Community Forums

ja63 · 10-16-2010, 11:44 AM

Hi. I am new to this forum and in the process of purchasing a 36', 2004 Country Coach Intrigue, with 2 slides. Before I finalize the purchase I would like to know if you are generally better off with a longer coach, for driving as far as tracking, response to road conditions, etc. is concerned. Thank you for any input you can provide me with. Jerry

PeakFinder · 10-16-2010, 11:56 AM

Typically, the longe the wheel base the smoother (better) the ride...

ja63 · 10-16-2010, 12:08 PM

I understand that, but should I avoid a 36' and only buy a 40', or will it be acceptable to drive the 36', without too much problem? Thank you.

PeakFinder · 10-16-2010, 01:46 PM

Why don't you take it out and drive it? Drive it on the interstate and some secondary roads. Drive it for 30 or 45 mins. That should give you a good feel for it. As far as I'm concerned, a 36 would be ok for me if I did not need a longer rig for storage and living. Hope this helps...

ja63 · 10-16-2010, 08:21 PM

Thank you. I will do that, but just wondered what others have experienced, and what their preference was. Jerry

Gary RVRoamer · 10-17-2010, 08:05 AM

We've owned both sizes, though different chassis types. Longer wheelbase is indeed a bit smoother riding, but length has its own problems with maneuverability. Our 36 footer was on a 228" wheelbase and it cornered better than the 40 footer on a 268" wheelbase. It also gets down twisty campground roads better.

Bottom line is buy what you like and don't get to wrought up in the details.

Dave and Jaime · 10-17-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ja63

Hi. I am new to this forum and in the process of purchasing a 36', 2004 Country Coach Intrigue, with 2 slides. Before I finalize the purchase I would like to know if you are generally better off with a longer coach, for driving as far as tracking, response to road conditions, etc. is concerned. Thank you for any input you can provide me with. Jerry

Handling should be very similar for the two models. The 36' has a 240 inch wheelbase and the ratio of wheelbase to overall length is 56%. The 40' has a 271 inch wheelbase and the ratio is also 56%. The ratio is a good measure of handling and ride characteristics. 56% is excellent. I believe that both models have the Dynomax chassis.

ja63 · 10-18-2010, 10:55 AM

Thank you very much for everyone's input, especially Jaime and Dave, and their 3 cocker spaniels. We now have our answer. Just waiting for our offer to be accepted by their bank. I also agree with Gary Brinck about not getting caught up in details, but it does help to get experienced opinions, thus thanks for your input. Jerry, Phyllis and our little rottweiler pup, (actually 3, 110 lb. bundle of happy)