Tour/Ellipse 42QD VS. Entegra Aspire 44B

[42QD Dreamer]

Somewhat infrequent visitor here as life has been hectic and busy. But I knew if I wanted seasoned, experienced opinions, there would be no better place to come.
I retired last September and my wife is set to retire at the end of June. We have a travel trailer that we have ‘RV’d’ in since 2004. But we’ve been planning for our future motor home for around 10 years. Yes, 10 years of drooling at shows, driving home looking like a sad puppy after viewing new rigs on lots. We are finally coming down to the wire and I’d like raw opinions. We ruled out Newmar, as they want a lot of money for what seems like less coach. We also just aren’t enamored with their styling.
It has come down to the Ellipse or Tour 42QD and the Entegra 44B. We chose these because we are going to full time and we really want the bath and a half. Oh, and we are looking at used models, 2012-2017.
Both are beautiful, but construction wise I give the edge to Entegra because of the chassis cross bracing, side radiator and insulation. Winnebago is rated tops in the affordable class while Entegra has been 4th behind Foretravel, Tiffin and Newmar in premium class. I consider them different but similar in quality. I’d like to know anyone’s opinion of these two based on your own research and/or experience. Thanks.

[757driver]

In years past we looked at just about everything out there including the Winnebago models and settled on the Entegra 44B, it is a great floor plan. In the Winnie we did not like the layout of the basement storage with the shallow plastic storage bins and some of the interior large doors on storage closets were very thin and flimsy. In comparing specs I don’t think that you will find the Tour or Elipse as well insulated as the Entegra product. For model years for the Aspire 44B this floorplan started in 2014 and on.

Best of luck in your search and decision.

[Lv2Roam2]

The good / best salespersons will have a manufacturer's list of their coach's comparison to the nearest like-model competitors. It depicts head-to-head comparisons of most / all features. Could be a valuable add to your decision...

[Cousin Ed]

We had 3 winnes, an Adventurer, a Suncrusier and a Journey, for a total of 160,000 miles. We loved them all. The Journey (2011 40L) was our favorite. It had great storage and handled and rode great. It had more storage than our 43' Aspire, but there is no comparison. The Aspire is much more quite; handles way better and retains its heat or a/c far better. We would recommend a Winnebago to anyone but the Entegra is far and away better! From the years of shopping and looking the Foretravel is in a much higher league and Newmar is quite comparable to Entegra, but Tiffin just doesn't get there.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by 42QD Dreamer

Somewhat infrequent visitor here as life has been hectic and busy. But I knew if I wanted seasoned, experienced opinions, there would be no better place to come.
I retired last September and my wife is set to retire at the end of June. We have a travel trailer that we have ‘RV’d’ in since 2004. But we’ve been planning for our future motor home for around 10 years. Yes, 10 years of drooling at shows, driving home looking like a sad puppy after viewing new rigs on lots. We are finally coming down to the wire and I’d like raw opinions. We ruled out Newmar, as they want a lot of money for what seems like less coach. We also just aren’t enamored with their styling.
It has come down to the Ellipse or Tour 42QD and the Entegra 44B. We chose these because we are going to full time and we really want the bath and a half. Oh, and we are looking at used models, 2012-2017.
Both are beautiful, but construction wise I give the edge to Entegra because of the chassis cross bracing, side radiator and insulation. Winnebago is rated tops in the affordable class while Entegra has been 4th behind Foretravel, Tiffin and Newmar in premium class. I consider them different but similar in quality. I’d like to know anyone’s opinion of these two based on your own research and/or experience. Thanks.

As always, IMO, look for a side radiator and then a non-full wall slide.
After that, it's all in the floor plan and in this case, it's sounds more and more, like an ENTEGRA for being the winner.
Good that you'll sacrifice newness for quality and can always drop back in the years for getting a top notch coach to meet your budget. Not to mention, saving bunches in first year depreciation and like getting years of free fuel, thrown in.
We like having 1 1/2 baths as well and along with the above, was a deal breaker, in itself with not having it. I mentioned the side radiator and not much else, besides the full wall slide, cuz if you have that, then the Fiberglas roof, full body paint, real wood cabinetry, chassis construction....etc...etc...goes without saying.

[DebbieMH]

I've never had a Winnabago ... did look at them when we were looking. None jumped out and said "take me home". When I looked at an Aspire for the first time, a 44B model ... it did! However, I really wanted a full electric coach and in 2015, Aspires were still using propane for their water heater and heat. So, we stepped up a little bit and got an Anthem. Very happy with it as we will have almost 35,000 miles on ours by June. In 2017 (I think) was the first year that Aspires went with the diesel aqua hot and got rid of the propane. Insigna now has the propane. Should be some good deals on earlier model Aspires right now as I know several people have traded for a 2019, Aspire or Anthem or Cornerstone.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by 42QD Dreamer

Somewhat infrequent visitor here as life has been hectic and busy. But I knew if I wanted seasoned, experienced opinions, there would be no better place to come.
I retired last September and my wife is set to retire at the end of June. We have a travel trailer that we have ‘RV’d’ in since 2004. But we’ve been planning for our future motor home for around 10 years. Yes, 10 years of drooling at shows, driving home looking like a sad puppy after viewing new rigs on lots. We are finally coming down to the wire and I’d like raw opinions. We ruled out Newmar, as they want a lot of money for what seems like less coach. We also just aren’t enamored with their styling.
It has come down to the Ellipse or Tour 42QD and the Entegra 44B. We chose these because we are going to full time and we really want the bath and a half. Oh, and we are looking at used models, 2012-2017.
Both are beautiful, but construction wise I give the edge to Entegra because of the chassis cross bracing, side radiator and insulation. Winnebago is rated tops in the affordable class while Entegra has been 4th behind Foretravel, Tiffin and Newmar in premium class. I consider them different but similar in quality. I’d like to know anyone’s opinion of these two based on your own research and/or experience. Thanks.

IMO, the Entegra insulation and hung wall construction and Spartan tag axle chassis wins every time over the WBGO laminated side walls and FCCC chassis. It is the quietest coach I've ever been in, period. EC also makes another 1+1/2 bath floor plan called 42 RBQ, which we have and LOVE. There are two 2016 RBQ models currently showing on the NIRVC website.

[42QD Dreamer]

Trust me, it’s valuable, especially now as we approach D-day. We like the fireplace, bath and a half floor plan and if we can get away with the length I’d love the 44B. I already test drove one on a rutted highway last summer and was blown away by the ease of handling. Quiet as hell too. Thanks again.

[A Traveler]

The Entegra wins this one, hands down.

When we shopped for our coach, I did a LOT of research. We looked at Winnebago, Fleetwood, Entegra, Monaco, Thor and Tiffin coaches.

My research revealed that Winnebago’s are highly overrated. Everyone seems to love them, but compared to many other brands in the same price category, they pale in comparison. For example, all the Winnebago’s we looked at had rust around the basement doors, and the doors were just sheet metal...no insulation. None of the other coaches had any rust in these areas, and most had basement doors that were 1-inch thick and insulated. There were many other differences that quickly dropped the Winnie’s off my short list.

Buy the Entegra.

[Cat320]

I wouldn't buy either one, check out American Coach and Newmar.

[jrs]

Originally Posted by 42QD Dreamer

Somewhat infrequent visitor here as life has been hectic and busy. But I knew if I wanted seasoned, experienced opinions, there would be no better place to come.
I retired last September and my wife is set to retire at the end of June. We have a travel trailer that we have ‘RV’d’ in since 2004. But we’ve been planning for our future motor home for around 10 years. Yes, 10 years of drooling at shows, driving home looking like a sad puppy after viewing new rigs on lots. We are finally coming down to the wire and I’d like raw opinions. We ruled out Newmar, as they want a lot of money for what seems like less coach. We also just aren’t enamored with their styling.
It has come down to the Ellipse or Tour 42QD and the Entegra 44B. We chose these because we are going to full time and we really want the bath and a half. Oh, and we are looking at used models, 2012-2017.
Both are beautiful, but construction wise I give the edge to Entegra because of the chassis cross bracing, side radiator and insulation. Winnebago is rated tops in the affordable class while Entegra has been 4th behind Foretravel, Tiffin and Newmar in premium class. I consider them different but similar in quality. I’d like to know anyone’s opinion of these two based on your own research and/or experience. Thanks.

DW and I have been drooling for 10yrs too! Going full timing fall of 2019. Done tons of reading, shows, comparisons and IMHO the Entegra vs the 42DQ is the better option. Our current choice is a Dutch Star 4369. Good luck on your choice and hope you have a great time!

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I can't give you advice on those coaches but wanted to say hello!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Coral]

Have done a lots of of research on Entegra including two factory tours and many test drives and out of your choices I think that is the best one out of your choices. I would highly recommend a factory tour if you are buying new and also working with National Indoor RV Center a great dealer.