Extreme newbie comparing two Class A DP

[FL Local]

We have recently started looking at older, hopefully gently used, motorhomes (first ever) and have done our homework by reading posts and watching videos on as many sites as possible. The main thing we've come away with is "find a floor plan that we like". We've also tried to take in account which chassis / motor combo would be the most comfortable/best/maintenance/ cost/etc. for full time living but we're still trying to sort that out.

With that in mind we think we have it narrowed down to either 2003-2008 Travel Supreme 40 plus feet or the same specs with a Country Coach. What we like about these two is that they are already set up as more of a living room, with a couch on one side and the possibility of TV stand on the other. We don't believe we'll need the extra couch. We also like the space that both of those offer with the slide outs. It is just the two of us, and two dogs, but we both work from home so separate work spaces are a necessity. We think we could use the counter in the bedroom for one of us and the "TV" desk for the other. We also think we might want a TAG axle due to some of the other comments we've read on here about how they drive. So much for starting our RV journey in a Minnie Winnie.

That brings me to my questions:

* How do these two manufacturers compare with quality, etc?
* Are we overlooking a brand or specific motorhome that we should consider?
* What are we missing?

We're looking to stay in or around $100k. Of course cheaper is always better.

thanks in advance for any feedback or help you can offer.

[Freqz]

Originally Posted by FL Local

W So much for starting our RV journey in a Minnie Winnie.

That "for just a few feet/dollars/pounds more" game sure adds up fast, doesn't it?

The only thing I can add is Dad loved his Country Coach from that time period passionately. He only sold it a couple of years ago because he needed to planted in the ground a little closer to home for awhile and didn't have time for it any more.

Good luck in your search.

[Mr_D]

Both are good rigs, both still have parts available.
TS went on to become Entegra and CC was bought by Winnebago.
Mine is a 45' and has a built in, dedicated desk and room for another desk or workstation.

[Dale70]

One suggestion I would make is to put money aside and to plan for additional expenses once you have the motorhome. I mention that because it is not obvious to everyone that this will happen, and because on a larger motorhome the cost is not insignificant.

Some will certainly disagree with my estimate, but you might have to spend $10,000 to $20,000 or more (hopefully not) once you really have the RV. There will be things like updating maintanence on engine/generator, tires, satellite systems out of date, tire pressure monitors, WIFI boosters, furnaces, air conditioners, towing equipment if you plan to tow, and so many more things you will learn about. My purpose is not to scare you, but just to prepare you that a used RV will not be "100% ready to go" when you purchase it.

Also that the costs are not inconsequential when you first start RVing. Beyond that you can budget and plan more, but just plan for some additional expenses at the beginning.

[FL Local]

Originally Posted by Dale70

One suggestion I would make is to put money aside and to plan for additional expenses once you have the motorhome. I mention that because it is not obvious to everyone that this will happen, and because on a larger motorhome the cost is not insignificant.

Some will certainly disagree with my estimate, but you might have to spend $10,000 to $20,000 or more (hopefully not) once you really have the RV. There will be things like updating maintanence on engine/generator, tires, satellite systems out of date, tire pressure monitors, WIFI boosters, furnaces, air conditioners, towing equipment if you plan to tow, and so many more things you will learn about. My purpose is not to scare you, but just to prepare you that a used RV will not be "100% ready to go" when you purchase it.

Also that the costs are not inconsequential when you first start RVing. Beyond that you can budget and plan more, but just plan for some additional expenses at the beginning.

That's good info the have. We're definitely going into this expecting the unexpected but that's why we were trying to find a better quality RV to hopefully mitigate some of those issues.

[Tom7]

You might look at a used Foretravel, they are hi end but can be a great bargin. They have great bones and a lot of options that others Coaches don't have.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I'm not really familiar with either of the rigs so can't be much help there. I chose a 40' without the tag axle because I didn't want the expense of extra tires and something else to go wrong! Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[FL Local]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I'm not really familiar with either of the rigs so can't be much help there. I chose a 40' without the tag axle because I didn't want the expense of extra tires and something else to go wrong! Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Thank you - -we're still trying to make heads or tails of what is what and hopefully will make the right decision. Or as close as we can find.

[FL Local]

Originally Posted by Tom7

You might look at a used Foretravel, they are hi end but can be a great bargin. They have great bones and a lot of options that others Coaches don't have.

Thanks -- that is a new one for us so we'll definitely take a look.