Forum Discussion

mchero's avatar
mchero
Explorer
Mar 17, 2014

Looking to upgrade my Fleetwood, Looking at American Dream\Eagle.

I have had a 93 Pace Arrow Diesel Pusher on an Oshkosh chassis for going on 10+ years. 8.3l 250HP Cummins 8.3 with the Allison World 3060 transmission, Leaf spring with Hydraulic disc on all four corners.
Did all the work myself from a head swap to new rubber roof.
Getting ready to full time & it's time to upgrade the coach. The wife & I are looking for a newer 2000 to 2007 range. REALLY been eyeballing the American Dream line of coaches. Looking for a 3+ slide and King bed but not sure what floorplan has the King bed.
I do know that the American Dream was Fleetwood's luxury coach. I really like the look, style & full paint jobs on these rigs.
I believe it will be easy for me to adjust to newer Fleetwood model. Will also be moving up to a heavier coach with Airbags & brakes.

I'd like to hear from other American Dream owners. I'll be going over what ever coach we purchase with a fine tooth comb, checking the roofline seals/calking, Interior walls & such for leaks, delam & such. Will be looking forward to inspecting the underneath as well. As you can see from my Prior coach I had the Cummins/Allison combo. Man that 8.3 mechanical Cummins with the Allison 3060 was one SWEET combo. I was getting 10MPG avarage (even towing 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee!). It's going to be REAL HARD letting go of my 93 Pace Diesel! Been a real good rig that still has a LONG way to go before retirement! LOL

Thanks All
Looking forward to the emails.
Class A

10 Replies

  • mchero's avatar
    mchero
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    Looks like the American Eagle would be another option! 2003/2005
  • johnsonbert's avatar
    johnsonbert
    Explorer
    Mar 18, 2014
    This page goes directly to a list of American Coach years and brochures. I see greyghost beat me with a similar link. We enjoyed our 03 American Tradition 40W immensely. Woodwork was great, Spartan chassis was great. Watch the year of chassis as the ball-joints and seals were an issue up through 04 to the tune of about $1800.00 to replace. There were alternatives if just the rubber seals disintegrated and you caught it in time, but the only Spartan choice was full replacement. We had good luck and enjoyed the coach. Great ride and well mannered. Assistance from American Coach customer service was first class all the way. We recently moved to an 06 Dynasty 42. Hope this may help, Happy Trails Bert


    American Coach Brochures
  • Blaster_Man's avatar
    Blaster_Man
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    Vegas1 wrote:
    I believe American Coach stopped making the "Dream" after model year 2001. They continue to make the Tradition,Revolution,Eagle,and Heritage.In 2009, they introduced the Allegiance, but after two model years, it was replaced by the Revolution, which was moved over from the Fleetwood line. I have always been a fan of American Coach and feel they offer a great product. (They are a division of Fleetwood RV)


    Good post, and yes, the Dream is long gone.
  • Vegas1's avatar
    Vegas1
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    I believe American Coach stopped making the "Dream" after model year 2001. They continue to make the Tradition,Revolution,Eagle,and Heritage.In 2009, they introduced the Allegiance, but after two model years, it was replaced by the Revolution, which was moved over from the Fleetwood line. I have always been a fan of American Coach and feel they offer a great product. (They are a division of Fleetwood RV)
  • Greyghost's avatar
    Greyghost
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    Ours has the Engine brake rather than the Exhaust Brake and of course air brakes. We do not have the hydro hot. The original owner ordered it with electric heated tile floor and gas only water heater.

    Trust me, you can handle the 400 HP Cummins.:B
  • mchero's avatar
    mchero
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    Been using the quick post here Dave.
    How many different floor plans did the American Dream have between the 2000 - 2005 date range?
    Not to sure about a Cat since the 8.3l mechanical was my first diesel! LOL
    Why the choices between Cat & Cummins?

    Just clueless when it come to the Cat side of the topic.

    Air bags & Air brakes will be new to me. My Pace had the Oshkosh Chassis with leaf springs and Hydraulic Disc brakes with the Hydroboost. Had zero problems stopping that rig. Exhaust brake was never functional.
  • FormerBoater's avatar
    FormerBoater
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    mchero wrote:
    Thanks for the info, Yes, three slides would be NICE. Wow, I did not relize that generator is on a MANUAL slide! My Pace had a NICE 7K watt 3cylinder Kaboda that's BOLTED in. That sucker aint going ANYWHERE. Ohe tough genset, a tad loud but it will power my house w/o issue!

    Also, I did notice some models have a Cat or Cummins. I don't want to start any trouble but I would prefer the Cummins. Don't know if I can handle a 400HP Cummins! Do the Cats have the exhaust brake as well or do they use Jake Brakes (engine, not exhaust)?



    Thanks again for the post Pat & Roger.


    If you want the motorized slide, pantograph cargo doors look at American Eagles in the years that you stated in your original post.

    I do not think the Dream or Eagle had 3 slides in 2000, also the body style change occurred with the 2001 models.

    We have enjoyed our five years of American Coach ownership.

    (Don't know why the quote feature is formatting incorrectly)

    RM
  • mchero's avatar
    mchero
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    Thanks for the info, Yes, three slides would be NICE. Wow, I did not relize that generator is on a MANUAL slide! My Pace had a NICE 7K watt 3cylinder Kaboda that's BOLTED in. That sucker aint going ANYWHERE. Ohe tough genset, a tad loud but it will power my house w/o issue!

    Also, I did notice some models have a Cat or Cummins. I don't want to start any trouble but I would prefer the Cummins. Don't know if I can handle a 400HP Cummins! Do the Cats have the exhaust brake as well or do they use Jake Brakes (engine, not exhaust)?



    Thanks again for the post Pat & Roger.

    RM
  • Greyghost's avatar
    Greyghost
    Explorer
    Mar 17, 2014
    We don't have the Dream, but last June we purchased a one owner Tradition with all the bells and whistles including a heated tile floor. 7k miles and nothing negative to report. If I could change anything it would be to motorize the generator compartment so I didn't have to pull it out and push it back in. That may be something we do in the future. I agree with wanting at least 3 slides. We have 2 18" slides living room and bedroom. We also have the Cummins 400 ISL mated with the Allison.

    You'll love the American Coach product.

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