The search begins....

Ms. Clements,

We were right were you are in 2007. We were looking for our first coach and we were in the same price range as you.

But, before we 'took the plunge', we rented three RV's, a class C (in '04), and two class A's (one in '05 and one in '06). I read everything I could over a 7 yr. period starting '99. We weren't ready then so I had plenty of time to check everything out. I'm sure people thought I was just 'talking and wishing', but I'm a person who doesn't like to make mistakes as I've had to learn from them so many times! LOL! :p

We like new, I never considered used, I know RV's are not an investment.

So, fast forward to January of 2007, we special ordered a 2008 Monaco Dynasty 42ft, 4 slides taking delivery in April of 2007.

We drove that coach for 7.5 yrs. and just shy of 70,000 miles. We had the typical adjustments and repairs. We never had a breakdown but came close once with a radiator hose that was rubbing another part and caused a pretty big leak. We made it to a Cummins repair facility just in time! :E

So, when it came time to buy our next coach, we again wanted new and ordered our coach in March of '14 taking delivery in November or '14. I read everything I could for a good solid year to pick the right conversion company as I learned they are all very different.

From your description, you could be looking at a new Newmar Dutch Star or a new Tiffin Allegro Bus. My brother and his wife have a '15 Allegro Bus and it's been very good (his 2nd Tiffin).

If looking at used and depending on the model year, you could just move up the Newmar and Tiffin chain to their 'top-of-the-line' units (Tiffin Zephyr or Newmar King Aire, Essex or London Aire).

You most likely will not get a king bed in anything under 40 ft. We certainly like a bath and half but we are at 45 ft. There are compromises with every coach and manufacturer, just decide on your 'must haves' and 'like to haves'. Have that list handy when looking as you will not remember everything once you step inside a coach. If special ordering, you have a clean slate.

Good luck!
MM.

With your proximity to Red Bay, AL, I would definitely consider a Tiffin! Go to Hershey or other shows but if you decide to purchase a new Tiffin do not do so at the show. There are three dealers that most knowledgeable Tiffin buyers use to purchase and receive the highest discount - Sherman RV in Sherman, MS, Marlin Ingram RV Center in Montgomery, AL and Davis MH Mart in Memphis, TN. Get a build sheet, configure the coach you want and send it to all three dealers for a quote.

Personally, I would purchase a gently used one that already has all the kinks worked out. With the quantity of systems in these coaches there is no quality control that will catch everything. You can expect to spend the first year of ownership getting everything working like it should. Red Bay being so close would be an advantage for Tiffin.

You're way out of our range in $$$ and size so I'll just share some things to think about. Besides cost, there are some negatives to such large RV's. Lack of Maneuverability in parking lots, gas stations and some really nice campgrounds that just weren't built for big rigs. Being uncomfortable just driving down the interstate. Please don't be 1 of those old guys breezing along at 75 like he was driving a car. If money truly means nothing at all, then ignore me but smaller units with multiple slides are really nice and comfortable. And used ones are a much smarter buy because of the huge depreciation. Personally, I will only pay cash so another reason for me to go used and smaller. If you can pay cash for the ones you're talking about; well, like I said, don't pay any attention to me as we aren't on the same planet.

I would schedule going to RV shows and larger dealers.
I would be looking at ones in mid length.
Concern over first RV is re-stated.
What type of power, Gas or diesel? Have you driven a diesel?
Do you plan on getting a toad?
Suggest looking at late model used versus a new rig.
Look on RVT.Com
Think about and make a larger list of your requirements. Genset, microwave or convection oven, for example

I take it you have researched the operating costs. That said if you figure in the depreciation you could have a furnisher tent with a servant!

WOW, your planning to spend 400K on a first ever RV not knowing if you will like it or not? Thats balsy for sure. How informed are you? You do realize that RVs depreciate faster than the Titanic on its maiden voyage dont you?. I would start off a lot slower. Maybe pick up something older and a LOT cheap to test the waters in. At least that way your not going to loose 30-50% of your money the first year if you decide RVing is not for you.

For that kind of coin I would be looking at a used Newell
Most have tshiny style cabinets