We apparently are champion shoppers. We've basically seen quite a few.But we're sticking to a budget - hopefully not letting the shiny objects get us into too much debt.Our list includes a 400hp motor (want to tow a truck/atv)SO...from the obviously less expensive to our limit... the winners are:2000 American Heritage (500hp. But this sucker is tag axle and basically a beast. While we LOVE the construction, it's might be just a bit big for newbees.. and it's got 109k)2003 Islander - (needs new TVs..and we're checking on tires/batteries, has 36k) Like the interior alot. Not that much kitchen storage however.2005 Safari Gazzele (has 40k and four slides)AND the final choice purely because we like the TV arrangement... a 2008 Discovery 40X. But it's only got a 350 cummings and the workmanship isn't quite as good. And it's the most expensive of the group.Oh... and we liked a 2007 Newmar Allstar. But it has a mid-engine and 350 hp... Nice interior...Decisions. These are all dealers of course, since we would have to trade our Alpie which we owe on...Opinions?

Even my 360 will pull 10,000 that seems like it would fit you needs.

The 400 would be nice. Our 360 does a decent job pulling though, not a deal breaker.What does the american heritage have for slides, it's right in that year range when slides were just becoming common.Note: more slides are always better. (IMHO)Bottom line, the interior and floor plan trump all. That's where you have to live.

American will give you good support as does the Newmar...I have yet to see any serious Newmar or American bashing on their coaches..both are good coaches..

What's the budget 100k. The diesel with 109k miles is really nothing.

Oh... and we liked a 2007 Newmar Allstar. But it has a mid-engine and 350 hp... Nice interior... and that would be my choice but then we have owned our DSDP since 2002.

Our short list... | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

RayChez
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
When buying used coach it is hard to tell which is a good coach. Brand names do not mean nothing IF it was not given TLC by the previous owner. So my advise is IF you see a coach that you fall in love with get a professional on diesel coaches to check it out for you. I have seen many favorite brands mentioned in this forum that are a piece of junk.

Good luck.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
If the floorplan is a problem, DO NOT BUY. It will be a problem for others as well. If it has three or four slides, I would be buying the Heritage provided the condition is equal to the others. No matter how long the thing is, remember where the front end goes, the back will eventually follow. There truly isn't much difference between 45 and 40 feet, but there is a big difference in tag axle vs non-tag. Formerboater is correct, if you buy the best you can afford, you will be keeping it much longer and not losing multiple thousands when you go to trade off the one you bought that was almost, but not quite, what you wanted.
wallynm
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
I always buy the floor plan that my wife chooses. That way I never have a problem.
KampingKris wrote:
Test drove the Newmar. Nice coach with only 13k miles. But only one slide and the basement is huge under the bed almost a small garage - but not quite. It's kind of a strange layout. The dealer was really pushing it because I think the layout is a challenge for some.
We're still considering it... but don't want to be pressured..
KampingKris
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
Test drove the Newmar. Nice coach with only 13k miles. But only one slide and the basement is huge under the bed almost a small garage - but not quite. It's kind of a strange layout. The dealer was really pushing it because I think the layout is a challenge for some.
We're still considering it... but don't want to be pressured..
FormerBoater
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
Buy your last coach first.....American Heritage gets my vote.
RedG
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
Just keep looking.
The right one will grab you sooner or later. You'll know when you've found it.
wallynm
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
Oh... and we liked a 2007 Newmar Allstar. But it has a mid-engine and 350 hp... Nice interior... and that would be my choice but then we have owned our DSDP since 2002.
mike_brez
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
What's the budget 100k. The diesel with 109k miles is really nothing.
bullydogs1
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
American will give you good support as does the Newmar...I have yet to see any serious Newmar or American bashing on their coaches..both are good coaches..
JimM68
Explorer
Jul 09, 2013
The 400 would be nice. Our 360 does a decent job pulling though, not a deal breaker.

What does the american heritage have for slides, it's right in that year range when slides were just becoming common.
Note: more slides are always better. (IMHO)

Bottom line, the interior and floor plan trump all. That's where you have to live.