Forum Discussion

kassiejax's avatar
kassiejax
Explorer
Jan 16, 2014

Is this my best option (Solera 224M)

I currently own a 07 View 23H model. I'm planning on full timing for a few years, starting in a few months. While I like several things, for full time purpose I want a comfortable bed with a real mattress. The corner bed models don't work for me as I also want a decent sized closet, a pantry and decent counter space in the kitchen area. With the View it seems you can have one or the other but not both.

I had been thinking I would need go up to a model such as the Aspect floor plan but hated giving up my diesel mileage and was a bit nervous about driving the longer vehicle.

Having said that I just discovered the Solera 24M. The Murphy bed seems like a way to have my cake and eat it two. Since it was only made in one year they are as scarce as hen's teeth but I think I found one only a few hundred miles from home Before I put money down to get them to hold it, I have two questions.

1) do people think this is my best solution for a comfortable 3 -4 years on the road?

2) I've heard very mixed things about the quality of Forest River. What have other people heard?

Thanks for the feedback
Class C
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Jan 16, 2014
    In general, FR has decent stuff, but you do get what you pay for (don't expect a Maybach for a Kia price.) If I had the storage space, I'd buy a Solera (although I like the 24 R since you get a 26-28 foot motorhome in a 24' package, and if one doesn't get the entertainment center option, the cabover bunk is good enough for the quick naps without having to stick the rear slide out, although it might be a hindrance if one uses it for storage.) I'd probably doublecheck if the converter is multi-stage, (replace if not), and add an accumulator tank to the water pump. Not heavy duty stuff, but small modifications that make life easier.

    Whatever you do, get the fiberglass nose and end caps. These will greatly prolong the life of your Solera by helping protect against water intrusion (and the cabover rot caused by that.)
  • kassiejax's avatar
    kassiejax
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2014
    I figured it would be courteous to update. After some comments here and on another forum I chickened out on the Solera. I contacted another dealer and got a 2011 Triple e Regeny for just $5000 more than the Solera. I've bought all my rv's from this dealer, so I don't think they were trying to palm off a problem child. What is particularly neat is that from what I can tell, it has everything including the living room as the 29 foot (2009 - 2011) Aspect/Cabria I initially was looking at except for the fact that the bed is up during the daytime but with the advantage of not having to go any bigger in length than I am used to driving. I'm really excited about it and will be driving down the nearly 300 miles to get it next weekend. (People always forget how big Florida is).

    Karen
  • gerrym51's avatar
    gerrym51
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2014
    24m no longer made-replaced by 24b. you will have to find one already made.

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