Community Forums

Changeup · 10-29-2017, 01:05 PM

Hello all,

We're trying to graduate from a 92 Safari Trek 2600 (26ft) but the combinations available and what we want are making us numb.

For us the Trek's weaknesses were:

Power: the little Diesel was wonderful but weak for freeways and mountains. If we have to move to gas I'll miss exhaust braking and low rpm power. We will want to tow a small vehicle. Pretty sure we want to avoid the Maxx engines.

Suspension: The front i-beam was far too harsh. My teeth are still somewhere on the grapevine. Air-bags would be nice but searches suggest that's for longer rigs; we want 26-30ft.

Insulation: Though normal for the era it was thin-walled and poorly insulated. Dual-pane windows would be nice, too. I understand fogging can be a problem.

Floorplan: We're not picky but the galley and bath in our "rear-twins" Trek were awfully small. We don't need to sleep more than 3 (queen bed + a guest).

A slide or two would be nice so I've been searching 2002ish and up, while trying to stay south of $50K.

The only other RV I've driven was an 06 28' Allegro Ford gasser. It wasn't bad but it failed on the windows and floorplan, and family experience with the Ford V10 isn't great (may have been a lemon).

I know this is the usual shopping overload so we're looking for external wisdom before crying uncle and hitting up the dealers.

Thanks!

MSHappyCampers · 10-29-2017, 01:50 PM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

saddlesore · 10-29-2017, 02:03 PM

Go looking for a short Monaco or similar..& I did find a 32' Country coach ('02 model, single slide) with a diesel & on air ride with levelers.when we were looking to upgrade.
You most likely will be looking at 30 to 32 footers tho, but don't let that be a determining short fall. as the added length will give you more room for the galley and bath area and a better ride.
Just do yourself a big big f'n favor and totally ignore any offerings by CrappyWorld.

Here is one, but no slide
https://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/Ken...32--5000047755

TMan59 · 10-29-2017, 03:08 PM

In that 26-30' range you're most likely going to have to go with a gasser. Newmar is a good brand that should offer a few different floor plans and be well insulated.
There are all kinds of threads about how to make them drive and handle better.

macnut · 10-29-2017, 03:21 PM

I agree with saddlesore. Gassers are great in that length range. The ford chassis rides rough, but there are things you can do to smooth it out. The newer models have some included.

rschad · 10-29-2017, 05:02 PM

I wouldn't rule out something longer as the extra room is great and I am not convinced it makes it harder to drive, park etc-they all are big and they all are basically a bus.
I recently bought a 2001 36s bounder with 33,000 miles for about 20,000 US dollars. I put another 1,000 in fixing little things, most of the cost labor finding electrical stuff and another 600 replacing the carpet with vinyl planking. I couldn't be happier.
So my advice is search wide you might find a gem.

saddlesore · 10-29-2017, 05:08 PM

Just a note... the PO is looking for a diesel and air ride, makes the search a bit more difficult but it can be found.

TMan59 · 10-29-2017, 05:25 PM

Does anyone make a 26-30 dp class a?

saddlesore · 10-29-2017, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMan59

Does anyone make a 26-30 dp class a?

Trek did, that is what they have now and are wanting to upgrade from.

Motor7 · 10-29-2017, 05:40 PM

Tiffin Breeze 28BR. Diesel pusher from 2011-2015.....it's a maxx force 7 which does not have any more issues that the other mfgs(I have researched tons about this coach). No hyd jacks, the suspension is all air and self leveling. The genny is under the hood, which helps get some weight over the front end. One slide and the interior is plush w/opposing seating.

This is my dream coach.....unfortunately we will have to wait a few more years to snag one since the lowest price on a used one is $70 and up.

saddlesore · 10-30-2017, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motor7

Tiffin Breeze 28BR. Diesel pusher from 2011-2015.....it's a maxx force 7 which does not have any more issues that the other mfgs(I have researched tons about this coach). No hyd jacks, the suspension is all air and self leveling. The genny is under the hood, which helps get some weight over the front end. One slide and the interior is plush w/opposing seating.

This is my dream coach.....unfortunately we will have to wait a few more years to snag one since the lowest price on a used one is $70 and up.

Hmmm wonder why they quit making that size? other than the 13 letter manure spreader engine?
Now I see that they make a 31 footer but they are using a Cummins ISV5.0 V8 ...Last V8 Cummins I owned was a 903 ci in a KW with a 4x4 married box twin sticker for transmissions

Changeup · 10-30-2017, 10:49 AM

@Motor7, Tiffin Breeze 28 - Heh, that was my first "one day you will be mine" RV. Later I learned to be scared of the Navistar engines, from a family member's trucking company, combined with my lack of Diesel experience, and hearing they're difficult to work on. I need to dig into it more; there are so many of them on the road now and coming up for sale.

To be honest, the Ford V10 in the Allegro was pleasantly surprising. It had 90K on the clock which is high (to me) for a gasser. Service records look good though and the owner bought it new. We're toying with the idea this could be our 2-3year upgrade.

Air ride: Not mandatory and it's looking unlikely for anything newer than 10yrs old in our size and price range.

@saddlesore, I started looking at Monaco Caymans. Not many short ones around but thanks for the pointer. Nice set of features!

Changeup · 10-30-2017, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rschad

I wouldn't rule out something longer as the extra room is great and I am not convinced it makes it harder to drive, park etc-they all are big and they all are basically a bus.

I'm with you to a point, but it's amazing how maneuverable those early Treks are, partly because they're narrow. I immediately noticed the extra foot of the Allegro when driving narrow roads.

It is tough to find a nice floorplan in sub-30ft models. The nicer Treks got away with it by using the drop-down bed, but we really want a normal queen bed this time.