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CASEY J · 08-30-2012, 08:34 PM

Very impressed with the site, I have been cruising around for the last couple of weeks while looking for a new RV. We have been pulling a 5th wheel for the last 4 years and recently sold it to purchase a coach. Its been a big confusing step up to a class a and I have found some great information here. Now if I could just make a decision on what I want Ill be ready to hit the road

IWillRVToo · 08-30-2012, 08:54 PM

Welcome!

DonDee · 08-30-2012, 09:22 PM

Hello fellow Arizonan.

goldviper · 08-30-2012, 09:35 PM

Hello from Gilbert, AZ

Be carefull if you are going to McMahons RV. They are slick.......like most dealers.

Les

CASEY J · 08-30-2012, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldviper

Hello from Gilbert, AZ

Be carefull if you are going to McMahons RV. They are slick.......like most dealers.

Les

Thanks for the welcomes. We are looking private party and I have a very experienced RV mechanic waiting for my call when we make a deal. Its been a tough decision as we are on a very limited budget of 30k or so. We have looked at a few late 90s DPs with 5.9 cummins and some 02-03 gassers. We will only be traveling 5k per year or so but we will be towing either a few quads or a jeep when we do. I know the DPs are going to tow much better but I feel like they are a ticking time bomb at 15 years of age. I know the gasser is going to drink fuel and struggle up the big hills here in the south west, but I am starting to feel like getting the newer rig with a "costs less to fix" drive train might be the way to go. Any input you all have would be appreciated.

Thanks

Casey

datrbone8 · 08-31-2012, 05:27 AM

I'm new also. We just went through the exact same process. Sold our 5th wheel and diesel truck and bought a motor home. I had the same budget requirements but wanted a DP. We wound up with a one owner 1998 Newmar Dutch Star that has 79,000 miles. I flew to Wisconsin to pick it up and drove it 2,200 miles home. I had one issue- There was sand blocking the screen in the bathroom faucet. The Caterpillar engine was appreciated running through Minnesota, So Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. I think a gas motor would have had a tough time in some of those places. Even with crazy headwinds for a day or so and going through the mountains I averaged 8.8 mpg over the course of the trip. We spent the last week camping in a state park to learn the unit and get acclimated.
People I met along the way in other coaches told me the units built back then were better constructed than the later ones. Everything I've seen in this motor home seems to have been well thought out and executed. The Newmar is very solid and drives great going down the road. We're pleased with how it worked out.

Bruce C · 08-31-2012, 05:48 AM

Welcome to the group. We made the switch from a 5er and love the extra space. Diesel is nice without a doubt but can be costly. Gassers are nice as well. Each has pros and cons, what you get has to fit your desired use. I chose a Gasser having had a diesel dually pulling and didn't want the cost of the diesel up keep. It's a hard choice only you can make the move in the right direction. I wanted as much as I could get for dollars spent, and I think for my lifestyle it worked. Good luck and happy hunting.

John H... · 08-31-2012, 05:55 AM

Casey, Welcome to the forum. I have kids and Gran-kids in Gilbert...

MSHappyCampers · 08-31-2012, 08:05 AM

Hi Casey! Welcome to IRV2! We're glad to have you in the group! Good luck on finding the right Class A for your needs and wants! We pulled a 5er for 10 years before going to a Class A a few months ago. It's quite a shock at first, but you'll get used to it real quick. Good luck, have fun, and God bless!