Community Forums

Vickie 4369 · 12-19-2012, 08:03 AM

Just curious Who makes the super bad ass Motorhomes not just looks but overall form function quality etc.

I am sure the battle for the number one spot switches up every year so lets focus on 2013 Models.

Ted.

GaryKD · 12-19-2012, 08:40 AM

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The question asked is purely subjective. There are many different floor plans and coach designs. There are many different ways to RV with a motor coach. What fits one coach owner's requirements may not fit another coach owner's requirements.

Vickie 4369 · 12-19-2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The question asked is purely subjective. There are many different floor plans and coach designs. There are many different ways to RV with a motor coach. What fits one coach owner's requirements may not fit another coach owner's requirements.

It is kind of Like a head to head comparison they would do in a magazine.

Quality
Warranty issues
Materials and workmanship.
recalls
Fuel mileage
Power
amenities
etc

but I get what your saying

okgc · 12-19-2012, 08:58 AM

Overall Winnebago has spent about 10 years nation’s top-selling motorhome manufacturer while the Tiffin brand has been the top selling DP motorhome.

RustyJC · 12-19-2012, 09:54 AM

Judging based on sales figures takes you to the place where one has to declare McDonald's as having the best hamburger in the world simply because they sell so many more than anyone else. I doubt that many of us would believe that to be the case.

Sales volume is, to a large extent, a function of marketing and advertising programs, availability of multiple points of sale (i.e., a large dealer network - lots of McDonalds on every corner), goods priced in high volume demographic sales point (adequate burgers at appealing prices), etc.

In other words, there are many reasons for McDonald's selling more burgers than anyone else. Being the best burger probably isn't one of them.

JMHO.....

Rusty

redbaron73 · 12-19-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC

Judging based on sales figures takes you to the place where one has to declare McDonald's as having the best hamburger in the world simply because they sell so many more than anyone else. I doubt that many of us would believe that to be the case.

JMHO.....

Rusty

In fact, there is a lot to be said for companies who only make a "few" versus mass production.

Companies that are smaller often have better customer service, and take greater care in the quality of the build. Also some companies are more flexible when it comes to customizing a coach during the build process.

My first RV was a 5th wheel. I had no idea what I wanted, so I looked for a company that was respected and mass produced. I chose a Cedar Creek Silverback, and was very happy with it. My next was a 2008 Fleetwood Discovery DP..that was chosen mainly on floor plan and features. It was with that coach that I realized that some of the features where just that..check the box type features. For instance, it had a solar panel. I didn't know much at the time, but soon discovered that in full sun it might keep enough positive electricity coming in to offset the electricity that the "charging led" consumed.

I started comparing every item that a coach manufacturer puts in, such as the brand and size of jacks, the slide mechanisms, the insulation, the electronics. On and on. I was making mental notes that eventually lead to spreadsheets. The eventual outcome is that no one manufacturer could possibly have the *best* of every component and be a price that I would ever pay.

I finally decided on two Newmar & Entegra, based on the fact that hit far more of my items than any other coach. The construction process was the top item for me. I really wanted the Entegra, and found a great selection only 5 miles from my home in Alvarado, Tx. After spending many days kicking tires, I just couldn't find a floor plan I liked.

I found the Newmar Dutch Star 4347, and went to see it in person. This is the coach I fell in love with. It had good quality construction, a floorplan that worked, and finally a great price.

I can't wait to get the coach, and I know my sales rep is probably sick of me "adding" things. That probably won't end until it starts production, but I love the fact that I can do that!

JohnBoyToo · 12-19-2012, 10:08 AM

So are we talking regular mass market builders here or
custom one off manufacturers too like Prevost Legendary's etc ?

tuffr2 · 12-19-2012, 12:04 PM

Humm - great question. Would the best manufacturer of a gas coach also be the best at making a DP? I think I read somewhere that Georgetown is the #1 selling gas coach made by Forest River. Like mentioned before with the McD's analogy. From the research I have done Winnebago or Newmar. I was looking at the Adventurer line and the Canyon Star gas models. I think Winnebago and Newmar are a tie at the top.

puttin · 12-19-2012, 01:22 PM

If I read the O.P's question correctly then the answer would probably be either Newell Coach or Prevost. Most are only custm ordered unless it's a resale.

Clayobx · 12-19-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

If I read the O.P's question correctly then the answer would probably be either Newell Coach or Prevost. Most are only custm ordered unless it's a resale.

This is correct! The debate on production coaches is a bag of worms! Everyone feels their decision on a class A was the BEST. Probably not? Maybe? Each to their own as far as likes or dislikes. Quality, I vote Newell, Foretravel, Prevost. None of which I will be able to own unless very used down the road coaches. As for DW and I we looked for a GOOD coach with lots of bang for the buck and a reliable manufacturer and most importantly a versatile well organized dealership.

tuffr2 · 12-19-2012, 01:38 PM

Car and Driver tested the Newell. The Newell belonged to a NASCAR driver. Anyway for 1.4 million dollars they thought it should handle and accelerate better. They wanted to drop it off at BMW to see if they could improve the handling. They however did like everything else about it. P.S - they said they knocked down most of the slalom cones. 0 - 60 time was a turtle like 25 seconds.

bullheaded · 12-19-2012, 02:00 PM

My vote would be Millennium 2012PrevostMillenniumH_Mill516

Wolfpack Fan · 12-20-2012, 06:08 AM

I watched an episode of extreme RV's that featured the Newel line of coaches with lot's of coverage on how they're made. One of the few coaches that the chassis is built from scratch from the ground up. Incredible build quality and customization is pretty much limited to whatever you can think of. At 1 million plu$, I'll never own one unless I hit the powerball. Fun to look at and admire though.

Would be my coach of choice if money was no object.

Jake62 · 12-20-2012, 06:23 AM

Yes, I believe Newell or Prevosts are at the top. But I don't believe that's the relevant answer to anyone who has a budget under $500K, which I believe most RV owners are can be classified. Just like when looking for any material item: car, boat, house, the "best" is always dictacted by your pocket book. However, the "best" in every price category is another story. So, best DP at every price point can be a fair comparison, or every Gasser or 5er at every price point.

So for me, I'm looking in the 300K range. Yes, this may get me a 10-year old Newell, but I don't want a 10-year coach. At this price range, there are a couple of fine DPs that I believe are quality built. But over the last year, it seems that Entegra and AC are the two stand-outs from the rest, but there are several other that are probably right below them, like Tiffin & Winni.

Since I'm in the 3-year window to retire & go full-time, what happens with these models regarding QC, floorplans, and how the manufacturer treats its customers will help decide which direction I go, not just one specific model year since consistency has to be an attribute displayed by any RV manufacturer over a number of years, not just one.