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RE: Love it or Hate it?
2008 Winnebago Tour 40 -- LOVE it. our 2004 Itasca coach was a winner which is why we bought a second Winnebago product. Well engineered, stuff works well, things don't seem to break. Factory and dealer support have been super for what little we have needed (mostly routine maintenance).
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Cody47
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07/13/08 07:14pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Heading to Yellowstone for the first time
We just got back from Yellowstone (stayed at Fishing Bridge) and yes, I think you will want reservations. Fishing Bridge RV park was full everyday we were there and there were quite a few folks around.
I do think you could have gotten into some of the non-hookup sites in Yellowstone or you might want to check at the parks in West Yellowstone.
Have a great time.
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Cody47
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07/05/08 06:53pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 09 Winnebago Journey or Jayco Seneca input please?
We looked at the Seneca and liked it, but ended up with an Itasca Meridan (sister to the Journey). As I recall, the Journey uses a significantly larger engine and will likely get about the same fuel economy. I would think this would be helpful in towing the trailer.
Best of luck.
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Cody47
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07/01/08 07:29pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Manufacturers: who has staying power
We wondered about that very issue when we bought our current coach and after looking at the financials, we went with Winnebago. That said, I believe any well run firm with low/no debt has a good chance of surviving.
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Cody47
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06/14/08 08:25pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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A different view of the gas cost question
As a fulltime RVer, I was asked today how I could possibly pay $4.60 a gallon for diesel to run my 40' coach. I answered that I paid about the same in diesel for a year as I paid for my property taxes on my house the last year I owned it. My friend just stopped and said "I never even thought of it that way!" I think we tend to focus on the short term costs (the fuel cost) rather than the much more significant long term costs such as taxes, house maintenance, coach depreciation, etc.
While I wish fuel was cheaper, I am not going to get too carried away on diesel cost when there are much more important issues to consider.
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Cody47
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06/04/08 06:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 400ISL
Our ISL 40' coach (35,000 with toad) is very strong and has no problem with any hill. A friend has the same engine in a 43' tag and it also does well. I think you will be very pleased with it. Now if it would also get 20 mpg....
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Cody47
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05/27/08 08:02pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Want to save $1.30 on a gallon of diesel fuel?
We slowed down to about 57 - 58 (1500 rpm on a 2008 Cummins ISL) and immediately began to get about 9+ mpg towing a 3500 lb toad. At 68, we got 7 (if lucky). This represents about a 28% improvement. With diesel at $4.50 a gallon, this is like saving about $1.30 a gallon. If I burn 40 gallons a day, this will save me over $50 a day.
Truckers have also figured this out. In fact, talking with a trucker as he put $1,000 in the tank (OUCH!) revealed that his firm had just restricted their top speed (electronically limited) to 62. Guess it is a sign of the times.
That said, whenever I am on a two lane road, I will run the speed limit to prevent backing traffic up.
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Cody47
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05/18/08 06:41pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: newby to A motorhomes
We just went through this for our fulltimer coach and ended up with a midline (I guess) diesel pusher. After having some service on the coach and using it for several months, I am very pleased with it. Here are some of the decision criteria we used (no priority):
- Excellent systems (wiring, plumbing labeled, easy to identify, accessible);
- Large tank capacity (grey tanks especially);
- Light switches conveniently located (no ceiling switches);
- Good cabinet fit and finish;
- Factory support, parts and service available;
- Power management system for load shedding when on 30 amp or less;
- Ample power (100 hp per 10,000 pounds or better);
- Good company financials to minimize the "orphan manufacturer" potential;
- Large, pass through storage in basement;
- Main awning that will drop down low enough to provide shade (some come out over a slide and are too high for effective shading).
I did not mention floor plan since that is a personal decision, but we focused on the above list before even going inside.
Good luck with your search and enjoy!
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Cody47
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05/17/08 03:19pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: NOT ENOUGH AC
I have had two coaches with the True air (an 04 Meridian 36G and a 2008 Tour) and found that the central air worked great. I did notice a big difference in the 36G (which we bought used) when I changed the AC filter (be sure to use the "cheap" blue high flow ones) and cleaned the AC coils which are visible under the filter area. I bought a special coil cleaner at Lowes which worked great. The warmest we ever were in with the central AC was about 110 in Idaho and we were very comfortable. You might check those items before going to the add on AC.
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Cody47
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05/10/08 06:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 5er to Class A MH?
We also went from a 33' 5er with F350 to a 40' coach -- and will not go back. Much quieter driving, more comfortable, easier setup and better view. Also like the small car to tool around in when parked. Plus, the wife like the bath access and the ability to make a pot of coffee underway. We get about 9 mpg in the coach running at 57 mph.
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Cody47
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05/02/08 07:10pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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Great Service Experiences - chassis, engine, and coach
We often hear of the service nightmares and I suspect that such stories tend to scare folks away from the idea of owning a class A coach. While taking our new coach on its first extended trip, I recently had the chance to experience service from three different locations and had great service each time.
First, it was time for our Initial Maintenance on our new Freightliner Chassis, so I went to the Gaffney, SC Freightliner location. When I first called for an appointment, they said they were too full to schedule a specific time, but to come on up and they would work me in -- which they did. I spent a couple nights in their courtesy lot (with electric) and they did a great job.
While at Freightliner, they noticed a fault code on my Cummins Engine and suggested I get that checked out. I called Cummins in West Chester, OH and they said to drop in and they would take care of it. I got there on a Sunday afternoon, again stayed in their courtesy lot (again with electric) and they got me in Monday morning. They did several updates to the engine in addition and were great.
Finally, I stopped at my selling dealer, Licthsinn RV in Forest City, IA to have some coach issues adjusted. I had the same experience here -- competent service, a nice courtesy site with electric and a great experience overall.
Bottom line is that I was very pleased with my experiences and that if you are somewhat patient, I think you can have a good experience even if you need service on the road. I also meet some great RVers who were also in the service areas.
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Cody47
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05/02/08 07:03pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Freightliner XC Raised Rail Chassis
I have an XC chassis (400 Cummins)and have been very happy with it. Drives very well and seems to be well made. I think you will be very pleased with the Freightliner.
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Cody47
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05/02/08 06:27pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Advice about changing res to S dakota
We were actually real SD residents for many years. Now that we are fulltimers, we "moved" to MyDakotaaddress.com in Madison, SD. They were very helpful with my new coach registration and other needs (insurance) I have had. I have found most South Dakotans to be very friendly and happy to help. Based on comments I have heard, I think you will be happy with any of the SD forwarding services you select.
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Cody47
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04/21/08 06:27pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Large gray water tank
Our Tour has 117G grey tank - works great.
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Cody47
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04/20/08 06:46pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Winnebago Tour - Prospective Owner
We have had a new 40TD for about 2 months and are fulltiming in it. So far, this is a great coach and we really like it. I have been very happy with the quality of the coach and the systems. I am also surprised (happily!) about the mileage with the Cummins 400 -- we are getting about 10 mpg towing our car at about 57 mph.
Feel free to send a PM if you want further details.
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Cody47
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04/16/08 06:33pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Winnebago/Itasca product quality
Just got a new 40' Winnie Tour to replace our 36' Meridian. Both coaches exhibit excellent quality -- stuff just works well.
Good luck
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Cody47
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04/13/08 06:37pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: does the steer safe stablilazer bar improve handling
I too have enjoyed my steer safe on first a 36 DP and now on the 40'. Really helps sway issues. Great investment from our perspective.
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Cody47
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04/06/08 05:58pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2008 400 cummins???????
I have had my 2008 Cummins 400 ISL for about 5 weeks and so far, love it. Great power, excellent drivability and surprisingly good mpg (I have gotten over 10 in flat land). While this is a pretty short trial, I am very pleased with it so far.
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Cody47
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04/05/08 05:38pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Is anyone slowing down to get better mileage
I tried driving 55 after 62 to 65 and found a solid 1.5 mpg improvement from 7 to about 8.5. If I drive 10,000 miles at 7 mpg, I will use about 1,400 gallons of fuel which comes out to $5,600. At 8.5 mpg, I get over a 20% improvement which means I save about $1,100. Not a bad tradeoff since I can get the equivalent of a month of "free rv sites" for that much saving. Something I will sure consider.
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Cody47
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03/30/08 05:44pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Not happy with purchase from dealer
Here is a slightly different viewpoint -- we did buy a Winnie sight unseen and had it delivered -- but had a great experience. I will say that we were very careful in the paperwork, many photos (of both the new coach and our trade) and were very specific in what the coach would be like (miles on it, etc). We were told that there would be a close PDI and to expect things to work -- and I am pleased to report that things did work! I will also say that I had several recommendations supporting the dealer before I even contacted them.
We did a walk around with the driver and found the coach in great condition, which was just as described by the dealer. We have now had the coach several weeks and are delighted with it.
Interestingly, a friend down to street from us in the RV park bought a new unit locally the same time we did. He has, unfortunately, had nothing but problems with it and very poor service to boot.
I guess the key is to try and be specific about expectations, deliverables and reputation.
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Cody47
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03/26/08 05:59pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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