Fellow RVers, Many years ago, I bought a POS ultra light trailer because it is what my Expedition could tow. Well, a little water damage and delamination told me never to buy another RV. That was sad, because my wife and kids missed out on the magic of RVing. Now, I am taking on a new chapter in my life and career. My job will require I live in my coach for 13 weeks at a time and I am trying to decide what is best for me. What I like for no real reason other than I like it, is a tag axle 42' or bigger coach with multiple slides and the much better fiberglass roof. I am buying used, so I am looking in the $100k range. Financially, perhaps it is more intelligent to buy an older coach with a single rear axle, EPDM roof, and maybe only one slide that is in the $30-$50k range first. I do not know. Having the delamination experience, water leaks scare the snot out of me, especially on a $100k or more coach. My per diem will easily cover the lot rent, maintenance, insurance, fuel and payments on the large coach I really want. Perhaps, a "cheap" coach will make me feel better should I have problems? How likely is it to have water issues?Newmar or a Tiffen/Allegro are the two mfgs that seem to be fairly good quality with Newmar being slightly better built. Supposedly delamination on a Newmar is not likely. How likely is delamination on a Tiffen/Allegro?Is there easier resale on a $30k coach or on a $100k coach?Where do I go for financing that offers a low interest rate for someone with a nice down pmt and great credit?

I would look for an older Prevost chassis coach but you might have trouble finding one with slides in your price range.

I don't see Prevost on places like RV Trader is there someplace else to find them? What makes them better and what is a reasonable price for an older one? I like the idea of the slides since it is going to feel cramped without them, especially during winter assignments.

An older, well built, high initial quality coach is in your price range, something like a Monaco, Beaver or Safari built around the turn of the century. However, as an owner of a 96 Safari, I can tell you that things will break and you'll need to be handy (or have the phone number of the local mobile RV repair shop on speed dial).We see it here all the time; people buy a low cost coach and they're here complaining about quality. Don't think you'll escape issues if you buy new.I also question if you'll need something as big as 42 foot, especially if it's just you and you'll be mostly in the same place.

Welcome to the forum.How many will be living in the RV for 13 weeks and how much will you use it when not working?If it's just for work, maybe you should consider a 5th wheel or large TT.I know you like the Class A but it doesn't make sense to buy a diesel (Prevost) or a gasser just to have it sit most of the time.Go look at everything before you buy. Visit dealer lots and RV shows. Even when buying used you can get a good idea of what interests you by looking at New units.And, don't hesitate to ask questions on the forum. There is a lot of experience and information available here.Enjoy your search.

kirkifer wrote:I don't see Prevost on places like RV Trader is there someplace else to find them? What makes them better and what is a reasonable price for an older one? I like the idea of the slides since it is going to feel cramped without them, especially during winter assignments.I just checked RVTRADER.COM nationwide. There are a bunch of Prevost's listed.They're great rigs but, they're not cheap.

Go cheap or not ??? | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

Ivylog
Explorer III
May 06, 2016
Mr.Mark wrote:
Oh Ivylog..... you can't take it with you, spend the bucks and get that Prevost Marathon that you've been yearning for!

:p:p:p

MM.

I get enough LOOKS showing up at USFS CGs now plus the learning curve is getting more difficult. Thanks for thinking for me.
tatest
Explorer II
May 06, 2016
Newmar does not laminate the walls. Thus they cannot delaminate. But water leaks can still do damage, particularly to wooden parts of the structure like the floor, and most of the interior fittings can also be damaged by water.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
May 06, 2016
kirkifer wrote:

I have watched listings at PPl for years, but was surprised when I actually called them recently. It was surprising how little they knew about the coach I was asking about... It was like they were reading off a spec. sheet and did not even know much else.

Yes, they are reading off a spec sheet. It's a consignment facility not a sales facility. There would be no salespeople walking around with you unless you ask. There is absolutely no pressure. You have to do your homework.

It's amazing the amount of traffic that comes thru - dropping off RVs, lookers and buyers. The place is bustling. We sold ours through them quickly. The new owner flew in from Florida and had it inspected before buying.
mike_brez
Explorer
May 05, 2016
Now that I re read his post I get it. I usually look at FOT website a few times a week and it never caught my eye. Love his(Sully)sense of humor.
Bruce_Brown
Moderator
May 05, 2016
mike brez wrote:
Bruce Brown wrote:
I don't know if it's still there or not but member Sully2 here had his Country Coach for sale through Motorhomes of Texas. I've traveled with Sully and can tell you that one has been cared for. Might be worth a look.

He sold it.

I think you'll find that was when it was headed to Texas.

I'll call him and ask.

He's not home - I'll try again tomorrow if I remember. :B
crasster
Explorer II
May 05, 2016
Tiffin does make a good coach. I hear from many happy owners.
Greyghost
Explorer
May 05, 2016
We've had a 93 Winnebago Adventurer, a 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire and our present coach a 2005 American tradition DP on a Spartan chassis with Allison 6 speed. All 3 performed very well in both hot and cold weather. The Winny held up well in both hot and cold weather but the Newmar had some real issues with cabinets splitting once we got to AZ. The American Tradition is a much better built coach than the other 2. So you may want to look at American Coach.

Here's another site that will give you the opportunity to get some prices. RV Online
Kayteg1
Explorer II
May 05, 2016
For very cold weather also check how usable is the coach with slides in.
bsinmich
Explorer
May 05, 2016
If there is a chance you will be in cold weather in the motorhome I really suggest Newmar. If you go back through their older brochures you will find they list the R values for insulation in walls, ceiling & floors. I had my '03 Moutain Aire for 11 years and miss it now but the 6 steps up were my problem. If you join FMCA you will get a great deal on Michelin tires. I bought 6 for my GMC last year and the price could not be beat by anyone around here.
mike_brez
Explorer
May 05, 2016
Bruce Brown wrote:
I don't know if it's still there or not but member Sully2 here had his Country Coach for sale through Motorhomes of Texas. I've traveled with Sully and can tell you that one has been cared for. Might be worth a look.

He sold it.