Damon versus Winnebago

Two Jayhawks wrote:
RV show here a couple weeks ago the Winny rep was doing pull ups from the upper cabinets in a slide out (2015 Journey). Heck the sales rep was probably 70 years old that was just as impressive.

the salesman did the same thing for me when I was looking at a Foretravel.
bumpy

I have owned neither brand but I might be a Winnebago customer one day.
I admit it has plenty to do with strong representation near me. RV show here a couple weeks ago the Winny rep was doing pull ups from the upper cabinets in a slide out (2015 Journey). Heck the sales rep was probably 70 years old that was just as impressive.

Tom, Winnebago just about makes all there parts! I know that they don't make glass or tires, but do make just about everything else. The only time that I've had trouble getting parts is around Christmas time when Winnebago shuts there factory down for two weeks. I'm not going to tell you to buy a Winnebago because I own one! I feel that is a disservice! But, I will tell you that I'm into the 12th year (bought it new) of the 3rd Winnebago that I have owned. Good Luck on your search.

Sounds like most people are suggesting the Winnebago line. I agree that Winnebago has a good source of parts, even going back many years. The more I look, the Winnebago brand does normally sell for a little more, but I wonder if parts availability accounts for that or that plus overall build build quality if how they're able to get more for it.

Thanks for all the feedback thus far.

Tom

I would recommend the Winnebago, by far.

In my opinion, Winnebago over Damon (Thor) based strictly on build quality and manufacturer accessibility.

We also own a Damon coach, a Tuscany, and we are very happy with it. It has been a wonderful coach. Good luck with whatever you purchase.

We had a 97 Intruder, liked the motorhome and had had very few problems with it, when we went full time in 2005. Even though we had family in Elkhart County Indiana, Damon wasn't on our short list. We chose Newmar or Tiffin, and didn't include Damon because of the lack much of a factory support center. The Damon servive center at the time had 3 usable service bays and a 9+ month wait for even "catastrophic" failures. The Damon service center staff was very helpful on info and parts, but looked to be overwhelmed. Now that Damon no longer exists and the product line is part of THOR, an orphan older Damon motorhome would interest us even less. Winnebago has been around a long time like Tiffin and Newmar, if their plant had been located along our normal annual travel routes, we would have considered Winnebago also.

I have owned both brands.

The Winnebago was a Class C which leaked like the Titanic, despite use of Eternabond and caulking. I bought it when it was 6 years old and I think the damage, although not visible, had started before I owned it. The Winnebago roof design just didn't make sense. Nice fiberglass roof but it had a seam under the drip edge where the roof meets the top of the walls instead of wrapping over the edge.

The 2006 Damon in my signature has been problem and leak free (knock on wood)

I know one is a Class C and one is a Class A but just letting you know about my experience.

You indicate you're looking at rigs about 15 years old. I suspect that if there were going to be problems they would have shown up by now. I would pick the cleanest, best maintained and most problem free one. At that age condition and care will be the main factors as opposed to manufacturer.

Good Luck and safe travels.

Winnebago will defiantly have many more RV dealers at which to get Winnebago specific repairs if needed.