Recommendations on used Class A diesel ?

[ken wheeler]

My wife and I are looking for a used Diesel Pusher. We do have a few wishes,
#1. Flat floor without step ups (except closet areas)
#2. Side radiator
#3. Nice size shower

I realize "used" limits choices, but, I am thinking 5-10 yrs old, mid to higher end coach. I really would appreciate some direction and thoughts on models that would fit most of these wants. I am sure we are not the first with some of these thoughts.
Thank You ,
Ken

[Massparanoia]

Dutch Star

[ThePowells]

Welcome to the forums!

I took the price point at which SWMBO was shopping new class A's and went on a search. The search ended at Entegra. We are at 2016 Anthems unless we find a great deal on a Cornerstone and am hoping to be in our active search on August or September.

[TTD]

2008-2009 Country Coach Crane Prairie edition fits the bill... except the rear bathroom/closet area is a step up. I have one and am very pleased.

Can't post outside links, but easy enough to google it to see some for sale on various forums.

[ken wheeler]

Dutchstar has been our choice as far as new, just do not want to overlook any other good choices>
thank you

[s@ndm@n]

Pre 2010 Monaco Camelot or higher. Just ended up with a 08 and couldn’t be happier.

[2 Stroker]

It would be good to know your location and price range to help you better. I think Country Coach is one of the better coaches. CC built there own chassis with side radiators all on the bus still frame.
2 stroker

[ken wheeler]

We are located in South Alabama, near Gulf Shores. Budget would be in the $200,000 range. I hope this helps.

[Samuise]

Originally Posted by ken wheeler

My wife and I are looking for a used Diesel Pusher. We do have a few wishes,

#1. Flat floor without step ups (except closet areas)

#2. Side radiator

#3. Nice size shower



I realize "used" limits choices, but, I am thinking 5-10 yrs old, mid to higher end coach. I really would appreciate some direction and thoughts on models that would fit most of these wants. I am sure we are not the first with some of these thoughts.

Thank You ,

Ken

Entegra. Can’t go wrong

[jcussen]

A days drive from you, and you can compare brands and build quality.
https://www.motorhomesoftexas.com/

[Smitty77]

Newmar (Dutch Star on up to Essex), Alpine (At the edge of the 10 year age.), Monaco, or equivalent Holiday Rambler and or Beaver (Dynasty on up to Signature. Going a bit older Windsor, toss in Windsor.), Country Coach (Inspire on up thru Affinity.), Foretravel (U320 on up to well pretty high end.), Travel Supreme and at the 5 year mark, early Entegra's(?), American Coach.

Some off the beaten bath, but good value and build include:
-Rexhall
-Tripple E

Those are some ideas. I'd suggest you both go visit as many coaches as you can. (Check online too, as places like PPL have floor plans included on their sites.) Start a list of what is important to the two of you. Suggest one is inside the coach/livability items. And another on mechanical chassis/engine/generator/tank size, etc. Come down with a list of Manufactures and Models and Years that fit your budget and your lists - then you're ready to go shopping.

Some considerations:
-CCC (How much will need to carry?)
-Towing (Will you need to a heavy Toad, or trailer?)
-On the line of the previous two, think Tag vs Non Tag
-Slides, number of
-Slides, kitchen in slide or not. (In slide, lose 4-6" depending on coach, of upper cabinet space. Plus, moving plumbing.)
-Kitchen - Galley size. What side of the coach? If on Passenger side, usually the dining area is opposite. So overlooking your neighbors patio instead of yours.)
-Interior cabinet space for storage
-Table with chairs or dinette table that converts to more sleeping?
-Slide out generator, or not? (Hint, slide out is nicer!)
-Electric floor heat, or not?
-Hydro/Aqua/Oasis heating and hot water, or Propane Water Heater and Furnace?
-2 AC's or 3 AC's?
-Engine access from rear, and if needed, ease of getting to the top from the bedroom?
-Tank Capacity? Higher is usually better.
-Drum or Disc Brakes? All around or at least on Steers.
-Air leveling? Jack leveling? Both?
-Mentioned Side Radiator already...
-Exhaust Brake vs Jake Compression Brake vs Transmission Retarder (Foretravel)
-Engine HP/Torque? (Look up Rule of Thumb for HP to weight Ratio. But an opinion, hardly anyone ever complains about more power...)

Have fun, take your time, and dive into the Owner's Forums when you narrow down you list for more specific's!

Best to you both,
Smitty

[ken wheeler]

Thanks Smitty for that list, some good thoughts for sure!