On the search for used 40+ ft tag axle

[Dutch Star Don]

I agree with "Cat320". You need to identify some models that you like and then search. The exact or similar units will pop up.

I know a lot of people always talk about PPL motors in Texas - RV Parts and Accessories for Sale - PPL Motor Homes
We also have a place that always has a lot of nice used RV's here in California - DeMartini RV Sales - New and Used Motorhome Dealer | Index

[bamaboy473]

Originally Posted by jondrew

When you say a 40' TAG doesn't last long, I'm assuming you mean they sell quickly, not that they are unreliable

That type and age has been on my radar for a few months. Either they are from up north and have rust, or are of a color scheme that the bride can't handle, or have triple digit miles. All others sell very quickly.

[IlliniCathy]

think we are narrowing down to Tiffin Zephyr, Allegro Bus or Fleetwood American. Is there a best time of year to get best price? Thank you all for information. Searching all your suggestions. You guys are great!

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

think we are narrowing down to Tiffin Zephyr, Allegro Bus or Fleetwood American. Is there a best time of year to get best price? Thank you all for information. Searching all your suggestions. You guys are great!

Best time of year depends on location. A very large concentration of large dealers with big inventories is southwest Florida. The area from Tampa to Fort Myers in the late spring should be a great place to find a deal.

I don't believe the Zephyr has ever been build in any length other than 45'. What age range are you focused on?


Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[H. Miller]

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

Is there a best time of year to get best price?

Middle of winter

[rvadventure]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I agree with "Cat320". You need to identify some models that you like and then search. The exact or similar units will pop up.

I know a lot of people always talk about PPL motors in Texas - RV Parts and Accessories for Sale - PPL Motor Homes
We also have a place that always has a lot of nice used RV's here in California - DeMartini RV Sales - New and Used Motorhome Dealer | Index

I agree with Dutchstar that Demartini is an excellent dealer, especially in Northern Calif. They have a lot of great coaches. Regards

[tomakat]

I'm glad to hear that used 40ft. tag axles are flying off the shelf. ...just in case I ever decide to sell. And to boot, if you can get a 40ft. tag axle with Comfort Drive, then you've hit pay dirt.

[doc]

I know you said a tag, but I looked at a very nice Holiday Rambler for a guy the other day. Owner is wanting out and will take what is owed on it. Not sure if it is/was health problems but I believe it was. Three slides. N Georgia near Hartwell.

[IlliniCathy]

Doc, tag not deal breaker. Just preference. Dave thinks bigger is better. and would love 45 ft with 500 hp. Used to driving farm semi's so not issue to him.

[jmlmeyer]

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

think we are narrowing down to Tiffin Zephyr, Allegro Bus or Fleetwood American. Is there a best time of year to get best price? Thank you all for information. Searching all your suggestions. You guys are great!

Don't know your price range or model year preference but I would add Newmar Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, London Aire as well as Entegra Aspire and Anthem to my shopping list.

[Wryly Blithe]

I spent nearly a year researching which types of coaches would best suit our needs, and then once I finalized my wish list I spent another six months searching for the perfect rig. For us, 40+ feet was a must, as was a TAG. We knew that as beginners it was more coach than we really needed, but we wanted to make sure it'll fit all our needs well into the future. As someone a lot smarter than me has said: "Buy your third coach first."

In addition to all the great advice from everyone above, here's a couple tidbits that I found very helpful:

1. If you go shopping at a dealership, the first question to ask should be, "Is this unit on consignment?" Consignments aren't evil, but you need to be aware of what you're getting into because the deal will likely be structured differently. Someone's already mentioned that few consignment units get any kind of attention from the dealer, and they rarely if ever do any kind of inspection on them. If there are any issues after-the-sale, that dealer isn't likely to be of any help to you. It's only marginally better of they're selling a unit from their inventory, but marginally better is better than nothing.
2. In most states, buying from a dealer means paying sales tax. Some states vary on whether you pay tax on consignment sales, but I think most do. However, in some states (like Nevada) there are no sales taxes on private party sales, resulting in a huge cost savings. We bought ours from a private party and we didn't have to pay any sales tax - a savings of nearly $8k. Depending on your budget, it's well worth looking into.
3. Make sure you have a disinterested third-party inspect the rig before you purchase it. DO NOT simply take the word of the dealer, even if they promise you it has passed their "multi-point inspection." Their agenda is to sell the vehicle, and they will often say whatever it takes to make it happen. It's crass to think that way, but it's often true. I've been told by people I trust that the best way to do it is to make a satisfactory inspection a condition of the sale; that way, if something is found to be an issue, the dealer will be more inclined to address it because they know they have an actual sale at risk, rather than just some lookie-loo kicking the tires.

Good luck, and have fun!

[IlliniCathy]

Thank you Wryly. some very sage advice there!

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

think we are narrowing down to Tiffin Zephyr, Allegro Bus or Fleetwood American. Is there a best time of year to get best price? Thank you all for information. Searching all your suggestions. You guys are great!

If you are looking at the American Coach line of Fleetwood, there are five models...bottom to top they are Revolution, Allegiance, Tradition, Eagle and Heritage.

[Duoglide1]

We bought our current coach at Motorhomes of Texas in Nacogdoches and I highly recommend them. I was also extremely impressed with their service department. Enough so that I intend to go back this fall with a small punch list rather than get any of it done in Dallas.


2007 Monaco Executive 45' 525 ISX