Gulfstream Super Nova C

[goufgators]

I took a look at a 37', '08 Gulfstream Super Nova 6372 C, 15,000 miles, on an International diesel chassis this morning. Asking price is $99K. For those of you who familiar with Gulfstream and particularly the one mentioned in the subject, I would appreciate your thoughts regarding the unit's build quality (or lack thereof). Also, information pro or con about the International chassis would be beneficial. And, one more question: I'm sure the $99K is negotiable but what do you believe is a fair price for this coach? Many thanks.../ Larry

[goufgators]

Thanks to each who replied. Based on your comments about the harsh ride and lack of torque on long grades, I've decided to pass up on this purchase. Again, thanks for the information. / Larry

[dsomonster]

Pretty Much what RJ4 said.

I have a 2008 Gulfstream Supernova 6400N Grand Hotel. Not exactly your coach but on the same International platform.

I've owned my rig since built new in 2007. I am the only owner. We live in the rig 4 days at a time. We are not full-timers. We go on long weekends and boondock in the So. California Desert. I pull a 20' trailer filled with ATV's and gear.

The suspensions, power and torque are lacking, but I've added a TS Performance Tuner and it makes a world of difference. I can now pass big rigs and other Motorhomes on SoCal inclines. I also added an air bag suspension in the rear and huge RV shocks up front which now makes this "truck" ride like a bus.

I am happy with the build quality for the price range. The interior is plush by my standards. DW and I have 3 children, (15 year old son, 13 year old daughter, and 8 year old son), all of whom wreck havoc on everything. The only things replaced interior wise was, the mattresses on the bed and the couch sleeper, the table base and microwave (DW needed convection).

Just keep in mind, EVERY manufacturer and model will have pros and cons. There is no perfect rig only what model is right for you and your current situation. We started with the smaller 23' rigs and eventually moved up to the Grand Hotel. We bought the most we could with our budget. We did not not want to break the bank and never take a regular family vacation. I am sure once the family situation changes, we will eventually downgrade. I think I've instilled the family camping gene in my kids and they will eventually have rigs of their own when they start building their families. That was the whole point of getting in to RVing in the first place.

The Gulfstream is not for everyone, but for me and mine...it is close to the PERFECT rig.

Here are some pics:





Here is a friend's Class Newmar Class A with my rig. After my air bag and front shock upgrade, the rigs are comparable in ride quality.










My MAJOR mods are as follows:
- Rear air suspension.
- Front HD RV shocks.
- New stereo system in cab (speakers, amps and subs).
- 6-6v Battery Bank.
- Hi Capacity Power Inverter.
- TS Performance Engine Tuner.
- Convection/Microwave Oven.

Test Drive it, kick tires, bring the whole family too boot. Test drive and look at other rigs. Be INFORMED and then make an educated decision. DO NOT rely solely on blogs from boneheads like me.

Good Luck and I hope to read about your new rig in the near future.

-Ron in SoCal

[Golden_HVAC]

One owner of a Super Nova based on the International chassis stated that the ride was very harsh, and they would be trading it in very soon. They only had 11,000 miles on it, and said it road like a truck.

At the time, I was also interested in buying a International Super Nova, and read it with interest. I thought I would need to replace the rear springs with air bags, and in a F-550 conversion this cost was about $2,500 - $3,500. I saw those conversions at Quartszite in 2002.

Another thought I had was to get a Ford F-650 with factory air ride, and have one built on that chassis. However there are many stock diesel pushers that will ride better as they came from the factory with 4-8 air bags. Some are rated to tow 10,000 pounds, like Alpine. They also come with much larger inline 6 engines, well proven in over the road truck usage.

I think I would be looking at Country Coach, and other diesel pushers in the same price range. One of the most unique DP's that I saw was a Airstream with a roof top deck. When I went into the dealership, and up to the roof (staircase is built in) the sales rep said they had a LOT of people looking at that one, but not buying it.

Fred.

[ronfisherman]

While I do not own a Super Nova. I never miss a chance to talk with GS owners. RJ4's comments are what I here from other SN and Endura owners on the International chassis.

[RJ4]

Your reply's will most likely get you many pro's and many con's on this unit. Some who have owned one and some who have not. Here's mine - lol

I own a 37', 08 Gulf Stream Supernova 6372 with 41,000 miles. I get 8 miles to the gallon. I tow either a ford escape on a dolly or a 20' trailer with motorcycles and atv's.

We "half-time" in our unit. We spend 4 months each winter in Florida and 2 months each summer in Colorado plus various short trips throughout the year.

The above kinda gives you an idea of how we use the rig.

I am overall happy with the rig, a grade of B+. Love the body style, floor plan, capacities, etc. The only thing I would grade it down on (hence not an A) is the torque and the ride.

I corrected the ride by adding better shocks on the front and airbags on the rear which gives me the ride I want. If the unit your looking at does not have these options, it's easy enough to make the change but relatively expensive.

As for the torque, it is satisfactory for me except when we are running around in the Colorado Rockies. I've never encountered anything I couldn't make but I've definitely stretched the power.

This is my 4th rv and I feel the house durability and the International Chassis have been above average for rigs in this price range.

PM me if you want additional info. Good luck with your decision