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Old 07-26-2016, 09:20 PM   #1
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Best entry level class A

Hi there- My wife and I are looking into purchasing an entry level class A for regular family travel. Budget wise, we would like to stay under 100K, preferably no higher than 90K. We have 5 kids between 7 and 13 so a bunkhouse would be preferred. We are from South Florida and although most of our travels will be along the East coast, we do plan on venturing West as well. We have looked at the Thor ACE and the Forest River FR3 seriously. We have also looked at the Winnebago but the unit we saw really appeared to be poorly built. We are planning on putting 20-30% down and are hoping to pull the trigger in the next 6 months or so. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated!
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Old 07-26-2016, 10:05 PM   #2
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Look at the Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36UA or 35 QBA. Tiffin has a good reputation. With 5 kids the 36UA with the bath and 1/2 will come in handy.

Allegro - Luxury RVs | Tiffin Motorhomes

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Old 07-26-2016, 10:35 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seussg111 View Post
Hi there- My wife and I are looking into purchasing an entry level class A for regular family travel. Budget wise, we would like to stay under 100K, preferably no higher than 90K. We have 5 kids between 7 and 13 so a bunkhouse would be preferred. We are from South Florida and although most of our travels will be along the East coast, we do plan on venturing West as well. We have looked at the Thor ACE and the Forest River FR3 seriously. We have also looked at the Winnebago but the unit we saw really appeared to be poorly built. We are planning on putting 20-30% down and are hoping to pull the trigger in the next 6 months or so. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated!
Best builders are Tiffin, Winnebago/Itasca, Newmar.
Watch out for cheap builders. Lots of complaints on Thor products.

Check out Adventurer or Sunova from Winebago, not their entry level stuff.

IMO Newmar is one of the best gas coaches out there.

You're on the right track though, a Class A has much better cargo carrying, tankage, and towing than C's.

Know that you'll lose half your investment within about 5 years. Consider something slightly used that's already taken the hit. There are some bargains out there.

Watch out for schwintek slide mechanisms.

Test EVERYTHING to work before you buy or leave with your unit.
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Old 07-27-2016, 05:38 AM   #4
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Best entry level class A

I too am looking at both the Thor and FR3 so I'm curious as to any research that you may have found.
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Old 07-27-2016, 06:23 AM   #5
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We looked at the Thor brand at first, but decided on the entry
level Newmar instead.The dealer we used sold both and many others,
but after asking which brand had the least problems my mind was made up.
The cost was close, but not the quality..
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Old 07-27-2016, 07:35 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seussg111 View Post
Hi there- My wife and I are looking into purchasing an entry level class A for regular family travel. Budget wise, we would like to stay under 100K, preferably no higher than 90K. We have 5 kids between 7 and 13 so a bunkhouse would be preferred. We are from South Florida and although most of our travels will be along the East coast, we do plan on venturing West as well. We have looked at the Thor ACE and the Forest River FR3 seriously. We have also looked at the Winnebago but the unit we saw really appeared to be poorly built. We are planning on putting 20-30% down and are hoping to pull the trigger in the next 6 months or so. Any help or input would be greatly appreciated!
Why are you not considering a Pick up and travel trailer combo?
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Old 07-27-2016, 08:25 AM   #7
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To OP, is your budget for a new or used rv?
I would not agree that Winnebago quality is below Forest River.
Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Don't compare a low end Winnie to a high end FR.
As I say to others asking, make a list what is important to you, ie, floor plan, build quality, appliance quality, storage capacity, chassis weights and CCC, inverter/converter specs, residential or RV type fridge, insulation, HVAC specs just to name a few.
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Old 07-27-2016, 08:31 AM   #8
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Were it me, I'd be at a Newmar dealer first.

Then I'd buy a 3 to 4 year old version of the model I liked
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Old 07-27-2016, 10:34 AM   #9
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For under 100k, Dixie rv has 2016 Fleetwood terra 36b, which is a bunkhouse, for $ 89,900.00. Very good deal, seeing that they are rebadged bounder classics, for a entry level coach, check out what it has compare to all other units at that price point, can't beat it.,
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Old 07-27-2016, 01:34 PM   #10
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Maybe something like this?
https://www.rvdirect.com/stockmodels...tocknum=DM2997

or

https://www.rvdirect.com/stockmodels...tocknum=TM2039

Our needs are different but I feel I got the most bang for the buck with my Jayco Precept 35UN, got a great deal too, Paid 79k back in September.

Good luck in your search!
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Old 07-27-2016, 02:00 PM   #11
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I would say go with a higher end used coach. That way you don't have to take the huge two year depreciation hit, and there are some really high quality units available for your price range.

Here's one, although I think it may be more than an afternoon drive for you to see!

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/diesel/...tion-32848.htm
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Old 07-27-2016, 05:51 PM   #12
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Don't buy NEW the depredation is horrible.
Seriously Look for a nice gently used rig and save a lot of money.
Let someone else take the big hit and work out the bugs.
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Old 07-28-2016, 06:59 AM   #13
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We found a 2012 Winnebago Vista 32k that is a bunkhouse model. With the dinette and couch for more sleeping surfaces, it makes it comfortable when we take our grandkids camping. This might be an option for you if used is o.k.
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Old 07-28-2016, 10:50 AM   #14
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If you still are deciding to buy new. This is the time, dealers are pushing last years models out the door. for way under the original cost. Still keep the warranty work.
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