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Old 09-18-2014, 09:20 AM   #1
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What should I buy ?

Cant make up my mind ...........what should I buy?
I have been shopping for a class a for over a year now and more confused than when I started. i like the mountainaire, american eagle the cornerstone but cant figure out what is the best .

which one has best resale ?
which one is built best ?
which one is easiest to own / drive etc
what size ?
450 ? 500? 600?

I love the eye candy of the tiffin allegro bus 45 or 37 but feel like i might have mor trouble with a tiffin.

im 55 and can rationalize doing everything with this coach but mainly just want to explore,,,,,,,motorcycle trips, wine country, tail gateing, PCH and on and on. my wife didnt wnt one till our son signed with West Virgina and we are in Austin........nows my chance.

WHICH ONE !!!!!!?????????
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:24 AM   #2
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I cannot help you with choices you have, but others will have the experience and opinion to help you.

Welcome Aboard!!

Keep us posted as to your decision(s) and we love pictures!!!

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Old 09-18-2014, 09:27 AM   #3
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Tough choices; JM2CW; the motor home floor plan that your DW likes, would be the first one to consider.
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:38 AM   #4
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Floor Plan, Floor Plan, Floor Plan.

Does not matter what coach you purchase. They all have warts and problems. Check out which manufacturer has good support. Most of the time the forums are used by people who are dissatisfied. There are a lot of satified customers for all manufacturers who are not vocalizing.

Generally speaking the higher end of each manufacturers line will have better materials but not necessarily better workmanship. The same employees work on multiple lines from entry to top end.

Buying used should get you a coach that has been through the warranty woes (fixing the problems) but you hear all to often of the coach from hell that was dumped back into the market. Buying new will get you into the warranty support.

You have to be prepared to "fix stuff" for the entire life of whatever you purchase. Nothing built by man will last forever. It is said that travelling with your RV is like being in a constant 3.5 earthquake. It will shake apart everything given enough time.

You will be trading your money to enter a lifestyle that is IMO one of the better options you can take. Some things are priceless.
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:43 AM   #5
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Glad you're aboard. Best of luck in your search and decision. Find a floor plan that you and DW like and then find one in your price point. Enjoy your adventures and be safe.
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:59 AM   #6
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I agree with Gordon...Its the floor plan that will ultimately sway you toward the rig of your dreams........and the budget.....Good luck with your search.

Safe and Happy Travels.
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Old 09-18-2014, 10:39 AM   #7
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Welcome and glad to meet you!
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Old 09-18-2014, 10:49 AM   #8
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You must have more money than you know what to do with? Have you ever owned an RV before? I bet not. Why throw good money away. Buy a small used RV and try it out on the cheap. If it turns out both of you hate the life style it is far easier to sell a cheap RV than an expensive motor home. Less financial loss to. If you decide you do enjoy RVing there is always another deal out there waiting for you.
JMHO
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Old 09-18-2014, 10:54 AM   #9
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Welcome to the forum!

The floorplan your DW likes will be most important. Choose a manufacturer who will step up and help you resolve warranty issues. Newmar has done that for us. I have not been to their plant but I understand all of their products come off the same line. I think this contributes to consistently better built products regardless of price point.

For us, our 400 hp is enough in our 2 axle, 39' coach even though we always tow a heavy pickup. Just gear down on the hills, keep the rev's at about 2000 and enjoy the ride. On the back side of those hills a two-speed engine brake will keep you in comfortable control.

Expenses to maintain a diesel pusher are higher than a gas coach (more filters, larger fluid capacities, tires, insurance and sales and license taxes) at least in the early years of ownership. But with proper maintenance, a diesel/Allison should last indefinitely.

Even tho' we have rv'd for about 40 years, the step up to a Class A pusher meant a steep learning curve that I will continue to climb. Now my hobby is learning about the coach and planning our next trip.

Resist the temptation to rush your choice. Resale value on any diesel motorhome is very low compared to original price. Try to buy right the first time. Enjoy choices and the search.
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:06 AM   #10
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what should I buy ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longhorn55 View Post
Cant make up my mind ...........what should I buy?

I have been shopping for a class a for over a year now and more confused than when I started. i like the mountainaire, american eagle the cornerstone but cant figure out what is the best .



which one has best resale ?

which one is built best ?

which one is easiest to own / drive etc

what size ?

450 ? 500? 600?



I love the eye candy of the tiffin allegro bus 45 or 37 but feel like i might have mor trouble with a tiffin.



im 55 and can rationalize doing everything with this coach but mainly just want to explore,,,,,,,motorcycle trips, wine country, tail gateing, PCH and on and on. my wife didnt wnt one till our son signed with West Virgina and we are in Austin........nows my chance.



WHICH ONE !!!!!!?????????

All three of your top choices are good.

Only Newmar (DutchStar, Mountainaire,LondonAire,Essex) has "comfort-drive"
the computerized steering. This feature alone, makes the difference for many
new owners. Test drive "comfort-drive" and also search the forums here, it has
5 star accolades from many.


If you still aren't sure, then make a list of "must-haves", and choose the coach with
more of the boxes checked.


Here is a list to get you started....


"Must - Have's"
---------------------

Diesel fired Hydronic heating (aqua-hot, or oasis or hydro-hot)
Tag axle
Residential Refrigerator
Electric induction cooktop
King size bed
Heated floor
Bath and 1/2 layout
Qty (3) AC/heat pump units
10KW diesel generator
Auto generator start
450hp Cummins engine OR LARGER
2 stage engine compression brake
side radiator

Have fun!
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:10 AM   #11
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FWIW totally agree on floor plan is the key. The other thing you mentioned was exploring so you plan on driving a lot and want toys. Assuming sufficient funds I would look at a shortish DP, probably used and not terribly old. Something less than, say, 5 years old will not have sat too long if somebody got sick while the tires will probably be good for another year or two while you figure other things out. That will let you tow an enclosed trailer with toys of choice and get into spots you might have trouble with in a 45 footer. Should be fine for two people as long as the inside storage is done well. You will not get a choice on engine and transmission as they will be model year and manufacturer dependent. You will be over the big depreciation hit but able to move on at minimal loss if you want something different in a couple of years. Just my $0.02.
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:15 AM   #12
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I agree. It's the floor plan that makes the coach liveable and comfortable.

The Comfort Drive in the Newmar is a great driving system. It makes long days seem shorter.
Good luck with your choice and Happy Trails!!!
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Old 09-18-2014, 03:07 PM   #13
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Good luck finding something that fits your needs.
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Old 09-18-2014, 07:11 PM   #14
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Welcome to IRV2! We're really glad you joined the gang here!

Sorry but nobody can answer that question but you!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
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