Need to buy a NEW entry level RV - Any suggestions ?

I have owned 3 motorhomes that I purchased new, including a Winnebago, so I speak from experience. My Forest River TT is my first towable RV and the quality doesn't come close to any Winnebago product.

And yes, a Winnebago in that price range may have less amenities or cost more than the other brands, but it will certainly be a much better product.

gemsworld wrote:
All motorhomes are NOT created equal. The OP came here looking for recommendations and there is nothing elitist about recommending the best brand in his price range and to avoid lesser quality brands that may give him problems down the road or have very low resale value when he decides to sell.

You just bought a Forest River TT, but you advise him against buying a Forest River (among others) Class C ? :h

You recommended a Winnebago. Do you think a Winnebago in that price range is better than those other brands listed?

I'm NOT an elitist or a snob...but being a realist regarding your list only...in my opinion contains one unit that should be on your list..the 2014 Forest River Sunseeker 23U. A national search on RV Trader shows new for average $46,000 Ford brand new Ohio..and several low mileage used 1 year old too, which are usually "Cruise America" rental units.

Also...the FR Products are usually better at retaining re-sale value at trade in time too!

Forest River packs a lot of goodies and standrd stuff into their RV's. Name brand appliances, and billionare Warren Buffet stands behind His Forest River produsts too!

Check out the standard equipment levels, including stuff that is optional on the other Class C's...such as standard 4.0 kW Onan® Microquiet™ generator,
One year Coach-Net service, on the Fords Firestone Ride-Rite Air Assist Suspension, full 2" laminated Gel Coat sidewalls vacuum bonded
with aluminum frame structure, steel backers (other brands 1 1/2" and NOT vacuum Laminated), vacuum laminated is 10 times LESS likely to leak!
& block foam insulation.

Best of luck...there ARE a lot of lightly used former Rental Fleet Class C's...but I don't generlly buy used either.

All motorhomes are NOT created equal. The OP came here looking for recommendations and there is nothing elitist about recommending the best brand in his price range and to avoid lesser quality brands that may give him problems down the road or have very low resale value when he decides to sell.

There's nothing inherently wrong with any of the motor homes you listed. I didn't realize there were so many elitists on this site. You want to buy new, and I can't figure why anyone would tell you that you should buy used. Everyone knows you'll take a bigger hit on depreciation as soon as you drive the unit off the lot, but so what. It's not like you're buying it as an investment.
As long as you properly maintain any motor home, it should last a long time.
I'm sure you realize you should easily get 25% or more off the list price of whatever you choose.
Just pick the one that works best for you.

Hi CodyClassB
If it were me, I would choose the Forest River. I think that for the price they provide the most value. I like the Fiber glass roof and Azdel walls, plus they seem to have a little better quality interior. Next on the list would be the Fourwinds...just my two cents worth.

If the price is good you can add some options provided by the more expensive units to customize it to your taste.

I would not rule out a newer gently used unit. It gives you a larger selection to consider. We have purchase two motorhomes....both were used. Both have given us good service.

However, it seems at this time, some dealers are asking almost new prices for a newer used unit. If there is only a small difference between the price of used vs new it makes sense to buy new. Depends on what you can negotiate ;-).

Hope you have a great time with which ever one you choose.

Choose whichever on works the best for you. Rental companies buy exactly those listed models by the hundreds, they will stand up to "it's not mine, I don't care" abuse.

You are probably looking at 2014 model year now. In your price negotiations, be aware that you will own last year's model, used, nominally a year old, the moment you drive it off the lot.

Here's a 22' Winnebago with a base price of $60K. Keep in mind that you should be able to get as much as 20% off the MSRP so don't let $60K price keep you from considering Winnegabo.

Even though I just purchased a new Forest River TT, I would avoid buying the brands of motorhomes in your list.

Good luck!

Fishinghat wrote:
I also vote for a used rig over a new, basic model. For the kind of money you are willing to spend, you can find a very nice, well built, quality Class C with features you'll find you just "can't do without".

x2 on a quality used unit.

I also vote for a used rig over a new, basic model. For the kind of money you are willing to spend, you can find a very nice, well built, quality Class C with features you'll find you just "can't do without".