Community Forums

Sweet Lou · 03-29-2020, 02:03 PM

I’m looking into purchasing a 2016 to 2018 Holiday Rambler Vacationer, does anyone have any advice on how they’re constructed, dependability, and support.
This would be my first MH any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Sweet Lou

FinneyJR · 03-29-2020, 10:16 PM

Hey Lou, I can't speak for newer HR's but I just purchased a 2002 HR Imperial and am tickled to death with the quality of it.

Steve43 · 03-29-2020, 10:46 PM

I also own an older model (2004) and we love it. Very well constructed. From what I hear on these forums, after Monaco went under (around 2010), the build has also gone downhill. They are still a nice coach, just not as well built as when owned by Monaco. They are now owned by the REV group and are built is the same line with Fleetwoods using the same materials so they pretty much look the same now a days

Just an opinion formed from reading various posts. But I do love our 2004 Vacationer 36WDD!!

Gary RVRoamer · 03-30-2020, 10:48 AM

Those years are built by Rev Group and are essentially clones of Fleetwood and Monaco models with similar features. No better or worse than the others. In other words, the name Holiday Rambler is merely for brand recognition purposes.

I've seen the Vacationer on a local dealers lot and was unimpressed. The Ford chassis is about the same as dozens of other gas-chassis motorhomes, but I think others make a better "house" part. I'd much rather have a Winnebago Adventurer. But my preferences are quite likely different than yours...

flyinrob · 04-05-2020, 01:10 PM

We have a 2016 Vacationer 33C. We purchased it last summer, stepping up from a Class C Coachmen Freelander. We had put around 5,000 miles on it so far and we are very happy with it.

We are very happy with the quality of the coach and the Ford V10 is strong. We tow a Jeep rubicon and regularly cross over the Sierras between California and Nevada.

We have had to replace the furnace circuit board, step motor and the stupid water valve. Those are normal problems not unique to Holiday Rambler.

We are very happy with our Vacationer and look forward to getting back on the road with it.

Rob

jaearhart · 04-05-2020, 01:17 PM

I traded in the 2008 Ambassador last year on the 2018 Pace Arrow . I had lots of maintenance cost with the sanitary system , HWH, Ac , and water leaks. The Spartan Chassis and Chevy gas engine constantly had something that only a bank account could temporary fix. That generator was useless .

GonetoRaces · 04-05-2020, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaearhart

I traded in the 2008 Ambassador last year on the 2018 Pace Arrow . I had lots of maintenance cost with the sanitary system , HWH, Ac , and water leaks. The Spartan Chassis and Chevy gas engine constantly had something that only a bank account could temporary fix. That generator was useless .

Can you clarify which coach the issues were with, Ambassador or Pace?

Thanks

jaearhart · 04-05-2020, 03:57 PM

Issues and big $$ was with the HR Ambassador. I'll also make a correction it was the Workhorse chassis not the Spartan. This Pace Arrow with Freightliner chassis and Cummings Diesel is best valve for the $$$ in my book.

Warmrock · 04-05-2020, 04:37 PM

We own a 2018 Vacationer 35K and have put a little over 23,000 miles on it so far. Like you it is our first RV. For the price point, we thought it’s workmanship was better than others. We had around 10 quality issues that we needed to get fixed under warranty, (nothing major). That said, finding a good service facility close to your area is a big challenge. But the Vacationer proved to us that RV life fits our lifestyle and we learned a lot.

What have we done as far as improvements? Replaced the couch with a loveseat recliner, removed the dining booth and replaced it with table and chairs(there is just the 2 of us). We also added insulation around the inside of the doghouse to deadened the sound of the V10. For handling, we did the CHF, installed the SafeTPlus and a trackbar.

Next RV will be most likely be a Tiffin Phaeton and our Vacationer will be on the market soon.

Jssr · 04-05-2020, 05:27 PM

Hey Lou,

We own a 2016 Vacationer 33CT and have put around 28000 miles on it including two trips out to South Dakota and Yellowstone. If properly maintained, the chassis is pretty much bulletproof but handles poorly (short wheelbase on a 22000 lb chassis). The floor plan is excellent. Now, I don't know if our experience is typical and don't want to brand bash but......the house part of this motorhome has been challenging. We had water intrusion around the passenger window (repaired by us), the main slideout was not welded correctly and, after a month and a half was repaired by REV (this repair involves removal of the slideout and re welding the floor). The Anderson Valve was replaced, the furnace failed four times and was finally repaired by yours truly. The step motor failed. The dash air failed and required a repair job that entailed removal of the dash and ductwork (it still does not work correctly). I have a legal pad full of stuff. I am not new to this hobby and the motorhome is babied and kept in covered storage. If I was in your shoes, I would consider a Tiffin Allegro...perhaps a 31 or 32 SA. Newmar makes great coaches also......Just my .02