Best Diesel Pushers

Without trying to be a smarty pants, get out, get in some and see what you like. As a previous coach tech for almost 10 years, I'd say make them show you the operation of the day to day items that you need to know. See what is easy to use, and what is not, that's the main thing I want to know when looking at a new (to us) coach.

When I worked on RV's Beaver was a medium easy to use coach. The Country Coaches, in your price range, were on the upper end of hard to get to know. The easiest was always an American coach.

If it makes any difference, since it was said on page 1 or 2, I own a 2003 Flair, gas coach, so I'm not even in your range or class. My post is from a technicians experience.

teeter5 wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
Why only three years old or less?

Ivylog, my only reason for 3 years old or newer is to have the latest techngy and coach amenities that an Older unit may need upgrades to compensate

I would put my 01 Foretravel up against any newer coach. The exception is some Prevost coaches and older CCs. They are similar. I would look pre 06 and dump the pollution crap.

Thanks fir the Infi all. After much investigation we pick up our New 2015 Engegra Cornerstone 45J tomorrow! Can't wait to drive It home to Conroe Texas!,

Ivylog wrote:
I'd say there has not been many improvements in the last eight years.

There have been a lot of improvements that I see over the last 8 years. All-electric coaches, full side awnings, huge changes in the electronics, LCD lights, better insulation, safer vehicles, more power, and more livable floor plans. That's just in what I would call mid-range coaches. In the next few years I think you will see more steerable tag axles as another change coming down the pike.

I'd say there has not been many improvements in the last eight years.

On the new side you can find an Entegra Aspire or Anthem within your price range. RVOne is another dealer that is very aggressive on the sales side and 30% off MSRP is more common than uncommon. They also handle Newmars at their Albany and Tampa stores. A Newmar Ventana can be within your range, although from what I have seen the discounts are less in the Newmar line. American Coach and Fleetwood have some great units in your range also as does Tiffin.

There are those that say new is dumb and those that say used is dumb. It just depends on your situation, circumstances, and desires. Buying new will cost more and you will have the punch list that comes with any new purchase. On the other hand you will also have the latest and greatest of technology and innovations as well as a unit that should last you for years and years. Buying used avoids the initial depreciation hit and most of the early problems have been resolved. However, the other side of the coin is that you don't know if you are buying a diamond or picking up someone else's lemon.

Bottom line is that to get it right takes a lot of research and time and then you may still have that nagging feeling that could have done something differently. Either way it is fun to look and see what's out there in RV land and what rings your chimes. RV's can be like spouses......they are not always what they appear to be. Have fun!

In my search I have found three things that narrow the field considerably. Tag axle, Aqua-Hot and Air leveling. They are minimums, for me. It is odd how many Coaches leave out one of the last two. Often they are not even options until you get to the top of the food chain. They are expensive to add and easy to build in.

Lots of different floor plans can work, your SO will advise you on that. I would not buy based on Gadgets. TV's, Sat dishes, 'Fridge, LED's are easy cheap projects. Buy one with good Bones. Then your cabinets will stay tight and new looking, your tile floor will not crack and you will not listen to squeaks.

Enjoy the search, it's an adventure!

teeter5 wrote:

Ivylog wrote:
Why only three years old or less?

Ivylog, my only reason for 3 years old or newer is to have the latest techngy and coach amenities that an Older unit may need upgrades to compensate

On one hand, your concern may be valid, on the other hand things like TVs and satellite antenna technology change so fast that you may have to upgrade after a few years anyway. Also, some used units may have been upgraded already. Most of the appliances in a coach typically last a long time--we still have the original refrigerator.
Also keep in mind that coaches from around 2010 and newer will have engines that require DEF.

Ivylog wrote:
Why only three years old or less?

Ivylog, my only reason for 3 years old or newer is to have the latest techngy and coach amenities that an Older unit may need upgrades to compensate

bluwtr49 wrote:
I may be a bit biased....am I the only one??

But something like this would be tough to beat:

Marquis

wow, thats a beauty and low miles too