Community Forums

RobMoe23454 · 11-08-2013, 05:06 PM

DW and I are in the market for a new rig and have narrowed it down but would like to get other peoples opinions on which model they would buy and why that is. Here is the short list that we have right now.

2014 Forrest River Georgetown XL

2014 Thor Chanllenger

2009 Thor (Damon) Tuscany 4056

2007 Newmar Dutch Star 4320

2005 Monaco Windsor 40DFT

Thanks
Rob

nforus · 11-08-2013, 05:23 PM

It looks like you need to decide if you prefer new over used and if you prefer Gasoline or diesel power. Don't be surprised to see the responses follow brand loyalty to the coaches that people currently own. IMHO diesel is better, more power, and stability with the extra weight. Of course I'm going to say Newmar, The Dutch Star is the cream of the crop in it's class.

tanstaafl · 11-08-2013, 05:45 PM

As the owner of a 2014 Thor Hurricane, I would recommend the Newmar.

Ranger Smith · 11-08-2013, 05:53 PM

Newmar or Monaco

fansill · 11-08-2013, 06:09 PM

Robmoe,

I would say that if you afford it...diesel is the way to go. I drive the RV and I am tickled pink with the ride and handling of my Fleetwood DP. We owned many gassers before but I love this big baby. Bottom line, you need to decide your budget and then you need to love the floorplan, but for me...I would never trade my DP for a gasser again...

Just my 2 cents...

Faith

mvpmich · 11-08-2013, 06:54 PM

First priority should be floor plan, then diesel if you can afford its after that, select the best manufacturer, in your case Newmar. Although we purchased new, there's something to be said about a newer used coach that has had all the bugs worked out and amenities added available at a more economical price ( ie, the original owner paid got the depreciation!)

Actually, I correct myself, the first priority should be what the DW wants, then what I said above.

Theluckys · 11-08-2013, 07:05 PM

The Mrs and I went thru that same process about a couple of years ago. Our first MH was purchased based on price alone; we weren't happy so less than a year we knew what we wanted and in particular what we DIDN'T want.

Given the choices you listed, I'm partial to the Dutch Star. Second choice would be the Windsor.

**pasdad1** · 11-08-2013, 07:15 PM

Another vote for the Newmar

redbaron73 · 11-08-2013, 07:19 PM

Are the prices all in the same range?

Diesel Motorhomes are meant to be driven and used frequently. If the motorhome is going to be sitting the better part of the year, you may find that there is a lot of maintenance to keep up with that you will not have with the gasoline.

If you will be using it a lot, then diesel is, in my opinion, the only way to go.

We put 12k miles per year on our motorhome, and travel the mountain ranges as well as the Florida flat lands. The size of a 43 footer is great, and lets you take all your stuff.

I am not sure if you have this, but here is the link for the Newmar brochure for your year model: http://www.newmarcorp.com/download/file/fid/2408

The older coaches you are looking at will have potential recall issues with the refrigerator, so you want to verify that those have been taken care of. Most either replace with a residential style or put in an amish cooling unit. Either way is a permanent fix. The recall / warranty fix is only a temporary solution, and should be avoided for long term peace of mind.

Good luck with your search, and feel free to post any questions. This forum is a great place to learn.

jerichorick · 11-08-2013, 07:27 PM

Why are you avoiding Winnebago/Itasca? The U, QD and E series are great layouts. Yes, Newmar seems to be of better quality. Winnebago products are definitely on par or above with the others.

We love our 40U. No, we don't have ALL the bells and whistles. But it is roomy, comfortable, a DP. 8KW genset with auto start and other features along with a residential refrigerator, a 2800 W inverter and 6 AGM batteries. The basement is great for storage. Drives great and sets up quickly. I won't bore you any longer. Please check out the website for yourself: Winnebago Industries: Products

Happy trails,
Rick

"007" · 11-08-2013, 08:31 PM

If you could swing it a 2008 DS would have COMFORT DRIVE.
And if you want to learn how to deal in the purchase of a new MH read the HOOT's links here.
God luck in what ever you decide.

nbargolf · 11-09-2013, 05:43 AM

DP is the way to go. We owned 2 gasser and now a DP. It's like night and day. Never buy a new MH, we did once and took a bath on depreciation. Good luck happy trails

Tha_Rooster · 11-09-2013, 06:02 AM

I'm assuming those choices are all about the same price,so a 10 year old Monaco Is the same as a new forest river. I'd say buy the newest DP that's in you budget and get it check out. I had 2 previous gassers before the Rev not even in the same class. It's a fact DP cost more to keep so don't kid yourself and all Dp chassis are not alike and don't think that either just give them a test drive. PLEASE give them a test drive no matter how pretty you wife thinks the inside is you need to ride in comfort.

lanerd · 11-09-2013, 01:15 PM

If this is your short list (not interested any in others), I would definitely go with the DS. The only other one on your list that's anywhere close to the Newmar quality is the Windsor.

The 4320 has the ISL, tag axle, and bath and a half. I'm sure it also comes with a lot of other things...king size bed, larger generator, residential fridge, stacked w/d, four slides, maybe even a dishwasher...if it doesn't have all these features, it is still a great coach.

Newmar quality is well known throughout the mh environment and I seriously doubt if you could ever go wrong with it.

Good luck in whatever you decide.