Researching pushers. Have many questions.

[alaskandream]

Hello, I'm just starting to research pusher RVs. I posted my Hello in my other thread. These are some of my "must have" criteria so far. (wanted, amenities will come later)

Under $70,000
38'-40'
Diesel only.
300 + hp (depended on length) (turbo would be great)
6-speed electronic shifting.
Under say,...50,000 miles.
At least one slide.
Generator in front, not in the storage bay.
Driver/passenger doors.
Computer leveling system.
Exhaust brake.
Double pane windows.
Well insulated ceiling/walls.
50 amp service.
Ducted air.
Dash air.
All drapes inside.
All awnings out.
Very good condition, clean & well documented maintenance.

I have seen many nice one's at $60,000. And low mileage one's from $70-80 k.
I do not want to get a older 95'-2000' that will Begin to have problems. Engine, tranny, air bag/shock, generator, pluming, electrical, window leaks, slider problems, ect..ect...
I just red a thread that this person has a 2006 Endeavor with all kind of problems already ! Some major, to me anyway.

1st- question- what years/brands should I stay away from . What to look out for ?

I seem to like the- Holiday for some reason, best. Newmar, Monaco, Beaver, Tiffin Allegro, National, Fleetwood.

2nd- I'm concerned about the rubber roofs leaking, compared to the fiberglass ?

I will appreciate any & all advise and opinions.

Thank you,
Kevin

[seatinkers]

I have a 95 Kountry Aire by Newmar and I am forever looking for my next coach. Newmar and Tiffin Allegro Bus are your best coaches as far as the manufacturer standing behind them when something goes wrong. Fiberglass is your best bet but rubber roofs are good too...yes, sometimes they leak but then so do windows, etc. You just need to do maintenance checks. I know that I do not like the full slide-outs because I have talked to people that have had alot of problems with them.

While researching and looking is my best past-time I have found that and this is only my personnel opinion that coaches made after 2004 have gone done hill as far as quality in the interior, smaller bathrooms, laminated wood, cheaper furniture, etc. Just some things to consider. I do know a friend who is selling a Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' because her husband passed away and she has had it for a year now. It is a 2006 Tiffin and she is asking a really fair price for it. Her husband has passed away and she really wants to sell it. It is a beautiful coach and all the wrinkles are out of it. It has four slides that are good size slides not like other ones that where their 2 slides in the front doesn't even equal my one size slide in the front. Well good luck and take your time in finding one!

P.s. This site has alot of great info and insight from people so just keep reading all the categories!

[oreodog]

Hi There, We just got a Winnebago 2000 Journey Diesel 36 ft. only 12,800 mi. and near perfect condition.
Try contacting our friends Kevin and Marilyn Pyle of Houston Texas. They deliver to. There business is:
WWW.BESTPREOWNEDRV.COM AND THEIR E MAIL IS: mkpyle@sbcglobal.net
They are fanactics on selling great pre owned rv's
Check them out and say Bill Carole & Oreo from Port St. Lucie said to check you out....Good Luck

[alaskandream]

seatinkers- I sure like the Newmars and Tiffin's too. Very nice.
I'm surprised (I guess) that the quality has gone down but, I can't afford a newer one anyway. lol !
Sorry about your friend loosing her husband, that's sad. Hope she's doing ok.
Can you give her my email address ? If she's fine with this, I would like more information and photo's.

Bill & Oreo- I have looked at their site & have some nice one's. I'll keep checking them out. Thank you.

Have you traveled much yet ? The Jounneys are nice.

Kevin

[cb5300]

I have a Monaco and couldn't be happier, 4 slides, diesel pusher, and all the room I need. Coach is 42 ft. long and I don't see a quality issue. I have looked at many coaches over the years and have found that Monaco (at least in my case) gave me the best value for my dollars. I did buy new however, (didn't want a chance of getting someone else's headaches) and I did buy one of their upper models (Dynasty). It's a dream to drive and a pleasure to use.

[lvj58]

How about this one--http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=27383&SearchMethod=1

or this one: http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=35700&SearchMethod=1

and another: http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=37607&SearchMethod=1

some more: http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=37634&SearchMethod=1

http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=36667&SearchMethod=1

http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=37188&SearchMethod=1

http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=37135&SearchMethod=1


Good hunting, Jim

[alaskandream]

cb5300- The Monaco is one of the top of the line from what I've seen so far. Wish I could afford one like yours. I have looked at used one's at fair prices but, I don't remember a used Dynasty. Have to look at my saved files.
A 4 slide would be great, especially two front one's. That makes for a very wide living room/galley. Do you happen to know what manufactures from the mid 90's that have a double slide living room ?

Jim- I have look at a couple of these on that site. I seem to really like the Holiday's and there are many for sale. My wife likes the dark wood, especially cherry. The Newmars are very nice also.

The sportscoach has very low miles. The slide does not look like it comes out very far, unless it's not fully extended ?

Questions for all of you-

1- With these that Jim so kindly listed, looks to have the most for the buck and the best deal ? Good and the bad.

2- Why are most selling with miles say from, 50-80 k, since most diesels can run up to apx. 500,000 + ? Is it that by that time, many things (brakes, shocks, air bag suspension, transmission, to the pluming, fridge, electrical components, paint, windows, leaks ect....) are needing to be replaced ? Or, by this mileage, people just have decided RVing is not for them any longer, step up to a newer one with more amenities or get rid of the thing before it falls apart ? lol
Maybe it's for trade in dollars before it gets to low ?

I would appreciate any & all comments and advise on these two questions.
Thank you,
Kevin

[lvj58]

Hi Kevin, Since I'm not a DP owner I would defer to those who are to advise on which of those on the list I posted are the best bang for the buck. Based on what I've read on many other forums, Newmar and American coach products seem to enjoy a pretty good reputation.

As to why folks sell their DP's in the 50-80k mileage range, it's hard to say but I'm sure their reasons vary widely. Some sell due to poor health, others because the RV lifestyle just didn't meet their expectations, some perhaps found owning and operating a diesel coach more expensive than what they were prepared for and of course those who sell their coaches privately then buy a newer model.

Personally I don't think it would be out of line if you find a coach you're interested in, to ask the selling party why they're selling their coach.

I certainly would and also I would ask for complete maintenance records on the coach so I would know how well it was maintained.

Good Luck, Jim

[brave313]

I have a 95 Kountry Aire by Newmar and I am forever looking for my next coach. Newmar and Tiffin Allegro Bus are your best coaches as far as the manufacturer standing behind them when something goes wrong. Fiberglass is your best bet but rubber roofs are good too...yes, sometimes they leak but then so do windows, etc. You just need to do maintenance checks. I know that I do not like the full slide-outs because I have talked to people that have had alot of problems with them.

While researching and looking is my best past-time I have found that and this is only my personnel opinion that coaches made after 2004 have gone done hill as far as quality in the interior, smaller bathrooms, laminated wood, cheaper furniture, etc. Just some things to consider. I do know a friend who is selling a Tiffin Allegro Bus 40' because her husband passed away and she has had it for a year now. It is a 2006 Tiffin and she is asking a really fair price for it. Her husband has passed away and she really wants to sell it. It is a beautiful coach and all the wrinkles are out of it. It has four slides that are good size slides not like other ones that where their 2 slides in the front doesn't even equal my one size slide in the front. Well good luck and take your time in finding one!

P.s. This site has alot of great info and insight from people so just keep reading all the categories!



Hi
I would like to know more about your friends coach also. I f you could give her my e-mail address I would appreciate it. Sorry about her husband.

brave313@aol.com

Thanks Darrell

[billcolleen]

My 1st, class A coach was a 2001 fleetwood expedition. It was new, and the first year for that model. There were a lot of problems w/it,(30 amp service, 5 speed trans., 260hp engine, etc.) and consequently, the models in the succeeding years were "soft" on the market. I have since upgraded to a 2004 model it is 38'4" long, w/3 slides, and a 300 hp diesel engine. All of the 2001 shortcomings have been corrected, and the coach is very nice. The good thing is, is that the prices on the Expeditions are still soft, and w/a little judicial shopping can be bought @ bargain prices. I bought this one at DiMartini sales in Grass Valley Ca. Not very good after market service, but good deals.

Hope this helps, Bill

[wagon217]

I also researched for months before I made my selection. Talked to folks from around the country who were selling used. Got a lot of information from forums like this one.

When it was all boiled out what I found was the Tiffin Phaeton was the most motorhome for the price. I can tell you that the manufacturer stands behind the product, with one of the best warranties in the industry.

Whatever you purchase... my recommendation is to be sure that you get at the least an extended warranty. After all these machines are homes on wheels, and you want to protect yourself against major repairs.

Good Luck! and keep the shinny side up!