Community Forums

oregonhiker · 02-15-2017, 07:34 PM

We currently have a 2011 Ventana and in the next year or possibly two we are looking at upgrading to a Essex either 2015 or 2016. We like the idea of getting a used one and not taking the hit on the new purchase price. Any thoughts by anyone why we would want to look at one year over the other. We also thought possibly looking at the London Aire also. I was hoping to get some input from all of the knowledge on here. In 2 1/2 years we are looking at traveling 9-10 months a year. Thanks, Rick and Jenn

tom chelbana · 02-15-2017, 10:16 PM

The 2016 LA would have the steerable tag, raised bath area, star chassis up grade on either a Spartan or FL chassis to name a few. The Spartan chassis has a couple items that in my opinion that would make it the chassis of choice. The 15 if I remember right would only have FL chassis. Depending on budget 16 would be a better choice.

JMonroe · 02-16-2017, 08:51 AM

The 16' Essex will also have the flat floor, no carpeting.

oregonhiker · 02-16-2017, 10:13 AM

Thank you for your thoughts. We also like the egress door in the bathroom of the '16 as it seems the better option as compared to crawling out a window and dropping to the ground in case of an emergency. I do like the passive steer tag also as we went and drove a 2017 DS here locally and was amazed at the turn radius that it had.

gtsum2 · 02-16-2017, 05:07 PM

16 was first year for emergency exit??

JMonroe · 02-17-2017, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtsum2

16 was first year for emergency exit??

Yes

oregonhiker · 02-18-2017, 09:00 AM

I would like to add a question to this. Can anyone throw in their thoughts about the differences between an Essex and a London Aire other than cosmetics. When we are ready is there one model or the other that outshines here. Are there really much differences between the two to spend up on the Essex or is the LA just as good?

JMonroe · 02-19-2017, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oregonhiker

I would like to add a question to this. Can anyone throw in their thoughts about the differences between an Essex and a London Aire other than cosmetics. When we are ready is there one model or the other that outshines here. Are there really much differences between the two to spend up on the Essex or is the LA just as good?

You'll have to spend time on the Newmar web site to get the full picture. The London Aire will have the same chassis and drivetrain as both the Essex and the King Aire. From my research done over a year ago I remember the Essex comes with a tablet that can control all the coach systems, don't remember much else.