"Best" Class A's?

[SuzyCothran]

I know that everyone has an opinion about what makes one rv "better" than another, but I'm just beginning to shop for our first A Class. I see prices for new ones as low as $70k and into the high $400's. Is there anyone who can give me more-or-less objective info on which manufacturers or models provide a high quality for the long run, especially good value for the money paid?

[Mr_D]

You're way low for the upper end! Newmar Dutch Stars are into the low $400,000's now and our Magna was stickered at $750,000 in 2009. A new King Air can go over $900,000 now. If CC were still in business I would expect them to go over $1,000,000 by now. Then you get to the Foretravels, Marathons and converted Prevosts that go for more than $1,500,000.

The Dutch Stars have been Newmars best selling line and are a good value for the money. As to others out there I really don't know as we never seriously looked at others.

Value is in the eye of the beholder too, what we value is of no concern to others. Some like to forest service camp in unimproved sites, for that our rig would be a poor choice!

[austx]

Boy that's a loaded question! Perhaps tell us about what your Must Haves are which will eliminate some manufactures. How many will be using it? FT or PT? Budget? New or used? Diesel or gas? ETC.

[GENECOP]

I am more of a Truck Conversion, Class 8 Fan, but if I was going A......Foretravel.

[becks]

As said we need much more info to be of any help. If you plan to go diesel, buy a high end unit from a quality builder.

[Ramets]

Just remember the old saying..."You get what you pay for." If the price seems to good to be true, well you know the rest. Corners have to be cut to make the lower end Rv's, and ultimately the owner gets stuck with it. If just starting your search, my advice is to read all you can, go to RV shows & rv lots and look 'em all over. Do little things like pull a drawer out and see how it's held together. Are the guides metal or plastic? Are the sides stapled? Are the cabinets solid wood or laminate? Just take some time to learn, and you'll be able to distinguish the better makers.

[ahicks]

I think you might want to do a little shopping in person so you can have a look for yourself. I don't know how anyone could possibly answer your question.

Kinda like can you be happy in a house that cost 60k, or would you be looking at one closer to 300k+?

[Knightab]

[KarenS144]

IMO, a lot depends on how you will use it.

If you're fulltiming, you may want/need something with more creature features and higher quality appointments that could/should hold up to more use.

If you're weekend warriors, then a less expensive rig may suit you. We started with a "low end" G'town gasser which we really enjoyed. It had vinyl floors, not sure what the counters were made of, a crappy mattress (which we changed), a small hot water tank, a plain ol' microwave (not convection) & a dual RV fridge. Everything worked though and we used it for 3 years making 2 long trips over a month long each.

But we contracted the DP virus last year and now have a slightly longer Newmar Ventana DP (35') which is an upgrade in both chassis & furnishings. The appliances in it are upgraded, the counters are solid something, the floors are tile, endless hot water, the seats are more comfy and the ride is much improved. We still have a crappy mattress but about to solve that issue!

We were happy with the G'town but are happier with the Ventana but both did/do what they were designed to do. It's sort of like comparing a VW to a Mercedes. Both can get you where you want to go.

Look at floor plans, compare chassis and determine how much stuff you want to take & how much you can safely carry (which is limited by cargo carrying numbers). If you plan to tow, you'll need to know how much your towed vehicle weighs and how much the Class A can tow. They are not all created equal! DPs usually allow you to carry more stuff and many can tow a lot more.

Good luck with your research! You'll be overwhelmed at first... so many choices!

[Lifemember]

The best class A is the one you can afford and have NO payments!

[Giancarlo]

Originally Posted by Lifemember

The best class A is the one you can afford and have NO payments!

I agree , but with that in mind the floor plan is very important, do you have kids and want bunk beds ? are you an older couple who want something for just the 2 of you a walk around queen sized bed maybe ? If you are large people, make sure you can fit into the shower and have room on both sides of the toilet for your cheeks to hang over, and as mentioned already, quality, you can find different levels of quality in all price ranges. Go do your homework before you buy, Get the right rig you can afford and your adventures are 100% more enjoyable.

[Lifemember]

Originally Posted by Giancarlo

I agree , but with that in mind the floor plan is very important, do you have kids and want bunk beds ? are you an older couple who want something for just the 2 of you a walk around queen sized bed maybe ? If you are large people, make sure you can fit into the shower and have room on both sides of the toilet for your cheeks to hang over, and as mentioned already, quality, you can find different levels of quality in all price ranges. Go do your homework before you buy, Get the right rig you can afford and your adventures are 100% more enjoyable.

[FreedomDream]

Go see motorhomes! Go see a lot of motorhomes! Look at new ones (the RV shows are good for this) look at used ones (go to as many dealer as you can, spend some time driving). Spending this kind of money is serious and you need to educate yourself. Tell the salesmen "We are just looking." Don't let them twist your arm until you are good and ready. THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS. You can sit back and relax AFTER you have done all the legwork and homework.

Good luck and travel safe.

[austx]

Originally Posted by Giancarlo

I agree , but with that in mind the floor plan is very important, do you have kids and want bunk beds ? are you an older couple who want something for just the 2 of you a walk around queen sized bed maybe ? If you are large people, make sure you can fit into the shower and have room on both sides of the toilet for your cheeks to hang over, and as mentioned already, quality, you can find different levels of quality in all price ranges. Go do your homework before you buy, Get the right rig you can afford and your adventures are 100% more enjoyable.

Good luck in your search and keep us posted. Happy travels!