Ok, so here's what's i have been looking at for coaches:
the 1999 Winnebago Adventurer 34V
- 275 cummins
- 4 speed allison
- onan 7.5kw quiet diesel generator
- large (deep) slideout that has booth and sofa
- 34' long
- 19.5 tires
- original owner with 70,000 miles and 520 hrs on gen.
I can buy this one for $30,000...
The 1999 Winnebago Chieftain 36 diesel pusher
- 275 cummins
- 6 speed allison
- onan 7.5kw quiet diesel
- 1 slide with galley and sofa (not as deep as Adventurer)
- 36' long
22.5' tires (originals) with aluminum wheels
38,000 miles
original owner stored inside
I can buy this one for $39,000 or maybe a little less depending on negotiaions.
So I'm torn - I like the floorplan part of the adventurer in the main room, but the bathroom is a bit small, the Chieftain has a bigger bath area and a garden tub (nice with small kids) but there isn't really room for 2 more adults to stay in the coach with the DW and I and the 2 kids. We at times have another family come along and I think the adventurer might be a little better for that, but I think the Chieftan is a bit more luxury coach...
So knowing the price ranges I'm looking in would you advise me to keep looking or to choose one of these?
I'm also concerned about resale in a few years, as my plan is to have this coach for 2-3 years and then get a newer one (larger probably bunkhouse when the kids get a little bigger...) They are 3 yo and 9 mo old right now.
I do like having the ISB motor and a lighter weight coach for good fuel economy - from everything i've read I can expect about 9-11MPG out of this motor and these coaches.
Is there any other coach I should be looking at in my comparison? Any wisdom from other winne owners?
Thank you!!
SSSStefan
2002 Itasca Horizon 39QD with the Fatboy tires on the back!
2005 VW Passat TDI wagon - tow vehicle for the pup!
2005 Fleetwood Allegiance - popup camper
1966 GTO - super cool car as seen on Driven1
The most important thing you will ever do - Click!
Don't know the coaches but the second one will need new tires right away. And with 22.5's that will be another ~$3000 give or take. Although I'd think a 6 speed would be better than the 4.....
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
Also agree with driveby's observations. I've driven one with the 4 speed, and currently have a 6 speed. I would greatly prefer the 6 speed.
You'll have to consider the floor plan, how they both handle, etc. Those seem like good prices. I did a quick scan of the PPLmotorhomes inventory, and didn't see anything better below $40,000.
I'm don't know much about the Cummins engines, but I think the 275 hp may be the Cummins 5.9L. From '89-'98 1/2', these had the killer dowel pin syndrome. The 99 model may have a 98 1/2 or earlier engine. You can find some info about the dowel pin at the link immediately below. You may want to verify that the coach you select has already had this problem resolved, if it applies.
If you decide to keep looking, don't discount longer coaches. Extra space might be helpful with kids/guests.
Good luck....Fred
Fred & Vicki
Richmond Hill, Ga
2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor/330 Cat
2000 Honda Odyssey toad w SMI Silent Partner braking system
Tire Sentry monitoring system
I also like the sounds of the Chieftain better. I also agree you will need six new tire NOW! I also like the galley and couch on the slide. That is what I have and I like having the booth on the passenger side of the MH. When you sit at it your looking out the window at your site not your neighbors.
John, Connie and Miles!
1998 Winnebago Adventurer
1999 Ford V10 chasis
2004 Jeep Liberty
"Get your facts first, and then
you can distort them as much as
you please."
-MARK TWAIN-
I have the Itasca version of the Adventurer you're looking at and have been pleased with it. I can't comment on the comparison, but will say you definitely should have the engine checked out thoroughly (either coach). I've had no problems with mine, but was nervous when I first read about the "53" block issue. Read up on it, have someone very knowledgeable with the ISB check the block for cracks.
Read this - http://www.stamey.info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm
BTW - with the 4 speed trans my rig is revving a little higher than optimal (2200 rpm at 65 MPH), but it still gets 10.5 to 11 MPG when not towing. About 9 when towing the Wrangler (and I go up some sort of pass with nearly every trip).
Cliff
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