New RV and Service Contracts

[George Lewis]

I have a 1999 Fleetwood Bounder 34J Ford V10. I love it and have had no problems. I have 55,000 on "Hoppie". I will be 80 on Aug. 29 and feel that I need a diesel coach before I go to the big BX in the sky. I really like the 2013 Thor Palazzo 33.1. Commins 300hp/660 torque and 34.5 long which fits in my 30X40 barn with room to walk around the unit. They have upgraded the fresh water tank to 95 gallons, vs 50.

I have never had unit with a diesel engine or a slide. The diesel seems to be a little more complicated to maintain, but I have a local shop to do the oil and filter changes. They do good work and have m/h in their waiting area daily. I don't think they do engine work other than scheduled maintinance...

I am not a wrench and turning on the water pump switch is pressing my abilities...ha ha

I was wondering if you folks with new units started out on long trips shortly after buying the coach and how did it work out. I am concerned about a major breakdown....just an old guy worring about nothing I suspect. I am planning a 3,000 mile trip and may take Hoppie and buy the Palazzo after I get back. I really want to buy the diesel and take it for a real shakedown cruise....oh, I can park out in my back 40 and check out the systems...not my concern....the dependability of the diesel running gear is my concern. Thanks for any incouragement....

Do you recommend service contracts? What companies have you delt with? I will be buying from Campers World in New Braunfels, TX and have never had a contract on any of my motorhomes.....the diesel scares me somewhat...I do have Good Sam towing service...thanks for any info....

I have also posted this on another RV site.

[RickO]

I have a service contract with EasyCare and have been very happy with them.

However, I bought it from my dealer at the time I bought my new 40DP. I wouldn't do that again. I'd wait until the factory warranty was about to expire and then shop for a service contract on line.

As for the reliability of the diesel running gear on a new rig... personally, I wouldn't be concerned with it. You'll have a lot of "house" problems in the first year but chassis problems are much less common. We took our new DP on a 50 shake down cruise... then on a 1800 mile round trip... then hit the road cross country.

Best of luck.

Rick