Potential Full Timer - National Tropi-cal good choice?

John&Joey wrote:

RayChez wrote:
Yes National is out of business, but I am sure the chassis is no different then all those Freightliner chassis out there on many different brands. You will have no problems getting service on a Freight liner chassis.

It's the small things that will drive you crazy, not the major stuff like chassis/engine. Honestly, how often does the major stuff go vs all the little junk. When you have an orphan RV you're on your own, that is one reason they sell for a discount.

Please tell me what small stuff there is in a National RV that you couldn't get fixed at any RV place? Or get the parts and fix yourself? I have a National RV and it doesn't bother me in the least that they are out of business. All National built themselves on my motorhome is the frame, the front and rear caps, and that's about it. I don't know if they even make the dash or of that is just standard stuff. What National did was assembled my motorhome using parts mostly made by other companies that are all still in business.

Take a look at the National RV Owner's Forum. Lots of good info there.

I'm gonna get a Good Sam Warranty if that makes any difference

John&Joey wrote:

RayChez wrote:
Yes National is out of business, but I am sure the chassis is no different then all those Freightliner chassis out there on many different brands. You will have no problems getting service on a Freight liner chassis.

It's the small things that will drive you crazy, not the major stuff like chassis/engine. Honestly, how often does the major stuff go vs all the little junk. When you have an orphan RV you're on your own, that is one reason they sell for a discount.

National is NOT the only manufacturer out of business. So, I wouldn't discount ANY manufacturer when purchasing a used rig. You still need to do you HOMEWORK no matter what....Remember, all of these MH's all have the same components in them. That fridg, water heater, and microwave are most likely still being built. It's just the house part that's not.

-paul

I too have an "orphan" coach. And...by NationalRV. A 2001 gasser "Dolphin". Aside from the chassis, the motorhome part of it...replacements...are no problem. Stove, a/c units, fridge, etc.,etc. are all readily available from many suppliers. Electrical gremlins happen in any coach. Body parts..like the front and rear caps? The molds were bought by a shop in California....mentioned here on the forum a few times. If you're unfortunate to need one, they can duplicate it.

I suggest perhaps you can find a current RV dealer that did carry your NationalRV coach...he and his staff might still be willing and able to assist.

Good luck

A lot of us have RV's that aren't made anymore. Are parts available,yes. Sometimes it takes some questions on a forum to find parts but it can be done. A/c,frig and most plumbing stuff easy to find parts for. If its in good shape and you like it thsts what matters most!

Simple example you pull up to pay a toll only to find out it's one of those very narrow toll booths. You end up clipping a mirror. That mirror will be made by someone, but who? No toll free number to call to find out. Hand it over to the bump shop and hope they can figure it out. Of course if you don't mind paying them to figure it out, no problem.

Another example, slide won't come out. Turns out there is a relay that is buried from sight. The tech support line knows it there and they know it's a common problem. The RV repair guy and you have no clue, but will find it sooner or later but you're on your own.

Maybe the used coach didn't come with a wiring diagram and your door handle doesn't light up. It's probably a fuse or some little switch, but the coach has multiple places to check and will take a half day to go thru them all. Would be nice to have a wiring diagram for the next time something simple like that goes so you're not wasting all your time chasing down a line.

The list goes on. Does that stuff stop you from buying an orphan coach of course not. Should you factor that into your overall price, I would.

Then how about those little decorative items on the outside when they go bad and start making that nice coach look like it qualifies for the 10 year old rule.....:B

John&Joey wrote:
National is out of business is the only thing I can think of, so you will have an orphan coach.

All coaches are pretty much orphan once the warranty runs out. RV manufactures change models periodically. Once a model changes you can only buy parts they may have left over from the run of your model. JMHO. Most repair parts are going to be bought from dometic, Thetford etc.

John&Joey wrote:

RayChez wrote:
Yes National is out of business, but I am sure the chassis is no different then all those Freightliner chassis out there on many different brands. You will have no problems getting service on a Freight liner chassis.

It's the small things that will drive you crazy, not the major stuff like chassis/engine. Honestly, how often does the major stuff go vs all the little junk. When you have an orphan RV you're on your own, that is one reason they sell for a discount.

I don't see a big problem. There are only so many parts as in some body parts that were made by the manufacture. You can by replacement parts from the original makers or find a suitable replacement /upgrade.
Bill

RayChez wrote:
Yes National is out of business, but I am sure the chassis is no different then all those Freightliner chassis out there on many different brands. You will have no problems getting service on a Freight liner chassis.

It's the small things that will drive you crazy, not the major stuff like chassis/engine. Honestly, how often does the major stuff go vs all the little junk. When you have an orphan RV you're on your own, that is one reason they sell for a discount.