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07-18-2018, 10:08 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 12
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Newb looking for short DP
Hello all, first post here.
Looking for a 36' or less used but well built DP for the DW and myself plus a small dog and occasional guest. Not full timers but want to be able to spend weeks comfortably.
Have been considering 2008-15 Tiffin Phaeton, Red, Breeze, Newmar Ventanas, Monaco Cayman, and Winnebago Forza.
We really like the floorplan of the Forza 34T with the giant U shaped couch with TV/fireplace directly across, the overhead bunk and washer dryer.
I'm finding them scarce in my desired price range (mid low 100Ks) and wonder if there is any reason to avoid buying an Itasca 34T instead, which seems more plentiful.
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07-19-2018, 04:45 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Western NY
Posts: 6,113
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I Don't know much about Itasca but can recommend our Ventana.
I know the only one of those mentioned w Comfort Drive would be the Ventana and is a large part of what I like in our 3433 VTDP.
Does the Itasca have double pane windows? That would be a must having had MHs with and w/o.
After that it comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
The electronic / remote cargo door locks is a feature I never had before but would not be without after having them.
One layout feature we feel is important is separate shower across the hall w ability to isolate the BedRm & bath shwr from the front living area and our 3533 VTDP was the best of those we looked at. It has pocket doors on both sides of the bath rm / shower and doesnt rely on the bath rm door swing. This allows isolation either way. The Tiff RED 33aa Bath Rm door opens the wrong way and doesnt allow that...
__________________
Don & Marge
'13 Newmar Ventana 3433 - '14 CR-V TOAD
'03 Winnebago Adventurer 31Y - SOLD
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07-19-2018, 05:05 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Citra, Florida
Posts: 1,396
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There are only three Mfgs I would consider, Newmar, Tiffin and Fleetwood.
For the usage and occupancy you indicated 36' is the absolutely the smallest length I would consider. Even if I had to consider an older rig to stay within my budget. Remember, no matter how big they are they are still only made for two people. Even an occasional guest with all their "stuff" will add to the crowd.
We have traveled extensively in MH's since the eighties. I say this as a matter of qualification for my remarks.
Good luck and keep us posted as to what you decide to buy
__________________
Good Luck and keep us posted please. "Q"
1999 Newmar, Mountain Aire 3768, V-10, CAI, Headers.
"Spending our kids inheritance one trip at a time"
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07-19-2018, 05:21 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Where we park it!
Posts: 13,145
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I would have to side with Quincy on the three choices (Newmar, Tiffin or Fleetwood) if you are looking for quality in a used coach.
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momdoc
2018 Tiffin Allegro RED 37PA
2020 JEEP Trailhawk
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07-19-2018, 08:23 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Manhattan (Little Apple) Kansas
Posts: 2,476
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We toured a Newmar New Aire which is a few inches under 35 feet and love the quality and floor plans but not so much the price. I guess you get what you are willing to pay for!
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2020 Newmar Baystar 3005 Gas V10 - 2020 Jeep Rubicon
1280 Watts Solar - Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 120V Inverter
300 Amp Lithium Battery
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07-19-2018, 10:41 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 12
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What do people think about floor plans with couches facing sideways but TVs facing fore and aft? Do you get sore necks watching sideways?
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07-19-2018, 12:14 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 1,343
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a couple of years ago I had the same thoughts short reasonable low mileage. I studied drive train and chassis. then floor plan. New or near new tires were on my list. I wanted to get into a DP prior to the current EPA rules and DEF. I settled on looking for a Cat 300 or more hp. That put me back to 2005 or so after a long look we got into a 2000 Tiffin Allegro Bus with 80K miles interior was good outside needed work. We got the unit for $32,000.00 and had enough money left to make all the upgrades we wanted. Yes it is now 18 years old but it is comfortable and all systems work and we travel around with some friends in brand new rigs that that break down all the time while we just keep trucking. So I say spend you time making a wish list and then don't rule any thing out.
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2000 Allegro Bus 35R 3126 Cat 300 Allison 3060MD 6 speed
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07-19-2018, 01:50 PM
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#8
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,578
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Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!
You've got a lot of tire kicking to do!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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07-19-2018, 04:52 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Springfield, IL
Posts: 1,070
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I purchased a 2007 Itasca Meridian 34H a few months ago and after 2000 miles beleive we made the right choice. At 34'9" the ride is great and the 350hp Cat C7 has handled everything in our path. 2 slides. Might be worth your consideration. Not many out there for sale.
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07-19-2018, 08:38 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Zebulon, NC
Posts: 5,208
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Welcome to the forum!
Not only tire kicking, but a lot of reading too.
__________________
Kelly and Jerry Powell with Halo (Lethal White Aussie), Nash the Rat Terrorist, and now Reid, the "Brindle we have no idea puppy"
2020 Grand Design Solitude 390RK-R
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07-20-2018, 12:36 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: UT
Posts: 1,244
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mate_stubb
What do people think about floor plans with couches facing sideways but TVs facing fore and aft? Do you get sore necks watching sideways?
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I think you nailed it....sore necks. That said, to each his own on floorplan. Find what you like. If you enjoy state and national parks, depending on location, you might not be allowed in if over 35ft. That was one consideration for us (length and the other was height!) when we bought our Palazzo. Good luck. Enjoy!
__________________
Ed
2023 Geneva 28VA
Solar and LiFePO4, 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Toad
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07-20-2018, 08:10 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 123
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Have you looked at Foretravel? We love our 05 U270. 36’ 400hp Cummins,1200ftlbs torque. 4 wheel Air disc brakes, 8 outboard airbags, side radiator. 2 slides w/ air bladder seals. 20K towing capacity. And quality second to no one!
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2005 Foretravel U270, Cummins 400HP ISL
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2016 Polaris RZR Turbo
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07-20-2018, 08:31 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Granite Bay, CA
Posts: 472
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CWSWine
We toured a Newmar New Aire which is a few inches under 35 feet and love the quality and floor plans but not so much the price. I guess you get what you are willing to pay for!
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We bought a New Aire and you are absolutely correct about the price—sticker shock for sure
We love it. It’s an amazing coach. Comfort Drive makes driving it a pleasure; I never get fatigued, something to seariously consider when picking a manufacturer.
__________________
Alan
2018 New Aire 3343
DW Lilfoot
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07-22-2018, 12:02 AM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 12
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The New Aire is gorgeous. The coach design is new, so maybe I can afford a used one in a couple years...
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