Help with DP for Full Timing

Mike@Asheville wrote:
Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since October. I also have a truck camper I've been traveling in now for about 5 weeks on a trip from NC out west towing a motorcycle. We are loving the full time life style but thinking a larger class A with a toad may be a better choice. I read Johnny T's sticky for first time buyers today. Thank you Johnny! I do not have answers to all of the well thought out questions but I hope to before buying.

Here is what I think I know at this point. I'd like a used 40'-45' DP with enough power to travel the Rockies and beyond. I think I want a tag axle for the additional weight capacity and stability. I want a quality manufacturer that uses household quality materials and appliances. My budget is under 200K, hopefully well under.

So with that being said I have a few basic questions.

1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.

2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?

3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?

4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?

5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.

6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?

6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?

7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?

8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.

9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?

10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?

Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.

Here goes:

2) Fleetwood is still in business. They are a good coach manufacturer. In fact, they make the American Coach Eagle and Tradition. As far as I know, Monaco Coach is also still in business.

3) Tag axles increase load capacity and may help with tracking but there are a few disadvantages. a) they take up valuable storage space, b) they add weight and complexity to a coach, c) your tolls on toll roads will shoot way, way up because a third axle puts you into commercial rates, d) It's two extra tires and wheels to maintain, e) most tag axles slightly reduce your turning ratio unless you lift them or have steerable tags.

4) Freightliner is way more popular (i.e. more of them) than Spartan but the real differences lie within each individual chassis more than between the manufacturers. Spartan makes probably the best non-bus RV chassis today, the K3, which is favored by most of the top brands. But other than that, it really depends on which model chassis you get from which manufacturer. Freightliner has way more service centers but Spartan can be serviced at any Cummins service center so it's really not a problem. On any chassis, I'd pay attention to the front suspension (independent front suspension is better), disk vs. drum brakes, tag axle and type, side radiator vs rear radiator, and engine specs.

5) I agree

6a) Huge difference in handling between my 31 foot gasser and my 45 foot DP. Everything is more precarious in the 45 footer and I need way more vigilance to make sure I don't hit anything. Otherwise, the ride itself is much smoother in the DP because of the air suspension, air brakes, and no engine noise.

6b) I've never had a tow dolly so take this with a grain of salt. The tow dolly is probably initially cheaper and can be used with most cars but you end up with this dolly you need to store at the campgrounds and it takes way more time to hook and unhook the car.

7) Check here: http://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

8) Wall insulation and climate control are probably more important to a full timer like me. Try to avoid any carpet, anywhere. You'll probably want to boondock more as a fulltimer so look at tank sizes and electrical capacity. You've already mentioned W/D and dish washer.

9) https://escapees.com/ caters to fulltimers. Handles issues such as residency and mail services

I hope that helps.