I think since new) and is quite happy still. All great units. It's hard to tell what the final choice will be by then......things could change a lot by then......anyway, that is if I ever get there of course.

It is indeed agonizing to choose between such closely comparable brands mentioned, (being an RV nut don't help). I wish I had a magic wand and could combine the best of all into one.

It would be hard to combine all the names though.

Best regards,
W.D.
2014 Itasca Ellipse 42QD

mojoracing · 06-03-2016, 11:42 PM

Surprising! I would think the hung wall would be smoother regardless of age. I realize that with the higher end coaches, the vacubonded walls will look smoother than say my bounder. Funny thing, I work for an rv dealer and today we recieved our first 17 Discovery. As fate would have it, when I went out to look at it, the disco was parked next to a brand new Tuscany. It was embarrassing! The Fleetwood walls looked horrible is comparison to the Tuscany. You could see every stud in the wall not to mention waves and the paint was severely orange peeled. The Tuscany looked like a gem in comparison. With the disco being Fleetwoods top of the line before moving to AC, it really put a question mark in my mind. Dont get me wrong, I love my Fleetwood and AC will be in the running but seeing this was disappointing. Like you said, who knows what will be when I finally pull the trigger. Im sure Cornerstone and Essex will be at the top of my list but Im certainly going to look at that Eagle. It will just come down to what floorplan, decor, fit and finish, drive and handling and lack of squeeks. When your talking about units at this level, it will probably be a toss up. Your right when you say being an rv nut doesnt help let alone working for a dealer and having to see them every day! Just like our Bounder, when I see the right one, I'll know it and everything else goes out the window.

Ten years ago or so, we had a new Travel Supreme select limited come in to the dealer I was working for. I went out to check it in and fell in love. I said then that I would own one when I call it quits so it would be a shame not to keep the dream and buy the Cornerstone. With any luck, retirement will last a whole bunch of years, maybe I can try them all! LOL

mojoracing · 06-03-2016, 11:46 PM

The model could be a Cornersexeagle. COme to think of it, thats exactly what I want! A combo of the cornerstone essex and eagle.

Electra 225 · 06-04-2016, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojoracing

The model could be a Cornersexeagle. COme to think of it, thats exactly what I want! A combo of the cornerstone essex and eagle.

Yup, we are very much alike

I said in another thread, I wish I could combine my Ellipse with the Essex, (with King Aire specials) and have a Newmabago Ellipse Aire.

It's fun to imagine.

Best regards,
W.D.

Coma · 06-05-2016, 02:17 PM

We looked very hard at a Tradition a few years back, they are very well done. I hear nothing but good things about Newmar and Entegra.

OTOH
For the cost of one new you could have a late model Newell or Prevost. While many are overdone, some are done just right. Both have very supportive owners groups and rallies! FWIW.

Clayobx · 06-05-2016, 08:04 PM

If buying a production coach, top of the line your speaking of Eagle with Heritage package, Cornerstone, King Aire. Tuff choice huh!! LOL wish I had those issues. IMHO it all settles out at...who offers the best after purchase warranty service. All three Majors have the same unabridged QC issues. Just a fact. Your right FL has really upped their game with the new chassis including passive steer. Couple years back Spartan, IMO, led the market quality wise. Not as much this day and time. All three have similar appointments, similar floor plans, and limited amenity changes excluding some flexibility with Newmar. I've read many pros and cons regarding the hung wall vs. vacubonding. I am a believer in the laminating process due to my boatyard owner past life. I like the flooring and fastening system in Entegra. Like the two year warranty of Entegra. Like the newly developing multiple factory service centers REV has and is establishing across the USA and Canada. Once up and competent techs are set and trained, this consumer service certainly raises the competitive bar. Don't like the reports on service after the sale coming out of Newmar owners presently. I've got no dog to hunt in this post since my recent endeavor trying to trade up to Entegra 44 B or American Dream 42 G. Not top of the line but at my price point. I would have purchased either coach but dealers don't trade, just open the book, look at low wholesale that's it. Only thought I questioned was the 44 B is a bit underpowered with the 450 ISL. Drop in the 500 ISX, what a coach! Floor plan and what DW likes always wins. AC/Entegra six of one half dozen of the other. Again, tuff choice!

Green D · 06-05-2016, 08:26 PM

Something I like about my AC that I don't know if anyone else is doing is the electric lower from cowling. Push a button and the whole front cap below the windshield comes out with the genny. You can walk behind the cap and check anything, replaced head lite bulbs or whatever.
Another thought came to mind AC has two dash heating systems besides the AH. One just for defrosting the windshield and another std dash vented type.
They also have Pressure pro TPMS std on them.
Not trying to sway anyone just pointing out some std features not sure the others are offering.

Eric

Cat320 · 06-06-2016, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green D

...Not trying to sway anyone just pointing out some std features not sure the others are offering...

Eric

Very good point. Most ACs, above the Revolution, are pretty well loaded. On the very top end models there are only a few options...everything is standard. The buyer needs to be sure he/she is comparing apples to apples.

jussayin · 07-07-2017, 12:32 PM

Considering various DP coaches. Entegra offers a pretty comprehensive blind spot suite. The fit and finish of the American Eagle sounds excellent, but I have not found very much info on what blind spot safety features are offered on the Eagle. As one who has used this feature for about 5 years on a passenger vehicle, I would want a coach with a good blind spot information system. Anyone with some info on what is offered on the Eagle?

THenman · 07-07-2017, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jussayin

Considering various DP coaches. Entegra offers a pretty comprehensive blind spot suite. The fit and finish of the American Eagle sounds excellent, but I have not found very much info on what blind spot safety features are offered on the Eagle. As one who has used this feature for about 5 years on a passenger vehicle, I would want a coach with a good blind spot information system. Anyone with some info on what is offered on the Eagle?

I am not sure on what is available best bet is their web site.

Now the reason I am chiming in is I also was very used to blind spot monitoring as well as a number of other features. Like adaptive cruise sine 2005 and head up along with top down camera for parking since 2013. We had never had a coach before but I have found it not a serious problem to not have all the bells I have on my car. (I do really miss them on the toad however!)

The mirrors on our Tradition cover the blind spots well. Two convex and one flat mirror on each side plus a camera in the mirror that goes active with your turn signal. Not as in your face about someone beside you but decent.

Tom