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Subject |
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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: Upside down! Just wonder how many of us are!
A motorhome is not an "$$$$$$$ investment". It is an item bought for enjoyment/lifestyle.
The rate of return on our investment in a motorhome is measured in physical and mental well-being, the joy of camping with grandkids, and the ever-growing sense that we have become part of a very fortunate and unique community of active, engaged, and positive people. For us, this is NOT our fathers' retirement!!!!
Bill & Ann
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OntMontana
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06/21/08 07:07am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2008 ALLEGRO BUS OR 2009
MGO BLUE, You could not be more on target. Yes, I am dealing with Marks RV. I still do not understand why they would give Marks RV the dealership and not North Trail. North Trail is a Spartan authorized technician. I have been thoroughly impressed by their professionalism & competence. Unfortunately, I did not want any of their products. I only wanted Tiffin. Lazy Days was my only other option, but they were too far away for service. Honestly, I was not too sold on them either.
penpal, I have friends in your area who tell me that "Our Family RV Center" in North Fort Myers is a first-rate service facility regardless of manufacturer. If you are unhappy with the Tiffin dealers in your area (I have seen nothing to suggest that either Marks or Lazy Days has a great reputation for service), TMH will authorize warranty work at a place such as Our Family RV Center.
Were I in your situation, I would confirm that arrangement with TMH and check out the service reputation of Our Family. If all seems to be as I have suggested, I would concentrate on getting the best possible price on the '08 or '09 (Lazy Days?) and then letting Our Family become your service facility.
It is our intention to spend much of the winter in the Fort Myers area when we retire. As Tiffin owners, we will avoid both Marks and Lazy Days and contact Our Family for service ... this is on the basis of recommendations from two friends, one of whom owns a Tiffin 42-foot Phaeton and the other a 43-foot Newmar Essex.
Bill
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OntMontana
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06/06/08 04:57pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: New motorhome
Very sorry to hear about the theft. I cant really speak to your selection of MH's, but can you enlighten us a little on the circumstances surronding the theft? Did dealer have the keys? Was the MH Locked? Was the Dealer yard locked? Could it have been an inside job? Is your insurance covering the loss or is the dealer responsible in any way? Sorry to ask these, but this issue has been on my mind a lot and why I am reluctant to just leave the MH at the service center for any amount of time. Thanks and good luck on picking a replacement.
(1) Dealer had keys locked up in Service Manager's Office
(2) MH was locked. I was there myself 2-3 weeks before the theft was noticed and locked it myself with my own set of keys (which I still have).
(3) Dealer's yard was NOT locked but all entrances and exits are monitored 24/7 by video cameras. According to the dealer, the video cameras recorded nothing that looked like a theft and no activity of any kind in non-business hours.
(4) I have a suspicion that it COULD have been an inside job. No evidence of break & enter where the coach was parked (no broken glass, etc.). There is an open area at the rear of the property that abuts a rough field filled with rocks, etc that could have been the "escape route" in theory. But VERY rough on a motorhome and there are apparently no tire tracks to suggest the coach went that way. One scenario that DOES make sense is that someone with access to the service manager's office had a set of keys made and managed to shut off or obstruct the video cameras ... and then drove off in the middle of the night. Another dealer in the area has every security bell & whistle imaginable on his lot including an 8' chain link fence, video, spot lights, etc. He had two expensive motorhomes vanish without a trace over the winter. As the advertisement for the PGA Tour says, "These guys are good!"
(4) As I understand it, my insurance (inflation-protected, full-replacement coverage) will cover the loss. Whether they ultimately seek recourse from the dealer, I do not know. I have to wait 30 days before receiving an insurance settlement ... so operating in a vacuum.
Unless you have a secure place on your own property, I am not convinced that any storage facility is truly secure. If "professional thieves" want to steal your MH, they will find a way.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/16/08 03:11pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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New motorhome
We have just endured the entirely unpleasant experience of having our motorhome stolen ... right off the dealer's lot where it was waiting for service.
As a result, we are looking at replacement options. The three contenders that are in our price bracket include:
(1) 2007 Tiffin Phaeton 40 QDH
(2) 2008 Forest River Charleston 410QS
(3) 2008 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 38 PDQ
The motorhome that was stolen was a Tiffin Allegro Bay so we are intimately familiar with just about every aspect of Tiffin Motorhomes, good and bad.
We are less familiar with the Charleston and the Holiday Rambler and would appreciate any comments (pro or con) anyone might have. General expressions of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with your motorhome are entirely welcome.
Thanks for your help.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/16/08 01:30pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Recent purchases -- anyone bought a new DP lately???
I may be totally wrong, but I have to ask. Why do you think manufacturers and dealers will sell motor homes for considerably less now? The costs associated with building and transporting (fuel) new motor homes has got to be more now than it was a year ago. I would like to know if any one has actually purchased a new diesel motor home at 30% off a REALISTIC MSRP with no trade in involved.
We have not yet made a decision but the offer we have for a 2008 Holiday Rambler 38 PDQ is 26.5% off MSRP. "Dealer's Web Price" was about 8% below MSRP. The price I have been offered is 20% below "Dealer Web Price".
Have been offered a brand new Alfa Gold loaded to the eyeballs for dealer cost + transportation (including a 5-year warranty). Do I want to buy an orphan??????
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/16/08 01:17pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Best Class-A gasser
Tiffin is going to the Ford Chassis for their largest Allegro Bays (gas version) in 2009. Don't know why but there does not seem to be a great deal of enthusiasm for the move among Tiffin gasser owners. The Ford set up in the 2008 Allegro uses the 5-speed Torq-Shift tranny.
We have the Workhorse chassis on our Allegro Bay and are very happy with it so far. Do not know whether it is "better" than a Ford ... have no experience with a Ford.
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OntMontana
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05/12/08 06:08pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2008 36ft. Phaeton
Considering the purchase of a new Phaeton but have a few concerns.
1. Has anyone had any experience with Paulsbo Rv in Kent, WA. I know that Paulsbo doesn't have the best reputation at some dealerships but haven't heard anything about tne Kent dealer.
Go to the following for comments re any Tiffin dealer.
http://www.tiffinrvnetwork.com/forum/index.php?sid=3ab0d87dc8dda62fa0008bf6e19cad45
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/11/08 01:47pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Okeechobee Campgrounds (other than KOA)
Another possibility is The Glades Resort near Moore Haven. It is just east of Ortona a few miles on Route 80.
http://www.thegladesresort.com/
It is right on the Caloosahatchee River, has a marina and golf course, is right next door to a large boat yard (do not know whether they rent boats). It is much more "rustic" than Riverbend and much less expensive. We stopped in at The Glades this winter on a brief trip through the area. The campers we met were very positive about the place and the improvements that the new owner was making. Unless something drastic happens, we anticipate spending at least part of the winter of 2009-10 at The Glades. At the very least, I think it is worth a phone call or email to investigate.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/10/08 08:19pm |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
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RE: Help me with my math..
I was told there would be no math!
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OntMontana
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05/08/08 02:42pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 2 slides on one side
Our coach has 2 slides, both on the DS. When unloaded, it is unbalanced - significantly heavier on the DS and toward the front (I was able to obtain the unloaded corner weights from the manufacturer). But approximately 90% of all storage area (inside and out) is on the PS and toward the rear. The result is that we can use the entire CCC (not possible on some MHs) and end up with a coach that is also very well balanced, front to rear and side to side. In addition, of course, we do not have a slide intruding on the area under the awning.
As with most motorhomes, everything is a trade off ... more of one thing, less of another. We are happy with our "package of trade offs". They work for us. Others have a different view.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/07/08 05:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Air Brake Endorsement. What States and Provinces Need One?
We're considering getting a DP. Canada (BC and Alberta) will probably be regular destinations.
I have a Washington CDL with airbrake and passenger endorsements, as I was a transit driver for a couple of years. Since I'm not currently in that job, I haven't kept my medical certificate current.
Does anyone know if those jurisdictions requiring the endorsement will also require the medical cert to be current?
In Ontario, if your medical certification for a Class A license is not current, they automatically reduce it to a Class D.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/05/08 12:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Air Brake Endorsement. What States and Provinces Need One?
When I checked with our local Ontario lisence office they told me that it was required only if the vehicle was commercial.
Hey bustersbud, am I being lead down the wrong path?
Bill
This might be helpful:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/classes.htm
I had a Class A when I was towing a big 5er. Downgraded to Class D now that I am driving a motorhome with GVWR (total weight) of 10,000 kgs but with a GCWR (combined weight) of 11,820 kgs (coach @ 10,000 kgs + Jeep Liberty @ 1,820 kgs). Our coach does not have air brakes so no Z endorsement is required.
Re people who work at MTO offices, the number of opinions as to what is required = the number of people who work in the office. I have always gone by a narrow interpretation of the requirements - everyone you talk to believes he/she has discovered a loophole that exempts him/her from having the proper license - and have never been concerned that my insurance company will deny a claim because I am driving a vehicle for which I am not legally licensed.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/05/08 12:13pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: interesting news
The road to successful families and the road to successful societies are built of a unwavering, collective commitment to sacrificing "me" for the benefit of "us". The road to failed families and the road to failed societies are built on sacrificing "us" for the benefit of "me". The United States and Canada were built by people who understood this simple reality; they are being destroyed by those who do not.
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/03/08 07:40am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Alfa Leisure shuts its doors
I agree that most likely Thor, Forest River, Fleetwood, Winnebago, Damon, and Tiffin will survive. I do feel that Coachman is in jeopardy. Chuck/Bagman
Chuck, I would be more optimistic about Tiffin in the long run if I felt that the company were less dependent on the reputation of and good will generated by Bob Tiffin. My understanding is that things did not go well when he tried to step away in the past. If I were a betting man, I would put my "long-term money" on Winnebago and Monaco (and likely the others you mentioned).
Bill
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OntMontana
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05/01/08 08:06am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Non Scientific Study
You had better make this a double blind study or your effort will have no creditability.
Harvard! hmmmm. Could not get into Cornell,eh?:W
B
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OntMontana
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04/30/08 08:48am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Would You Consider Downsizing In The Future?
We are not full-timers and will not be when we retire. For us, our coach is our summer vacation home (primarily parked at a terrific campground) and will become our "snowbird escape pod" when we retire in September, 2009. Should we decide that we want to spend more time traveling to see kids and grandkids (who "conveniently" live on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts!) and exploring the country in between, I think it highly likely that economic realities and physical limitations we force us to downsize to something more fuel efficient and convenient.
As someone who has endured multiple eye surgeries and now has 20/20 vision as the result of Grace and the skill of several amazing surgeons; as one who is experiencing the slow but undeniable deterioration of my physical capacities; and as one who is fully cognizant of the impact of the various meds I take to keep my "numbers" in the correct ranges, I fully appreciate Chuck's (Bagman's) comments and concerns.
My guess is that, with the exception of annual "snowbird treks" south in the fall and back north in the spring and occasional other trips of modest duration, we will choose a more "settled" lifestyle and keep the coach we now own and love. Of course, the ultimate decision will be made by my DW and is subject to change at any moment!
Bill
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OntMontana
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04/30/08 08:34am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Moncao layoffs
A little off topic I guess, but since I was the OP I can hijack my own thread lol. What I don't understand is the constant rant about first and second year coach depreciation. My coach is a 2008 Camelot and the MONACO MSRP was right at 300K. I feel I negotiated a decent deal at 220K. The 2008 models aren't in the NADA schedules yet so I checked a 2007 Camelot with the exact options and standard equipment as mine and it was listed at $264,550. I can only assume the 2008 models would be somewhat higher in value. I'm hearing check the NADA book for this and that on values so I did. Now someone needs to show me where I'm off base on this one and where I'm losing my undies on first year depreciation.
Bob, I agree with you. The validity of the depreciation argument depends entirely upon what one pays for the unit in the first place. If you were to trade/sell your coach, no one knows or cares how much it actually cost you. What matters at that point is the NADA. Those who are able to purchase new coaches for 25% off MSRP have pretty much eliminated the "depreciation expense".
Bill
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OntMontana
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04/27/08 11:56am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Pace Arrow vs. Tiffin
Very happy with our Tiffin and our Tiffin dealer. No significant problems with the coach and dealer service has been excellent. Have no experience with a Pace Arrow but no reason to think it is anything but a fine product. The dealer where we bought our first fifth wheel no longer carries Pace Arrows because (he said) Fleetwood consistently refused to honor what were clear and obvious warranty claims.
Bill
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OntMontana
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04/26/08 06:08am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: New Jeep Patriot/Compass
When it comes to Jeeps, I have never met a dealer or salesperson who knew anything other then the price and a few outdated myths. The only Jeeps that are towable 4-down are the "real" Jeeps ... Wrangler, Liberty, and some models of the Grand Cherokee. The rest may have Jeep badges on them but they are basically Dodges in disguise ... which explains their low weight!
Bill
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OntMontana
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04/25/08 03:47pm |
Dinghy Towing
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RE: I want a Class A... but depreciation and 5er fuel economy.
Purchasing a Class A motorhome is not a rational decision. Spending large amounts of money on a depreciating non-asset makes no economic sense whatsoever. There is no way you can justify the expenditure in financial terms so why bother trying? What we do know is that we would rather be happy than rich. Owning our motorhome has allowed us to achieve that desired state!
Bill & Ann
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OntMontana
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04/25/08 10:53am |
Class A Motorhomes
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