Found a coach I like...suitable for full timing?

[zach477]

I've been doing lots of shopping around, and I have a came across a 2008 Fleetwood Fiesta LX 34N.

It's in great condition. Everything is really clean and appears to be well taken care of. I really like the floor plan. With a little negotiating, the price is right as well. I'm going back to do a very thorough inspection, and then I may make an offer (pending a favorable inspection from an independent inspector).

My concern is that it's an "entry level" coach, and some people are of the opinion that you don't want to full time in an "entry level". I'll be spending a lot of time in Tennessee for the next year or two, and I'm worried about the heat. Tennessee winters aren't too bad, though. I'm from Minnesota, we know what COLD is...

Any thoughts on this particular model or similar models, especially with regards to full timing?

Thanks!

[sdianel_-acct_c]

We full time in a 33' DP with 2 slides with no problem. I would make sure it has 2 air conditioners. We had an entry level Winnebago with one AC and it couldn't keep up when it was hot outside. While I think it's doable with 2 AC's I agree you might want to find a DP with more insulation and dual pane windows.

[Dick_B]

Check out the RV Consumer Groups criteria for a full-timing rig.
There are two questions: can I use my rig for full-timing? The answer is yes. Remember that some really poor people live in their cars!
Is my rig BUILT for full-timing? The answer in most cases is NO. Refer to the RVCG above.

[C-Bears]

No matter what you decide, staying in TN during the winter is no treat. During the last several years southern Illinois and TN have gotten more snow and worse winter weather than central Illinois.

The CG managers and other winter campers in that area should be able to give you tips on how to set your RV up for their winters in that area.

We spent part of December in the north and one of the things I had to do was pour RV antifreeze down my toilet instead of all water. I found when the temps stayed below 28 - 30 degrees my black tank gate valve would freeze in the closed position. Keeping RV antifreeze in the black tank solved the problem and I could dump every week or as needed.

[rr2254545]

I too would be looking at a bigger motor home this will get small over time

[zach477]

louiskathy wrote:
You can put those foam puzzle pieces on the floor and tape and cut as needed (like a shop floor covering.)They are easier to clean in snow/rain seasons. You can easily insulate the windows with rods and rubber backed curtains.

Is this a 34 foot long coach? If you are single and traveling alone, maybe that's big enough to full time in but personally... 37 feet is our minimum.

Next is does it have heated bays or does the furnace have a way to keep the bays from getting damp and moldy?

Next is the black and gray tanks... heated or not? Totally exposed or enclosed?

Entry level might be cheaper to start out with but not if you have to horse around with trying to stay warm every time the temp goes below 37 deg. for more than two days.

Good tips on insulation. 🙂

It's actually 36 feet with two slides...not sure why "34" is in the name. I may even pull out the dinette seats for more space. I'll either leave the table or create a small desk. This is something I would probably do on any coach. Just not a fan of the dinettes and their big, bulky, uncomfortable booths. I'll store the booths so I can put them back in when it's time to sell.

I'm not sure about heated bays. I didn't know that was a concern. 😕 I probably won't keeps things of much value in those. Perhaps a few desiccant packs could help?

Holding tanks are enclosed. The brochure says "enclosed so they can be heated in cold weather". Not sure what this implies, but there was no other mention of heated holding tanks. Nor did I see a button for this in the control panel.

These are all valid concerns, but can they be overcome? The trade off is that it looks really nice inside compared to the older models I've seen. This is important since it will be my home rather than something to vacation in. The bunks are really growing on me as well. Great for when I'm on the road with a band. Also a great place to store a few guitar cases. And hopefully, being "newer", it will be more reliable? Fingers crossed on that one...

[Executive45]

I agree, you have to decide what works for you. Do you intend to be a full time TRAVELER or a full time SITTER. Makes a big difference. Full time travelers will need a comfortable coach to drive, full time sitter, not so much. We like creature comforts and we are full time travelers, so we have the best of both worlds with our coach. Either way though, you'll need some quiet time eventually. I would look for a coach with solid insulation and double paned windows. We don't hear much once the door is closed. Other coaches you can hear everything that goes on around you. Not good if you want some peace and quiet....Dennis

[louiskathy]

You can put those foam puzzle pieces on the floor and tape and cut as needed (like a shop floor covering.)They are easier to clean in snow/rain seasons. You can easily insulate the windows with rods and rubber backed curtains.

Is this a 34 foot long coach? If you are single and traveling alone, maybe that's big enough to full time in but personally... 37 feet is our minimum.

Next is does it have heated bays or does the furnace have a way to keep the bays from getting damp and moldy?

Next is the black and gray tanks... heated or not? Totally exposed or enclosed?

Entry level might be cheaper to start out with but not if you have to horse around with trying to stay warm every time the temp goes below 37 deg. for more than two days.

[RFCN2]

In my humble opinion an older more heavy duty coach with good insulation and dual pane windows would be easier to full time in.

But that would be me. You have to decide for yourself what you need to have.