Help deciding between 2 motorhomes

[Plumber101010]

New to RVing. First time buyer. Choosing between 2 diesel pushers.

2002 Newmar Dutchstar. 52,000 miles. 40 ft $65k out the door. 2 slides. Upgraded with wood floors and new tile in kitchen. LOTS storage in and out. Newmar has an impeccable name hard to ignore. 350 cat. Freight liner chassis.

2003 Fleetwood Excursion 46,000 miles 38 ft. $56k out the door. 2 slides, Price including ripping up old carpet and installing wood floors. Brand new fridge. 330 cat. Freight liner chassis.

I am TORN. So far my research says Newmar all the way for quality. Fleetwood iffy at best. Both units in top shape. Excellent condition. Like the extra slide depth on excursion, it goes WAY out and opens up the floor plan. Also, Really, really really want a king size bed and the Excursions slide out wide enough to accommodate. The Dutchstar slide out not an inch to spare so no go.

Any opinions?

[cbigham]

Leak from? Roof? Wall, window seal? Slide? What was fixed, how? Corrosion/rust? Mold? Plumbing?

I can't tell from a distance. Maybe you can get an independent inspection service. You can afford to be patient. It's winter in SC. Not a lot of rv business to be done...

[Plumber101010]

They were actually honest and service manager said the carpet had some water stains. Didn't mean much to me when he said it, as I assumed it was from an AC unit or something 🙂 I wouldn't know what I am checking for to be honest!

[cbigham]

Couple things:
1. Side radiator easy to service, change a belt, hose, you will understand. Also radiator doesn't get gunked up by rear tires mess and slobber .
2. Flooring changes are frequently done because of water damage. Check around carefully, especially near slides. Could be water damage. Something to check maybe, maybe not.
3.Drive em both then decide. You may find more rattles, squeaks in one,
4. Run a car fax report b4 buying.
5. Always remember the dealer no mattention how nice now, bought the coach substantially below LOW nada.
6. You may be able to get a better loan ykurself, credit union, etc.2,3 points better.
Happy hunting
-Chuck

[Plumber101010]

I've walked it fifty times in the last 48 hours. It's real. Nada was $57 low retail to 70 high retail. Getting $65. But concerned he said a 350 cat and nada ONLY shows 330. Could it just be an upgrade that came with unit?

[doxiemom11]

Did anyone notice that the pics for both state that the photos make be stock photos which means, not necessarily photos of the particular unit for sale. I think once you are actually looking at them, one of them will grab you. Myself, I like the Newmar if it is what is pictured.

[Plumber101010]

Thou I have to wonder why he spent $1800 on cameras and THEN traded it in....maybe they told him something was wrong??. There goes my mind again overthinking...

[sb2bb]

Side rad is easy for engine maintenance real easy as many have discovered. Also better cooling of engine.

[Plumber101010]

Oh yeah, they ripped out the carpet and installed those wood floors and tile you see, may be another reason he said they are limited on price and also said it was listed previous at $74k and he just dropped the price to his bare minimum....but u know, they all say that 🙂

I also read nada wasn't the best and can be off by 20% or more

[smacdiesel]

Go with the Newmar, better name and easier to unload later. Try and get a better deal, I'm sure the dealer has room, especially this time of year.

[Plumber101010]

Wow. Thank you all for your WONDERFUL advice. And even being a newbie, first timer, I too was at 85% Newmar. But all of your responses just drove the nail home :). But 2 gypsies, being a plumber, I liked the stainless sink in the excursion much better, ESPECIALLY since it was an undermount sink, to me, MUCH better looking than a drop in sink AND looks much more modern ,and current with today's trends. And it's plastic 🙂 Not porcelain. However, other than that, I agreed 100% with the est of your pros 😉

I can't possibly THANK YOU all enough. These last 1/2 dozen responses was EXACTLY what I was hoping for. I will give updates as we travel letting you know how it all turns out, if anyone really cares.

Now, would someone PLEASE tell what the advantage of a side radiator is please :))))). And you think I can get it cheaper? Was asking 65,800. Got it $65k out the door, tax, tags and title, including doc fee. I REALLY liked that they have done all the servicing on it for the last couple years nc so there is SOME history on it. I talked with the service manager and the guy had just paid them $1800 2 months before he traded it for cameras all the way around, 2 in the back and 2 on the side.

I looked up values as well as looked at others In that price range and it seemed right on the penny.

[lj2654]

Newmar now that I have looked at them both. Much more for your dollars as a whole. I looked for two years before I found the right coach, then the wife told me(LOL) it was the one...2001 Beaver Contessa with 32000 miles and clean clean clean.....

I think the Newmar is much better made and better interior by far!

[cbigham]

Newmar definitely the slicker product. Still think you have some wiggle room, your prices are what's asked. Do take a ok at the roof on both. The excursion will be needing one soon if not done, check the Newmar as well.

Another advantage is Newmar has hung outside aluminum walls, not vacuum bonded fiberglass. No delamination. It has other issues you might look into, but a good package.

[2gypsies1]

These are the differences I see and by far, the Newmar is the best-looking. It is bright and has gorgeous cabinets.

Newmar: LOTS more cabinetry , especially upper cabinets across the whole living/dining area; wonderful hall cabinets/drawers and cabinets/drawers at the foot of the bed. The Excursion doesn't have nearly as many cabinets - none in hallway like Newmar's and none at the foot of the bed.

Newmar: Side radiator

Newmar: pass through outside storage - The Excursion has shallow storage.

Newmar: Table and chairs at curbside/patio side. The Excursion has a booth and many folks find them uncomfortable, especially for a larger person.

Newmar: Has a much nicer kitchen with more countertop space.

Newmar: Has nice porcelain sinks in kitchen and vanity. Excursion has stainless steel and looks old-fashioned

I'd definitely vote for Newmar with it's history of satisfied customers. Plus, we full-timed in one for 10 years with no complaints.

[mike_brez]

After looking at all the pictures I would still go with the Newmar. NADA dosent show the newmar with a 350hp only lists a 330 and NADA shows a excursion 39s having three slides. All the two slide excursions are within a few hindered dollars of each other.

[glamisorbust]

I also think the newmar is the way to go. Fleetwood is a good company and they build good quality coaches. But I think newmar is just a little better. I love the side radiator and the bigger engine. Both look immaculate. Have you looked at holiday rambler endeavor's? I have one, and two of my family members do. Great units that can be had for about half of what you're looking to spend here. I bought my '99 model back in august for $32k with a toad and towbar all set up to tow. Good luck.