Forum Discussion

notbob's avatar
notbob
Explorer
Sep 16, 2014

Which one to buy? 2006 Damon Daybreak or 2007 Mirada

New to class A's, but not new to rv'ing.
I have looked at 5 different dealers, a couple dozen motorhomes and I am down to choosing from 2.
Have read dozens of forum posts, spec sheets, recalls, etc... but would like some opinions what experiences you have had with these models.
I know that both of these are considered entry level MH and have seen lots of posts in regards to that.

But, my budget and layout brings me to either a

2006 Damon Daybreak 3276BH - F53 chassis 228 wheel base 19.5 tires 21,500 miles

2007 Coachmen MIRADA 350DS - F54 chassis 242 wheel base 19.5 tires 19,500 miles

Both have original tires and I am planning to replace all 6. While they all look ok, not knowing the Previous owner, how they drove them, took care of them, etc... I factored in new tires to the overall cost.
Prices are basically the same. Damon is slightly higher, but I can negotiate...
I have driven both and like the way they both drive, sound, etc...
My readings tell me that the longer wheel base of the Mirada will most likely ride better, but also increase turn radius.
The Damon is on a shorter wheel base, but is actually almost a foot longer in total length.

Thoughts, experiences, warnings?
Thanks!!

6 Replies

  • Pay no attention to what I own, but get the one with the longest WB. You'll thank me later.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    I think the Daybreak may be 32 ft and the Mirada 35 ft 3276BH vs 350DS that is why the wheel base is shorter on the Daybreak. Does the Mirada have the full basement storage? Some do and some had the small cutout doors. Some Daybreak and Mirada's had the large door and pass through in the rear under the bed and you can store 2 bikes and more in there. Not every model had this. I would check the weight of each MH and the CCC of each. I would check the size of the FW tanks if you plan on doing any dry camping. Does each have the same AC setup 2 AC's. Are the batteries easily accessible? Some battery trays are on a slide out some are under the stair way and you can fill and test them easily. Do either have any header mods or ECM performance chips. Do both have 2 slides? Do either have a refer in a slide? Any suspension Mods on either MH? If all things are fairly equal I would choose the one with the most CCC, largest FW tank, most cooling, most storage and best performance. If the Daybreak is 32 ft it should be lighter and have a little better performance. Hope this helps.
  • I would go with the best floor plan of the two coaches that suits your needs. JMHO
  • I think they were decent rigs that era untill Thor got a hold of them