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Kbrede · 05-23-2016, 08:37 PM

Thinking of replacing our 40' 2000 American Eagle with a new (newer) coach. Moving up to a 42 or 45' coach. Coaches we're thinking about are the Anthem & the Dream or Tradition. Any thoughts or comparisons on these 2 companies/coaches? Thanks in advance.

mojoracing · 05-24-2016, 12:23 AM

Boy, thats a tough one. I have always had my heart set on an Entegra but the good luck and great service I have experienced with fleetwood has made me look a lot harder at american coach. I had the opportunity to walk through a dream the other day, not sure what year it was but fairly new. It was gorgeously executed. That new eagle sure is pretty. To me, the two brands can be similarly equipped and you can certainly find a model in both lines that will pass the apples to apples test. What I have not made up my mind on yet is the two different styles of building the walls. Not sure if a laminated wall (american coach) is better or if a residential style hung wall (entegra) is the way to go. Some folks say that a hung wall is antiquated technology but they certainly look smoother than a laminated wall.

Mr_D · 05-24-2016, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojoracing

Not sure if a laminated wall (american coach) is better or if a residential style hung wall (entegra) is the way to go. Some folks say that a hung wall is antiquated technology but they certainly look smoother than a laminated wall.

That depends on the execution of the hung wall vs the laminated. Personally I like the hung wall, (had two Newmars with hung wall construction) but our present rig is laminated. Both will do the job I guess. The Newmars had aluminum superstructure and mostly batting insulation under the hung wall. The CC has steel superstructure and tightly fitted foam board under the laminated walls. Insulation value seems to be about the same between the two types also.

Cat320 · 05-24-2016, 08:32 AM

The AC Dream is new this year...it was dropped quite a few years ago. Since they brought back the Dream, the Allegiance was dropped (again) and the Tradition was dropped.

The AC line up is now the Revolution, Dream, Eagle and Eagle with Heritage package.

Kbrede · 05-24-2016, 11:37 AM

Mojoracing, we've had great service from Fleetwood/American Coach. And Deb in customer service knows our coach from bumper to bumper. That's why I'm hesitant to switch brands. I'm on the fence about the different wall types, and also the difference in floor construction. Entegra says it's the quietest coach on the market. But will it still be that way in 10 years? When I buy this time I want to buy our "last" coach. Meaning I want it to last approximately 15-20 years. Plus we go full-time again in a few years.
I'm planning on touring the AC, Entegra & Newmar factories in July. Doing Newmar just because it's close and I'll have the time. I toured the AC factory about 6 years ago. Things change, so doing it again.

loisjop · 05-24-2016, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbrede

Mojoracing, we've had great service from Fleetwood/American Coach. And Deb in customer service knows our coach from bumper to bumper. That's why I'm hesitant to switch brands. I'm on the fence about the different wall types, and also the difference in floor construction. Entegra says it's the quietest coach on the market. But will it still be that way in 10 years? When I buy this time I want to buy our "last" coach. Meaning I want it to last approximately 15-20 years. Plus we go full-time again in a few years.
I'm planning on touring the AC, Entegra & Newmar factories in July. Doing Newmar just because it's close and I'll have the time. I toured the AC factory about 6 years ago. Things change, so doing it again.

One thing about the hung wall it allows them to use carriage bolts down through the wall, floor and into the structure, much stronger and quieter than putting screws up from the bottom. Floors are 7/8 marine grade plywood on the Entegras, some if not most mfg. use OSB.

mojoracing · 05-25-2016, 04:42 AM

No doubt that both are fine, fine coaches. While I may have an intermediate coach such as a Pace Arrow before I make my final move up, I am agonizing over it. It is definitely between Entegra, Newmar and American coach. Specifically the Cornerstone, Essex and Eagle although the Anthem can do it all and save me some money. Do you see how this is a very hard decision?!! I'm probably five years off but that could be moved up depending on personal situation. I like the hung wall for its inherent ability to give you a smoother side wall without the ripples. You make a good point about the Carriage bolts vs. screws not to mention the differences in floors which maybe you could enlighten me. I also dont care much for the stepped cap on the American Coach products although it gives an interesting look on the inside of the coach. If one of you could give a little info as to the American Coach owners group and rallys that might play into the decision as well. I love the idea of getting together with other owners of like coaches. I watched a couple youtube videos showing all the fun the Entegra owners have at their rallys and was impressed by the sophistication of the events that Entegra puts on for its customers. From a warranty and customer service perspective I think Entegra is probably the winner although I am very happy with the way I have been treated by Fleetwood. That being said, I must think that AC steps it up a notch for their customers, I just wonder if it is to the level of Entegra. From what I read and hear lately, Newmar may be chasing the others in a close third? In any event, Im sure whatever coach one chooses in this catagory, they will be happy as much does come down to personal preference and style. I like this thread so keep it going!

mojoracing · 05-25-2016, 04:51 AM

I wanted to comment on one other thing. At this level of coach, I think it is important that you feel like part of the family. One of you mentioned that American coach knows every inch of your coach. Its nice when you can call and the rep knows you and your coach by name and you talk about coach issues on a more personal level. Ive seen folks call the factory and the person on the other end asks how little mary is doing at xyz university and by the way are you still in Alabama or did you make it to Arizona? That kind of thing. To know that your business is appreciated and that they truly care is important. Ive heard these stories about Entegra and I would hope the same holds true with the other two manufacturers. This type of relationship may not be important to some folks but to many, I think it is something that adds to the experience and lets face it, it should be an experience at these price points.

Busskipper · 05-25-2016, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbrede

Thinking of replacing our 40' 2000 American Eagle with a new (newer) coach. Moving up to a 42 or 45' coach. Coaches we're thinking about are the Anthem & the Dream or Tradition. Any thoughts or comparisons on these 2 companies/coaches? Thanks in advance.

Proof is in the older units.

In the 16 years with your present coach what do you dislike?

Does the new choice correct that?

That should be the answer to the Quesstion.

JMHO,

DebbieMH · 05-25-2016, 07:21 AM

When I was looking for a new coach, Fall 2014, I was looking at American and then Entegra .... American makes a nice coach, but Entegra kicks it up "several" notches in my book. And, when I was at Spartan in Charlotte this past summer, several American coaches were there ... owners were complaining that the level of service from American has dropped considerably. Now, again, that was just a couple of owners and it was last summer, so things could have changed.

I would not hesitate to purchase another Entegra coach. However, I don't have to - because mine is just about perfect!

MisterT · 05-25-2016, 08:04 AM

I'll have to admit that American does not normally fit into my initial list of my 'next coach' purchase, but only because they are not top-of-mind. Interestingly, though, they catch my eye each time I do see one, and I find myself wondering why they don't sit near the top of my list.
Maybe it's because I haven't been exposed to too many of them, or that they are not built in Elkhart, Wakarusa, or Nappanee, or I just don't plain see them where we park.

I think that one could argue with gusto with Newmar, Entegra, and American in the mix, especially the higher end units within each brand.

exgman · 05-25-2016, 05:41 PM

When I went shopping in '14 I was set on a Newmar or Entegra. Had never been in an American and, being from the west coast, hadn't seen to many. I knew nothing about them. We went to the Tampa show so we could compare colors, amenities and such. After 2 days of going through every Newmar and Entegra there we stopped by the AC booth on a whim. As you can see from my sig it worked out for us. We found the coach that had everything the wife and I were looking for. Yes, it's on a modified Freightliner chassis, but I don't think there's that much difference these days. I do believe the wood construction of an Entegra is superior. I didn't drive one because we couldn't find a floorplan with the interior colors and floorplan my wife liked. We liked the Mt Aire, but a little underpowered in my opinion for western driving. Also, no air leveling in Newmars at the time.
AC support has been very good. The only drawback with our coach is our cabinet stain is starting to look a little sketchy after only 2 years. Overall, very happy with AC

mojoracing · 06-01-2016, 09:19 PM

Whats going on with your cabinet stain? Is it just wearing off or bigger problems. Im surprised to hear about AC service not being up to par. Do they have a large owner group that gets together for activities?

Green D · 06-01-2016, 09:36 PM

AC has lots of rallys also, I have been to several. A chapter from Fl has a rally during the Tampa show at Lazy Days. I have gone to that from Tx several times always a great time.
I have had great service from my bought new Tradition 42p. Entegra is also a great coach, when I was shopping Entegra didnt have a floorplan for me.
I've had four Fleetwood products and a Tiffin no reason out of my experience not to buy Fleetwood /AC again.
Have fun looking!

Eric