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Old 06-07-2020, 11:30 AM   #1
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2002 - 2006 quality coaches?

Narrowing down my diesel pusher shopping list.

Alpine
Country Coach
Dutch Star

What are some other quality brands / models in this year range ?

Not necessarily high end, but well built, if those 2 are not inclusive.

Chassis? Which to avoid? Which are top of the list? Nice ride and quieter the better .

So far my list is - 40' or less, Cummins / Allison is my first choice,
CAT second . I am a semi retired diesel mechanic, I am not saying one of those brands is better, just personal preference.

Washer / dryer . Single rear axle .

We won't be towing, so realistically we could get by with 300 HP, but the more the merrier It's main purpose is commuting to and from Alaska-Arizona and a few short "camping trips" .

Just the 2 of us so slides and number of beds isn't a big concern .

Should I look at older than 2002 ? For no good reason 2005 & 2006 are my first choices .

Newer than 2006? I want to stay away from DEF, EGR , regen, etc .

Less than 50,000 miles and below $70,000 , but flexible for the right coach.
I have been using the search function here and have learned a lot, but for me, it's a slow way to get info.

Thank You!
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Old 06-07-2020, 11:34 AM   #2
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Beaver... Monaco... Holiday Rambler... Travel Supreme...
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Old 06-07-2020, 02:01 PM   #3
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2002 - 2006 quality coaches?

I would throw American Coach and Foretravel into the mix.
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Old 06-07-2020, 02:15 PM   #4
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Itaska, not high end, but good quality.
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Old 06-07-2020, 02:58 PM   #5
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The others have pretty much covered my list of companies to consider, maybe Safari, but they and Beaver were owned by Monaco during the years you are considering (Monaco bought them in 2001, and I think they bought Holiday Rambler in about 1999)
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Old 06-07-2020, 03:53 PM   #6
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Old 06-07-2020, 03:59 PM   #7
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I am not sure I would put Tiffin in this class for those model years, Tiffin has moved up market a good bit in the last 15 years or so.
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Old 06-07-2020, 04:04 PM   #8
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Quote:
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I would throw American Coach and Foretravel into the mix.
Not 2005 or 2006 for Foretravel.

Late 2004 into 2005 they almost went out of business. They were basically putting coaches together with what they had on hand. They didn't produce a brochure for 2005 and were running on a minimal employment level. Most of the good techs were gone.

2005 they sold the company to an investment group. The 2006 Nimbus is just a rebadged U320- (slightly decontented). LOTS of problems with that year/model coach, per a couple of folks we know who have owned them. The 2006 Phenix was the first year for that model, and the first "new" coach built under the new ownership. Definitely a learning curve for the new ownership and I would hesitate to purchase one, although I would take a well-maintained, one owner 2006 Phenix over any 2006 or 2007 Nimbus.
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Old 06-07-2020, 04:26 PM   #9
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I went from a top of the line 5th wheel to a starter Thor ACE, had it for two years. Then went to my present 07 Itasca Meridian w/cat350. I feel the workman ship is great quality, it does not have a lot of bells and whistles that the newer coaches have. All in all I would look at the Winnebago Itasca the early years.
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Old 06-07-2020, 04:30 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AK-AZ View Post
Narrowing down my diesel pusher shopping list.

Alpine
Country Coach
Dutch Star

What are some other quality brands / models in this year range ?

Not necessarily high end, but well built, if those 2 are not inclusive.

Chassis? Which to avoid? Which are top of the list? Nice ride and quieter the better .

So far my list is - 40' or less, Cummins / Allison is my first choice,
CAT second . I am a semi retired diesel mechanic, I am not saying one of those brands is better, just personal preference.

Washer / dryer . Single rear axle .

We won't be towing, so realistically we could get by with 300 HP, but the more the merrier It's main purpose is commuting to and from Alaska-Arizona and a few short "camping trips" .

Just the 2 of us so slides and number of beds isn't a big concern .

Should I look at older than 2002 ? For no good reason 2005 & 2006 are my first choices .

Newer than 2006? I want to stay away from DEF, EGR , regen, etc .

Less than 50,000 miles and below $70,000 , but flexible for the right coach.
I have been using the search function here and have learned a lot, but for me, it's a slow way to get info.

Thank You!
Can't say for Cummins, but for Cat, no later than an 06yr,, C9 min. engine.
Our first must have is for a side radiator.
Not just for the maintenance convenience, but do feel that this chassis is the last thing a manufacture spends a nickle on, after an in and out quality build. Other than the discriminating buyers, most could care less, where the radiator is mounted.
After a lot of research into what we wanted in a coach, we chose to go with what seemed to be the best bang for the buck.
Power wise, 10HP per foot, is a good rule of thumb, which usually takes care of the weight, as well.
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Old 06-07-2020, 04:39 PM   #11
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Take a look at Triple e.
Signature and Empress are quality pushers with both Cat and Cummins.
My personal preference is Cat.
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Old 06-07-2020, 06:22 PM   #12
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Monaco was one of the most popular coaches in that time frame. There were thousands of them built and still a ton of them around. If you look for a 2005 -2006 Monaco Diplomat or Holiday Rambler Endeavor, you'll get a great coach with the 400 ISL and Allison 3000. For a few dollars more, the Monaco Camelot or Holiday Rambler Scepter.

The above are still contemporary looking and had many floorplans.
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Old 06-08-2020, 06:25 PM   #13
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Love my scepter - its a few yrs since I got it (see sig) but no issues. I got it for low 50s.. I would shoot for a 2005 or 2006 now but then you get into Tier 4 motors..

Not a bit of emission controls on mine.. and I love it that way..

Quote:
Originally Posted by tropical36 View Post
Our first must have is for a side radiator.
.

Look for the RR8s.. chassis

RoadMaster Series 8 Side Rad . Dual airbags and shocks per corner. And good access to rear of engine.

Watch for separation of the slide sidewall from the bottom. It causes moisture to get in and the wood will soften. There is a solution but thats at least 2K$.
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Old 06-08-2020, 06:53 PM   #14
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2003 was probably the best year for Foretravels. Although most of them will have slides. the 320's had the ISM 450 engine with 1450 ft/lbs of torque, allison 4000, so no problem with heavy toads. 10 airbags, all disc brakes, aquahot, boondocking sized tanks, 6 stage retarder, not a single rear axle, but has lifting tag, lots to like about them. Probably have to pay a bit more than $70000 though.
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