Forum Discussion

lb311's avatar
lb311
Explorer
May 10, 2013

Advice on full-timer rig needed

Hi everyone:
I've had a Class C Winnebago View for the last few years and have loved it, but am looking to start full-time RVing soon and want to move up to a shorter used DP rig (I'm a solo RVer).

I'm ideally trying to find a rig about 7-10 yrs old that is 35' or less. The 2 top contenders are the Winnebago Journey (34H), or a 34' Holiday Rambler Neptune (34PDD or 34SBD).

I'm most familiar with Winnebago so sticking with them would be most comfortable way to go, but I'm worried about a few potential short-comings vs the Holiday Rambler, namely, the basement A/C and the Cat engine (vs. the HR's rooftop AC, additional basement storage space, and Cummins engine).

On the other hand, I'm not sure what service limitations there might be with older HR/Monacos due to legacy Monaco being bought out by Navistar (i.e. access to coach parts or Roadmaster chassis parts?).

Any feedback from those who have owned either one?

thanks,
Lynne
Class A
  • steveownby's avatar
    steveownby
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    lb311 wrote:
    Hi everyone:
    I've had a Class C Winnebago View for the last few years and have loved it, but am looking to start full-time RVing soon and want to move up to a shorter used DP rig (I'm a solo RVer).

    I'm ideally trying to find a rig about 7-10 yrs old that is 35' or less. The 2 top contenders are the Winnebago Journey (34H), or a 34' Holiday Rambler Neptune (34PDD or 34SBD).

    I'm most familiar with Winnebago so sticking with them would be most comfortable way to go, but I'm worried about a few potential short-comings vs the Holiday Rambler, namely, the basement A/C and the Cat engine (vs. the HR's rooftop AC, additional basement storage space, and Cummins engine).

    On the other hand, I'm not sure what service limitations there might be with older HR/Monacos due to legacy Monaco being bought out by Navistar (i.e. access to coach parts or Roadmaster chassis parts?).

    Any feedback from those who have owned either one?

    thanks,
    Lynne


    Lynne,

    I full time in a Monaco coach and since I've had a wonderful experience, I'm partial to them. Be aware however, the Neptune was built on the Roadmaster 4 airbag chassis and that chassis had some serious problems. You will be much better served to look for a coach built on the 8 air bag chassis generally called the RR8R or RR8S chassis.
  • klm's avatar
    klm
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    Hi Lynne,

    I am a solo FT'er, 5+ yrs, and like you, thought 34-36'. Several folks encouraged me to expand the length a bit - first to give me more space, but also to include more used coaches in my search. I found a great preowned, 37.5' Newmar. Trust me, not much dif driving 34 or 38, especially since you will have a toad - but the interior dif of 34 - 38 is significant. Good luck in your hunt -

    Kathy
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    May 11, 2013
    Agree with the size thing. We started in a 40' and soon outgrew it and traded for our current coach. Best thing we ever did....and there's only two of us, unless you count the pooch....then there's three...:B...I'm partial to the Monaco products as this is my second one. They build a superior coach. I had a Winnebago Chieftan. It was also a good rig but not quite the quality of the Monaco..good luck on whatever way you go...Dennis
  • hershey's avatar
    hershey
    Explorer
    May 11, 2013
    Can't help you with brand choice. But I'd suggest you not consider anything less than a 36' MH to fulltime. We have spent the last 8 years in a 36' and started in a 32'. Out grew the 32' the first year. The 36' has been just perfect for the two of us. Basement is something you really need to consider also. Enjoy.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    May 11, 2013
    If you are worried about the amount of basement storage, I'd go 2-3' longer plus you'll increase the # of units available. The new Monaco's customer service is good on older units. Chassis parts are truck parts so not a problem.
  • ncrowley's avatar
    ncrowley
    Explorer II
    May 10, 2013
    I would recommend that you reconsider the length of the coach. I have talked to a number of full timers (since I was thinking about doing that) and I never heard that the coach was too big. However, I did talk to people that wished they had purchased a larger one. After much research, I concluded that if you were going to full time, it was best to look at 38 foot or better. If you are single, you may be happy with something smaller. This is not to say there are not people full timing in smaller rigs. However, after talking to a bunch of folks, most want something bigger.

    I would suggest that you talk to full timers. Post a message in the full time forum. Talk to people. Do a lot of soul searching. It is expensive to buy and sell so do your best to get it right the first time.
  • Canadian_Rainbi's avatar
    Canadian_Rainbi
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    We "half time" every winter, mostly in Mexico, in our 2002 32' Horizon Itasca. (made by Winnebago and very similar to the Journey.) You can see it here and there in our blog.
  • rockhillmanor's avatar
    rockhillmanor
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    lb311 wrote:
    Hi everyone:
    I've had a Class C Winnebago View for the last few years and have loved it, but am looking to start full-time RVing soon and want to move up to a shorter used DP rig (I'm a solo RVer).

    I'm ideally trying to find a rig about 7-10 yrs old that is 35' or less. The 2 top contenders are the Winnebago Journey (34H), or a 34' Holiday Rambler Neptune (34PDD or 34SBD).

    I'm most familiar with Winnebago so sticking with them would be most comfortable way to go, but I'm worried about a few potential short-comings vs the Holiday Rambler, namely, the basement A/C and the Cat engine (vs. the HR's rooftop AC, additional basement storage space, and Cummins engine).

    On the other hand, I'm not sure what service limitations there might be with older HR/Monacos due to legacy Monaco being bought out by Navistar (i.e. access to coach parts or Roadmaster chassis parts?).
    Any feedback from those who have owned either one?thanks,Lynne


    My advice 'from experience' is to keep the RV you already know and trust and 'test' the waters of Full timing BEFORE you invest in another coach.

    Going to a 'short' Class A is not going to net you more room floorplan wise.
  • Jackha1949's avatar
    Jackha1949
    Explorer
    May 10, 2013
    Our first MH was a 05 Winnebago Journey 34H model with a 350 Cat and a 6 spd Allison transmission. It was an awesome rig and we loved it. It was really well built and we have very little problems with it. It had two slides and we had two big golden retrievers so we traded for a Horizon 06 40' which had three slides so we had lots more room for us and the dogs. We are full-timers and travel around the country. I don't think you can go wrong with a 34H Journey. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    May 10, 2013
    All I would suggest for full timing is buy big. You'll want the room.

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