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Old 03-17-2018, 04:21 PM   #1
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Second tier brands?

After Newmar and Tiffin and ? what brands are the next tier in quality, and maybe price?

We had been looking at 30’ travel trailers or 5ers then made the mistake of looking at a class A which we really liked (Winnie Vista 27PE) Now might be hooked.
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Old 03-17-2018, 06:59 PM   #2
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Quote:
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After Newmar and Tiffin and ? what brands are the next tier in quality, and maybe price?

We had been looking at 30’ travel trailers or 5ers then made the mistake of looking at a class A which we really liked (Winnie Vista 27PE) Now might be hooked.
Are you talking in about what is a better higher tier? What is your budget? I would recommend a used coach to start with.
Try looking at ppl.com and geting a feel for what floor plan you like.
Let me know and I may be able to make suggestions.
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Old 03-17-2018, 07:02 PM   #3
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Do you mean higher tier or lower tier??
Got hooked .....yep common story. Good luck in your search.
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Old 03-18-2018, 04:28 AM   #4
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Do you mean higher tier or lower tier??
Sorry. Assuming Newmar and Tiffin are first tier, what brands are thought of as being in the second tier (down)?
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Old 03-18-2018, 04:50 AM   #5
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Thank you.
That's what I am interested as well. Are there any 10-15 year old brands/models we really need to try and stay away from?
As I search on the internet, they all look pretty good. Some better floorplans than others.
But most have the same Cummins or Cat diesels, Freightliner or Spartan frames, and I guess the same appliances??
Just like you, I interested in what not to buy
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Old 03-18-2018, 06:36 AM   #6
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You need to give us a price range to work with ... some 14 year old coaches could go for $600,000 plus (Newells, Prevost, Marathon conversions) and some 14 year old coaches can probably be had for $10,000 ..... (but may not run!).
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Old 03-18-2018, 08:47 AM   #7
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The MSRP price is equivalent to the tier. That's becasue RVs are extremely price competitive and nobody is able to simply charge more money for the same goods. So, for more money you get better quality construction and more amenities bundled into the package. When buying used, you can still research the original MSRP (NADA RV Guide has them) to help identifying the tier.

Most RV manufacturers produce a range of models in both lesser and higher price tiers, with commensurate quality of components and design. Some of the basic construction methods and workmanship will be shared across models, but things like better grades of cabinetry, flooring, upholstery & furnishings will appear in the higher priced models. Ditto for larger fridges, more capacity in water & electrical systems, better handling chassis, etc.
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Old 03-18-2018, 08:48 AM   #8
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You need to give us a price range to work with ... some 14 year old coaches could go for $600,000 plus (Newells, Prevost, Marathon conversions) and some 14 year old coaches can probably be had for $10,000 ..... (but may not run!).
In our case <$100k. We can buy a new leftover Winnie Vista ~80k. To me Winnie is a good brand and for new that seems reasonable price. I’m sure I could buy used for a lot less but there’s more risk.
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Old 03-18-2018, 09:04 AM   #9
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I would go to RV Trader or RVT.com or a similar site and use the online filter tool to narrow the price and type (class A) and see what you come up with. I'm guessing everything from 10 year old diesel pushers to 2 year old gassers.

Personally I would be inclined toward a pre-2009 DP (maybe 2006-2008?). They are built to last, have higher end appointments, and you'll get a lot for your money if you look around. Going later than 2009 will drive the price over your budget and there were a lot of coaches in the 2009-2011 time period that suffered quality issues along with the economy. I would also tend to stay with a Cummins motor platform as they are currently better supported than ten year old Cats and Detroits.

From there it's research, personal preference, and floor plan. Happy hunting!
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Old 03-18-2018, 09:32 AM   #10
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IMO Winnie was a good quality brand 20 years ago, but got caught up in increasing number of units sold at the expense of quality. I base my opinion on my son's experience with a new 2012 42' Itasca. The company refused to help with a known problem with the heating system that they corrected on the 2014 models. Another acquaintance found so many things wrong on the PDI that he refused to accept it and Winnie said they were not going to correct the problems. The dealer, Camping World, refunded his deposit in full. Maybe isolated incidents, but gives cause for concern.
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Old 03-18-2018, 09:39 AM   #11
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I owned a Forest River Berkshire before my Dutch Star. For the price it was a great unit. No major problems to speak of.
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Old 03-18-2018, 09:43 AM   #12
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Buy quality. Buy used.

Set a budget - go back in years till budget and RV values align.

IMHO.
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Old 03-18-2018, 09:47 AM   #13
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Ordered two Dutch Stars knowing they were not "top tier" but gave a good value for the money.
Present rig had a sticker of $750,000 and even then it's not "top tier" even within the Country Coach line.
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Old 03-18-2018, 11:32 AM   #14
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Second tier brands?

Very subjective. Opinions only in many cases.
Each maker can have several levels rev group makes American , fleet wood , etc.
Winnebago and fleetwood forest river and jayco ( I won’t own another Thor product )
That’s only my opinion based on my needs and research as of a few years ago. I finally bought a used Beaver coach and after 3 + years I look at new ones and still can’t find a reason to trade “up”
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