Quality and Brands. Need guidance

[gatorfan1]

So I am looking to jump back into the RV market. My last coach was a 2007 Monaco Dynasty. Loved it but had some AC issues. I am now looking at 40 foot and under pushers from REV Group brands and I am not impressed with quality. For example today I looked at a HR Endeavor which is their second from top of the line. The cabinets and woodwork were all cheap plywood. Probably would not last more than 8 years. The front seats had so much cushion you felt like you were falling to either side. And they had a cheap feel to them. My question is will I find this with most REV group brands? Years ago Tiffin and Newmar were good quality units. Is that still the case? Any input would be appreciated.

[153stars]

The 00-07 ish Flagship models were about the best for solid hard wood woodwork cabinets.

[paul65k]

2003-2007 Monaco, Beaver, HR, Alpine Coach and Country Coach will all have better build quality than pretty much anything currently available sans Foretravel, Prevost and Newell

[thegats1]

Originally Posted by paul65k

2003-2007 Monaco, Beaver, HR, Alpine Coach and Country Coach will all have better build quality than pretty much anything currently available sans Foretravel, Prevost and Newell

This is spot on in my opinion. In looking at newer'ish models in my price range, Newmars have stood out to me. But the ones mentioned here are solid built coaches.

[Jack Klompus]

Originally Posted by 153stars

The 00-07 ish Flagship models were about the best for solid hard wood woodwork cabinets.

Disclaimer: I am ignorant on everything Class A but researching like the OP. Thanks you for your contributions!

I often read the sentiment above about quality years and makers, and then the prime example is provided of "hardwood cabinets".

My question is what about everything else? If a buyer is not focused necessarily on (hardwood) cabinets as the mark of quality, what other items justify the repeated promotion of these early 2000s as the pinnacle of quality?

Let me add I understand the pre DPF/DEF aspect as well, so it seems many recommendations for these sweet spot years are based on fear of newly deployed Diesel Emissions equipment and heavy duty but ugly cabinets.

I have noticed, to my VERY SUBJECTIVE eye that the interiors of these models look very dated - in fact they look like they were dated when they were new. The upholstery and carpet choices are unappealing. The decorative glass and lighting is often too much. It's almost too much to overcome even if the coach was built like an Abrams tank.

I appreciate the conversation and expertise of you guys, please don't take offense at my subjective view of decorative aspects - to each their own! Looking for your feedback on what makes these years so desirable, other than heavy wood and pre emissions diesels.

[Jack Klompus]

Another question for Class A historians or experts: When did DPs generally start having the interior lighting come standard with LED lights and fixtures. I assume there was a fluorescent period - how long did that last?

[vito.a]

Our 2004 Monaco Signature has factory LED accent lights around the cabinet bases as well as around the ceiling and window décor.

I'd recommend you go look at a 2003 or newer Beaver Marquis interior. They have the finest hardwood interior of any coach ever made.
Then find a 2004 or newer Country Coach Affinity. They also have very excellent interiors that are just not available today.

Okay, so hardwood cabinets don't do it for some folks. Fine hardwood cabinets are just an indicator of the quality material and craftsmanship that went into these 2003-2008 high end coaches.

Other indicators are Grohe brushed stainless faucets from Germany, Cesana glass shower enclosures from Italy, Eric Morris forged steel door hinges from Ohio, Sealand solid vitreous china toilets, Villa International leather couches and chairs, Eaton Vorad Smart Cruise system, Girard awnings, as well as other fine fixtures you just can't find in newer motor homes unless you spend over $2 million.

Monaco built coaches with an optional Detroit Series 60 diesel engine from 2003-2007. You just can't find new coaches like this.

I hope this explains it.

[lllkrob]

Tiffin coaches 2013 to 2016 had the best overall quality. Before that had the "BIG 3" issues, after that had a multitude of issues with their Spider systems and general poor build quality. Have you looked at the American Coach brand by REV. The couple I've looked at recently were decent but not great quality.

[gatorfan1]

Today I looked at the Newmar product. One word, "sweet". The quality was outstanding and the selection of floor plans is amazing! Thinking I may have found my new coach.

[Jack Klompus]

Originally Posted by gatorfan1

Today I looked at the Newmar product. One word, "sweet". The quality was outstanding and the selection of floor plans is amazing! Thinking I may have found my new coach.

Nice! Glad you have changed your tune since this time period:

Originally Posted by gatorfan1

Don't buy an RV. I have had 5 in my life so I have a degree in RV Hard Knocks! They suck fuel, they ALWAYS have problems and they deteriorate quickly. It's a house subjected to earthquake conditions over and over while driving. I finally figured out with the cost of ownership and acquisition we could buy a very nice Lincoln Navigator and go where ever we want and stay in very nice hotels. And when we leave the hotel in the morning I don't have to worry about dumping do do and dealing with a slide that fails to retract. And wait until you spend a night in your RV when it is pouring rain. Its so loud you will need earplugs to sleep.

[153stars]

Well it really sucks when cheap cabinets fall apart, peeling veneers and rattles. But mentioned these included many other high end components besides . I supposed country or cabin charm was held as standard for a long time. Some highest level like Newell models had gone to rounded off corners,all flat faced smooth cabinets, kind of airliner looks . I can't say I'm a big fan of some of those ultra modern attempts either. Definitely not fan over the top mirror and swoopy Vegas style ceilings that were in some highest level models across many brands. Hope that doesn't offend owners. Everyone has their own tastes.
Another good reason owners hunt for older Flagship model, side radiators , full paint ,fiberglass or metal roofs, higher hp. & TQ. greater towing. After 15-20 yrs the huge difference in price from low, mid to top level is so much closer than new.

Originally Posted by Jack Klompus

Disclaimer: I am ignorant on everything Class A but researching like the OP. Thanks you for your contributions!



I often read the sentiment above about quality years and makers, and then the prime example is provided of "hardwood cabinets".



My question is what about everything else? If a buyer is not focused necessarily on (hardwood) cabinets as the mark of quality, what other items justify the repeated promotion of these early 2000s as the pinnacle of quality?



Let me add I understand the pre DPF/DEF aspect as well, so it seems many recommendations for these sweet spot years are based on fear of newly deployed Diesel Emissions equipment and heavy duty but ugly cabinets.



I have noticed, to my VERY SUBJECTIVE eye that the interiors of these models look very dated - in fact they look like they were dated when they were new. The upholstery and carpet choices are unappealing. The decorative glass and lighting is often too much. It's almost too much to overcome even if the coach was built like an Abrams tank.



I appreciate the conversation and expertise of you guys, please don't take offense at my subjective view of decorative aspects - to each their own! Looking for your feedback on what makes these years so desirable, other than heavy wood and pre emissions diesels.

[Jack Klompus]

Originally Posted by 153stars

Another good reason owners hunt for older Flagship model, side radiators , full paint ,fiberglass or metal roofs, higher hp. & TQ. greater towing. After 15-20 yrs the huge difference in price from low, mid to top level is so much closer than new.

This is helpful and I am seeing it in the research and learning I continue to do.

One thing I have noticed that initially did not appreciate is that to get larger power plants, you had to step up in models. Now I just need to learn about the capabilities of those older powerplants (but that's another thread).

[moisheh]

Gatorade. Stay away from.anything made by Rev
As far as that goes most of the mfrs. Including Entegra and Newmar have learned to charge a fortune and deliver lower quality. Myself and a friend went through some units at Q that had lost prices of around $800,000 and more. We could not get over the build quality. Bathroom.doors that flex. Dashboards that are poorly mounted. You could graph the passenger side of a dash and move it up or down. No more solid wood stained cabinetry. I don t know what the cabinets are name from but the finish was sort of flecked . Faux I guess. Lots of glitz. In one unit the upper cupboards in the slides were very shallow and had some sort of support that took up half of the cupboard. Room for a few t shirts. We will keep our Dynasty until I no longer can drive something that big
Maybe Foretravels are still well built. After that you have to step up to a Prevost conversion.