Forum Discussion

pweekly's avatar
pweekly
Explorer
Jul 19, 2014

Thinking of trading in and upgrading.

Hi all:
We are thinking (just starting tossing around the idea) of trading in our motorhome (2005 Mandalay 40E, 400 Cummins, Freighliner) for something new. We don't use it much but husband is one of those who wants a cool stereo/big engine. So we are looking at staying in the DP category and not spending a fortune.

Online, the Thor Tuscany 45AT looks really nice. It has everything we would want (in no particular order…tag axle, king bed, bath and a half, layout, washer/dryer, outside TV). But I have read good and bad about that unit/manufacturer. I am hoping not to spend more than $260,000 or so before trade so wondering what people would recommend. Husband wants new so 2014 or 2015. I really like the bigger kitchen areas, L-shaped couch with TV in the corner type floor plans.

Thanks for dreaming with me.
Trish
Class A
  • pweekly's avatar
    pweekly
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    Peralko wrote:
    No heated floors in the Tuscany, which would be a deal-killer for us. Until you have tried heated floors, you don't know what you've been missing--regardless of where you live!

    I did notice that and it does sound nice. My husband jumped at that one. I would just be happy with a washer/dryer and more counter space in the kitchen. haha. But boy would that be nice on cold days. I am open to recommendations from owners or other dreamers. We were very happy with our Mandalay for what it's worth. There were little things in fit and finish that were annoying but nothing out of the ordinary and the folks at the factory were always very helpful. So, we don't have any horror stories. The bone of contention for the husband was the motion satellite hardly ever working, but that's not really Mandalay's fault there. Other than that it rides beautifully, stops on a dime and is very comfortable.
  • Peralko's avatar
    Peralko
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    No heated floors in the Tuscany, which would be a deal-killer for us. Until you have tried heated floors, you don't know what you've been missing--regardless of where you live!
  • pweekly's avatar
    pweekly
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    A lot of it is less prestige and more reliability. My husband isn't super handy and has some disabilities where he can't get in "under the hood". All maintenance stuff has to be easy enough for me to do it or we have to take it in. I love the L-shaped floor plans and larger workspace in the kitchen that many of the newer models offer, as well as having all new stuff. We are due for new tires, have to get a new awning and have just some of the normal wear and tear that needs to be fixed/replaced and before we do that we thought it was best to try to figure out if new was better.
  • BobR's avatar
    BobR
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    Try a Bluebird. They may not be new, but your husband and you might be happy with this one:

    CLICKY
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2014
    This is a hard one for anyone to answer. Only you know if the additional money spent on the upgrade are worth it to you. Since you do not travel much, it seems hard to justify BUT if you can spend the money without causing any financial hardship, then you should do what makes you happy.
  • AikenRacer's avatar
    AikenRacer
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    Well, we traded in a 2006 Mandalay Presidio for a 42' tag axle Tuscany 2012 in 2012. The trade was not in our favor, which is typical for me but we have never regretted the trade. Love the Tuscany!
  • jwoodie's avatar
    jwoodie
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    Unless you are concerned about the "10 year limit" at some RV resorts, it is difficult to understand your reasoning for a new coach (other than prestige value). I recently saw what I thought must be a 2015 high end DP, only to find out that it was a reskinned 2003 model. The owners liked it so well that they spent $20k to make it look better than new.
  • pweekly's avatar
    pweekly
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    I think our issue is that we have a lot of the next level features already, so spending roughly 150 plus for a newer version makes it a tough decision. Let me rephrase. It makes it a tough sell to my husband. Haha

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