After 2 years of owning a small gasser my family and I have come to better understand what we really want out of a coach. The ACE is great and no real complaints. But you get what you pay for. So a few things on the wish list are; a better ride. Small gasser does fine on smooth roads but get on a road like VA I95 and all bets are off. Way too much road feedback to the point of cringing. I want a smooth effortless ride. We want real bunks instead of the overhead drop down. I want a single bath instead of split. I want a real pull out sofa instead of a jackknife. We want a residential refer. Something a little bigger, not much maybe 35'. 2 slides at least. Lots of storage. LESS NOISE. I really want a much quieter ride. A few other things but you get the idea. The catch is we want to stay under $140k and 2009 or newer. Being a Thor fan, we really like the Palazzo 33.3. Pretty much has everything on the wish list and a price under $140k (quote from Lazy Days). Hard to beat for a brand new DP and from some reviews I have read it handles like a dream. I checked out Fleetwood excursion but no bunk model, likewise with the allegro. Pretty sure I want to go DP as I really don't think another gasser will give me the comfort, ride and lower noise I am looking for. If someone knows of a gasser that handles like a DP I would love to know. Otherwise, anyone know of any smaller entry level DP's with bunks in that range, or what to look at in a used only a few years old or any Palazzo owners that can weigh in? Thanks all.

There is an active Thor group at Irv2.com. and a large Q&A section about the Palazzo from owners. I am jealous, was hoping to do a switch to the Palazzo this year but had to change plans. You might check out rvdirect.com if you are interested in going that route. When I was looking they had some good prices, I am thinking about $100k. I know that when I contacted them I got the price and one follow up message and that has been over a year ago so they don't bug you till you have to change your e-mail address and phone number.

You should be able to get close to that price on a 2009-10 Fleetwood Discovery. When I was searching for mine, I found a few in that range.

A Newmar Ventana bunkhouse like ours would be perfect for you. Not many built but be patient and you'll find one.

Not a diesel, but the Winnebago Vista 35B is well within your price range for a well equipped new unit and it has a bath and a half. I bought the 35F and I drove it to Florida from Ohio twice towing a Ford Focus and had no handling issues whatsoever, it rides nice, there really isn't that much engine noice except when you get into a really high mountain and have to downshift, it is well built and in 18 months only had 3 small items to repair, otherwise perfect unit. It's a lot of coach for the money.Nick

Offhand, I can't think of any other DP with bunks around 35' so I think that the Palazzo might be your only choice.

Newer entry level DP bunkhouses? | Good Sam Community

willald
Explorer II
Apr 29, 2013
...We want real bunks instead of the overhead drop down. I want a single bath instead of split. I want a real pull out sofa instead of a jackknife....a little bigger, not much maybe 35'

You are describing here almost exactly what we wanted (required) from the get-go on our first MH we bought over a year ago, and you see what we went with (see signature). I'd buy the exact same unit again, if was doing it over again.

Sounds like you are in a similar dilemma we were/are - Need bunks, would prefer somewhat newer model, but don't want to break the bank in the process (wanted to be well under $100k). That pretty much ruled out DPs of any variety for us.

Also, we haven't seen where the ride on our gasser is as bad as so many DP owners make it out to be. Ours handles great. Perhaps the longer length, wheelbase of a 36' unit vs the smaller Thor Ace unit makes a difference, I don't know. You are right, though, that a DP is in a whole different class when it comes to ride quality (but you sure PAY for that ride quality!!)

..If someone knows of a gasser that handles like a DP I would love to know..

I don't have personal experience with such, but how about a gasser MH with a complete Kelderman air suspension upgrade done to it (front and back)?

You could buy a very nice, brand spanking new 35' Gasser bunkhouse MH that'd fit all your other requirements, spend another 10k on such a suspension upgrade, and STILL would have spent waaaaay less $$ than what you're talking about spending on that Thor Palazzo DP. Might be something to think about.
Goldencrazy
Explorer
Apr 29, 2013
That Pallazo looks like a very versatile coach. I wish they had mounted the lounge tv lower and a slide out on the couch side would open it up however they have really put a lot of great features into a smaller dp which is great. The options in the bunk area are neat with the ability to have couch with tv across or turn it into closet or have a great bunk area for the times you could use a bit more sleeping space but prefer to not occupy the lounge. Curious if anyone has one and can speak about the ride and power of the smaller DP.
Effy
Explorer II
Apr 29, 2013
michelb wrote:
wnytaxman wrote:
There are actually a fair number of bunk models out there. For slightly more than you are looking at spending right now, you can get a brand new Berkshire 390bh. You can get a used unit in the pre 2011 range for well within your budget. Other brands that have bunks also include Thor, Coachmen, Tiffin, and I believe Fleetwood has a bunk model. There is even a tag axle unit available in the Charleston, which is another Forest River product.

The OP said he'd like to stay close to his current length (30') maybe a bit bigger but no more than 35'. I believe all the ones you've listed are around 40'

Fleetwood does have a 35' Bounder Classic Diesel but it's a FRED not a DP.

Correct, defintely want to stay under 40'. I think 36 would be the max. We frequent a lot of the same places annually and I can tell you that a 40' coach would be tough. I don't want the extra weight either. One of the things I like about the newer small DP's is the lighter weights and better mileage. Some tout 15 mpg. I really don't want a FRED either. Nothing against them for those that have them, but in everything I have read you really get the best ride and noise reduction from a DP. Makes sense.
michelb
Explorer
Apr 29, 2013
wnytaxman wrote:
There are actually a fair number of bunk models out there. For slightly more than you are looking at spending right now, you can get a brand new Berkshire 390bh. You can get a used unit in the pre 2011 range for well within your budget. Other brands that have bunks also include Thor, Coachmen, Tiffin, and I believe Fleetwood has a bunk model. There is even a tag axle unit available in the Charleston, which is another Forest River product.

The OP said he'd like to stay close to his current length (30') maybe a bit bigger but no more than 35'. I believe all the ones you've listed are around 40'

Fleetwood does have a 35' Bounder Classic Diesel but it's a FRED not a DP.
wnytaxman
Explorer
Apr 29, 2013
There are actually a fair number of bunk models out there. For slightly more than you are looking at spending right now, you can get a brand new Berkshire 390bh. You can get a used unit in the pre 2011 range for well within your budget. Other brands that have bunks also include Thor, Coachmen, Tiffin, and I believe Fleetwood has a bunk model. There is even a tag axle unit available in the Charleston, which is another Forest River product.
michelb
Explorer
Apr 29, 2013
Offhand, I can't think of any other DP with bunks around 35' so I think that the Palazzo might be your only choice.
charles
Explorer
Apr 28, 2013
Not a diesel, but the Winnebago Vista 35B is well within your price range for a well equipped new unit and it has a bath and a half. I bought the 35F and I drove it to Florida from Ohio twice towing a Ford Focus and had no handling issues whatsoever, it rides nice, there really isn't that much engine noice except when you get into a really high mountain and have to downshift, it is well built and in 18 months only had 3 small items to repair, otherwise perfect unit. It's a lot of coach for the money.

Nick
katoomer
Explorer
Apr 28, 2013
A Newmar Ventana bunkhouse like ours would be perfect for you. Not many built but be patient and you'll find one.
moman1
Explorer
Apr 28, 2013
You should be able to get close to that price on a 2009-10 Fleetwood Discovery. When I was searching for mine, I found a few in that range.
RedRollingRoadb
Explorer
Apr 28, 2013
There is an active Thor group at Irv2.com. and a large Q&A section about the Palazzo from owners.

I am jealous, was hoping to do a switch to the Palazzo this year but had to change plans. You might check out rvdirect.com if you are interested in going that route. When I was looking they had some good prices, I am thinking about $100k. I know that when I contacted them I got the price and one follow up message and that has been over a year ago so they don't bug you till you have to change your e-mail address and phone number.

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