Went looking at new DP's yesterday

[twogypsies]

...and our 'must haves' were quite different for our full-timing. For our Newmar Dutch Star which we used 8 of our 16 years, we purposely didn't want more than two slides because we used public parks 90% of the time and didn't want to have to maneuver slides inbetween trees.

... we loved our catalytic propane heater - an even warm heat. We've parked next to those with Aqua Hot or similar and they stink.

... we had solar installed as an after market and it supplied all of our needs.

... our 370 Cummins/Spartan got us up mountain roads easily. Don't get hung up with bigger if everything else jives for you. We had no problem finding places to do maintenance. We didn't need repairs.

... we didn't have a tag for our 40' and it was excellent handling.

... we only had one bath and no washer and dryer...that's what we chose and had no complaints.

You can keep adding things and adding price. Especially if you're not full-timing, think about what kind of places you'll like to stay and do you 'really' need all the extras.

[TLGPE]

For those of us that don't care for the glitz, take a look at the Ventana line. Same Newmar quality, but without the Vegas casino look. They have a full line from medium large to really large. The 4002 and 4037 are on our watch list.


Tom

[Stripe34]

Originally Posted by TLGPE

For those of us that don't care for the glitz, take a look at the Ventana line. Same Newmar quality, but without the Vegas casino look. They have a full line from medium large to really large. The 4002 and 4037 are on our watch list.


Tom

Thx - we looked at a Ventana and a Dutch Star side by side at Midway today. The Ventana was actually glitzier - rhinestones in the back splash, glitter in the window treatment trim, molded/carved wood trim with glass/lights behind it, etc. I'm not sure if they can be ordered more plainly or not.

The Dutch Star was outfitted in a classy and quality manner, not as glitzy (to my eye). Admittedly, I like plain things in a s&b house - white walls, nothing hanging, no color, beige/grey flooring, etc. So someone with more pizazz will certainly fall in love with the Ventana style!

HTH -

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by Stripe34

Thx - we looked at a Ventana and a Dutch Star side by side at Midway today. The Ventana was actually glitzier - rhinestones in the back splash, glitter in the window treatment trim, molded/carved wood trim with glass/lights behind it, etc. I'm not sure if they can be ordered more plainly or not.

The Dutch Star was outfitted in a classy and quality manner, not as glitzy (to my eye). Admittedly, I like plain things in a s&b house - white walls, nothing hanging, no color, beige/grey flooring, etc. So someone with more pizazz will certainly fall in love with the Ventana style!

HTH -

My post listing some specific models left out the Dutchstar. As has been posted, the Dutchstar is a quality, high class coach and was actually the first coach we really liked when preparing for full time. The years we were looking at were not built with a tag axle or hydronic heat so it dropped off our list. Of course, newer Dutchstars have both.

[wnytaxman]

As your search is expanded to include used models be aware that what appears to be a gently used RV can be the lemon that the original owner couldn't wait to dump. Every time you see a post where the poster says that they dumped their rig after a short period of time means that someone bought that less than ideal unit. On the used market there can be two sides to the coin so buyer beware.

[Scottybdivin]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

As your search is expanded to include used models be aware that what appears to be a gently used RV can be the lemon that the original owner couldn't wait to dump. Every time you see a post where the poster says that they dumped their rig after a short period of time means that someone bought that less than ideal unit. On the used market there can be two sides to the coin so buyer beware.

He makes a very good point. I would almost rather go for a; less than 10 YO, very high quality , single owner coach, that shows pride in it's care. In my case, it was a matter of price point. Now with the 2017's coming out, it will be considered a 10 YO coach. Most non-RV people look at it and think it is brand new.

[Wundertaker]

Very interesting posts on this thread... Please go to "Class A Motorhomes" RV Forum...we are having some great discussions on almost identical topic here...some great input by some great folks.


I may respectfully suggest that those interested go to rvreviews.net for some great information.. I explain what they're about in the other thread. Really great information there and NO I am not affiliated with them in ANY WAY!!!


Hope to see some of you there..... HAPPY AND SAFE TRAVELS... :-)))

[Wundertaker]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

As your search is expanded to include used models be aware that what appears to be a gently used RV can be the lemon that the original owner couldn't wait to dump. Every time you see a post where the poster says that they dumped their rig after a short period of time means that someone bought that less than ideal unit. On the used market there can be two sides to the coin so buyer beware.

Maybe this isn't fair, but...Thor comes to mind

There's a "zillion" of em' for sale.....Hmmmmmm...

[Wundertaker]

Matt...check out the Winnebago Forza line...

[matthew6279]

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

Matt...check out the Winnebago Forza line...

I am looking at the 40-45 foot class a coaches. The forza is going to be too small I believe.

[matthew6279]

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

Maybe this isn't fair, but...Thor comes to mind

There's a "zillion" of em' for sale.....Hmmmmmm...

I looked at the Thor Tuscany and while it is a very nice coach I hear just way to many problems with them.

[matthew6279]

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

He makes a very good point. I would almost rather go for a; less than 10 YO, very high quality , single owner coach, that shows pride in it's care. In my case, it was a matter of price point. Now with the 2017's coming out, it will be considered a 10 YO coach. Most non-RV people look at it and think it is brand new.

The used coaches we are looking at are 2010+. We will be partially financing it so better rates that way too. We get a lot of compliments on my 2005 as well.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by mmartin

An Entegra or Newmar combared to a Winnabago is like comparing apples to oranges. They are in a totally different league. Built different. It's easy to rule out the higher end coach since it costs a lot more but they cost more for a reason.
Engine, chassis, suspension and i could go on and on. Drive an Entegra or Newmar and set aside the cost of the coach, then drive a Winnabago. The difference is night and day. I am not bashing Winnabago, but the more you understand the higher end coach the more you realize why they cost more. If i was full-timing, i would be in an Entegra Athem.

HUH??? - I do not have a lot of experience driving coaches but if Entegra or Newmar are apples and oranges better they have to be self driving.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by Wundertaker

Maybe this isn't fair, but...Thor comes to mind

There's a "zillion" of em' for sale.....Hmmmmmm...

I don't think they have made quite a zillion but they certainly make many more than their competitors. If they were making that many they would have an automotive type assembly line to automate many of the steps which would produce a high quality unit.

Many of Thor units are entry level. To provide an economical unit there has to be some economies taken. Many posters advise newbies to buy and entry level to see if they enjoy RV'ing and to learn the ropes. Many seem to take the advise and buy an economical unit which are later put up for sale when they upgrade.

Now if you have any aptitude for fixing things it could be worth your while to save a bundle at purchase but still get a new chassis. Any issues with the box can be fixed with the savings.