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KendallP's avatar
KendallP
Explorer
Jun 06, 2016

Rate the Class A makes for the mid '90s

Over the years I have received an earful from some individuals over certain makes to steer clear of. I have been happy with the quality of workmanship that was put in to my old Winnebago, but I don't have a lot of basis for comparison.

If you would, please rank the '90s era makes you're familiar with or have heard about one way or the other in regard to build quality, design and reliability. And please note if there are any you would prefer to stay away from. Comments welcome too.

Let's figure apples to apples, i.e. similar maintenance records and appearance of quality of upkeep.

Here are some examples:

Winnebago/Itasca
Fleetwood (Pace Arrow, Bounder, etc.)
Tiffin
Allegro
Monaco
Holiday Rambler
Gulf Stream
Cobra
Georgie Boy
Rexhall
Thor
Coachmen
Damon
Rockwood
Dolphin
Newmar
Beaver
Country Coach
Safari

etc, etc...
.
Class A

30 Replies

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  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2016
    Jagtech wrote:
    Are you a Ford guy, or a Chevy guy? F53 or P30 chassis....
    Once that's decided, just look for the best cared-for rig.

    Well now that you mention it, I was considering starting up a new thread for that.

    However, the question here is in regard to ranking the manufacturers. Many of them had both chassis types beginning in the early '90s or so.
  • Jagtech's avatar
    Jagtech
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Are you a Ford guy, or a Chevy guy? F53 or P30 chassis....
    Once that's decided, just look for the best cared-for rig.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Condition, condition, condition..... that's the important factor.
    Don't get hung up on the make. Find one in the best condition. If the previous owner took care of the exterior/interior, they probably also took care of the mechanical part of the coach.

    We have a 1996 Fleetwood Southwind, no slides. I'm well satisfied with the quality.
  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Artum Snowbird wrote:
    OK, I would rank HR, Tiffin, Monaco, and Newmar near the top. Once again, to get one of those for 10K would imply something other than the value of one of those if well looked after.

    Any you would want to stay away from?
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    OK, I would rank HR, Tiffin, Monaco, and Newmar near the top. Once again, to get one of those for 10K would imply something other than the value of one of those if well looked after.
  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Artum Snowbird wrote:
    There really is lots to choose from, but before getting too far into it, please define a little more about your requirements. Class A units can be 26 feet long, or 40 feet long. Gas or diesel? How many beds, couches, tables or booth?

    A lot of Class C units too... help us out a little. Sometimes a good make being sold cheaply might mean expensive things wrong.

    I appreciate your help, but I'm not looking for help choosing a motorhome.

    Example: Given similar maintenance records and quality of upkeep, rank the following major makes in order of quality, design and reliability...

    Winnebago/Itasca
    Fleetwood (Pace Arrow, Southwind, Bounder...)
    Allegro
    Monaco
    Holiday Rambler
    Gulf Stream
    Cobra
    Georgie Boy
    Rexhall
    Thor
    Coachmen
    Damon
    Rockwood
    Dolphin

    etc, etc...
    .
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    There really is lots to choose from, but before getting too far into it, please define a little more about your requirements. Class A units can be 26 feet long, or 40 feet long. Gas or diesel? How many beds, couches, tables or booth?

    A lot of Class C units too... help us out a little. Sometimes a good make being sold cheaply might mean expensive things wrong.
  • KendallP's avatar
    KendallP
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Thanks guys.

    So far, the 2 of you seem to be in agreement and your logic is, of course sound.

    I probably should have mentioned that I already have my favorites. I was just looking for some general impressions.

    So let's figure apples to apples, i.e. similar maintenance records and appearance of quality of upkeep. O.P. updated accordingly.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2016
    At that age, I would basically ignore differences between makes and concentrate on the best condition and signs of good maintenance practices for your money.
  • ccxnola's avatar
    ccxnola
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2016
    Kendall,
    At your price-point, the care given by previous owners over the years is a MAJOR factor. AND - FWIW - I selected my current rig based on several factors - one being the fact that it was one of only two manufacturers (at that time) to use a welded steel cage for the coach - rather than aluminum and plywood.
    Visit some campgrounds - talk to folks with rigs like you are considering - find out what they like and don't like about their rigs.
    Experience is the best teacher - even if sometimes so very expensive!

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