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Old 02-02-2016, 11:12 AM   #1
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Question Small Class A motorhomes

We have downsized from a 40 foot Monaco DP, and are now shopping for a small 27-28 foot Class A unit. Started out looking at FR3, Coachmen Pursuit, Thor ACE 27, and Winnebago/Itasca Vista/Sunstar 27N.
We have pros and cons for all of them, but would appreciate some input on others in this situation.
The Winnebago models have a slight edge with us over the Thor, but $15,000 more in price. Don't intend to live in it, like we did the Monaco, but use it around 3-4 times a year, with one long trip (4-6 weeks) annually.
Would like to pull the trigger on a cash purchase by April 1, and ALL input would be greatly appreciated!!
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Old 02-02-2016, 11:45 AM   #2
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It is my personal opinion that the Winnebago is a better quality coach over the Thor, inside and out. However, I am not familiar with the Vista or Sunstar but I do know that some friends recently purchased the Thor Ace and it lacks in some of the build compared to the others. Perhaps you should look at some higher end used coaches and go that route.
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Old 02-02-2016, 11:49 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cuttymeister View Post
We have downsized from a 40 foot Monaco DP, and are now shopping for a small 27-28 foot Class A unit. Started out looking at FR3, Coachmen Pursuit, Thor ACE 27, and Winnebago/Itasca Vista/Sunstar 27N.

We have pros and cons for all of them, but would appreciate some input on others in this situation.

The Winnebago models have a slight edge with us over the Thor, but $15,000 more in price. Don't intend to live in it, like we did the Monaco, but use it around 3-4 times a year, with one long trip (4-6 weeks) annually.

Would like to pull the trigger on a cash purchase by April 1, and ALL input would be greatly appreciated!!

Our best friends downsized to a Vista 27N. They like it very much & installed a combo washer/dryer. The only downside for them is the one A/C unit. In over 90 degree temps they can't maintain a really comfortable temp. A 2nd A/C would be perfect but don't think it's available.
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Old 02-03-2016, 01:02 PM   #4
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The Thor ACE is definitely a "starter" MH with some corners cut to keep the price lower. Finding a high quality MH in the size that you are looking for seems to be the latest craze. Hopefully, the manufacturers are rolling them out, but I personally haven't seen too many below 34 feet that are quality made.
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Old 02-03-2016, 01:10 PM   #5
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We like our ACE 29.2 for layout and value for the $$. The storage and livability is good for the two of us and big dog. All the options were included and the Ford parts are the same as more pricey coaches.
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Old 02-03-2016, 01:33 PM   #6
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Take a good look at Newmar Bay Star Sports. 3-4 small class A's, good quality, good storage, tank sizes and known for their quality. I was interested in the Winnebago 27N until I found Newmar.
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Old 02-03-2016, 02:21 PM   #7
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Take a good look at Newmar Bay Star Sports. 3-4 small class A's, good quality, good storage, tank sizes and known for their quality. I was interested in the Winnebago 27N until I found Newmar.
Yesterday I accompanied a friend who is looking for his first small Class A to our local Newmar dealer. We looked at a Bay Star Sport 2702. I was really impressed with this unit even at its price point. Frameless windows, comfortable seating, nice fit and finish, well insulated, large window in the bedroom, etc. We took it out for a test drive and it handled nicely, had plenty of power, and the interior of the coach was very tight with no rattles and squeaks. I think he is trying to make a deal on this coach or order a new unit today!!


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Old 02-03-2016, 03:37 PM   #8
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We sure are happy with ours.Any questions just ask.
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Old 02-03-2016, 03:51 PM   #9
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FWIW Here is a thread on ACE mods:

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f121/ace-...es-139997.html

You might find it interesting. Some are personal choice but some are real problem fixes.

We are another member of the liked the ACE until we started looking harder club. Now looking at Baystar Sport and Bounder as better choices. You might want to go up a couple of feet.
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Old 02-03-2016, 03:55 PM   #10
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Get over it look at Class C's
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Old 02-04-2016, 05:04 AM   #11
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The major difference is that the A will have more living space than the C. If Ford would go back to cab seats that turned around to face into the living space I would rethink that comment.
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:01 PM   #12
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Class C's can be great, and everyone has their favorite type motorhome. We have had both; 97,000 miles in a Midas Mini class C, than almost 300,000 miles on three short class A's. 26 Ft. Winnebago Chieftain, 26 ft. Safari Trek and 29 ft Safari Trek. For us, the short A's are much better than a similar length C.

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Get over it look at Class C's
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:18 PM   #13
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We just bought a Jayco Precept 31UL, looked at the Newmar sport (side by side), liked the fit and finish of the Newmar but liked the layout of the Precept. Might want to take a look at it before pulling the trigger.
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Old 02-04-2016, 01:22 PM   #14
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We just bought a Jayco Precept 31UL, looked at the Newmar sport (side by side), liked the fit and finish of the Newmar but liked the layout of the Precept. Might want to take a look at it before pulling the trigger.
Like I've read so many times on this forum.... Floor plan , floor plan, floor plan.
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