CC Allure/American Tradition

[Smitty77]

Both are fine coaches. I agree that technically the CC are orphan coaches. But, CC just started back up by one of the Lee Brothers, and the other CC founding Brother started Oregon Motor Coach a few years back. Both have many of the factory members of CC at work. I do not see support as being a problem on CC's.

On the Allure's CCC, for our 04 Allure 40' ISL 370, Tag, Two Slide, High Cascade model - we are sitting at around CCC of 11K pounds...

I'd consider the ride of each coach, as they will ride different due to the two chassis in the mix. The interior layout and how it fits your needs. Then of course 'condition, condition, condition' - backed by 'records, records, records'. (On the Tadition, check to see if it is the Spartan, and if so, the front IFS ball joints are OK. Not a deal breaker, but should be known going into they buy, if they need attention.)

I'd buy the one that met your needs the best, and had the condition that warranted the purchase.

As both are great coaches, and should provide you with a long term nice rig!

We are very pleased with our Allure, and I would not change anything on how we went about our search, and our decision to purchase the rig we have.

Best of luck, and you do not have a tough one on this one - as they are both so good!
Smitty

[Smitty77]

Seeing the Tag posts now... Then it comes down again to a choice by the buyer.

Tags do provide more stability and a safety edge, IMO. They do have higher costs of the extra tires and maintenance demands. (Do a search on Tag, and read the many posts on Pro/Con. To help form an opinion.)

I still say both are fine coaches, and it's a personal choice by the buyer. I drive a tag, after doing my Pro/Con - and glad I am... But, that's me!

Both coaches had problem, heck all coaches have problems!. I mentioned the Spartan Ball Joints. I agree that the 2003 era was a good one for CC. But, I think that might have been in the era of a problem with some of the paints on CC (forget what is called). So, as with any coach. Due diligence is needed. Go to the IRV owners groups, and do some research on both rigs - never hurts to have good info!!

Best,
Smitty

[deandec]

Originally Posted by shamrock481

So when you mean fail, it's overweight?

I do.

Many rigs fail the test, but are serving their owners just fine. There are some legal and maybe some handling issues which might concern some but most MH owners have no problems with the situation.

If the OP has unique weight carrying and/or towing plans, being aware of limitations pre-purchase would be an advantage.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I can't see an Allure selling for much more than a Tradition. If equipped the same, they would be about the same price when new or when used.

You didn't mention year for the Tradition, but they didn't get a 370 hp ISL until 2004 models.

I think you could pick which ever appeals to you most and not worry about which one is better. Either one is a top of the line rig and will stand out in any park you go to.

As you can see, i have a 2004 Tradition so am probably biased.

[dons2346]

Give me the tag Allure any day. The '03 is one of the last good coaches made by CC. We now have more service available now than when the factory was alive. Most of the good techs opened their own business, all of them have excellent access to parts so the old school of "going to the factory" doesn't hold water anymore.

[shamrock481]

After much research and lots of information on this website and others we've decided to go with the 2003 Country Coach Allure.
Smitty77 said it best for us, condition, condition, condition.
This Allure has been kept in a climate stable storage building, when not in use by the original owner. He has all the records, books, etc.
We'll be picking it up sometime in early June. I'll post pics when we get back to our home in Traverse City, Mi.
Thanks everyone who shared their wisdom with us. My wife and I have been talking about RVing for the last 4 yrs. now it's going to happen. I sailed for many years and I know there will be some moments that will make us wonder if this was the right choice. But we'll deal with it as it comes. Thanks, John/Jackie

[Mr_D]

Per the RVIA website:

COMMON TERMS

GCWR
Gross Combined Weight Rating
The maximum allowable total loaded weight rating of the RV and any vehicle it is towing. GCWR minus GVWR (see next definition) represents the allowable weight for the towed vehicle.

GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
The weight rating established by the chassis manufacturer as the maximum weight (including vehicle,cargo, liquids, passengers, etc.) the components of the chassis can support.

Tongue Weight
The downward weight exerted at the hitch or 5th wheel connection

UVW
Unloaded Vehicle Weight
The weight of the vehicle as built at the factory with full fuel, engine oil and coolants, but without cargo, fresh water, LP gas, occupants or dealer-installed accessories.

NCC (no longer to be used by RVIA members due to it's being very misleading)
Net Carrying Capacity
The maximum weight of all occupants including the driver, plus personal belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, tools, tongue weight of any towed vehicle, dealer-installed accessories, etc. that can be carried. (NCC is equal to or less than GVWR minus UVW.)

SCWR
Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating
The manufacturer’s designated number of sleeping positions multiplied by 154 pounds (70 kilograms) for each. Note: If your passengers weigh more than 154 pounds each, the number of passengers may have to be reduced to avoid exceeding SCWR.

CCC
Cargo Carrying Capacity
The GVWR minus all of the following: UVW, full fresh (drinking) water weight (including heater), full LP gas weight, SCWR, tongue weight of any towed vehicle and weight of any dealer-installed accessories by a fully loaded towed vehicle.

GVW
Gross Vehicle Weight
The actual weight of a fully loaded vehicle (including vehicle, cargo, liquids/fuels, passengers, towed vehicle’s tongue weight, etc.). The GVW must not exceed the GVWR.

GAWR
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(for each axle) The maximum weight rating that the components (tires, rims/wheels, brakes, springs, axle) of each axle are designed to support.

GAW
Gross Axle Weight
The actual weight of a fully loaded vehicle that is carried by a single axle.

[Smitty77]

Welcome to the CC club. Do also drop in to the Yahoo CC User Group, as they like IRV2 - are a great gang (most are members here too). They have some great links and pictures - and they've shared the many 'Lessons learned (Burn as You Learn)' tips and tricks...

Congrats on your adventure ahead!! Just be sure to get your Allure into bristol condition!!!!
Smitty

[shamrock481]

Thanks Smitty, we've already signed up on the Yahoo CC user group. John

[Coached]

Congratulations ... keep us posted as we are all always interested!