first motorhome

We just bought our 1st MH, its a winnebago, price was right (got it used). We did look at the coachmen and they did not appear any better or worse than some of the others. There was a thor four seasons/winds/feathers whatever I liked but wife said too small. We looked at the Jayco melbornes (we wanted and got a B+) and they seemed to offer the most for the $$. The couple of coachmen were both used one hard the other was at a dealer who got it from another dealer so when we checked it out and the AC did not work and was told all was fine we knew it was bad. The coach itself was nice wife liked it. As best I can tell when like anything else you are buying a pig in a poke. All look nice but it takes time to find all the warts. All interior parts are basically sourced from the same companies. Shells will vary by manufacturer try to stay away from those that have the seamed roofs and front caps if possible. Look for a fiberglass roof that overlaps the sides. Whatever you do look for water leaks and any bulges down the sides or across the front of the cap. There are many other related links on this site of what to look for. We looked at a NEW chateau by thor it was poorly put together and a POJ as far as we were concerned, but other say it is a good unit. All depends on what you want, but look and if ya can find someone who knows what they are looking at. We found one, it was all rusted on frame and the outside storage locks all rusted and not useable. Came from canada, so look where the used coach may be from. Fla and south texas have sea salt issues as well as some of the east coast units like we found. the more you know or have someone who knows the better off you will be. the used winnebagos will also fall within your price range, just have to look. check out rv trader etc