Does an affordable, quality class A or C exist?

[Dlathem]

Posting this to both the A and C forum as we are buying our first RV and haven't decided between the two yet.

We've looked at the Freedom Elite Thor as well as the Thor Axis, both between 23' and 25'. We have three girls under the age of 7, so I'm looking for something that the girls can enjoy and we can drive w/o the need to pull a car behind...Small enough to get in and out of places relatively easy.

Loved the Axis, then I get home and read multiple horrible reviews on the quality of Thor units. Ok, so I start looking around at other units from other manufacturers and literally every manufacturer, including Winnebago, has horror stories of initial quality and / or reliability.

I have to admit, it's really squashing our excitement. I have two Toyotas with a total of 600k miles between the two of them. They're well built, reliable, and I'd drive either anywhere. Is this impossible in the RV world? Looking to spend around $70-$75k. I'm fine with a used unit, let someone else take the depreciation hit, so it doesn't have to be new. I just want something well built.

Any suggestions?

[Dlathem]

That’s my plan. A good used one that’s more than I can afford new haha. You guys have been so helpful. I really appreciate it.

[tropical36]

bacil wrote:

Ralph Cramden wrote:

MrWizard wrote:


you can get a lemon from anybody, but Thor has a lower rating from many members of these forums than say Winnie ,Holday Rambler, tiffdin, Damon

Could some of that be because Thor sells almost twice the number of motorized RV's as the closest competitor Forest River, and about 3 times as many as the third closest Winnebago? All others scramble for crumbs. Between those 3 they hold 80% market share. Thor 41%, Forest River 23%, Winnebago 15%.

I am going through my research phase and this is exactly what i came up with too, its simple statistics (more units more lemons). I haven't discarded Thor as its viable option for both gas and DP with good price point. And they used to be Forest River and Damon which on their own have good reputation.

Best price point is when buying a tried and proven quality unit with some age on it.

[suprz]

Devocamper wrote:
unfortunately quality and affordable do not often come together in the RV world.
Mike

Thats the truth! Remember these simple truths.. It's not if it will get a leak, it's when will it leak. And you get what you pay for in the long run. Every single rv has its issues, period! Best you can do, is buy as good as you can, and do your research, not only on the RV, but the company and their customer service and warranty dept. And also the components the rv manufacturer uses. These are very complicated machines. And when you tow, or drive your rv. It's like driving your house thru a hurricane during a earthquake inside the RV for all the components.

[bacil]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

MrWizard wrote:


you can get a lemon from anybody, but Thor has a lower rating from many members of these forums than say Winnie ,Holday Rambler, tiffdin, Damon

Could some of that be because Thor sells almost twice the number of motorized RV's as the closest competitor Forest River, and about 3 times as many as the third closest Winnebago? All others scramble for crumbs. Between those 3 they hold 80% market share. Thor 41%, Forest River 23%, Winnebago 15%.

I am going through my research phase and this is exactly what i came up with too, its simple statistics (more units more lemons). I haven't discarded Thor as its viable option for both gas and DP with good price point. And they used to be Forest River and Damon which on their own have good reputation.

[jimx200]

jplante4 wrote:
Older Beavers were great coaches. Also pre-2005 Monaco, although these don't seem to hold up as well as some of the others mentioned. If you can find one that was babied, I'd consider Monaco.

Looks like you're a couple of hours from Red Bay making Tiffin a logical choice.

My dad/mom LOVED their Monaco's and in the span of 25 years pretty much had a wide variety of rigs from two GMC's to a Diplomat to Winnebago's and finally Monaco. They lived in our Central Valley of California and swore by the Monaco for trouble free travel. I believe his last one was a 2001 and Cummins drivetrain. Even my elderly mom drove it..all 5'1" of her behind the wheel. Both are gone, but us kids cherish the memories of their well deserved trips together. We were absolutely blessed to have them. My better half and I have a Class C, but looking to go with a A with more room.

[Community Alumni]

I would stay away from Thor products, especially entry level units. I recommend taking a look at Winnebagos Class A and C. Good luck!

[Dlathem]

Guys, thanks SO much. You’ve all been extremely helpful. I truly appreciate the advice.

[Ralph_Cramden]

MrWizard wrote:


you can get a lemon from anybody, but Thor has a lower rating from many members of these forums than say Winnie ,Holday Rambler, tiffdin, Damon

Could some of that be because Thor sells almost twice the number of motorized RV's as the closest competitor Forest River, and about 3 times as many as the third closest Winnebago? All others scramble for crumbs. Between those 3 they hold 80% market share. Thor 41%, Forest River 23%, Winnebago 15%.

[doxiemom11]

We have a 2000 Monaco that we love. Have had it since 2010 and have had only minor repairs. We wouldn't change our decision of buying this coach if we had it to do over. Well made and the V-10 has been very reliable. We live in it full-time and it is holding up very well.

[Rick_Jay]

Ok, my $0.02.

With three little ones, I would absolutely recommend something larger than 25' and drag a vehicle with you. If one of the little one's get sick, or needs something at the store, you don't want to have to break camp for everyone to go get it. Unless you're just planning day trips in the rigs, you'll want something bigger, and to be honest, I think something in the 36' range would be the minimum.

The others have addressed the (lack of) quality in most entry level rigs. Doesn't mean you can't find a good one, but I'd side with those who suggest a gently used older coach in which all of the factory bugs have been worked out.

Being in Alabama, I'd definitely look at Tiffins, even for newer used units. Being close to the factory that made 'em is probably good insurance you'll never need 'em! LOL

You could buy a Prevost unit in your price range, BUT, it'll have some years on it. So, as was pointed out, you just find something that meets your price point.

Floorplan is the absolute key!!!! Make sure you know what floorplan will work for you and your family. Make sure things are accessible when the slides are in (important for food & overnight stops at rest areas and Walmarts, etc.).

My last advice is to TAKE YOUR TIME. DO not rush into anything. Your perfect rig is out there, you just will probably have to work to find it. The rig in our signature was our first RV and we still like the floorplan than just about anything else we've seen. We bought it new, but we were confident in what we wanted (after 2+ years of researching). With 4 kids, we wanted to get it right. Started out looking at small hybrids to tow behind our Odyssey and ended up with a 36' gas Class A towing the Odyssey. And we looked at ALL options inbetween. But with diligent research, you can get it right the first time.

Good Luck,

~Rick

[jplante4]

Older Beavers were great coaches. Also pre-2005 Monaco, although these don't seem to hold up as well as some of the others mentioned. If you can find one that was babied, I'd consider Monaco.

Looks like you're a couple of hours from Red Bay making Tiffin a logical choice.

[Dlathem]

I definitely will. NewMar, Tiffton, what other brands would you suggest?

It’s a lot of money to spend to get inside and have the fit and finish of a mobile home.

[tropical36]

Dlathem wrote:
Great advice. Thanks so much.

Stick with the Class A's, as well. You'll be glad you did in the long run. If you need bunks, they have a floor plan, for that, as well.

[Dlathem]

Great advice. Thanks so much.