1998 London Aire vs 2000 Holiday Rambler Navigator

[jmcassidy]

Hi Folks:

I just wanted some opinions on reliability. I am looking at 2 coaches. 1998 London aire vs 2000 holiday Rambler navigator. Both have been well kept, pretty well all options on both. It's coming down to which is the better built coach and which will be the most reliable. They are both priced the same. I appreciate any experience and opinions!!

Thanks,
John

[R.Wold]

They are both very nice coaches. If the HR has the 11 ltr Cummins that would be a strong selling point, as long as that wasn't a trouble-prone era for that motor. I think given the age Id focus on maintenance records and mechanical condition first.

[jmcassidy]

Thank you, that is the 500 HP engine you are referring to in the HR? Which it does have, it has pretty much everything available at the time, including solar etc...

Thanks,. John

[R.Wold]

Originally Posted by jmcassidy

Thank you, that is the 500 HP engine you are referring to in the HR? Which it does have, it has pretty much everything available at the time, including solar etc...

Thanks,. John

yes 500hp. But more importantly the torque is probably around 1700. Im biased towards Newmar and London Aire has always been a classy rig, but I looked at a couple HR Navigators and those are some beautiful coaches. Nicer it in that era, it appears, than LA.

Also does the LA have a tag? The brochure doesn't show it and I haven't seen one in other pics I’ve found. If not that would be another big vote for the HR.

[jmcassidy]

Here is the link for the HR:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-rv-motorhome/ottawa/2000-holiday-rambler-navigator-38wds/m2300732

London aire:

https://www.tilburyautosales.com/vehicles/1997/newmar/london-aire/tilbury/on/52672623/?sale_class=used

London Aire green is bad, but I will replace them lol

Thanks
John

[jmcassidy]

Both are single axle..

[R.Wold]

Id factor milage (or kilometerage) in also - noticed its not listed on the HR.

[jmcassidy]

Yes the HR has about 120k miles, the Newmar about 30k

[jmcassidy]

Sorry the Newmar has about 110k miles. The Newmar slide is about a 12-18 inches wider, the kitchen is about 2 ft longer. Those are definitely consideration, also the jcouch is nice. I could always buy an electric fireplace. Both coaches were older couples buying a newer coach. The auto levelling on The HR is broken, 3500 for that, but they will eat most of that cost.

[RKins]

'98 was a total redo of the LA. Most everything on the outside looks totally different than my '97. I have never seen a 3 support awning - seems the middle support would always be in the way. Guess the extension of the awning to cover the door (my LA has mid-door) necessitates the extra support? If the center support disconnects from the body at the bottom like the end supports, it may not be a big deal. I'd like to see a close-up of the center support on both ends.
The Ad says it's a gasser but the pics show a diesel (DP). What size engine in the LA? I have a 325 Cummins in mine - a great coach on the flat but sucks on any grade unless I can get a running start.
The HR looks nice too. If it has a 500hp I would lean toward that - would make driving more enjoyable. How much does each rig weigh? My '97 40 weighs 29k.

[jmcassidy]

Hi There:

Thanks, the LA has the 450 HP motor in it, so it's really more a preference of layout and design I think for me. I like the LA, the kitchen has much more room, and with the 2 couches, it has a more comfortable feel. Also, I factor in the Newmar quality....weight is the same as yours basically for both.

Thanks
John

[vito.a]

They are both nice coaches.
In that era, Holiday Rambler quality is easily equal to Newmar.
I should warn you, regardless of what they tell you both coaches will need lots of TLC that will require both labor and money. They both have hundreds of complex systems that will require maintenance as well as updates. It will help greatly if you are a do it yourself type.

I see the Navigator has Aqua Hot. It provides unlimited hot water and radiant heat.
Does the London Aire have Aqua Hot also?
Make sure you get it professionally inspected by someone familiar with large diesel coaches.
Best of luck!

[RKins]

Originally Posted by jmcassidy

Hi There:

Thanks, the LA has the 450 HP motor in it, so it's really more a preference of layout and design I think for me. I like the LA, the kitchen has much more room, and with the 2 couches, it has a more comfortable feel. Also, I factor in the Newmar quality....weight is the same as yours basically for both.

Thanks
John

I see the dry weight on the '99 (they didn't have any data on the '98 on the Newmar Archives) is 33,000lbs. Having the 450 should be nice.
If you can get the VIN you can send it to Newmar and ask for the build sheet on it - even before the purchase.

[jmcassidy]

Thank you very much. Luckily, I'm pretty handy with both mechanical, plumbing and electrical. The company I am buying it from does a full PDI, certification, etc... They have shown me whatever defects there are.

Thanks,
John