What to buy in a 40'-45' with tag ?

az99 wrote:
I am considering a Class A now that there seem to have been some major improvements in handling and ride. I am more comfortable with the truck type drive. I am looking for a 40' to 45' new coach that must be tag axle. Not really into the gaudy stuff like brothel ceiling and lacquered cabinets. Trim level along the lines of a Dutch Star. But not locked into just Newmar. We really don't need the new fad 1/2 bath either. Like a recliner to sit in rather than 2 sofas.
The only thing I would not consider is a Jayco.

What would you suggest?
Thanx

Suggestion is to start making the "LIST"

IMHO you need to KNOW what you WANT.

My list, which has changed,slightly, from this post, was merely refined as I had the Coach built.

Posted: 06/23/03 09:55am Link | Print | Notify Moderator
This could go on for days. Many of us have made the wish list that is made up from a combination of existing units. I call it my motor home spec list. This list is made to fit my style, so for me it needs to be a base coach or two that can be changed to meet different requirements. It appears to me that you can only come up with a coach that has a perfect list of options. My list has changed to be a requirement list for the best manufacturer. The list reflects the uses we use the coach for and would not suit everyone. I’ve narrowed my search to 2 manufacturers can you guess?

Motor home specs

1. Diesel- 350+ Cummins w/engine brake, 40’+ with great ride, Warranty-reputation. Organized manuals
2. Large LR slide or enough space to seat 8 in comfort & room.
3. Bedroom slide with make up area. Clean bright mirrors.
4. Private W/C With room to use & sturdy stool.
5. Wood cabinets all wood, light cherry or similar. Matching coffee table.
6. Aqua hot heat
7. Closet space for two. Separate if possible.
8. Interior storage in Kitchen area. - Slide out shelves. – Under-counter mounted sink.
9. King bed. Comfortable.
10. Quiet generator. Really quietttttttttttt. Auto start Generator?
11. 2000 ++ watt inverter with proper batteries. – Outside electrical outlets on each side of coach.
12. Dual pane windows.
13. Heat pumps A/C. good insulation for winter use.
14. Winter options. Insulation and tank heat 0 F this will be used in the winter.
15. Front and rear caps insulated helps to not have extra large front window.
16. Hydraulic levelers.
17. Chairs with good view of TV. TV at rear of coach.
18. Small dining/computer station, desk, no booth. Could be freestanding table.
19. W/D with closet over top. Splendide's new Splendide 2100 and Comb-o-matic 6200.
20. Large shower/tub with seat. Large enough for me.
21. Awnings all around. Power awning?
22. Leather and fabric Good colors/patterns.
23. CCC and weight distribution on wheels? 3000#+
24. Rear TV - location of TV in main saloon? Build in later?
25. TV Satellite? Motion? Sound system? CD? DVD? Plasma TV?
26. Tile in the entrance area/space? Ability to keep clean.
27. Keyless front door?
28. Outside lights-docking-spot-security
29. Would like to be able to access the doors under the slide outs? Storage bay slide out tray (Joey Bed)?
30. Hide a bed (air mattress)?
31. Regular sized pilot/co-pilot seat with headrest? (30”) Power footrest?
32. Driver’s seat 360? Height of drink holder next t the pilot /co-pilot seats?
33. Electric & Water reels?
34. Solar Panel? size______
35. Storage under bed and over?
36. Heated mirrors?
37. Water filter? Insta-Hot?
38. Refrigerator size. 4 doors? Ice Maker? Stove? Standard electric refrigerator?
39. 10,000 LB hitch?
40. Auto air dump? Line to fill tires?
41. 3m front mask?
42. Front view Drivability? Mirror location? Prefer them to hang.
43. Good mood lighting & regular lighting to be able to read. Dimmers for lights?
44. Wire the Toad
45. Brake system for Toad
46. What type of paint is the full body paint? Poly or epoxy?
47. Just a note about the night stands next to the bed both need electrical outlets 1-clock 2-light 3-box of Kleenex 4-water 5-magazine or book 6-place for all of this while traveling 7-pictures
Sorry this is so long ,
Busskipper "

IMHO you need to start with what you think you need and want and then see what you find.

BOL,

Peralko wrote:
You really ought to look at a Prevost conversion. For the money you would spend for a Dutch Star, you could get a 2002-2005 Prevost conversion, and the ride and quality in workmanship will be in another league altogether.

Same thing with a Bluebird in those years. Top quality. MUCH higher end than the sticks of the SOBs.

While there are Prevost conversions that feature glitz etc., many are simply just elegant. We have no mirror ceilings, and most older Marathon conversions have tasteful interiors. This is a good example that is in about the same price class as a new Dutch Star: http://www.marathoncoach.com/--inventory-detail-0789#.VyNSW4-cHmQ.

If I was looking for a new 40-45' with tag (since you mentioned Dutch Star I will assume your budget is within that price range which eliminates Prevost conversions, Newells, Foretravels), I would consider the Newmars, Entegra Coaches (Anthem), and maybe Winnebago.

As noted, if you would consider well-maintained gently used, for the kind of money you would spend on any of those new coaches, you could be looking at some really nice rigs on Prevost chassis or even Newell. However, many of those do seem to have more glitz than I would prefer.

Where is your dealer for American around Allentown? We are not far from there. My wife likes them.

sprintmod1 wrote:

I see that you are in PA, and that is a downfall for us looking for the bigger tag axle coaches. I am on my third coach in ten years and have gone south to find them and bring them back to PA.

Enjoy your search!!

That is the truth. I can't even find a DS within 200 miles of us. But we always have the Hershey show.
When we are in Fla. there are several dealers down there.

I am quite partial to the American Coach line. If you want to avoid a ton of the bells and whistles and the mirrors that go with them, I would look at the American Coach Revolution or even the Tradition.

Newmar and Winnebago are also making some nice tag axle coaches also.

I see that you are in PA, and that is a downfall for us looking for the bigger tag axle coaches. I am on my third coach in ten years and have gone south to find them and bring them back to PA.

Enjoy your search!!

rgatijnet1 wrote:
If you like the truck type drive, why not look at some of the Super C's that have a tag axle?

I did look at the Renegade and the Dynamax. The thing I do not need is the huge towing capacity of that class 8 truck. I had a 40 on a M2 chassis. There is also a lot of wasted space of the cab and then a side door.

Thanx for the input.

You really ought to look at a Prevost conversion. For the money you would spend for a Dutch Star, you could get a 2002-2005 Prevost conversion, and the ride and quality in workmanship will be in another league altogether.

If you like the truck type drive, why not look at some of the Super C's that have a tag axle?