Community Forums

Dollo · 03-31-2014, 05:27 PM

We have had an Itasca Suncruiser for about 16 years. Actually we are on our third one in that time frame. This last one has about 70,000 miles on it so we do use it, it is a 2005.

We want to move up to a diesel pusher. We have looked at the Tiffin Red, the Berkshire, Itasca diesels and a Thor.

If you were to buy one now, what would you go with?

If you have recently purchased, in the last few years, such a rig, are you happy with the one you have, would you do it differently?

I could use all the guidance I can get here so please be open and blunt with your opinions, thoughts and guidance. I think we would like to stay in the 38 foot range or so. If you have thoughts on that please share. Share any thoughts you may have on the issue at all.

Thank you.

Scarab0088 · 03-31-2014, 06:41 PM

All the best on your search.

You mention some shopping - liking models of 4 different brands. Here at iRV2 there are Owners forums where you can get feedback from specific groups of owners...like:
Tiffin
Tiffin Motorhomes Owners Forum - iRV2 Forums
Forest River
Forest River Owners Forum - iRV2 Forums
Winnie and Itasca
Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum - iRV2 Forums
Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club (WIT) - iRV2 Forums
and Thor
Thor Industries Owner's Forum - iRV2 Forums

This might help you cut through much of the "Ford vs. Chevy" type comparisons that might happen in a general forum discussion.

Again, best luck and safe travels

john 01 · 03-31-2014, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dollo

We have had an Itasca Suncruiser for about 16 years. Actually we are on our third one in that time frame. This last one has about 70,000 miles on it so we do use it, it is a 2005.

We want to move up to a diesel pusher. We have looked at the Tiffin Red, the Berkshire, Itasca diesels and a Thor.

If you were to buy one now, what would you go with?

If you have recently purchased, in the last few years, such a rig, are you happy with the one you have, would you do it differently?

I could use all the guidance I can get here so please be open and blunt with your opinions, thoughts and guidance. I think we would like to stay in the 38 foot range or so. If you have thoughts on that please share. Share any thoughts you may have on the issue at all.

Thank you.

Dollo, we purchased a 2014 Winnebago 40 u late last yr got it out of storage sunday just in time for 8 inches of snow, have almost 5,000 miles on it, it has a 380 cummins for power, we pull a 24 ft trl with 2 full dresser bikes, golf cart and 2 kayaks, we love it, mts are no problem.

Rodneykrantz · 03-31-2014, 07:56 PM

Newmar Ventana or the Ventana LE both have Comfort Steer

Mekanic · 03-31-2014, 08:08 PM

A diesel I would buy Would have mechanical injection and NOT a computer.
Cummins, or Cat makes no difference to me. I like them all.

Petes Dad · 03-31-2014, 09:09 PM

Cummins has 2 big advantages over the Cat. #1 is better fuel mileage, #2 is ease of finding a shop to provide maintenance for them.

1dutchstar · 04-01-2014, 02:13 PM

I have a cat. Great engine If I where buying today I would still buy a cat but I would look for a rig that you don't have to ADD the new EPA fuel additive. Addition expenses with that. I have ran cats in boats for years.

ernest917 · 04-01-2014, 03:58 PM

I have the Mercedes Turbo diesel in my Berkshire and love it.... 10-14 mpg and plenty of torque for those mountain passes we like to visit....

DD788Snipe · 04-01-2014, 07:56 PM

I am partial to Newmar and Tiffin products. I owned 2 Winnebago motorhomes and loved them both. With that being said, IMO Spartan chassis are the Caddillacs of RV Chassis'. Rugged well built and easily serviced. Cummins power has an edge over the Cat. They're both great engines. Newmar and Tiffin's customer service is by far the very best in the business and I feel you get the best bang for your buck, even if you buy used, which I reccommend, pre-2010 because of the smog restrictions (reason Catapillar quit building over the road engines in 2011) in particular the DEF injection system is an added cost. They are family owned and operated and build outstanding coaches and stand behind their products. Spartan Chassis customer service people are very good and are willing to help in anyway they can.

Craig Roberts 2006 Newmar Kountry Star KSDP3910 Spartan MM Chassis

Ray,IN · 04-01-2014, 08:08 PM

You cannot buy a new on-road vehicle with a Caterpillar engine now. That leaves Cummins, MB, and Detroit, as the main choices.

tankcj · 04-01-2014, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dollo

We have had an Itasca Suncruiser for about 16 years. Actually we are on our third one in that time frame. This last one has about 70,000 miles on it so we do use it, it is a 2005.

We want to move up to a diesel pusher. We have looked at the Tiffin Red, the Berkshire, Itasca diesels and a Thor.

If you were to buy one now, what would you go with?

If you have recently purchased, in the last few years, such a rig, are you happy with the one you have, would you do it differently?

I could use all the guidance I can get here so please be open and blunt with your opinions, thoughts and guidance. I think we would like to stay in the 38 foot range or so. If you have thoughts on that please share. Share any thoughts you may have on the issue at all.

Thank you.

Based on my research that I did when looking for a coach, I would go with the Itasca over the others you have mentioned. And based on your experience with the Itasca line you may be leaning that way also....

Ramets · 04-02-2014, 06:36 AM

Don't limit yourself to 38'. There's really no difference in handling a 40 footer, and it will give you more options. I would also look at the Newmar line. And I agree with a previous poster that used is the way to go.

wnytaxman · 04-02-2014, 06:43 AM

Dollo, you have a couple of very informative forums that you can peruse to see the issues with some of the coaches you are looking at. The Tiffin RV Network Forum will tell you a lot about the Tiffins and the issues and how their service has resolved those issues. The Forest River Owners Group forum will give you what you want to know about the Berkshires. Both of those forums have some great folks who will answer your questions, however each will have their own bias. The forums can give you a very good idea of issues and their resolutions. At that point you would need to determine what issues you can live with and which ones you can't.

ahicks · 04-02-2014, 06:59 AM

As a service tech at a large dealership back in the 70's & 80's & early 90's, I learned to appreciate the way a Holiday Rambler is built (over many/most other manf's.). Now retired, that was where I went first, and ended up, after looking at MANY different coaches figuring out what I was going to do.

The HR Endeavor series, on a bucks spent for bang received basis, is one of the better buys available. If you have any interest in what's going on between the walls, I would encourage you to at least have a look, even if you decide on something else.