I'm not dead set on either of these particular units, but I'd like to hear opinions on which one might be a better buy.Both are prior rental units. The first is from a smallish local dealer in my town, the other is a standard CruiseAmerica unit. Both are priced the same at $29k1) 2008 Thor Chateau 31', E450, V-10, One slide, TV, awning etc. 101k miles. Fully serviced, runs fine, everything works, full maint. history included.2) 2013 CruiseAmerica 28A. E450, V-10, no slide, no TV, no awning. 130k miles. Fully refurbished, runs fine, everything works, full maint. history.Basically, the trade off is .... the older coach is slightly larger, has less miles and has full amenities --- where the CA coach is rather spartan and has more miles but is five years newer.What would you pick, and why?

Well, slides are nice. However, my concern with the 31' 2008 single slide is that it will be pushing the weight limits on the rear axle. If there are just one or two of you and you travel/pack light, you might be OK. If you're a family and/or pack parkas in July "just in case" (I'm married to one of those! LOL), then I'd be concerned.If the 2008 is the one near you, I'd take it out for a test drive to your nearest CAT Weigh Station, or similar, to check the weights, preferably with a full tank of water & fuel. For what it's worth, the 28A probably has about 2,500-3,000 lbs. of usable cargo carrying capacity. The 31' might be near the rear axle capacity with just full fuels & water tank. We looked at the "sister" to the 28A, the 28D, when we were doing our research back in 2004. I figured we'd need about 2,500-3,000 pounds of capacity for fuels, people & stuff for our family of 6. For an E-450 based Class C, the non-slide units like the 28A & 28D were about the only ones that provided that in a 28+' long unit. (By the way, the 28D has two bunks in the back and an additional dinette, which converts to a bed, so lots of sleeping options. We ultimately set our sites higher and ended up with the 36' class A in our signature as, at the time, it was the only unit which provided the space we needed and the 3,000 lbs. carrying capacity. You might want to consider some Class A's that are out there too, there are many which ARE family friendly.) Back to your units, does either or both have a generator? I wouldn't buy a motorhome without a generator. If you're comfortable with the possible weight issues of the 31', it would definitely be the more "livable" model. What type of TV is in that unit? Is it a digital TV or the old analog (CRT) set? New TVs are pretty cheap, so not a major concern. Probably my best advice is not to rush into anything. Take your time, do your research. There are A LOT of units out there.Good Luck,~Rick

If you can live with the smaller floor plan, I would go with the newer coach. Adding a TV should be very simple. Adding an awning will not be cheap, but you will likely be getting a better quality one.

Have seen what renters do to these units including being ahead of me on a Jeep trail in a national parkA rental unit would be my last choice

I'd get the newer, shorter C --- better weight/handling, newer roof (both are probably flat EDPM or TPO).

Which one of these C's would you buy? | Good Sam Community

enblethen
Nomad
Nov 03, 2017
Neither too many miles!
whizbang
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2017
I'd get the newer, shorter C --- better weight/handling, newer roof (both are probably flat EDPM or TPO).
rr2254545
Explorer
Nov 03, 2017
Have seen what renters do to these units including being ahead of me on a Jeep trail in a national park

A rental unit would be my last choice
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2017
If you can live with the smaller floor plan, I would go with the newer coach. Adding a TV should be very simple. Adding an awning will not be cheap, but you will likely be getting a better quality one.
Rick_Jay
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2017
Well, slides are nice. However, my concern with the 31' 2008 single slide is that it will be pushing the weight limits on the rear axle. If there are just one or two of you and you travel/pack light, you might be OK. If you're a family and/or pack parkas in July "just in case" (I'm married to one of those! LOL), then I'd be concerned.

If the 2008 is the one near you, I'd take it out for a test drive to your nearest CAT Weigh Station, or similar, to check the weights, preferably with a full tank of water & fuel.

For what it's worth, the 28A probably has about 2,500-3,000 lbs. of usable cargo carrying capacity. The 31' might be near the rear axle capacity with just full fuels & water tank. We looked at the "sister" to the 28A, the 28D, when we were doing our research back in 2004. I figured we'd need about 2,500-3,000 pounds of capacity for fuels, people & stuff for our family of 6. For an E-450 based Class C, the non-slide units like the 28A & 28D were about the only ones that provided that in a 28+' long unit. (By the way, the 28D has two bunks in the back and an additional dinette, which converts to a bed, so lots of sleeping options. We ultimately set our sites higher and ended up with the 36' class A in our signature as, at the time, it was the only unit which provided the space we needed and the 3,000 lbs. carrying capacity. You might want to consider some Class A's that are out there too, there are many which ARE family friendly.)

Back to your units, does either or both have a generator? I wouldn't buy a motorhome without a generator.

If you're comfortable with the possible weight issues of the 31', it would definitely be the more "livable" model. What type of TV is in that unit? Is it a digital TV or the old analog (CRT) set? New TVs are pretty cheap, so not a major concern.

Probably my best advice is not to rush into anything. Take your time, do your research. There are A LOT of units out there.

Good Luck,

~Rick

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