Community Forums

RV Wizard · 11-09-2008, 02:18 AM

Hugh, your research is good to the point that you have a lot of feedback on units that owners are willing to talk about. Some of the time you will get responses from those with grievances that would otherwise not speak up. There are also exceptions to the brands reputation.

Example: We have a Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser that for almost 7 years has yet to have any problems. I say this hoping that I don't now jinx myself. I did five years of homework waiting for the kids to get grown and out of the house and so I was not impressed from what I had read about Gulf Stream back then. When we found this coach I was very Leary about even looking at it but we did. The more I looked at this particular coach the more I was impressed. Long story short; we bought the coach and have not regretted it one minute.

I think you should evaluate each coach independently as (some say) it depends on what day of the week it was built!

This does not have anything to do with the service after the sale; that is where your research should be spot on.

Triboy · 12-28-2008, 12:37 PM

We bought a 09 Allure Crane Prairie in June, we are extremely pleased with the CC quality and love the floorplan which is very similar to the Venice you're considering. Wouldn't consider another coach without the 1 1/2 bathrooms. The tag on the Venice should make it ride like a dream.

Good luck with your choice.

Hugh D · 01-01-2009, 07:07 AM

Thanks- not too encouraged though by today's news on CC's funding problems.

Happy New Year....Hugh

Fillitup · 01-01-2009, 12:47 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Country Coach and Newmar re. potential business stability though the products seem attractive

Hugh
[QUOTE] </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am curious where you found anything negative about Newmar and their business. Who knows what will happen in this environment -- but I have heard nothing at all negative about Newmar's business future. They have shortened their work week and are selling fewer units but their business model is fairly unique. They do not manufacture anything that is not sold before they make it. That keeps them from having a lot of exposure to floor costs and debt which needs financing. All the manufacturers are having trouble but I would think that Newmar will be around. They are a private company with a pretty loyal base and a labor force that is willing to work pretty much as needed until things get better. Just curious where you heard the rumor.

Also I think the Inspire was about the "entry level" of the CC line - It is nice but I would not compare it to the Zephyr which I think is at least a class above the Inspire. Don't know about the Tradition. Go take a look at a Newmar Essex.

Hugh D · 01-04-2009, 03:12 AM

There were two concerns. First, Newmar and Country Coach are the participants who have experienced declining share in the DP market...Newmar from 14% in 2005 to 7% in 2008; CC from 18% in '05 to 12% in '08. By contrast, Tiffin has increased share from 15% to 21%. These numbers are from a reliable industry source. Second, a collection of owner comments from the various forums which seem to indicate more Newmar product quality niggles than in prior years. If you are interested in seeing the commentary summary, I'd be happy to email it to you in a Word file if you PM me your email address....Hugh

turbocountrycoach · 01-12-2009, 04:56 PM

They all break. But, 99% of all parts and pieces are from the same suppliers, ie appliances, a/c, generators, motors, lighting, etc. They just hook 'em up differently and put 'em in different places. Check off the things you can't live without (heated floors ?). Look for the power train you want (no replacement for displacement) and the floor-plan you and your partner (human or otherwise) feel good wandering around in. You'll have a ball.