Community Forums

deasnealy · 05-13-2011, 11:25 AM

Hey guys. My wife and I follow your blog and really enjoy it. We are living vicariously on your trip. I was going to ask you about your big rig. Let's us know if you end up in N. Georgia. We would love to meet you guys first hand.

Take care.

SteveLevin · 05-13-2011, 11:28 AM

One thing to keep in mind is that diesels generally maneuver far better than gas rigs, as they can turn the front wheels almost twice as sharply. Also, because in most the front wheels are behind where you sit, the overall wheelbase on a 34' diesel may be just about the same as on a 30' gas rig. (all of which combines for a 34' that can turn around in places a 30' cannot, for example).

Steve

deasnealy · 05-13-2011, 11:29 AM

Have you guys seen the Winn 34 y journey express? I am also looking at the Vista 26 And 30. I am 6' 5" and cannot go to the View/Navion without kneeling in the shower!

deasnealy · 05-13-2011, 11:33 AM

Excellent info. Thanks. I have been studying for months and never saw that tidbit of valuable info.

mikron · 05-13-2011, 11:42 AM

Our 35' with 3 slides is great for short day or week trips. Could not dream of full timing with it. Floor plan is first 42' or 45' is second for me. Would not worry about gas or parks, you will find the ones that work. Of course full time go diesel and gas up at the truck stops. Again as with a house its location floor plan for MH.

Tha_Rooster · 05-13-2011, 12:10 PM

There is a whole lot more to think about when buying a motorhome besides just the length. You can not compare a prevost to a gasser if they are the same length. Big canoe is a nice place been their.

deasnealy · 05-13-2011, 12:14 PM

Let us know when you are back up. We can take you out for a ride on the small pontoon boat in an exchange for a tour of your rig.

RJay · 05-13-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deasnealy

Thanks for that tip. I like the Tiffin line as well. What are your thoughts on gas vs diesel?

With a diesel you get a raised rail frame giving the coach more storage space below with a slightly higher ceiling, more cargo carrying capacity, air brakes, air suspension, a superior ride, more engine power(torque), 6 speed bullet proof transmission, diesel generator, more batteries, usually a two stage exhaust break and a higher towing capacity. The negatives of a diesel is higher maintenance costs, higher fuel costs, larger tires to buy. All of the above you don't get with a gas coach. There is a difference between more storage area and more cargo carrying capacity. You can either be limited by the space available for storage or the axle rating. Hope this helps.

cb5300 · 05-13-2011, 12:45 PM

If "Mom" wants the 40 footer than you best get the 40 footer..

cause if mom's not happy then NOBODY is going to be happy!

Seriously, the bigger coach will be much more comfortable, and also opt for the stacked washer/dryer, and not the combo.

If you are looking to go full time, then I would also look at getting the Aqua-Hot system, you'll enjoy a better even heating of your coach, and an endless supply of hot water. You'll also save money in the long run by not having to buy so much propane.

If it was me the smallest I'd opt for would be a 43' Dynasty.

DRosedale · 05-13-2011, 12:46 PM

We ended up buying a 2011 Coachman Concord 300TS. It is a class "c" coach. It is 31 feet long with 3 slides. It is perfect for us and love it. It has the right floor plan, but without the slides, not sure it would be right for us. To me, length is not as important as slides. Slides make a good floor plan great. So if we are voting, slides would be my most important issue.

Tha_Rooster · 05-13-2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deasnealy

Let us know when you are back up. We can take you out for a ride on the small pontoon boat in an exchange for a tour of your rig.

It's in Gainesville anytime you would like a tour send a private message.

TexasSprinter · 05-13-2011, 07:52 PM

We very carefully considered the 34' Winnie Journey Express. Lots of things to like about that unit. Well built, well appointed. Pretty much everything that a 40' gets you but not as long. In the end, there were two things that moved us in a different direction:
1) It is wide and tall. When I drove it back-to-back with the Serrano we bought it seemed VERY wide and we like narrow roads. Test drive it on something other than an interstate.
2) With the slides in, there is barely room to walk through the thing. Getting back and forth to the john or the refrigerator (not necessarily in that order) was difficult. Make sure and look at it slides in.

It is better built than our Serrano, but driving the Serrano seems like a sports car next to the Winnie.

DriVer · 05-13-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COSerrano

It is better built than our Serrano, but driving the Serrano seems like a sports car next to the Winnie.

COSerrano, That's an excellent unsolicited testimonial for the W20D and MaxxForce 7 / Allison Powertrain!

denochs · 05-13-2011, 08:14 PM

Think of it this way:
Momma wants 40' that discussion is over. Get her a 40'
Gas or Diesel-Full timing can mean drive somewhere and park it for a longer period of time-Gaser. If full timing means driving to lots of destinations and racking up miles-Diesel.

When you buy that 40', make sure she signs off on the floor plan.

Dave