Best year for a DP
I ve been looking at different used models of DP's. Is there a certain year that one should look for, as far as dependability and ease of maintenance goes? EPA regulations? I am guessing 2004 or 05 and earlier.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Forum Discussion
UltimaRV wrote:
Any year. Just go high up the food chain as possible.
Then Happy Trails.
On edit:
My original question was about the coach in your sig. I had not heard of a Featherlite that was not a Prevost chassis.... I found one on line that is called a Featherlite Vogue, learn something everyday!
Nice paint job.
Safe travels,
MM.bluwtr49 wrote:
I'm kind of fond of coaches between 2000 and 2004 for a lot of reasons. Great values available and the quality seems higher than later modes.
AMEN!!- Any year. Just go high up the food chain as possible.
Then Happy Trails. - Our 2001 has been wonderful to us!
- I still think it goes deeper then government regulations and year of manufacture. It is in the build
- The magic date for me was 2006, the last year for diesels before having to add all the emissions junk. I shopped around and found my present coach, a 2007 Monaco Holiday Rambler Endeavor which had a 2006 Cummins in it, therefore not needing the newer emissions stuff. It has run flawlessly since then, just the normal maintenance items have been needed.
- Also, if one decides to go older and remodel, the process can be done over a period of years as you get used to the coach and decide what your want. Most of these older high end coached don't NEED the remodel it just part of making it yours.
- My 03 still runs like a top and looks just as good. It's a keeper.
- Mpierce, I agree, a good used coach in the upper realm of the food chain would be the best money spent.
I read on the Prevost site daily. The general rule of thumb for 'zeroing-out' a Prevost just on the chassis side is about $30,000. This will include new airbags, new norgren valves, all filters, oil changes (engine and genny), chassis lube, bushings, wheel bearings, etc.
Then the fun starts on the inside with new TV's. All of the other decorated items like sofa's, window coverings would be less important initially.
MM. Mr.Mark wrote:
John S., what you suggest is true and can certainly work for most people.
But, you are talking about a coach with a lot of down time for remodel. I want to go and not worry about repairs and updates. There is certainly a cost involved but I'm not sitting at a repair/remodel shop. I'm on the road.
MM.
Just because it is only a 3 year old coach, do not expect it will be trouble free. I read LOTS of horror stories on here from those who paid several 100k for a 2-4 year old MH, and all the problems they have had.
Remember, those of us who suggest buying an older MH, are talking about the top end coaches, Prevost, Bluebird, etc. where you have a really good MH to start with. No matter HOW MUCH fixing you do to a cheaper coach, you CANNOT get the quality of these older top end coaches.
