Need Advice on Rig Purchase

[heyduke]

My wife and I are first time buyers and are soon to be full-timer's. We are looking at 3 class A diesel pushers: a 2005 Itasca Horizon 36RDH vs a 2005 Tiffin 40QDH vs a 2006 Itasca Meridan 36G. Any advice from the experts would be appreciated.

[bdpreece]

Both manufacturers build good coaches. The longer you stay in one of these the more you learn to appreciate "Bigger is better". However your real choice is which one the DW likes best. Go with this and you will never regret it.

[Pete & Linda]

Full-time, go with the 40'.

[InPursuit]

I'm curious about experienced RVer's recommending to complete newbies that they sink a ton of cash (or credit) into a brand new rig.

What about starting with a used X or a Y or a Z instead and seeing just what it's all about for a couple of years... and THEN making your choice on a new rig based on your OWN experience and tastes and desires (and of course what the DW wants).

[mikron]

We have a 35' class A with 3 slides. If we were to go full time a 45' would be nice but 40' mim with 4 slides or full slide would be perfect. 36' looks and feels big for the first couple months then you run out of room.

[Purplefans & Harvey]

I must admit, I like the DW statement - as I am the DW in our rig. Congratulations on whatever you end up purchasing and welcome to the forum!

[Pete & Linda]

InPursuit I have no idea where you are coming from. The question was to get x, y or z. I gave him my opinion and that is what he ask for. No one said anything about cash or credit or new or used.

[heyduke]

keep the comments coming... they are appreciated... yes the tiffin is a phaeton and no I am not looking at new rigs...

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by InPursuit I'm curious about experienced RVer's recommending to complete newbies that they sink a ton of cash (or credit) into a brand new rig. What about starting with a used X or a Y or a Z instead and seeing just what it's all about for a couple of years... and THEN making your choice on a new rig based on your OWN experience and tastes and desires (and of course what the DW wants).

I sure see the logic in this argument but we took an even more aggressive approach and purchased a new 40'DP... half timed for two years... sold the house and have been full timing for a year and a half... and we're loving it.

Our feeling was that we were mature folks who knew our own minds (and capabilities) and were willing to take the risk involved in taking a big plunge rather than being more conservative to take the time required to purchase a smaller, used rig which we were pretty sure we wouldn't like nearly as well.

So, based on your choices listed, I'd go for the Phateon. This is coming from someone who loves his Itasca Ellipse... but people will walk through fire for their Tiffins and you'll be much happier in the 40 footer IMHO.

Best of luck to you both.

Rick

[Dixieray53]

The DW and the floor plan trump all...Buy it , Enjoy it. And bring your sense of humor no matter what you buy.