Hello everyone,My apologies up front for asking something that’s probably been asked before, and for my wordiness. My wife and I have decided that we want to make the leap from a travel trailer to a Class A gas motorhome. After spending a good bit of our recent cross-country trip ogling other people’s coaches, we’ve since spent a few weeks looking at manufacturers’ websites to at least get a basic idea of the models out there and types of floorplans we like.However, as some of you have likely experienced at one point yourselves, this has become somewhat overwhelming. We have plans to visit a nearby dealer (a Camping World) this weekend to walk through some of the models on the lot. As I’m skeptical of sales reps in general, I’m not expecting them to be a wealth of unbiased knowledge. So we are a way’s off from buying but, as we begin this adventure, I’d like some advice on how to shop smartly. Also, if we’re going to plunk down $100-150K on a coach, I want to buy something that I’m confident is quality. As such, here are a few questions, some general and some specific:Beyond “fit & finish” touches & furniture comfort, what sorts of things do we want to examine to determine quality? Are there specific questions we should ask about, say, a coach’s structure/frame, electrical, towing, etc?Does anyone have opinions of Thor and Forest River coaches? We’ve seen a few of them at campgrounds that look nice from the outside, and one friendly RVer gave us the nickel tour of their Thor Challenger which was beautiful (from our 10 minutes inside), but many of the reviews on RVT.com of Thor and Forest River have scared me a little, in that many people talk of constant problems with these brands. On the opposite end of that, I’ve seen consistently good reviews of Tiffen, Newmark, and Winnebago coaches – should I just stick with these brands? Does anyone have comments on the legitimacy of reviews found on RVT.com? Are there other sites you recommend to check out? Is RVTrader a good place to try to sell our travel trailer? Or is it more hassle than it’s worth and we should just trade it? Is there an obvious benefit to buying brand new or is buying slightly used a better way to go? Also, if buying used, is buying from a private seller better or worse than from a dealer?Is it reasonable to consider traveling a long distance to buy from a reputable dealer (i.e. flying to a city to pick up the coach)?I know that's a lot of questions. Any answers would be very appreciated.Thank you for your time!James

One thing you might want to do is to Google for Thor/Forest River owner's forums for some of your mfg-specific questions. IRV2.com has owner's forums. Good luck in your search. You'll love a Class A!

First off I have a 2017 Thor ACE. For me the unit is fine I have had no major problems. Yes some loose screws, some wires needed tightening etc. I moved from a nice 5th wheel to the ACE and am happy I did. Most sales people will not be able to answer your questions on frame, wiring that sort of thing. Look at how the kitchen drawers are made is a clue.I think most brands have there set of problems. People will complain on the forums about their units. While most are happy with them. You very seldom will hear a post about how great my unit is.As for trade I was never one to try and sell my units outright. If you have the time and the place to advertise you might make a little more selling yourself.

I think you have answered a lot of your own questions just from reading reviews. Yeah the ratings may be slanted some because happy buyers are less motivated than the ticked off ones, but enough volume eventually shows a trend. In the price point you mentioned you are in range for Newmar, Tiffin, Winnie, and may want to add HR Vacationers and the Precept line from Jayco. You may want to come down 95 a bit to Ashland Va at least to shop and peruse. You have two CW affiliate stores McGeorge and another that is changing names, plus General RV, and Commonwealth RV which sells a lot of used units both consignment and repo. Watch carefully for the price points, Mc George is pretty Fee heavy in their sales contracts, likely around $4000 in add ons and fees. If you need to price compare, check www.rv007.comThey are in Danville Va and Myrtle Beach SC, so they may be farther than you want to go just to look but they price their rigs out the door so the price you see is their actual final price, at least this will give you some reference points. Happy Motorin

As an owner of 3 class A's my experience has been the best with my Newmar. Also have heard great reviews about Tiffin These mfg. make a good Gas coach as well as the DP models. I had a winnebago which was an alright coach and for many years I had an Airstream DP another good coach I had a Forest river TT product their service was excellent but there was some lack of quality there.In the end you will have to live with and be happy with your purchase don't overlook the small stuf and the unseen. If you can go for a few factory tours of the builders that you are interested in. There is much more than fit and finish and gingerbread when you are on the rtoad and dealing with things.If you buy a gasser with the F53 chassis set aside an additional $2 grand to tame the ride.

If you're going to $150k, skip Thor and FR. It's a buyer's market right now, with inventory on the lots and units backed up on the transporter's lots in Indiana. Look at coaches in the 150-200 range and negotiate to under 150.Buying new, be prepared to spend some time at the dealer in warranty repairs. I would say the selection of the dealer is most important. Research the service department reviews here.Go with Craig's List to sell your TT. Just don't answer any emails from guys on offshore drilling rigs offering to buy "the unit" sight unseen for their father and dealing only through PayPal. This is a scam.

jcubeta

Explorer

Aug 10, 2018

Need advice: Shopping for a Class A...

Hello everyone,

My apologies up front for asking something that’s probably been asked before, and for my wordiness.

My wife and I have decided that we want to make the leap from a travel trailer to a Class A gas motorhome. After spending a good bit of our recent cross-country trip ogling other people’s coaches, we’ve since spent a few weeks looking at manufacturers’ websites to at least get a basic idea of the models out there and types of floorplans we like.

However, as some of you have likely experienced at one point yourselves, this has become somewhat overwhelming. We have plans to visit a nearby dealer (a Camping World) this weekend to walk through some of the models on the lot. As I’m skeptical of sales reps in general, I’m not expecting them to be a wealth of unbiased knowledge.

So we are a way’s off from buying but, as we begin this adventure, I’d like some advice on how to shop smartly. Also, if we’re going to plunk down $100-150K on a coach, I want to buy something that I’m confident is quality.

As such, here are a few questions, some general and some specific:

Beyond “fit & finish” touches & furniture comfort, what sorts of things do we want to examine to determine quality? Are there specific questions we should ask about, say, a coach’s structure/frame, electrical, towing, etc?
Does anyone have opinions of Thor and Forest River coaches? We’ve seen a few of them at campgrounds that look nice from the outside, and one friendly RVer gave us the nickel tour of their Thor Challenger which was beautiful (from our 10 minutes inside), but many of the reviews on RVT.com of Thor and Forest River have scared me a little, in that many people talk of constant problems with these brands.
On the opposite end of that, I’ve seen consistently good reviews of Tiffen, Newmark, and Winnebago coaches – should I just stick with these brands?
Does anyone have comments on the legitimacy of reviews found on RVT.com? Are there other sites you recommend to check out?
Is RVTrader a good place to try to sell our travel trailer? Or is it more hassle than it’s worth and we should just trade it?
Is there an obvious benefit to buying brand new or is buying slightly used a better way to go? Also, if buying used, is buying from a private seller better or worse than from a dealer?
Is it reasonable to consider traveling a long distance to buy from a reputable dealer (i.e. flying to a city to pick up the coach)?

I know that's a lot of questions. Any answers would be very appreciated.

Thank you for your time!
James

Class A

17 Replies

garyemunson
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2018
Once you have decided on what you like, go to RVtrader.com and search there. We saved 25K over what close by dealers wanted for the same coach. If you have to travel to get it, just consider that your first camping trip in your new toy.
WAFlowers
Explorer
Aug 10, 2018
Find a good used Tiffin with complete service records. Pay to have it professionally inspected. You will end up with one of the best available at a bargain price!
jplante4
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2018
If you're going to $150k, skip Thor and FR. It's a buyer's market right now, with inventory on the lots and units backed up on the transporter's lots in Indiana. Look at coaches in the 150-200 range and negotiate to under 150.

Buying new, be prepared to spend some time at the dealer in warranty repairs. I would say the selection of the dealer is most important. Research the service department reviews here.

Go with Craig's List to sell your TT. Just don't answer any emails from guys on offshore drilling rigs offering to buy "the unit" sight unseen for their father and dealing only through PayPal. This is a scam.
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Aug 10, 2018
As an owner of 3 class A's my experience has been the best with my Newmar. Also have heard great reviews about Tiffin These mfg. make a good Gas coach as well as the DP models. I had a winnebago which was an alright coach and for many years I had an Airstream DP another good coach I had a Forest river TT product their service was excellent but there was some lack of quality there.
In the end you will have to live with and be happy with your purchase don't overlook the small stuf and the unseen. If you can go for a few factory tours of the builders that you are interested in. There is much more than fit and finish and gingerbread when you are on the rtoad and dealing with things.
If you buy a gasser with the F53 chassis set aside an additional $2 grand to tame the ride.
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Aug 10, 2018
I think you have answered a lot of your own questions just from reading reviews. Yeah the ratings may be slanted some because happy buyers are less motivated than the ticked off ones, but enough volume eventually shows a trend. In the price point you mentioned you are in range for Newmar, Tiffin, Winnie, and may want to add HR Vacationers and the Precept line from Jayco.
You may want to come down 95 a bit to Ashland Va at least to shop and peruse.
You have two CW affiliate stores McGeorge and another that is changing names, plus General RV, and Commonwealth RV which sells a lot of used units both consignment and repo.
Watch carefully for the price points, Mc George is pretty Fee heavy in their sales contracts, likely around $4000 in add ons and fees.

If you need to price compare, check
www.rv007.com
They are in Danville Va and Myrtle Beach SC, so they may be farther than you want to go just to look but they price their rigs out the door so the price you see is their actual final price, at least this will give you some reference points.
Happy Motorin
craig7h
Nomad II
Aug 10, 2018
First off I have a 2017 Thor ACE. For me the unit is fine I have had no major problems. Yes some loose screws, some wires needed tightening etc. I moved from a nice 5th wheel to the ACE and am happy I did.

Most sales people will not be able to answer your questions on frame, wiring that sort of thing. Look at how the kitchen drawers are made is a clue.

I think most brands have there set of problems. People will complain on the forums about their units. While most are happy with them. You very seldom will hear a post about how great my unit is.

As for trade I was never one to try and sell my units outright. If you have the time and the place to advertise you might make a little more selling yourself.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2018
One thing you might want to do is to Google for Thor/Forest River owner's forums for some of your mfg-specific questions. IRV2.com has owner's forums. Good luck in your search. You'll love a Class A!

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Need advice: Shopping for a Class A...

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