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Baja_Man's avatar
Baja_Man
Explorer
Mar 06, 2014

2008 Winnebago 29T or 2008 Forest River 2940DS or ???

Well, after much conversation, debate, back and forth about pros and cons of a 5er vs a MH, it appears that the MH may be the way to go. We like 5ers, but think the ease of jumping into a MH and taking off will cause us to use it more often than a 5er.

We are family of 4 (Me, DW, and two boys (9 and 14). We mainly travel local within 300-400 miles of our home (CA, AZ, NV), but will try and do one major cross country trip every summer (14 days). All other trips during the year range between weekend getaways to 7 days in Dec. and 4-5 day trips in Nov., Feb., and April. May tow our pontoon boat on occasion.

Details on the two rigs we are considering.....

2008 Winne 29T: 11,000 miles, 2 owners, clean. Has the NEW Ford front end with the large chrome grill. Has very good CCC due to the one small slide (dinette only). Not as large in the living area as other large single slide units we have seen. Fiberglass roof. $37K

2008 Forest River Sunseeker 2940DS: Double slides face to face) in living area, one owner, 6500 miles. Older Ford front end style even though it is a 2008 like Winnie. Slides are dinette on one side and couch on opposite side. Larger open area vs Winnie, but not sure on build quality vs Winnie. Has a rubber roof. $35K

Thoughts/opinions on these rigs?

NOTE: I just did a NADA check on both of these units and this is what found....

2008 Winnie: $$39,027 LOW RETAIL
2008 Forest River: $45,931 LOW RETAIL

Why such a difference????? I can;t imagine one additional slide woudl cause such a difference? NADA lists the slides (8') at a value of $1350.

Perhaps we should concentrate on rigs with one large slide?

Our budget is $40K

Thanks!

7 Replies

  • I agree with the increased living room space with the face to face slides in the 2940DS/2941DS. The Winnie 29T with one slide (dinette) was nice, but after getting into the 2940DS it was really nice!

    Just not sure about a few other items.....

    1. The 2008 FR has the "older" front Ford grill making it look dated

    2. The 2008 Winnie has the "newer" Ford grill and looks just like a 2014 model

    Just learned that quite a bit was improved in a 2008 vs 2007 (older grill model). Better brakes, brake lines, front suspension GAWR increased from 4600# to 5000#, steering improved, and several other items. These improvements alone make going with the 2008+ model the way to go.

    From Wiki:

    Ford introduced the new E-Series at the New York Auto Show in March 2007. The van received completely redesigned front end sheet metal similar to that of the 2008 Ford Super Duty trucks. It has been overhauled with better handling and more payload.

    Updates to the front end of the van include larger headlights, a larger grille, and a longer hood than previously used on E-Series and Econoline vans. The 6.0 L turbo diesel is retained on the E-Series, while Super Duty received the new 6.4 L twin turbo diesel. Gasoline engines carried over. A series of upgrades to the braking, suspension and steering systems have resulted in improvements in ride and handling, braking performance and load carrying capability, although the Twin-I-Beam front suspension remains. Four-wheel drive is available through Ford Fleet Truck using current model year Super Duty parts.

    The chassis and suspension improvements have also resulted in an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) from 14,050 lb (6373 kg) to a class-leading 14,500 lb (6577 kg). Additionally, the maximum front gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is increased by about 10 percent, from 4,600 lb (2087 kg) to a class-leading 5,000 lb (2268 kg).
  • littlemo wrote:
    If you're not full-timing and just using MH as reflected in your post, I wouldn't worry about having 2 slides. We have one slide and it is a large dinette which makes into a good size bed. If you just have 2 boys you don't need both slides for sleeping, I wouldn't let that be a consideration. In decent weather most of your "sitting around" will be done outside anyway.

    As you can tell, this post is coming from a woman, since I'm not concerned with motor, roof, etc. LOL.

    BTW we have a 2012 Sunseeker and love it!

    Whichever you get you will enjoy it with the boys. They are at a great age. Wish we had a MH when our boys were that age.
    We have an '07 2941DS, and the 2 slides WAS a Major consideration for us, & we don't have 2 boys, but still hate to feel confined, that second slide makes a huge difference in space, especially being across from each other.
  • If you're not full-timing and just using MH as reflected in your post, I wouldn't worry about having 2 slides. We have one slide and it is a large dinette which makes into a good size bed. If you just have 2 boys you don't need both slides for sleeping, I wouldn't let that be a consideration. In decent weather most of your "sitting around" will be done outside anyway.

    As you can tell, this post is coming from a woman, since I'm not concerned with motor, roof, etc. LOL.

    BTW we have a 2012 Sunseeker and love it!

    Whichever you get you will enjoy it with the boys. They are at a great age. Wish we had a MH when our boys were that age.
  • About equal. Some things will be different. The most expensive systems I mentioned earlier and how they check out with qualified techs will be the wisest course of action so that you can determine if the rig is worth the price.
  • What's the build quality of the Forest River compared to the Winnie?
    I understand these are both entry level units.
  • I'd have a mechanic you trust look at both engines and drive trains. Mileage doesn't always tell you the condition of the engine. Then I'd have a trusted rv repair place check out the condition of the roof, the electrical system, the fridge, the Heating/air, and the water works including pump and water heater. Those are the big ticket items you'll be stuck with once you drive it off the lot .