Community Forums

supportyourr · 08-28-2011, 12:26 AM

Any thoughts on how suitable the 2004 National RV Seabreeze #1341 is for Full-Timing?

Me, my wife and 8 year old daughter are planning to full-time around the country, and are considering this unit.

I test drove it today, and it seemed to struggle just going up a moderate hill. It makes me wonder if it can handle the weight for a full-timing family of 3.

Any advice about the weight? Or anything else that affects its suitability for full-timing?

Thanks.

Gary RVRoamer · 08-28-2011, 08:09 AM

It all depends on your wants and needs. Since you already feel it is under powered, clearly this type of rig is not for you. Since it is a typical gas chassis coach and shares its power train with numerous other brands and models, this probably means that you will need a diesel rig to be satisfied with the performance. Or you need to change your expectations. We traveled all over the US, including Alaska, with a similar gas coach (a 2002 Dolphin LX). I might also add that our current 40 ft diesel doesn't always race to the top either.

desobelman · 08-28-2011, 08:43 PM

I think your problem is with the chassis, not the rig. I believe your Sea Breeze is on the Ford V-10 Chassis. If so, it is not as powerful as the Workhorse chassis w/the 8.1 ltr Chevy. However, I have a buddy with an '03 Sea Breeze 8341 on the F-53 and he has very little trouble climbing hills. No more than any other Class A would have. Diesels definitely are superior in climbing hills to a gas rig. Ride is steadier as well.

As to the Sea Breeze itself, it was made by National Rv and is a nice coach. National has a fine reputation for quality motor coaches. I had a 1998 Dolphin, which was great and just upgraded to a 2005 Sea Breeze LX on the W-24 chassis.

For three people full-timing, I might suggest a slightly larger coach, say 35 to 38 foot. Lots of good RV's for sale out there. Take you time, and look over as many as you can to find the one that best fits your needs.

If you like the Sea Breeze, it is in good shape and the price is right, go for it! you can add the Banks Powerpack w/Trans command for added power. I added that to my '98 Dolphin and got a big boost in power! Climbs hills like a champ. If you plan to keep the rig for 5 years, or more, I think the $3400 investment in the Banks is well worth it.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Happy Trails!

Darryl

psyflyjohn · 09-08-2011, 08:34 AM

Check the CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) on the spec. sticker inside an upper cabinet. You may be surprised by the relatively small amount you can carry without being overweight. You can probably get by with that unit for full-timing, but a diesel powered unit would allow much more room plus power.

It's a buyers market for used diesels right now....