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YakFishMo's avatar
YakFishMo
Explorer
Dec 04, 2014

Looking for first DP

We have been RVers for several years starting with a 30 foot bumper pull and currently with a 40 foot 5th wheel. We started full timing in July of this year after I retired. My DW retired 9 months before me. So, having done the prerequisite research and believing a 5th wheel and dually truck would suit us best, we are second guessing that decision. It's actually more than second guessing. My DW has some health issues and the stairs to the bathroom and bedroom are causing her problems. It also doesn't help that she is afraid to drive the dually because it is so big. Climbing the steps to a MH once or twice a day would not be a problem. Once inside, everything can be accessed without steps. So, we have started the research process all over again. Like others, we have the champagne taste and beer budget! I have a meeting set up with my financial advisor so I can determine what I can really afford to do. We are looking for a used DP. We are used to a lot of room and have several "must haves" and several "nice to haves". On the "must haves" list we need a king size bed, separate washer and dryer, large refrigerator (preferably residential style), double pane glass, two 15K AC units (preferably heat pumps), large kitchen sink, good counter space, television viewing without turning your head. The "nice to haves" are: dishwasher, 1 1/2 baths, residential refrigerator, roller shades and a large LED TV opposite the sofa.
So, the search begins. We have looked at our local dealer and found nothing. However, we looked at a couple of Newmar coaches and know that Newmar would be a good choice for us. We would rather get an older quality coach than a newer low quality coach. That said, our short list is Newmar, Tiffin, Entegra, Monico, Holiday Rambler and American.
I am very capable of doing many repairs myself. I have extensive knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, electronic, refrigeration/HVAC and gas appliances. I wouldn't attempt to rebuild a cummins engine, but most other repairs on an RV are not beyond my capabilities, so I'm comfortable with buying a used coach.
Does anyone see anything wrong with my thought process so far? Any ideas, suggestions, etc would be appreciated. Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll be posting here as a MH owner soon!
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  • Dale_Traveling's avatar
    Dale_Traveling
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2014
    Your search criteria is a bit similar to mine except I'm not retiring any time soon. Two items on you list, separate washer and dryer and the TV's, caught my attention. You need to focus your search no older than 2008. Pre 2008 the TV's were analog and it appears the combo washer/dryer were common items. Also for model years of 2011 and beyond there was a big price jump due to the new EPA requirements on the power train and the inclusion of DEF. The TV opposite the coach is going to hard to find unless you jump into 2012 and beyond. The are a couple with the TV in a book case/cabinet with a electric fire place.

    All the brands you listed are solid rigs. Shop floor plans first builder second and chassis third. Although they may look the same small differences such as kitchen on the curb or driver's side as an example, can really change how livable to you and the DW the coach feels. Seen a couple with a retrofit residential fridge also. You can tell by the exterior fridge vents but there's a stainless steel model in the coach.

    My search is focused on Tiffin Phaeton line. Prefer a 36' but 40' is within my budget but I'm at least a year out before I buy something. A couple of really good buys popped up after Labor Day but not so much at the moment. Maybe come Spring there might be another sell off so be ready to jump if 'The Coach' pops up.

    Good luck with your search.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Dec 05, 2014
    Without a budget number it's not easy to make recommendations.

    Finding all that seems unlikely in one unit.

    I'm thinking a Foretravel below your price range then take it the factory for updating.

    They are good at updating and making custom improvements. They all have side radiators and a retarder in the Allison.

    They are quality units, they use quality components and because they are monocoque, they are at least one step, maybe two steps lower than many DPs so easier for your wife.

    Look at MOTORHOMES of Texas.
  • bfast54's avatar
    bfast54
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    I toured the Factory...and Looked at Several Entegra coaches....Built well.

    Just one example ....the windshield comes from Qatar or Pakistan or something like that place with lots of sand........anyway they have a Metal jig made that is the exact reproduction of the Front of the coach .......if the windshield does not fit perfect and I mean perfect........ then it gets sent back to wherever is made and they sending another one

    that's just one of their attention to detail
  • tahiti16's avatar
    tahiti16
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    I would add the Country Coaches Intrigue, Aspire, and even Lexi.
  • Deano56's avatar
    Deano56
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2014
    I have been slowly looking for a coach like you are wanting but recent health issues are putting a damper on this for me, at least for a while. Anyways, I liked Newmar and to tell the truth, they were at the top of my list. I later have considered that Monaco is a better value than any that you have listed, their quality is very good and there fitment of many things is tight and precise and woodworking is very quality as is Beaver. Those would be my 2 choices above the others. Of course Newell and Prevost are way up there but not practical for my budget, no slideouts in my price range.
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2014
    Don't forget to check out the Beaver Coaches....there are a lot of older ones out there and some super deals...I know of a couple if interested.....

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