What manufacturer do I purchase?

I second the RV Consumers Group. Lots of really good information.

Well some of these coaches are over rated just because of the name, but in reality the walls are still no more then three inches wide. You can only insulate so much and that is a fact. So bragging about some of these coaches might be ok for somebody that does not understand engineering, but a lot of it is pure bunk. Where these expensive coaches run up the cost are the chassis with big million mile engines on Prevosts and Newells. Heavy duty chassis is what runs the prices up, but as far as to insulation? Like I said, you can only insulate so much. I have been in real cold country also with my coach while elk hunting in Colorado, and it stays real nice and warm inside. But the furnace is constantly running off and on through out the night.

So my point is that I agree with Rooster that Winnebago manufactures a very good coach and the company is solid financially. I believe I read somewhere that the Winnebago coach is the only coach that can hold up on a roll over.

Itaska is the top of the line on the Winnebago coaches. So Freebird, IF you like that Itaska coach you are looking at. Go for it, very good coaches.

Depends on what you want to do with it. I go to Iowa all the time. Have a farm in the NW part. I leave by thanksgiving and it is late march or April before I go back. I have a Foretravel and zero or below is doable in it during the winter and I love winter camping. I have an Aquahot too as well as great insulation. If you are going to put miles on then the list given is good. I would add In Prevost conversions too. Liberty is in IL so that is close. I have 154000 miles on my current Foretravel and expect it to go till well over 500k. I have totally remodeled the entire inside too. If it is a weekend thing I would look at Winnie. You are right there.

J-Rooster wrote:
Pick the coach with the floor plan that fits your needs. I went with Winnebago! I'm on my 3rd coach since 1976. Winnebago has a history of building great coaches, they have been building RV's longer than any other manufactor, make almost all of there own parts and there financially sound. I'm not telling you to buy a Winnebago, just giving you more info to make a sound choice. Good Luck in whatever you buy!

Yes, absolutely we are considering an Itasca. We like the floor plans they offer, the question I ask at first is why I ask the forum for advise.

Pick the coach with the floor plan that fits your needs. I went with Winnebago! I'm on my 3rd coach since 1976. Winnebago has a history of building great coaches, they have been building RV's longer than any other manufactor, make almost all of there own parts and there financially sound. I'm not telling you to buy a Winnebago, just giving you more info to make a sound choice. Good Luck in whatever you buy!

Freebird1958 wrote:
I should say we know that a Class A MH, 40 foot. Is what we want, just which manufacturer is for my wife and I is the question.

What year or price range are you seeking? New or used? In the 2004 to 2007 range, the Newmar, Monaco and Country Coach 40DP are all good options.

I didn't see Beaver, Travel Supreme, Entegra, or American Coach on the list. All top notch brands as well.

Add Tiffin to your list.

JaBob wrote:
Suggest you put what layout fits your style as #1.

Bob

I agree Bob, we know what floor plan and have found a few manufactures has what we like. But still a broken down MH means nothing if disabled. I was just asking the whole forum for advise an has received great knowledge. Thanks everyone!

MURPHY55347 wrote:
Appears you live in Iowa so I would give strong consideration for Winnebago/Itasca. Most all motorhomes will have problems at one time or another and we have found that in many case dealers are not equipped to handle all types of problems. You may need to at some time return to the factory for service and the folks in Forest City (Winnebago) are one of the best.

X2

Plus Winny's top end coaches are nice.