Which one ? Tiffin, Newmar, Prevost, Monaco?
I haven't been around in awhile. It's been about 6 years since I sold our National Dolphin Gas 31' with no slides. I have around $150 to spend and I am hoping to buy a used DP. I have heard not...
Forum Discussion
Chassis construction in motorhomes varies. The Winnebagos, Newmars, and Tiffins use a chassis built by either Freightliner or Spartan (Tiffin offers a chassis they make in house). Basically, those manufacturers bolt their 'box' onto the chassis. Nothing wrong with that since there are many, many of them on the road with many happy owners.
Some of the higher end manufacturers like Prevost, Newell, Country Coach, Monaco (the old Monaco), Foretravel build their own semi monocoque (sp??) chassis. Those chassis do a much better job of integrating the house part with the running part. Prevost is the gold standard since it is basically built like a transit bus. It is said that coaches built this way hold up better in collisions. Is that a big deal? I hope never to find out.
RV chassis comparison
I do know that my previous DP was a box screwed to a Freightliner chassis. It was OK but did rattle, rumble and squeak more than my current coach which is very quiet and feels much more solid. Now any of them will groan on some of our worst roads.
The best advice is to figure out what kind of floorplan is the most livable for you. If you are miserable inside of a coach, it won't make much difference what chassis it sits on. Once you decide what you want in terms of livability and overall size, then search for the best coach you can find within your budget that meets your criteria. A good, solidly built coach with a semi monocoque chassis (especially if it has a tag axle) will generally be a pleasure to drive.
Some of the higher end manufacturers like Prevost, Newell, Country Coach, Monaco (the old Monaco), Foretravel build their own semi monocoque (sp??) chassis. Those chassis do a much better job of integrating the house part with the running part. Prevost is the gold standard since it is basically built like a transit bus. It is said that coaches built this way hold up better in collisions. Is that a big deal? I hope never to find out.
RV chassis comparison
I do know that my previous DP was a box screwed to a Freightliner chassis. It was OK but did rattle, rumble and squeak more than my current coach which is very quiet and feels much more solid. Now any of them will groan on some of our worst roads.
The best advice is to figure out what kind of floorplan is the most livable for you. If you are miserable inside of a coach, it won't make much difference what chassis it sits on. Once you decide what you want in terms of livability and overall size, then search for the best coach you can find within your budget that meets your criteria. A good, solidly built coach with a semi monocoque chassis (especially if it has a tag axle) will generally be a pleasure to drive.
