Shopping for 30' Class A

[tderonne]

No one has really said it yet, so I will. Buy used. (You imply you're looking at new units).


You can find stuff like this:




2002 Winnebago Journey - $40000 (tulsa)
This motor home is in great shape and ready to go. It is a Class A with 2 slides, 330 HP Cummins diesel, residential air, heat pump, 7.5KW Onan Quiet diesel generator and satellite TV. In the pictures you will find all standard and optional features as well as dimensions and capacities. Please call Rich at number located in contact info with questions. This coach has always been stored inside and is very nice for the year. Thank you.

$40K (asking) is a fraction what you are looking at.

It's on the Tulsa craigslist now. No affiliation, just an example of a higher end, older motorhome, that's in great shape (stored indoors), for way less than a new entry level one. And it's only 32'7" long.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by Hudsoner

At that point, a comparison between the chassis would be great. I have a hard time to believe that there is a dramatic difference between the chassis.

I compared my Hurricane chassis with the one of a Winnebago of he same age, and was not able to identify any difference. My son who worked on both could not see any difference either.

My unit came with a front and rear sway-bar, and I doubt that other manufacturers install the CHF at their facility.
The only other difference could be steering dampener, track bar and air springs. Do the Newmar's come with those?

A Ford chassis is a Ford chassis, no matter. It's the House and where the differences lie and from the bottom up, in and out. Some will even add a few things to the suspension, like National used to do.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by tderonne

No one has really said it yet, so I will. Buy used. (You imply you're looking at new units).

You can find stuff like this:

2002 Winnebago Journey - $40000 (tulsa)
This motor home is in great shape and ready to go. It is a Class A with 2 slides, 330 HP Cummins diesel, residential air, heat pump, 7.5KW Onan Quiet diesel generator and satellite TV. In the pictures you will find all standard and optional features as well as dimensions and capacities. Please call Rich at number located in contact info with questions. This coach has always been stored inside and is very nice for the year. Thank you.

$40K (asking) is a fraction what you are looking at.

It's on the Tulsa craigslist now. No affiliation, just an example of a higher end, older motorhome, that's in great shape (stored indoors), for way less than a new entry level one. And it's only 32'7" long.

Used is the way to go IMO, as well, but good that so many buy new, otherwise, the prices for used would be like buying a WWII used car.
One can probably buy the Winnie for $30K or close, too and it's not hard buying a nice one, under low retail book. Just bought and sold a while back and both were below low NADA, if that should count for anything.

[dezrtracr]

We have a Winnebago Vista 30T and really like the layout. It's got great storage inside and out for a coach of its size. I've towed a two horse trailer, motorcycle trailer or toad on various trips without issue.

[Drumster]

Originally Posted by mpinva

Drumster: Getting ready to buy a 31S - Going from a Class C with a longer wheelbase, somewhat concerned about the shorter wheelbase on the Class A. I installed shocks and sway bars on the Class C and was pleased with the handling improvement and plan to upgrade the new Class A as well. What brand of sway bars did you buy? Did you install yourself or have it done at a shop and where? WRT to SUMO - did you install Springs or Bushings? Thanks

Sumo springs Maxim front and rear
Road master rear trac bar
Road master front seat bar
Blue Ox rear axle stabilizers

It really does handle well. Even the installer (a speacialty RV shop in Houston) was impressed by the improvement. Said it was the best-handling coach he'd driven. FWIW.

[Polyian]

We wanted to stay under 30 ft and purchased a Baystar 2901 (29'10") which handles extremely well. Newar built it with Bilsteins shocks. I don't get pushed by trucks and I don't have sway issues. I can highly recommend the Baystar.

[Caswelld]

I wouldn't look beyond Tiffin or Newmar, maybe a Winnebago if they're giving it away. Quality and factory support are so important. Plan on spending a couple of thousand on upgrades, especially those that tame the F53; Sumos, a steering damper, 5 Star Tune, TPMS, and an electrical monitoring system.

Ours handles and rides very well. Been coast to coast, mountains, deserts, hot and cold and we're very pleased with it.

Happy camping.

Dave