Community Forums

Lemussteed · 05-23-2019, 02:30 PM

Hello,
My husband and I are now retired, in our early 50's. We love being outdoors, hunting, riding atvs, golf and camping. We both grew up camping: tents, travel trailers, fifth wheels and currently a motorhome. We have a Fleetwood Southwinds 36b, for the past 8 years. Love the floorplan and the more updated interior of our gas coach. We do all kind of camping from full hookups to dry camping. Our oldest daughter played college softball at the University of Kentucky and needless to say, we did our fair share of tailgating all around the SEC. We are looking forward to many more adventures, longer trips and building new friendships. We are looking to upgrade our gas burner to a diesel pusher. We have gravitated toward the Tiffin, Newmar and Fleetwood coaches. Want to stay under/at 38-40 feet and minimum of 3 slides. I would also like a bath and a half, stackable washer/dryer and booth/U/L dinnette. We have two adult daughters, oldest is married, all 3 like to travel with us when their schedules allow. Welcome to opinions and advice. Look forward to being a part of this forum.

Leigh

Jean n Steve · 05-23-2019, 03:38 PM

Welcome to the gang, Leigh.

We haven't been RVing for too long but, after a two-year research session, I can tell you that gravity is steering you in good directions. While Newmar and Tiffin are great mid-range coaches, with well-deserved reputations, I really can't speak to modern Fleetwoods. Someone will chime in.

I didn't see anything that lead me to believe you folks were thinking of full-timing, so can we assume you're going to be out for a while, each trip, but not "living in" your rig? That will help determine storage space requirements.

How about condition? Are you looking at new only, gently used, or...?

There are more questions to be asked and answered, I'm sure, but I really just want to welcome you aboard!

Steve

scenic route · 05-23-2019, 06:30 PM

I'll 2nd the welcome. Coming from a gasser to a diesel is a learning curve, at
least it is for me. Still haven't gone camping yet, except we had to bring the coach from Texas back to Florida.

Our last coach was gas and a bath & 1/2, so understand why you want that feature...we loved ours. You may have to travel a bit to find 1&1/2 in a diesel, we finally found a Windsor in Texas with the two baths. You might get lucky and not have to travel too far.

Although you didn't mention Monaco in your post, I think they are worth looking into...the Windsor has a big shower area in the aft bathroom and usually has a washer/dryer combo unit...wife loves that too. The side radiator is nice for easy access to the engine, very nice feature. Good luck with the search and welcome aboard.

momdoc · 05-23-2019, 07:39 PM

Welcome to the forum.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. Tiffins would be a good choice and offer all you are looking for. We love our Tiffin

Continue to enjoy the adventure!

Lemussteed · 05-24-2019, 08:48 AM

Response to questions raised by Jean N Steve:

I would love to be a full timer, not in my husbands DNA. He needs the "home base" connection. Me, I could be gone until I could not go any more.

We are looking for a gently/used coach. Really not interested in the price tag of the brand new coaches.

Wanting to stay under 40ft. Our 36b coach is enough space for us, especially b/c we spend so much time outside the coach. My thougth process, I can only be in 3 square feet area at a time.

Another factor: we prefer the booth/U/L dinnette, not the table and 2 chairs.
I understand that many of the coaches we find are made for 2 people.

Models I am gravitating towards to meet out needs:
Ventana LE 3709 and 4002
Allegro RED 37BA and Phaeton 37BH
Fleetwood Discovery 38K and 40E

A factor for me is the reduction of the sway from cross winds and large rigs.
I know the formula for testing out the wheelbase ratio and that is important to me and my husband. Take the wheelbase divided by the length of the coach (in inches) then to get the percentage multiply by 100. Any number above 50 is acceptable, but the higher the number the safer the coach and easier to drive. So one thing that Newmar has going for me is the comfort drive!

Thanks and I welcome comments and suggestions.

Response to scenic route:
should I look at any particular site in Texas?
I will look at the Monaco. Friends of ours from the UK softball days, they have a Monaco and love theirs.

Thanks,

Leigh