Keep in mind, the issue of quality is relative. I owned a Mercedes once that was reputed to be one of the best built cars in the world. Yet in spite of all that quality, it was in the shop constantly. To make matters worse, the price for parts and service was brutal. Today I drive a Honda. Is it a quality car? Well for one thing, it's rarely in the shop. For another, it cost less than a third of the cost of the Mercedes.
Blue Birds and the like are definitely quality coaches. Are they sensible or economical? That's harder to answer. Most seasoned RVers look for a coach that offers good value for the money. Winnebagos and Itascas are good examples of a solidly built RV for the money. There are others. However, in these uncertain times, I would stick with a company that is going to be around five years from now. Owners of Dolphins, Alfas, and Alpines may have nice coaches but the manufacturers are no longer in business.
I have also been evaluating Motorhomes for some time. Of the choices you have listed for consideration I would rank them as follows.
1. Itasca
2. Winnebago
3. Forest River
4. Damon
I created a spreadsheet. I have narrowed it down to what I consider the best manufacturers. Under each manufacturer, I have listed the model of the coach or coaches that are within my budget along with their floorplan that I want to investigate. I currently have 8 manufacturers and 27 models and 34 floorplans.
I am still working through the selection process.
I did not list or consider Prevost, Newell, Foretravel or Bluebird because they were not within our budget.
I previously owned a National RV product. They would have rated in my list but they are no longer in business. I have no bias, because I am starting from scratch just like you.
bw_fencer wrote: The answer is simple. The coach that the poster who responds to this is driving is the best.
Taking that given, I do not believe that there is such a thing as a "quality coach".
So true! I often why one asks as all input is bias, its human nature.
Now if asked what I would like, that's different!
NOT TRUE!
I certainly do NOT believe MY Newmar is a "high quality" motorhome.
I would say that the Country Coach Intrique is the least expensive high quality coach. And, IMO a new Newell is a very high quality coach.
None of the ones listed by the OP are high quality,....IMO.
Lucky for us, there's such a thing as 'acceptable quality'.
Willie & Betty Sue
Miko & Sparky
2003 41 ft Dutch Star Diesel Pusher/Spartan
Floorplan 4010
Blazer toad & Ranger bassboat
In no way do I think that my Damon is any less of quality than explained. In every vehicle, may it be a car, boat, TT, or pop up. Some times you get a clinker... Sometimes you don't. I on the other hand have not... We really enjoy our Damon immensely. Even made some Mods to avoid buying a new MH... My contacts wht Damon regarding ideas or little gotchas have been answered by the Company graciously. Damon is happy I bought their MH. *I* am happy I bought THEIR MH... Its a great relationship... If they made low class MH;s, why do I see so many of them??? Value by Design...
My $.02
Smooth Roads!!!
2006 Damon Challenger 372F Triton V10
2007 Ford Edge
my two cents, the four choices you have narrowed it down to all make good motorhomes. After shopping for the last several months and researching for the last couple of years before our first purchase, you need to narrow it down to your wants versus your needs versus your budget. Go with the floor plan you like, all the manufacturers are reputable. Try as we did. Pretend you are at a campground, lay on the bed then pretend to make it, move slides in and out, level unit, pretend to hook up to sewer, electrical etc, pretend to use the kitchen. It will take you about 2 hours to do this. We've done it with what started out as about 10 units and have narrowed it down to 2. It's amazing that when you pretend to make a bed or use the kitchen or hookups how soon some units get dropped off your list. The cream rises to the top so to spec for each specific persons wants and needs. Try this on these 4 units and see what happens. Tomorrow we go have a final look at one the the two choices then it's decision time. Sorry for the long post
Good Luck Dippers! I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
Thanks for all of your input. While I know this is a subjective question, your responses are helpful. I'm really looking for personal experience of the coaches you have had. The reason this is so subjective is b/c of the combination of quality/value/affordability. This is our first coach, so we are looking to be a bit conservative as we are not sure if the RVing lifestyle will be for us.
Our price range is between 80-95k. I'm willing to go as old as 2005 for the right coach, but no older. Hence, why I chose those manufacturers.
I have heard very good things about Forest River from those who own the newer ones (since Warren Buffet took over). I like that he owns the company for a couple of reasons: 1. It'll be around a while. 2. I think he has the formula down for value/quality.
Here are a few other things we need...
-3 slideouts (or 2 large s/o) - with two being in the salon area.
-T.v. must be in the salon area (not over the cockpit) - we will be having clients in our coach and want it to feel less like an RV
-Updated interior with newer woods
-Space for a desk area in the bedroom (or something that we can modify to create a desk)
-We will have a toad (don't know what kind yet) so it has to have enough power to tow
-Leaning toward gas, but are open to a DP (feel free to enlighten me here)
-Preferably 3-camera system as we are new drivers
-We'd also like something with entertainment on the outside.
Based on what you just indicated, I'd take a look at the Tiffin Allegro Bay 35 TSB. It comes in both gas and diesel (FRED). We have the 07 FRED version for the power and love it.
I have been looking at mh's also and am in the same boat, trying not to get something problematic. Oh, I know the FRED is an Allegro, just what does "FRED" mean in the name?
JD
* This post was
edited 07/05/08 08:14pm by cptdav *
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