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Old 10-05-2024, 01:59 PM   #1
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Lookin for advice as we search for our first MH (Newmar, Tiffin, Fleetwood)

Greetings. So, my wife and I are in the hunt for our first MH. I have a number of questions, some general, some pretty specific. I will attempt to have some sort of logic and order here - no promises.

First, we are looking for a used DP. I think 40' is the right size, my wife would like a little smaller ideally, and I'd be fine with smaller if the layout works and we don't feel cramped. It is a minimum of the two of us and our two littleones (7 and6), and a small dog. The 40 footers just seem like the best option.

Money: I think we are on an upto 200k budget.

Brands: What we seem to want/need/like within the budget we are setting has us looking primarily Tiffin (Phaeton, Bus) Newmar (DS, Ventana), and Fleetwood (Discovery LXE). Now, I assume many people are going to immediately say that Fleetwood is not in the same category of coach - and if so, I really want to hear that and why. I really know that Tiffin and Newmar are considered better, but the Discovery models offer a lot of bang for your buck. I'm not sure about Rev Groups service. Research says that Newmar and Tiffin have very good customer service.

Age: How old is too old? I can buy a predef model for significantly cheaper, but then we are talking about, maybe 17 or more years old - there just is too much unknown in doing that, too much potential money for upkeep/fixing things, so I'm trying to limit the age - besides, I tend to just like the newer models better. But, this is where I run into questions that I hope to get some guidance on here. There are a number of what appears to be very nice 2016-2018 Newmar Ventanas on the market. But to start getting to a DS less than 200k, might have to drop to a 2014 or 2015. What makes more sense? A 10yr old DS or a 6-7 yr old like mileage tag axle Ventana? Yes the DS is a bigger engine, but frankly, I don't need the bigger engine for the amount of driving we will do, but from what I see in these forums, the side radiator could make the DS the best choice. The same goes for the Tiffins with the Bus vs Phaetons.

Drive Quality/Build Quality: Is Newmar's Comfort Drive a big deal? I hope to get a chance soon to do some driving tests, but for now, I look to you for answers. I always thought Tiffin was a better looking coach, just something about them that I really like - front cap appeal, but this isn't a reason to buy one over the other - but if one drives better than the other, is quieter and less (shaky), that is a powerful reason. Also, Ive read on here that Newmar walls are constructed stronger and the coach is better insulated. How much weight would you lend to the wall construction in my decision making?

Okay, I think this is enough for now - sorry for the questions that just kept rambling on.

Thanks.
Anthony
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Old 10-05-2024, 02:50 PM   #2
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Fleetwood, Newmar, Entegra, Tiffin and Jayco are the high-quality DP brands you should search for. I just purchased a preowned 2022 Entegra 44W for a little more than $300,000. I just did a quick search at NIRVC for 30' 40' DP and I saw several that might fit you requirements

https://www.nirvc.com/Sales?start=0&...Direction=DESC

The one that caught my eye is a very close match for you is the 2022 Reatta 39BH model. A bunk house model would be perfect for your family. Personally, I would probably stick to about 4 years old and newer. Anything 6 years or older will likely soon need new tires unless the OE tires have been replaced, that could set you back as much as $6000.00. You need to keep potential tire replacement in mind in your purchase decision.
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Old 10-05-2024, 03:07 PM   #3
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I don't think there is a "too old" because it's condition rather than age that is the key. But do recognize that increased age brings with it extra costs, so adjust the purchase price accordingly. Unless the seller has a lot of maintenance documentation, it's best to assume any DP over 5-7 years old will need $1500-$2000 to bring all the maintenance up to a baseline you can count on. And the condition of tires & batteries is another major factor for any coach more than 4-5 years old.
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Old 10-05-2024, 04:47 PM   #4
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Old 10-05-2024, 06:10 PM   #5
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Any of those “to old” coaches can actually have better bones (chassis, build quality etc) vs a similarly prices newer coach.

Originally I was mostly considering a REV product, various Discovery coaches…. Then I drove them as well as an older American Coach (07 Tradition) & it was night/day the difference, the older coach drove, rode, handles so much better! I believe it was a 16 Holiday Rambler I also drove (same chassis/build as a Discovery of same year) & was also really let down by my experience.

Many have stated/claimed that Tiffin products have had a significant drop in quality over the last few years. When I was shopping there wasn’t one with a floor plan I liked enough so zero first hand experience there.

I ended up going with a coach that wasn’t even on my radar. Thus I would suggest at least looking at Entegra coaches, most are closer to 45 ft however still worth looking at.

A few years ago I took a AC Tradition 42 something, Newmar mountain Aire 4118 & Entegra Cornerstone 45w all were 2022 or 2023 models. Entegra Cornerstone was the quietest, Mountain Aire had the best tuned suspension (not by a lot), Tradition had by far the most wind noise, rattles, squeaks as well as the tightest turning radius.

For me my #1 requirement in my first DP was side radiator. I wanted the extra ease of maintenance when/if something bad happens as well as easier normal maintenance. Going this route these coaches are also more high end, built on better, stiffer, stronger chassis and the house part is also built better.
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Old 10-05-2024, 06:34 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep View Post
Fleetwood, Newmar, Entegra, Tiffin and Jayco are the high-quality DP brands you should search for. I just purchased a preowned 2022 Entegra 44W for a little more than $300,000. I just did a quick search at NIRVC for 30' 40' DP and I saw several that might fit you requirements

https://www.nirvc.com/Sales?start=0&...Direction=DESC

The one that caught my eye is a very close match for you is the 2022 Reatta 39BH model. A bunk house model would be perfect for your family. Personally, I would probably stick to about 4 years old and newer. Anything 6 years or older will likely soon need new tires unless the OE tires have been replaced, that could set you back as much as $6000.00. You need to keep potential tire replacement in mind in your purchase decision.

thanks. I've looked at the Entegras as well, I didn't list them, because I haven't really found one in the price range with a floorplan I like. You would think the bunks are great, but my little ones don't like them at all. I'll look around at some more entegras though just to see.

I expect to have to put tires and spend a few thousand dollars on whatever I buy.
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Old 10-05-2024, 06:45 PM   #7
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In my opinion Fleetwood is far down the list from the others you listed
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Old 10-05-2024, 07:16 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amcginthy View Post
thanks. I've looked at the Entegras as well, I didn't list them, because I haven't really found one in the price range with a floorplan I like. You would think the bunks are great, but my little ones don't like them at all. I'll look around at some more entegras though just to see.

I expect to have to put tires and spend a few thousand dollars on whatever I buy.
You are going to have a problem finding an Entegra and possibly other Diesel Pushers with the required sleeping accommodations if you rule out Bunkhouse units. None of the Entegra DP models convert the dinette into a bed and the same goes for a having a drop-down bed over the Cab. You could get one with a sofa bed as long as your offspring can behave and tolerate each other when sleeping in the same bed. Of course, there is always the option of sleeping bags on the floor. Any DP with slides on both sides of the coach in the main living area has a huge amount of floor space. Heck, in my coach they could just bunk down in the recliners as long as you take control of the TV remotes to prevent them trying to watch TV all night.

I would go on the Entegra, Newmar, and Tiffin Website's and see if you can find acceptable floorplans and then search for 2 to 4 year old versions of the floor plans you are looking for. When buying a used motorhome, it might be difficult to find one equipped the way you need it. Perhaps you could also consider a Diesel Super C built on a Freightliner chassis. Those will often have more options for sleeping accommodations. When I got my preowned 2022 Entegra Aspire I could have purchased a new 2024 or 2025 Entegra Super C for about the same price I paid for the Used Aspire.
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Old 10-05-2024, 07:29 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep View Post
You are going to have a problem finding an Entegra and possibly other Diesel Pushers with the required sleeping accommodations if you rule out Bunkhouse units. None of the Entegra DP models convert the dinette into a bed and the same goes for a having a drop-down bed over the Cab. You could get one with a sofa bed as long as your offspring can behave and tolerate each other when sleeping in the same bed. Of course, there is always the option of sleeping bags on the floor. Any DP with slides on both sides of the coach in the main living area has a huge amount of floor space. Heck, in my coach they could just bunk down in the recliners as long as you take control of the TV remotes to prevent them trying to watch TV all night.
The foldout couch is sufficient for us. an air mattress on the floor works with the large opposing slides.
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Old 10-06-2024, 08:11 PM   #10
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Been trying to send you a private message but is going thru. Can you send me a private message?
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Old 10-07-2024, 09:51 AM   #11
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The foldout couch is sufficient for us. an air mattress on the floor works with the large opposing slides.
Some models of the Tiffin Allegro RED have the drop down bed over the driver/passenger area.
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Old 10-07-2024, 04:43 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amcginthy View Post
Greetings. So, my wife and I are in the hunt for our first MH. I have a number of questions, some general, some pretty specific. I will attempt to have some sort of logic and order here - no promises.

First, we are looking for a used DP. I think 40' is the right size, my wife would like a little smaller ideally, and I'd be fine with smaller if the layout works and we don't feel cramped. It is a minimum of the two of us and our two littleones (7 and6), and a small dog. The 40 footers just seem like the best option.

Money: I think we are on an upto 200k budget.

Brands: What we seem to want/need/like within the budget we are setting has us looking primarily Tiffin (Phaeton, Bus) Newmar (DS, Ventana), and Fleetwood (Discovery LXE). Now, I assume many people are going to immediately say that Fleetwood is not in the same category of coach - and if so, I really want to hear that and why. I really know that Tiffin and Newmar are considered better, but the Discovery models offer a lot of bang for your buck. I'm not sure about Rev Groups service. Research says that Newmar and Tiffin have very good customer service.

Age: How old is too old? I can buy a predef model for significantly cheaper, but then we are talking about, maybe 17 or more years old - there just is too much unknown in doing that, too much potential money for upkeep/fixing things, so I'm trying to limit the age - besides, I tend to just like the newer models better. But, this is where I run into questions that I hope to get some guidance on here. There are a number of what appears to be very nice 2016-2018 Newmar Ventanas on the market. But to start getting to a DS less than 200k, might have to drop to a 2014 or 2015. What makes more sense? A 10yr old DS or a 6-7 yr old like mileage tag axle Ventana? Yes the DS is a bigger engine, but frankly, I don't need the bigger engine for the amount of driving we will do, but from what I see in these forums, the side radiator could make the DS the best choice. The same goes for the Tiffins with the Bus vs Phaetons.

Drive Quality/Build Quality: Is Newmar's Comfort Drive a big deal? I hope to get a chance soon to do some driving tests, but for now, I look to you for answers. I always thought Tiffin was a better looking coach, just something about them that I really like - front cap appeal, but this isn't a reason to buy one over the other - but if one drives better than the other, is quieter and less (shaky), that is a powerful reason. Also, Ive read on here that Newmar walls are constructed stronger and the coach is better insulated. How much weight would you lend to the wall construction in my decision making?

Okay, I think this is enough for now - sorry for the questions that just kept rambling on.

Thanks.
Anthony
Anthony, Trent Tiffin here. Tiffin Motorhome used coaches are always highly sought after. We have always been known for our service and standing behind our products even if they are out of warranty. My first show in 2016 a gentleman bought a 1996 and needed new tires. My grandfather said no issue and took care of his needs. I would be looking at any unit and making sure the unit has been well kept up, where has it been stored. If someone took care of the unit, it should be good to go. If there is any rehab work that needs to complete, we can facilitate that work.

Any of our coaches on the power glide chassis that we developed in the late 2000's will be comparable to the comfort steer platform. How far and where do you plan on driving too to justify the side or rear radiator?

Newmar has a classic "hung wall" construction. They are well built. At Tiffin, our walls are very strong with our aluminum frame with 2lb density foam. Our foam is already pinched onto the fiberglass gelcoat and has no chance to move around even after being 10 years old.

Give us a call at Tiffin Motorhomes and would be happy to assist with anything that we can! 256-356-8661

Trent Tiffin
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Old 10-07-2024, 06:35 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trent Tiffin View Post

Any of our coaches on the power glide chassis that we developed in the late 2000's will be comparable to the comfort steer platform.

Trent Tiffin
Comfort steer is not a chassis platform. It is a power steering system that automatically adjusts for road crown and side winds.

Newmar fans swear by it.
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Old 10-07-2024, 06:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bentjm View Post
Comfort steer is not a chassis platform. It is a power steering system that automatically adjusts for road crown and side winds.

Newmar fans swear by it.
And the Entegra version EZ Steer.
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