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funjnt's avatar
funjnt
Explorer
Mar 29, 2015

2001 Fleetwood American Tradition VS. Country Coach.

Hello all and thanks so much for all of your help. I have just registered but have been reading these forums for four years or so.

I will try to keep this to the point. For three years I have been researching country coach rvs and we decided to buy one last year, used of course, 99 allure. 51,000 miles and excelent shape, 45000.00. Original owner, needed tires and a bath. Unreal rig. Took it to fla for the winter and there was a short in the wiring to front ac unit. Unit burned to the ground, no one hurt just our feelings and loss of belongings. With that said I have two questions to float out to all of you.

First. The place we stayed had a camping couple that told us that country coach units had electrical problems. I have never seen that in any forums in my years of research. Is this a concern?

Second. The owners of the place we stayed have a 2001 Fleetwood American Tradition for sale. They offered it to us at 50,000.00. They are second owner, bought it with 2700 miles, plasic on bed. It currently has been garage kept except use and it now has 27,000 miles on it. Freshly detailed, banks power pack and pictures look amazing. The couple maintains all of their trucks, cars and equipment like new. I have no problem believing this coach was kept up with.

So,what do we do? I am really stuck on country coach but, this Fleetwood sounds and looks really attractive. The insurance money covers the cost of the Fleetwood but it is hard to find a CC in that price range.

Thanks again everyone!
Class A

8 Replies

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  • funjnt's avatar
    funjnt
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2015
    Thanks again everyone. I am still partial to another CC for sure. I am just not finding one at the moment, well I did but missed it by a day. Was an imaculate 01 allure w two slides for 45,000.00. I do remember reading about the ball joint issues, not a big deal for us we have a shop and can do that kind of work. I just thought the American Tradition was a good deal, price, condidion etc. This is very tough.
  • RayChez's avatar
    RayChez
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2015
    I would go with the American coach, great reputation.

    I have heard some good and some bad about Country coach. I have not heard about the electrical problems, but one thing I have seen on Country coaches and that is hairline tiny cracks all over the sidewalls on the outside. So even though I have talked to many happy CC owners, that would make me go towards the American coach better.
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    HD8100A wrote:
    Not to hijack this thread but it would be nice to have more details about the 08 Allegro Bus issue, being an owner of one

    Thanks


    PM sent
  • HD8100A's avatar
    HD8100A
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    Not to hijack this thread but it would be nice to have more details about the 08 Allegro Bus issue, being an owner of one

    Thanks
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    "First. The place we stayed had a camping couple that told us that country coach units had electrical problems"

    I've been driving a CC since Aug.'01 and this is the first I have ever heard about them having electrical problems. Rest assured that if they do indeed have electrical problems, it would be blabbed all over the internet.

    If the other coach works for you, then buy it. If it really isn't what you want then keep looking.

    If my CC burned to the ground, I would buy another.

    BTW, we have friends that have a '08 Alegro Bus and it just had a serious electrical problem that could have burned up the coach. A $40 part and $600 labor to fix
  • johnsonbert's avatar
    johnsonbert
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    Sorry to hear about your loss. We had a 2003 Tradition ISC 350 and it was a good coach. A couple of things to research on the coach and these boards. Spartan is a great chassis, but had some bum ball joints in those years, ours included. That would not be a deal breaker, just so you are aware of it up front and use it in the dealing. We enjoyed our 03 immensely. Fit and finish was very good, it went down the road well and only sold it to go a little bigger. Like anything with a little age on it, it will probably have a few little troubles. If stored in FL, heat and rubber products will probably be something to look for. American customer service was great, even as a second owner. Best of luck with your decision. Happy trails Bert
  • FormerBoater's avatar
    FormerBoater
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2015
    Electrical system on any American Coach is IMHO top notch.

    Fleetwood standardized on one manufacturer's terminals and splices, made the investment in that manufacturer's application tooling and DID NOT allow the electricians to just use any crimper that happened to be in their tool belt.

    This makes a tremendous difference in the integrity of the electrical systems in a MH.

    I have never inspected the wiring on a CC so I cannot render any opinion with regard to that.

    I can tell you that American Coach and Spartan will give you excellent factory support on the Tradition.

    Good luck in your decision process!

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