Forum Discussion

Lchristi2's avatar
Lchristi2
Explorer
Oct 24, 2017

1997 Georgie Boy 28’ vs 2001 Winnebago Brave 31’

I am currently looking to purchase my 1st MH. I’ve owned Travel trailers and 5th wheels but now we want to take to the road in a MH. I am conflicted on this 1st purchase, it is between a 1997 Georgie Boy 28’ no slides and 61K for $9,000 or a 2001 Winnebago Brave 31’ with 1 slide, 1 female owner, 20K miles for $15,000.. I haven’t seen the Georgie Boy in person since it’s far away but I did see and have husband drive the Winnie and it looks great although a little delamination on the top where owner said a little bit of water came in but she repaired it right away and no water stains inside.. the guy for Georgie Boy said a little water cane in passenger side under window and he repaired it and no other issues.. WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK I SHOULD DO?? Please comment extensively, gonna buy in next couple days..
Class A
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    Oct 26, 2017
    I only read your post, and none of the others. If you are determine to buy one of the two then the Winnie is the one.

    For only 6K you get a slide, newer, a company that is still in business, and with any part that you might need in stock. It's possible that 97 is a Ford 460 also. Not a bad engine, but you can do better.

    Delam is never a good thing.
  • Blutoyz's avatar
    Blutoyz
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2017
    I am a newbie too but for what my opinion is worth the winnie at 20K miles seems awful tempting.
  • RJL's avatar
    RJL
    Explorer
    Oct 25, 2017
    Had a 99 GB 29 footer, no slides. Small. Go with the Winnie. Better made unit with a slide. Also something to keep in mind is that these shorter Class "A"s need ride improvements so they're not so terrifying to drive when buses and semis pass you. On our GB we had to install a steer safe in the front and a pan hard bar in the back to stiffen up the rear when the big rigs passed. Also Koni shocks. Without these improvements we would literally get pushed onto the shoulder. Made for plenty of white knuckle, exhaustive driving.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Oct 24, 2017
    I had a GB 28 no slide and it was traded in quick. TOO SMALL!!

    It had the Chevy chassis which is ok for a 10000 lb RV
    But if the Winnie is on a Ford V10 don’t bother looking at the GB.

    Also GB was very poorly made.

    I too recommend to keep looking.
  • Tal_IL's avatar
    Tal_IL
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    Disregarding all the other considerations, a slide increases comfort much more than you might expect.
  • Bruce_Brown's avatar
    Bruce_Brown
    Moderator
    Oct 24, 2017
    ^^^ Good advice. The only other thing I would add is on the Winnie check carefully around the windshield gasket, inside and out. They use steel tubing for the frame and it's not uncommon for those to rust out.

    With that said, if you're heart set on one of those 2, I'd lean towards the Winnie, simply for the slide.

    Also, what chassis is under each?
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Oct 24, 2017
    How far is fast away
    Can you spend a little take a couple of days and look at it

    The four years difference means little
    But the 40,000 miles means something

    Could be a lot less wear on the the Winnie
    But could also mean all the bugs are worked out of the GB

    Do be aware of the Winnie roof seal situation
    The roof is held down by the sealant on the molding that edges the roof

    This needs to be checked and probably resealed before any travel

    If you can't go see the GB, then i would go with the Winnie, barring any better choices
    Don't buy something sight unseen, pictures are not enough
  • jarata1's avatar
    jarata1
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    If your going to travel all over why would you spend that little you get what you pay for
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Oct 24, 2017
    X2 Repairing leaks does no good if water is trapped inside. Mold and rot are the result. Both units are getting on in years and could easily become money pits.

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