Debating upgrade to Georgetown 352 XL from Winnebago Access

[RayPayne]

I'm considering an upgrade from my 2007 Winnebago Access 29T to a 2014 Georgetown 352 XL. I think the bunks are better than using the bed over the cab and sofa for my kids. The floor plan is as close to ideal as I can find. (I'd prefer a sofa on both sides at the front rather than a sofa and chair, but this is as close as I can get without going up $100k in the price. I think I can easily live with one sofa since I can use the front seats as living space, unlike my C.)

I haven't been able to find much in the way of reviews of that particular MH though, so I thought I'd ask here. Would anyone have specific advice on pros/cons of that make/model as I trade up? I included the "from" RV just in case it may make any difference.

For reference, I currently use the RV on weekends about 8+ times a year, and then for a couple weeks of vacation. I'm not doing high mileage, so as much as I'd like to bump to a diesel I can't justify the cost at this time. I know I'm bad with maintenance though. I do what is required, but I don't have enough free time to do that much more. I don't want to get into a new RV just to find there are unexpected things I should have been prepared for.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[RayPayne]

Thank you for the feedback.

Teacher's Pet: I'll do a little more research on the stress fractures. Do you know the year and model of the RV your friend had? I say upgrade because of the increase in floorspace, better floor plan, and heavier chassis. It's a balance between wish-list and budget.

I'm glad to hear that the firsthand accounts are positive. I'm going to head to Outdoor Travel RV in Hamilton on Saturday to take a look at the unit there. I did see this one at the RV show, but it's harder to go through it thoroughly with 5,000 other people looking at the same RV while you are. 🙂

[FC]

We have had our Georgetown since new and have been very happy with it. We bought our motorhome from the dealer in Hamilton And have been satisfied. We toured the factory about 6 years ago. The. XL version is the upgraded version.
Jm2cw

[RudysWorld]

We have a 2011 Georgetown 350 and have been pleased. Had some issues but all taken care of. I would suggest going to the Forest River forum do some searches and ask any questions you have. Great group of people on that forum just like here. Here is a link:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/

Good Luck!

[BillMFl]

Well you came to the same conclusion I did. Love the high end DPs but could not justify the 100k+ additional cost. Bought a Model 360 two years ago and have been very satisfied. The older gass coaches tended to be very loud and hot near the engine compartment. The new ones are way better. They are louder than a rear engine DP, but not very loud and no notoceable engine heat. You get a lot for your money with these coaches. Just about every option thst you really need. I have only 9000 miles on my 2012 and am very satisfied. It handles very well. I can steer it with one hand tooling down the highway at 70mph. Plenty of power and get a little over 7mpg. Engine noise is loud when climbing a steep grade in a lower gear but that is a small percentage of total drive time. MSRP between 140 to 150 but can be bought for 120 or even somewhat less. Test drive and you will love the comfort and view vs a Class C or A with a bunk over your head. An alternative would be an older DP with no warranty. The Ford V10 is well proven and comes with a 5yr/50. The Georgetown gassers are positioned in the RV market as a price point value coach with lots of features but at a lesser interior finish quality than a DP. I am very satisfied with mine. If I was a full timer or close to it I would have a DP. My wife likes the Tiffen Phaeton but they are way higher cost. She will have to wait or agree to sell one of our homes before I consider moving on up. PS: Even the high end coaches like Tiffens have had issues that often required going back to the factory.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

Not sure an "upgrade" from a Winnebago to a Georgetown is a great idea, the support after the sale has been very poor for one of our friends who made such an "upgrade" about five years back from an R-Vision B+. It's a great floor plan and very attractive RV from a distance. But, he's had problems with stress fractures in both the front and rear caps, gel coat and clear coat problems, many starting while under warranty. Items were repaired but re-appeared within a year or so.