Having spent a few years in the RV service business at a major Oregon sales and service outlet, I saw almost every make and model of motorhome. That's why when we decided to buy one a year ago, we chose Winnebago. Among Class C's in the price range the fit and finish is excellent.
We picked the Access model because of it's large storage compartment in the rear. Plenty of room for lawn chairs, lounge chairs, folding tables, whatever you take with you, the rear cargo area will handle it.
We've had a couple of warranty issues, but they with components of the motorhome (like the power converter)... no issues with the build quality of the unit.
When I was in the business I saw many issues with flimsy cabinetry, doors not fitting properly and other shoddy assembly issues with some brands.
I always noticed the quality of Winnebago/Itasca products and that's why I own one today.
Hope this info is helpful.
2007 Winnebago Access 31c
(2006 Ford E450 chassis)
It's only the DW and me, and we think a little different. We like to keep the size of our rig small so we go places and park in places that larger rigs can't. Also the crows nest in our 24' Itasca Spirt is large enough for sleeping, I'm 6', and we figure a bed room is lost floor space during the day. So as long as we are willing and able to climb into the crows nest we are happy. Yes harder to make the bed but easier to park and get into tight places.
24ft rear kitchen, with no bed obviously, equals the interior room of a 30 ft.
With respect to those who prefer a fixed bed for me no way. Way to cramped as I am also 6'2". DW sleeps on the broken down dinette, me on the cab over. Takes us 1 min 50 sec to break down and set up.
As for brand we have a coachmen, been good to us. But in reality all of these line built rigs are "close enough for government work" Coachmen, Winnie. Forest river, Fleetwood etc. All about the Same JMHO. The layout and size you want I believe should be the determining factor, not the brand. IMHO
klhutch wrote: snip The Forest River and Winnebago models you mention appear to be comparable.
Ken
the Winnebago will have a fiberglass roof. what roof is on the Forest River? not comparable.
bumpy
Some of us are fixated on roof construction and some of us are not. If a fiberglass roof is the only thing that is important to you then the units are not comparable. But otherwise, in the grand scheme of things they are comparable units. I don't believe the OP indicated that a fiberglass roof was a must have, that was something that you or someone else is trying to inject into her list of requirements. With a little care a rubber roof will last a good long while. Our new MH has one and I am not afraid of it.
I am sure I can find some feature that the Forest River has that the other two do not and likewise for the Coachmen. They are still comparable units. Comparable does not mean identical and in fact comparable is the word you use when two or more things share many general characteristics but are not identical. Bringing up the roofing materials is fine, I am sure that the OP would want to consider that. Deciding for her that she must have all the features that you are fixated on is very presumptuous.
Seems Coachmen is doing quite well, even in these tough times.
So far we are happy with our Coachmen (albeit its a class A). We liked the Winnebago, but we liked the Coachmen dealer a lot better. The dealer was much more willing to work with us and negotiate, and provided good service after the sale. The Winnebago dealer didn't want to even give us the time of day, so we left. I think the dealer is a pretty important part of the deal, as chances are you are gonna need service at some point.
Do yourself and your hubby a favor, get something with a bedroom slide and at least a dinette slide. He's a big boy.
Most units today are durable and dependable if you maintain them. A lot of people neglect this and say they have a bad unit or put the manufacturer down. Buy what you can afford and your gut feels good about. The response you get here will only reflect what people have.
Do you think they are going to put their unit down after paying all that money?
Now, it may sound "cozy" to get a smaller unit, but they get smaller, FAST. When you go on a trip, you want to relax and feel good. A smaller unit that you're in from when you pull out of your driveway gets even smaller as you head down the road.
And by all means, stay FAR away from the "corner" beds! They are the WORST to get in and out of, make up, and sleep in. We had one in a small trailer years ago, and it was the "bed from hell".
As others mentioned here, sleeping is very important. Get one with a queen bed you can walk around.
A 30ft unit is no harder to drive and park than a 24-27ft unit. I don't care what anyone says. If they say it's easier, they need more driving lessons. Don't sacrafice sleeping and comfort for "easier driving and parking". Just makes NO sense. You will be driving it just like a Honda within a few trips. Believe me.
And in my opinion, (not because I'm a Chevy guy), the Chevy has more room up front to move around than the Fords. The Fords "dog house" gets in the way when you get in and out of the seat to head to the back. And I've heard nightmare stories of the heat that comes from them also.
Good Luck in your search, and take your time. You don't want to make the wrong decision and regret it. I suggest to rent a couple of units, and spend a few nights before you buy.
Joe
2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4 3500 RC/LB 6.0
2007 Chevy GS Conquest Super C 6340DK
2007 Chevy HHR Toad 2LT 2.4
1990 Chevy G20 Cargo Van 305
1967 Chevy Camaro Pro Street 468/650hp BBC
My 70's Show - Tom Kent Radio Network - KLTH - K•HiTS 106.7
klhutch wrote: snip The Forest River and Winnebago models you mention appear to be comparable.
Ken
the Winnebago will have a fiberglass roof. what roof is on the Forest River? not comparable.
bumpy
Some of us are fixated on roof construction and some of us are not. If a fiberglass roof is the only thing that is important to you then the units are not comparable. But otherwise, in the grand scheme of things they are comparable units. I don't believe the OP indicated that a fiberglass roof was a must have, that was something that you or someone else is trying to inject into her list of requirements. With a little care a rubber roof will last a good long while. Our new MH has one and I am not afraid of it.
I am sure I can find some feature that the Forest River has that the other two do not and likewise for the Coachmen. They are still comparable units. Comparable does not mean identical and in fact comparable is the word you use when two or more things share many general characteristics but are not identical. Bringing up the roofing materials is fine, I am sure that the OP would want to consider that. Deciding for her that she must have all the features that you are fixated on is very presumptuous.
Ken
I certainly am not trying to "inflict" my desires onto anyone. IMHO a fiberglass roof is head and shoulders above either a rubber one or a TPO one. do you disagree with that? just cautioning any potential buyer from making what I consider to be a bad decision. If the original poster does or does not want to consider my recommendations, I certainly have no problem, why do you?
But yes, the first "cut" for me on a RV is the roofing material. I am shocked when folks buy one and don't even know what is up there.
But where exactly did I demand that the OP buy one with a fiberglass roof?
bumpy
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