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Mike3's avatar
Mike3
Explorer
May 22, 2015

Help with DP for Full Timing

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.
Class A
  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    May 22, 2015
    Lot of questions at once. Can't directly reply to some but I can for others.

    The Accord will work well as a toad. Honda does not recommend to do so for the model year you listed but the transmission will handle it. I have the same model year but a two door that is next in line if the primary, 2005 CRV, dies.

    Both towing options each have advantages and disadvantages. Dolly will greatly expand the line of vehicles that can be towed but it might be a bit more work at a camp site. Four down is simplest but you vehicle selection is a bit narrower.

    Critical items, washer/dry (individual units) would be high on my list. Residential fridge, heat pumps, dual pane windows will make life a bit easier. Top of the list though is a floor plan that fits your life style. All the options in the world won't make up for a floor plan that is a problem for you.

    Tag axle does have benefits but generally you don't see them often on a 40' or shorter coach. Foretravel is the first builder that comes to mind for a smaller wheel base rig with a tag. The additional axle will need maintenance along with two more tires and higher tolls if you happen to venture out on a toll road. If you're not afraid of older rigs this Foretravel would be a really good choice for full timing and fit a couple of your "in search of" items. The ISM based power train will get you to the top of Pikes Peak if they allowed rigs up there.

    I wouldn't worry too much about coach builders that have stopped production. If you dig into everything in a coach the list of what the build supplies really isn't that big. All the appliances are from someone else, majority of the chassis are out sourced. Might be a factor if you damage the front or rear caps and need a replacement but with any builder coupled with an older model finding new external replacement parts could be a challenge. The one item that would concern me is an in house chassis with an out of business builder. Just not sure who that might be off the top of my head.

    Good luck with your search.
  • Grandpere's avatar
    Grandpere
    Explorer
    May 22, 2015
    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.

    Glitz is the basic difference between MHs

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

    Don't know about Monaco, but Fleetwood is alive and well

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

    Another pair of tires to replace

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

    Sorry no help here

    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?

    Just need to swing a little wider, which can be annoying in tight
    places

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

    Since you are asking about a honda accord in question 7, you will
    need a tow dolly, we pull our kia sedona on a master tow dolly

    7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?

    With a tow dolly it will be fine

    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.

    For us, a full rear bath, not a split or something crammed in a
    corner

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

    irv2

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

    As stated earlier, the only difference between entry level and top of the line is glitz

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

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