Safarilover, it doesn't matter what kind of motorhome that you have, it MUST be able to stop without the jake brake. Take it in the shop to be evaluated!
My Dynasty will stop just fine without the 'engine brake'...but, I just have to press harder on the pedal.
MM.
Mr.Mark
2008 Monaco Dynasty, 42ft., 4 slides, 425 hp clean-air Cummins diesel
2007 Honda CR-V EXL, AWD, w/Nav and the M&G braking system
I am getting ready to purchase a class A and have followed your comments on this subject. Thanks much for them, they have been helpful. I see by your post and profile you purchased a Travel Supreme, I think all electric. I am looking at a Select. Have you been satisfied with the MH, service, etc? Are you happy with the all electric? Bye the way, Travel Supreme has stopped making new class A's, are in the process of being sold, according to one of their sales people I spoke to today.
We searched for a MH for about three months. During our research, it seemed like the average time of ownership was about two years, and after that time the coach was traded in on a larger and more elaborate unit. We decided that instead of going through several iterations of upgrades and all the cost that added, we'd opt for the largest and most elaborate unit we could find.
A full timer friend had cautioned us that some state toll booths (notably Ohio) had scales, and units over the max gross could be fined or even forced to lighten the load if overloaded. The Coach Carrying Capacity (CCC) is very important and those who haven't considered it before should check the weight sticker in every unit that details the various weights before deciding on which unit to buy. Salespeople are very cagey about this topic and we found that it was difficult to talk with them about it on units with a low CCC.
We decided that the unit had to have a tag axle as the larger single axle units had very little CCC, some on the order of 1500-2000 lbs, way too little for all the stuff we wanted to carry. Tax axle units had an average of 4000-8000 lbs. of CCC, so that seemed a lot more reasonable.
After test driving both tag axle and non-tag axle models, it was a no brainer. Tag axle equipped units simply handle much better, especially in windy weather or when being passed by 18 wheelers.
We really liked the Travel Select, Travel Supreme model, it had everything we wanted and at a reasonable price. We were all ready to purchase a brand new unit from our local dealer when they did a bait and switch, price wise and upped their spoken price by $25,000 when we got a written contract. That really annoyed the heck out of us so we pulled out and started looking again.
We looked at a couple of used TS's and were seriously considering one of them, they're prices were reasonable and all, but it was a problem of who had owned it before and lack of warranty that held us off.
We were kind of stuck in a neutral when my wife browsed E-Bay and found a 2007 Mountain Aire 4528, a unit we loved but always thought was beyond our price point. This was a used unit, for sale nearby that we could drive to see easily. The price was on the unbelievable side but since it was within a couple of hours, worth going to see.
After a 3 hour drive we got to see and touch the unit, it was nearly perfect, had low miles and the only negative was unusually high hours on the generator. It had been used by a construction company for the owner while at job sites, or that's what we figured. The only damage was a slightly pinged awning, which made it sit just oh so slightly low on one side. I guess a wind must have done it.
All in all, it was a perfect fit for us and we got it at about $50k below blue book. Essentially we got the 2007 4528 Mountain Aire with a one year warranty, used, at the price of a new 42 TS. Easily a good deal.
We've put quite a few miles and several months of camping since taking ownership of the unit and we have been absolutely happy with it. Newmar has been great with the minor problems we've had, I would recommend them to anyone considering buying one of their products.
In summary, I would say to make sure to check the CCC of any unit you're planning on buying and consider what you'll want to carry. Also, get the largest unit you can afford, if you don't, you'll be trading it in on a bigger one before you know it. All those trade in's will certainly up the cost of ownership when you finally get one you can live with...
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
To any first time buyer, pricing can be very confusing. I have spent several months doing research and determined that the discounts from MSRP range from a minimum of 25% to a maximum of 38%. When shopping, if you decide to make an offer and have not done any research, I would suggest offering about 30-32% off the MSRP to see the dealer's reaction. Do not settle for less than 25% off.
Do your research online. I found many RV dealer sites that display the MSRP and also show their discounted prices. Also check eBay as many sellers show MSRP and a "Buy It Now" price. I started a journal showing the brand, MSRP, discounted price and percentage of discount. After about 8 months I felt confident that I had found the best pricing available so that I could use that information to negotiate the best price on my selected unit.
Using this information, I found the unit I wanted on eBay, but 2000 miles away. There was a "Buy It Now" price that represented a substantial discount. I located an identical unit at a dealer that was only 75 miles away and went to look and negotiate. I offered him the eBay price, and he responded with a price $15,000 higher. I was willing to pay $3000 more rather than travel to purchase, but this dealer insisted that there was "NO WAY" a dealer could sell for that amount. He was right! I called the dealer that was 2000 miles away and offered $10,000 less than he was advertising, and bought it at that price. I now own a new 2007 Gulfstream 38' diesel pusher with 3 slides, MSRP of $186,000, purchased new for $116,000
I've talked with 2 Newmar dealers so far about ordering a 2009. This means all they have to do is place the order and do a PDI with me. It won't sit on their lot costing them interest.
One only wants to give 17% off and said he'll work with me. I can send him other quotes I get and then he'll go to his boss.
The other dealer is a little better on price and is also willing to negotiate.
I guess I need to turn the tables and offer 32% off and see what they say.
Noted with the economy like it is...AND Diesel at $4.. it seems that used coach prices higher then new ones.. and dealers must be getting anxious to sell. We nearly bought a 40 ft. but at the end the dealer started adding up costs and what we thought wen with unit.. hoses, pwr cables. etc, hitch but adapter extra.. one tv not the two. and they were NOT HD.. a lot of stuff like that. so walked...Now going to wait a bit..but while used sounds good.. new is now cheaper as the prices drop..or so it seems so far.
Comments and have learned to look REAL close as what comes with units..verse what it seems comes with unit..Amused at how some in sales do not seem to well informed at the tech side...like air brakes, engine brakes, etc. ANYONE have a choice of best..or why not to buy a brand?
Some sales people know their stuff but just sell the sizzle instead the steak. Some of us would tie up a sales person taking technical stuff. They want to get you pumped and then get your signature.
Johnny T. which motorhome did you select? In accordance with all of the research involved I am unable to accomplish, I think we have the same interest except that I have two small boys and a husband that only gets weekends off. That is mainly why I am having a difficult time deciding.
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I can send him other quotes I get and then he'll go to his boss.
