CurtisG
Vinton, Louisiana
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Joined: 07/23/2007
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I know that National RV is no longer in business, but I have been shopping for used 2002 or 2003 gas coaches. I have found the floorplan and hopefully the quality in a couple of them.
The ones I found have the GM/Allison/Workhorse chassis.
Does anyone have any comments - - good or bad about these coaches?
Curt
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driveby
Vancouver BC Canada
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Joined: 01/07/2005
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National generally has very happy owners posting here.
Welcome to the forum. At the top of the page is a search box that if you put your desired floorplan model name into, it likely will spit out posts. Certainly lots of info on National in general. Although the more recent posts are more about the death of a good manufacturer as opposed to actual coach stuff.
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.
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Gdlow
Meridian Idaho
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Joined: 05/03/2005
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I have the 2005 Dolphin #5342...Has the GM and Allison and workhorse chassis...It has plenty of power, it runs quiet 99% of the time (1% up steep long grades the 2nd fan kicks in). We like the quality of the workmanship we have...and would buy another National today if I was in the market...
Gary And Cathy
'05 Dolphin 5342
Honda Element following us 
GS, FMCA 365597
 Rallys attended
FMCA Albany, Or.'06
FMCA Redmond, Or.'07
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rvtommy
blooming prairie minnesota
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Joined: 07/15/2004
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MY MY MY that is a question!!! After giving it some thought because we own a Rexhall that is almost out of business but not we have called them 3 times for things only they could give us!!! All 3 times they sent them to us with no trouble!!! Just can not see calling a company that will not ever answer there phone!!! Needed new bed spread that matched they sent it!!! slide the slide and had a door open with glass in it they sent it!!! asked for 4 battery tray to change to 4 6volt batteries they sent it!!!! All the other problems were with Ford they fixed it!!! Just do not really know how to answer your question maybe look at kelly blue book or nada or why some banks will not finance a national product with no warranty or factory back up for what they build!!! The Winni Fleetwood Allegro Thor Gulfstream my my my there are some really strong companies still out there !!! nough good luck rvtommy
this is rvtommy
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apr67
Tallahassee, Florida
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Joined: 02/14/2007
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What banks won't finanace a National RV? Haven't see one yet.
As for calling support. Perhaps rexhall is better than most. I had a forest river, and never got any support from them.
RV Makers make few parts, and most of the parts used are available to anyone. The only big concerns would be molded parts like the fiberglass front/rear. Overall if you are looking at a 5 year old coach I don't think you will find any different support between what National provides (nothing) and what fleetwood provides (nothing in my experience) or Forest River (nothing).
Don't take your organs to heaven. Heaven knows we need them here.
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2007 National Surf Side 34DE. Full timing since 1/06/08
2007 Toyota Matrix Da Toad
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fishboat1
southern ca
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Joined: 12/06/2001
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rvtommy...What banks will not finance National?
Mike H
2007 Allegro Bay 34XB FRED
2002 Dodge Dakota 4 wheel drive Toad 4.7 v8
Four Winns fishing boat
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AKBOB
Green Valley, AZ
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Joined: 07/01/2007
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CurtisG,
I have an 05 NRV Dolphin on the W-22 platform with the 8.1L GMC. For the most part I am very happy with this rig. The 8.1L with the Allison tranny is a good combo. Although if I had to do it over again, I would want the Workhorse W-24 platform for the extra CCC and the Allison 6 speed tranny.
The quality of construction of this coach is tops in my book. I did see in the Dolphins newsletter that Ortega Manufacturing out of Wildomar, CA purchased fiberglass molds for models 2008 and older of the entire line of NRV models. This will allow them to manufacture anything you may need in the way of front caps, doors, bumpers, etc.
Everything else can be obtained from the various manufacturers of the installed components.
I get a little tired of hearing the gloom and doom comments concerning buying an orphan RV. In this economy, you naysayers just might be speaking a little early. RV Manufacturers are dropping like flies. You might be next!
Bob
05 NRV Dolphin Limited Edition
Workhorse W22, GMC 8.1
Toad - 08 Ford Edge Limited
Roadmaster Falcon2 Towbar
BrakeBuddy Vantage Supplemental Braking System
Alaskan living in Arizona with DW and a Main Coon Cat
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DakotaD
Kodak, Tennessee
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Joined: 01/13/2007
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We're on our second MH. The day I heard that National was going Chapter 11 I began calling every dealer within 500 miles looking for a deal on a National. Found an 07 Sea Breeze and traded in the B+ Lexington the next week.
Nationals are great coaches in my opinion. Very solid and the F53 Chassis is strong. I'd went for a Dolphin in a heartbeat but the price on this new 1350 was too good to pass up.
I did have to drive from East Tennessee to just below Birmingham to pick it up but that was a hoot. First time I drove anything 35' long. Good luck and try Burton's Campers in Calera, Alabama if you're close enough. Also, Carolina Coach made me a pretty decent offer on a Surf Side but we love the 1350 floor plan and side ailse and two door bathroom.
This thing listed for 115K and we picked it up for under 80K. Had 2200 miles on it, never titled.
...by His grace...
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Expressman
charlestown ri
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Joined: 08/30/2006
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Dakota D those miles (2200) were the delivery miles from National Factory in Perris Ca to your selling dealer . National drove all coaches to the dealers. Mine came in with about 3500 miles on it again from the factory.
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Welshy
melbourne, florida
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Joined: 10/17/2008
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We're thinking of putting our 2003 Dolphin 5320 Class A motorhome up for sale. I bought it in Dec 2003 and 2008 is the last year I can depreciate it on my taxes (5 yr write off). So, we're looking at selling it. Anyone interesed can send me a Private Message and I'll send you out some pics. In note, we love our Dolphin it's been a great RV and the best one we've ever owned. Our unit still a little over one year left on an extended warranty that's also transferable to the next owner. Two slides, Workhorse chassis, LOTS of basement storage, etc..
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