Forum Discussion

Emily_Eisenman's avatar
Emily_Eisenman
Explorer
Mar 21, 2018

Looking for our next motorhome

We recently lost our 1992 Foretravel to a fire, and are beginning the process of researching our next motorhome. This was our third motorhome, we worked our way from a Class C Toy Hauler to a 32’ Class C gasser, to this 36’ Class A diesel. She was vintage but she was a beauty. We are keeping a totally open mind and want to explore all our options to go forward.

While we loved the vintage and the high-end build of the Foretravel, DH wants to go newer this time. We expect to buy used, probably less than 10 years old. Price point will hopefully be under $65,000. We are spoiled by the Foretravel build quality but know that a newer one will be WAY out of our price range.

Other considerations:
We are not full-timers, we do a couple 2-week trips a year and long weekends at least once a month in the spring-summer-fall.
We may go back to gas (but are intrigued by the Mercedes Sprinter diesels).
We are also seriously considering downsizing to something in the 25’ range.
We prefer a dedicated bed as I stay up much later than DH.
We are not completely ruling out travel trailers, but think we want to stick with self-propelled

I’d love to hear what current brands are the best quality right now, brands to avoid, or any other thoughts or suggestions.

//cross posted in Class A forum, as all options are on the table//
Class C
  • Emily_Eisenman's avatar
    Emily_Eisenman
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2018
    Islandman wrote:
    Emily - We have one slideout, never any problem and the coach has a solid feel when driving, no squeaks or rattles except maybe a loose dish or something in a cupboard that didn't get placed quite right. Take a short trip down to FL and look at their used ones and maybe test drive one to see if they fit your needs. Ours is a 23 ft model, we moved up from a 19 ft. Pleasure Way Class B so it fits our needs quite well. You folks will be downsizing from the Foretravel which will take some getting used to and you may have to discard some stuff you haul around and don't use, but the fuel mileage and driving convenience will make you happy.


    It was amazing how much stuff we had accumulated in the Foretravel when we had to completely empty it after the fire. I'm going to be super conscious of what we carry around in our next coach.
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2018
    Emily - We have one slideout, never any problem and the coach has a solid feel when driving, no squeaks or rattles except maybe a loose dish or something in a cupboard that didn't get placed quite right. Take a short trip down to FL and look at their used ones and maybe test drive one to see if they fit your needs. Ours is a 23 ft model, we moved up from a 19 ft. Pleasure Way Class B so it fits our needs quite well. You folks will be downsizing from the Foretravel which will take some getting used to and you may have to discard some stuff you haul around and don't use, but the fuel mileage and driving convenience will make you happy.
  • Emily_Eisenman's avatar
    Emily_Eisenman
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2018
    Islandman wrote:
    If you're thinking a little bit shorter motorhome, take a look at used 27 ft. Coach House units, they have very high quality which is what you're accustomed to having owned a Foretravel. I wouldn't buy new as they're too costly, but a five year old might be just the ticked; Coach House doesn't change much from year to year, ours is over ten years old and still looks just as up-to-date as the new ones from the factory. The factory is not far from where you folks live (FL panhandle) and buying a used one direct from the factory will save you some extra money.


    Thank you for the suggestion, it does appear the Coach House is the Foretravel of the Class C world. I'm impressed by their one-piece fiberglass shell.

    We went from having a Class C with slideout to the Foretravel with no slide out, which was perfectly comfortable space-wise. There's a beauty to not having one more moving part to go wrong, and I see Coach House does offer two models without slideouts. Do you have a slideout in yours? Any known issues with the integrity of the one-piece shell with a slideout?
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2018
    If you're thinking a little bit shorter motorhome, take a look at used 27 ft. Coach House units, they have very high quality which is what you're accustomed to having owned a Foretravel. I wouldn't buy new as they're too costly, but a five year old might be just the ticked; Coach House doesn't change much from year to year, ours is over ten years old and still looks just as up-to-date as the new ones from the factory. The factory is not far from where you folks live (FL panhandle) and buying a used one direct from the factory will save you some extra money.
  • NCWriter's avatar
    NCWriter
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2018
    Used Sprinter diesel Class Cs are readily available in the 25 foot length and price range you mentioned. Several layouts, one or two slides. Depending on the model year, you can usually find a fixed corner bed, fixed twin beds, rear walkaround queen slide, and a few other variations.

    Plenty of makers to choose from. People report mpg anywhere from 14 to 17. One decision is whether to look for an over-cab bunk model, or TV & cabinets instead of a bunk. Or go with the lower profile front above the cab with skylight for more light and less wind resistance

    Winnebago has the View or the Itasca Navion branding. Same assembly line, same layouts, just differences in decor.

    Happy with ours after two years. Great 10,000 mile trip west last year to Oregon and Canadian Rockies.
  • TheLuvShack's avatar
    TheLuvShack
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2018
    You might take a look at a used Phoenix Cruiser. I purchased a used Model 3100 in October 2017 and have been very happy with the build quality and it handles great. Phoenix builds on Ford 350 and 450 chassis and Mercedes Sprinter diesel. Be sure to read the Phoenix forum.

    http://www.phoenixusarv.com/
  • Downunda's avatar
    Downunda
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2018
    We have a 26' Class C and spend much more time away than you and find this is an ideal size for us. Our rig has a fixed bed plus a cabover if we need to take the grandchildren from time to time.

    I guess its a matter of how much space you need, we seem to have more than enough evidenced by the fact that a number of our cupboards are empty. In our case we have a Jayco Conquest (Australian) powered by a Fiat Ducato diesel.
  • Emily_Eisenman's avatar
    Emily_Eisenman
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2018
    IAMICHABOD wrote:


    One of the many avenues to look at is the Former Rental Market

    There you will get a good value for your money and a RV that has had proper maintenance.There more that 95 owners on that thread and all are happy with their choice.

    Enjoy your quest for that perfect RV that will suit your needs and budget.


    Thank you, this is an avenue I had not considered.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2018
    There are many ways to look for a used RV,don't be in a hurry do a lot of research, Kick some tires,decide which floor plan you can live with

    One of the many avenues to look at is the Former Rental Market

    There you will get a good value for your money and a RV that has had proper maintenance.There more that 95 owners on that thread and all are happy with their choice.

    Enjoy your quest for that perfect RV that will suit your needs and budget.

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