Community Forums

tgoulart · 09-24-2020, 10:32 AM

Thank you all for your great, valuable feedback.

Considering quality I've now moved onto to a more specific size, layout and subsequently drivability.

At this point I think I am down to:
Bay Star Sport 2815
Winnebago Intent 28Y
Winnebago Navion 24D

Clearly the Class A's offer a lot more space and capacity (tanks, propane etc.). The Intent appears to be better outfitted with systems, the BSS gets the nod for overall quality and the Navion gets the nod for technology and drivability.

I will be putting together a detailed comparison spreadsheet with all the things that are important to us.

I wish the Navion came on the Transit chassis; probably a $20K savings.

DirtRider · 09-24-2020, 12:23 PM

I looked through websites for the small class A's before I bought my C. One of the things that really turned me off about them is the wheelbase ratio. If memory serves, the only small A that has a high wheelbase ratio is the Axis line. That Newmar looks really nice, but it has a .53 wheelbase ratio. I don't know why they're always so low on units that are small enough that the steer axle won't be overloaded, but they always tend to be. For the Class C, I gave up living space to have better capability--a higher-capacity hitch, and a longer wheelbase. For instance, my unit has a wheelbase 2" shorter than the Newmar here, for an overall length 2' 7" shorter. That's a lot shorter rear overhang.

Anyway, I'm sure that's not the best way to pick a coach, but it's something to be aware of.

Edit--and holding tank size. I gave up a lot of that, and I'm very jealous of the large tankage on some class A's.

Isaac-1 · 09-24-2020, 04:01 PM

Out of the list I would pick the same 3 as everyone else, Winnebago, Tiffin and Newmar in no particular order, though if I were being honest, I would pick my 2002 Safari Trek over all of them. If I just had to spend more money then it would be a 2006-2007 Safari Trek (the last year they were built).

We have traveled to a 4 or 5 national parks in our coach since buying it in 2016, and find it to be just about as large as I would want and still fit in a large percentage of National Park campgrounds. It is also small enough to travel without a TOAD, though there are limitations on parking and where we go, which we make up for by occasionally renting a car, public transit or using Uber, or our ebike.

Attached is a photo of our coach backed into the parking lot at the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory visitor center in Texas last year.

Unicorn Driver · 09-24-2020, 06:47 PM

Even though I own a Winnebago I can tell you the Baystar is far nicer than the intent.

Teamfoxy · 09-26-2020, 07:01 AM

Aalmost every one of your listed choices is the entry level model in the respective lineups. I suggest going up to at least the midrange models and then start looking at what you require in terms of layout and features. Test drive the models you are interested in. Then make your decision based on which you like and not on what others tell you to like.

Isaac-1 · 09-26-2020, 09:10 AM

Teamfoxy, name one currently manufactured coach under 30ft that is not considered "entry level"? Part of the problem with the RV industry is the attitude bigger is always better, the most luxurious models are all the biggest today.

Teamfoxy · 09-27-2020, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Teamfoxy, name one currently manufactured coach under 30ft that is not considered "entry level"? Part of the problem with the RV industry is the attitude bigger is always better, the most luxurious models are all the biggest today.

I suppose that entry level is somewhat subjective, but for example, Coachmen makes the Mirada, which is a step up from the Pusuit and has several models under 35 ft. They used to make the 29 QB, which was a no slide coach at 30 feet. Other brands also have models just over 30 ft. The OP mentioned the Baystar, which has its shortest at 31 feet, and while entry level to Newmar, is not even in the same league with the Intent, Axis, or other models mentioned.

oneknight · 09-28-2020, 01:53 PM

They hold those b+ vans very dear.
A third ace or the little newmar will get you a lot more motorhome for the dollar.

Hell, for not much more than the van, you can get a baby tiffin diesel pusher!

Mr Ted · 09-28-2020, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneknight

They hold those b+ vans very dear.
A third ace or the little newmar will get you a lot more motorhome for the dollar.

Hell, for not much more than the van, you can get a baby tiffin diesel pusher!

Well said !