Community Forums

GWayne · 09-29-2015, 11:15 AM

Hi all:
I am very new to RV's. I spent my r+r time canoeing when I was younger and sailing in the mid years, but with retirement I want to try something new and trade in my Santana 35 for a RV. Over the last few months I have been looking at different motor coaches.
In the next few days I will be going to view a 39 ft. Tropi-Cal made by National RV in 2004.
My questions, if any one will be so kind as to give their views, are fairly general and probably what every MC buyer asks.
As I understand it National RV went into chapter 11 in 2007 and I don't think anyone picked up the name or rights and continued to support the product. I also understand that a large part of the systems of any MC are supplied by 3rd parties any way, but the big question is how big a deal is this to an owner of a 11 year old MC?
The second question I have, is how did National RV rate as a MC builder in their time? were they a top of the line focused on the high end market or were they focused on price and volume? Or some where in between?
And the 3rd question is compared to other MC companies did they produce a good reliable MC in their day?

Thanks very much for you time and trouble
Wayne

Frantz · 09-29-2015, 11:35 AM

We purchased a new 2008 National Pacifica in 2009 after the bankruptcy. The coach has been great. We have needed nothing that hasn't been available from other manufacturers; Dometic, Freightliner, Cummins, Powergear, etc. The coach is top-of-the-line. Even though we had a couple of fit/finish issues because it was basically finished by management, they were easy fixes (backwards switches, handles needing tightening, etc). We have found nothing we would trade it for.
National built good coaches with tall ceilings and usually large baths. Go to the National Owners Forum for more input on Nationals.

denlock · 09-29-2015, 03:02 PM

t55watson · 09-29-2015, 03:07 PM

National was not a high line coach (in my opinion). High line coaches start above $500,000 and go up.

USMC1968 · 09-29-2015, 03:18 PM

We had a 1998 National Dolphin 535 for 4 years and liked it so much we went looking for a National DP... bought a 2004 National Tropic Cal T370 this past December... LOVE it... National built more motorhome for the money... good fit, good quality and people who have or had one, most say they would buy another... Can't buy this must motorhome for the money...

MSHappyCampers · 09-29-2015, 04:04 PM

Hi Wayne! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Sorry I can't help with your questions!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

GWayne · 09-29-2015, 05:00 PM

Thanks Frantz. I see you list 2 segways on your signature. Do you haul them in your MC? and I have to ask how as well?
Wayne

hal1phx · 09-29-2015, 11:20 PM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/images/sm...cometoiRV2.GIF

Bruce C · 09-30-2015, 06:23 AM

Frantz · 09-30-2015, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWayne

Thanks Frantz. I see you list 2 segways on your signature. Do you haul them in your MC? and I have to ask how as well?
Wayne

Hi Wayne -
We carry the Segways in our Honda Odyssey mini van 4-down toad. Our previous toad was a Chevy HHR which also fit the 2 Segways. Love the Segways!
Marilyn

GWayne · 10-03-2015, 09:40 PM

Thanks to every one for their replies. We viewed the Trop-Cal T396 today it looked good, clean, and well looked after I put a deposit on it and will have it inspected Monday. I hope it goes well and you hear more from me in the future.
Next I will need to buy or setup a toad
Wayne