After thinking about it for a long time, I think our family is finally going to pull the trigger on getting an A class MH. We want to spend under $50K and want something right around 30 feet. We definitely want used, and something at least a couple of years old but not more than 5 or 6 years old.Anyway, as we're searching on the various used RV sites, it seems that we keep liking two makes of Class As in particular- Thor Motor Coaches A.C.E. and the Fleetwood Storms.I realize that this question calls for pretty subjective opinions, but is there anything really wrong with either of these two brands? Is one generally considered a better, higher quality brand than the other? I could be looking at the "Yugos" of the motorhome brands all I know :)Are there any brands of Class As in the 2010-2014 model year range that I should be avoiding?Thanks!

Also check out the Coachmen Pursuit and Forest River FR3 if you are looking at that size and price range.

The ACE is a solid entry level performer (I've owned 2 now). Very innovative and I've had few very problems with either and Thor had done a fantastic job of fixing any issues I did have quickly. In either case once the initial bugs were worked out they remained trouble free. If you notice the FR3 is almost an exact copy of the ACE. Right down to the grill. imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right? What I didn't care for on the FR3 was all the paneling inside. Some might go for that look but it reminded me of my grandparents basement in their 60's rancher. I also thought the fit and finish in the FR3 wasn't what I was looking for. The Storm seems ok albeit very entry level. There is also the Vista but I've always found Winnie overpriced with stark and dated interior. Mind you these are MY opinions and in no way meant to offend anyone. One final note, I've sent you a PM. I have a line on something you may be interested in.

rcmiller32 wrote:Also check out the Coachmen Pursuit and Forest River FR3 if you are looking at that size and price range.Will do, thanks.

Effy wrote:The ACE is a solid entry level performer (I've owned 2 now). Very innovative and I've had few very problems with either and Thor had done a fantastic job of fixing any issues I did have quickly. In either case once the initial bugs were worked out they remained trouble free. If you notice the FR3 is almost an exact copy of the ACE. Right down to the grill. imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right? What I didn't care for on the FR3 was all the paneling inside. Some might go for that look but it reminded me of my grandparents basement in their 60's rancher. I also thought the fit and finish in the FR3 wasn't what I was looking for. The Storm seems ok albeit very entry level. There is also the Vista but I've always found Winnie overpriced with stark and dated interior. Mind you these are MY opinions and in no way meant to offend anyone. One final note, I've sent you a PM. I have a line on something you may be interested in.Thanks for that info. The RV you sent me in the PM is very nice and well cared for. I bet that sells quickly.

Winnebago Vista 30W in the 2010 or the 30T after 2012 are very nice and well built. Moving up a couple of feet to the Sightseer 33c will give you a larger wheel and room you will appreciate.

Looking at entry level Class As..... | Good Sam Community

Effy
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2015
J-Rooster wrote:
Winnebago Journey DP

:h
J-Rooster
Explorer
Sep 26, 2015
Winnebago Journey DP
ualdriver
Explorer
Sep 25, 2015
Through dakarider.....Thanks! Taking the wife to see a Thor Ace on Saturday, so I think by them I will have seen about 20 different RVs of various brands and sizes. After tomorrow, we're going to figure out exactly what we want and just sit back and watch the ads.

Out of curiosity, is there a "best" time to find good prices on used RVs? I'm in the Midwest so I'm assuming it would be wintertime, but we're also going to give RVs "bonus points" for having spent its entire life away from the corrosive effects of salt and snow. That would mean possibly pursuing a RV that has lived in the southern states, where perhaps sales aren't so "seasonal."
dakarider
Explorer
Sep 25, 2015
right now, the advice I would give to someone looking to buy a new RV, is to not buy a new RV. Instead buy a 1-2 year old RV if you can find.

For us getting a new RV a year ago has been good at times and frustrating due to having to get so many issues fixed. And its quite an ordeal scheduling and bringing the unit in for repair. I'm talking simple things like trim inside and out just falling off and awning issues, leaky faucets etc. Let someone else get it all fixed and then buy it.
Z71_4x4
Explorer
Sep 25, 2015
ualdriver wrote:

Thanks Tom. I've probably seen about 10 different RVs so far. I did just see a 32bh Fleetwood Storm today, too. It was very nice, but I think a bit big for our needs.

Searching every night, waiting for a combination of a great deal and the right RV :)

Just my $0.02... with a growing family, slightly bigger can have unseen benefits when traveling. Also, having bunks for little ones (or even big ones!) so they have their own space and your not waiting on fixing the table back from a bed is huge! Not saying you can't do it or it wont work... just saying bigger is sometimes better.

I've got a 36ft BH, so a 32ft BH seems kind of small to me. ;)

Absolutely be patient and wait for the right MH and deal. It's worth it!! Good luck!!
ForestRiverTeac
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
Effy wrote:
ddndoug wrote:
I thought about buying a rental class A once upon a time. That was until I saw how people drove thee rentals on our trip out west. The phrase "drive it like you stole it" came out of my mouth more than a few times.

As far as leveling jacks... I don't think I would own an RV without them. When you or someone else is trying to sleep and someone moves around the RV without them deployed it doesn't take much to rock the MH. (that includes windy nights)

Doug

Actually the creaking I get from my jacks on my new MH is worse than the little bit of movement in my previous one without them. I still get movement even with my jacks. Other than being a little simpler than using blocks, I haven't experienced a "wow" moment in having jacks. And you still have to be fairly level to start with anyway.

I guess what you notice is all relative. :) After camping in travel trailers for years & years and going to a motorhome with leveling jacks we've marveled at how absolutely "still" the rig is -- virtually no movement or noise, compared to our last (26') Starcraft trailer. We just love them!
ualdriver
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
427435 wrote:
ualdriver wrote:
atperci wrote:
We bought out 2010 Fleetwood Encounter 32bh last year and it has been wonderful. The Encounter line is the same as the Storm (Fleetwood was sued over the name and had to change it.) The Terra and Fiesta are similar too, just different floor plans available, I think.

Good luck with your hunt! Just wait, the right one will appear.

Regards,

Tom

Thanks Tom. I've probably seen about 10 different RVs so far. I did just see a 32bh Fleetwood Storm today, too. It was very nice, but I think a bit big for our needs.

What made it too big?? Is it the driving that you are apprehensive about?

He-he. No. I drive 200 foot long machinery at work :) I just can't see spending the extra $$ for a bigger RV than I need. I mean sure, if I could get a 32' BH for the same price as a 28' or 30' Storm, I'd go with the 32' BH. However, from what I am seeing online, there is a premium for the 32' BH over the smaller units.

We visited a few more RVs today, including another Storm 32' BH! It looks like the 28' to 30' range is really the sweet spot for us.
427435
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
ualdriver wrote:
atperci wrote:
We bought out 2010 Fleetwood Encounter 32bh last year and it has been wonderful. The Encounter line is the same as the Storm (Fleetwood was sued over the name and had to change it.) The Terra and Fiesta are similar too, just different floor plans available, I think.

Good luck with your hunt! Just wait, the right one will appear.

Regards,

Tom

Thanks Tom. I've probably seen about 10 different RVs so far. I did just see a 32bh Fleetwood Storm today, too. It was very nice, but I think a bit big for our needs.

What made it too big?? Is it the driving that you are apprehensive about?
Effy
Explorer II
Sep 23, 2015
ddndoug wrote:
I thought about buying a rental class A once upon a time. That was until I saw how people drove thee rentals on our trip out west. The phrase "drive it like you stole it" came out of my mouth more than a few times.

As far as leveling jacks... I don't think I would own an RV without them. When you or someone else is trying to sleep and someone moves around the RV without them deployed it doesn't take much to rock the MH. (that includes windy nights)

Doug

Actually the creaking I get from my jacks on my new MH is worse than the little bit of movement in my previous one without them. I still get movement even with my jacks. Other than being a little simpler than using blocks, I haven't experienced a "wow" moment in having jacks. And you still have to be fairly level to start with anyway.
ddndoug
Explorer
Sep 23, 2015
I thought about buying a rental class A once upon a time. That was until I saw how people drove thee rentals on our trip out west. The phrase "drive it like you stole it" came out of my mouth more than a few times.

As far as leveling jacks... I don't think I would own an RV without them. When you or someone else is trying to sleep and someone moves around the RV without them deployed it doesn't take much to rock the MH. (that includes windy nights)

Doug