Newbies looking to purchase

A1ARealtorRick wrote:
My wife and I are currently in the looking stages as well. We've been motorhome-free for a few years and are ready to climb back in the saddle again.

In the past we have owned an Itasca Spirit Class C, a Pleasure-Way Excel Class B, and a Winnebago Journey DP, ALL of them serving us well and being 100% trouble-free (hard to believe, I know).

I have been doing a LOT of research on various brands, and the pecking order, according to what I've found from numerous sources, seems to be as follows:

#1 Tiffin and Newmar
#2 Winnebago, Jayco, Fleetwood, and Forest River
#3 Coachmen (however, not far behind those in #2)

Now, I did also solicit an opinion from some very good friends of ours that have been full-timing for over 20 years. I know they've owned Tiffin, Winnebago, Thor, and Forest River....maybe others. When I asked what one piece of advice they'd give as far as brand quality, the response I got was (and I quote verbatim): "Never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever buy a Thor product" (yes, a total of 5 'ever's'). Now, please bear in mind this is ONE COUPLE'S OPINION based on only THEIR experience, so take it for what it's worth. I'm not slamming Thor, but merely passing on an opinion/recommendation from our well-traveled friends.

Best of luck to you in your search!

I've heard the warnings about Thor as well. Jayco is now owned by them, btw.
The others you've noted seem to be well reviewed for the most part.

My wife and I are currently in the looking stages as well. We've been motorhome-free for a few years and are ready to climb back in the saddle again.

In the past we have owned an Itasca Spirit Class C, a Pleasure-Way Excel Class B, and a Winnebago Journey DP, ALL of them serving us well and being 100% trouble-free (hard to believe, I know).

I have been doing a LOT of research on various brands, and the pecking order, according to what I've found from numerous sources, seems to be as follows:

#1 Tiffin and Newmar
#2 Winnebago, Jayco, Fleetwood, and Forest River
#3 Coachmen (however, not far behind those in #2)

Now, I did also solicit an opinion from some very good friends of ours that have been full-timing for over 20 years. I know they've owned Tiffin, Winnebago, Thor, and Forest River....maybe others. When I asked what one piece of advice they'd give as far as brand quality, the response I got was (and I quote verbatim): "Never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever buy a Thor product" (yes, a total of 5 'ever's'). Now, please bear in mind this is ONE COUPLE'S OPINION based on only THEIR experience, so take it for what it's worth. I'm not slamming Thor, but merely passing on an opinion/recommendation from our well-traveled friends.

Best of luck to you in your search!

X2, kit. Careful, complete inspection using every system before you put any money down. Start on the roof, finish underneath. Don’t let anyone rush you. Wear old clothes, bring a ladder and creeper, strong flashlight. Even a buddy. Everyone knows someone picky with RV experience. Example, put something in the oven, bring it to 350F.

After owning a class C with poor workmanship, We purchased a Tiffin Wayfarer. Our best decision. The cost of quality workmanship is rather high. For us,it's been well worth the cost. Tiffin stands behind their product. Customer service like we not known in this industry. Good luck!

do a goole review on that rv, and keep searching. just me, I,d buy a used rv for my first one see what its really like. and yes new used your going to find things not perfect. and you,ll learn from the used rv, the new one comes with a warreny,not worth much. you could have a claim and your rv sits for three months or more waiting for a two dollar repair.

I am a Winnebago fan.