Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since October. I also have a truck camper I've been traveling in now for about 5 weeks on a trip from NC out west towing a motorcycle. We are loving the full time life style but thinking a larger class A with a toad may be a better choice. I read Johnny T's sticky for first time buyers today. Thank you Johnny! I do not have answers to all of the well thought out questions but I hope to before buying.Here is what I think I know at this point. I'd like a used 40'-45' DP with enough power to travel the Rockies and beyond. I think I want a tag axle for the additional weight capacity and stability. I want a quality manufacturer that uses household quality materials and appliances. My budget is under 200K, hopefully well under.So with that being said I have a few basic questions.1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.

Mike@Asheville wrote:Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since October. I also have a truck camper I've been traveling in now for about 5 weeks on a trip from NC out west towing a motorcycle. We are loving the full time life style but thinking a larger class A with a toad may be a better choice. I read Johnny T's sticky for first time buyers today. Thank you Johnny! I do not have answers to all of the well thought out questions but I hope to before buying.Here is what I think I know at this point. I'd like a used 40'-45' DP with enough power to travel the Rockies and beyond. I think I want a tag axle for the additional weight capacity and stability. I want a quality manufacturer that uses household quality materials and appliances. My budget is under 200K, hopefully well under.So with that being said I have a few basic questions.1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen. Glitz is the basic difference between MHs2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them? Don't know about Monaco, but Fleetwood is alive and well3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense? Another pair of tires to replace4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis? Sorry no help here5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach? Just need to swing a little wider, which can be annoying in tight places6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down? Since you are asking about a honda accord in question 7, you will need a tow dolly, we pull our kia sedona on a master tow dolly7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad? With a tow dolly it will be fine8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher. For us, a full rear bath, not a split or something crammed in a corner 9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful? irv210. Are there any brands or models I should avoid? As stated earlier, the only difference between entry level and top of the line is glitzThanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.

Lot of questions at once. Can't directly reply to some but I can for others.The Accord will work well as a toad. Honda does not recommend to do so for the model year you listed but the transmission will handle it. I have the same model year but a two door that is next in line if the primary, 2005 CRV, dies.Both towing options each have advantages and disadvantages. Dolly will greatly expand the line of vehicles that can be towed but it might be a bit more work at a camp site. Four down is simplest but you vehicle selection is a bit narrower.Critical items, washer/dry (individual units) would be high on my list. Residential fridge, heat pumps, dual pane windows will make life a bit easier. Top of the list though is a floor plan that fits your life style. All the options in the world won't make up for a floor plan that is a problem for you.Tag axle does have benefits but generally you don't see them often on a 40' or shorter coach. Foretravel is the first builder that comes to mind for a smaller wheel base rig with a tag. The additional axle will need maintenance along with two more tires and higher tolls if you happen to venture out on a toll road. If you're not afraid of older rigs this Foretravel would be a really good choice for full timing and fit a couple of your "in search of" items. The ISM based power train will get you to the top of Pikes Peak if they allowed rigs up there.I wouldn't worry too much about coach builders that have stopped production. If you dig into everything in a coach the list of what the build supplies really isn't that big. All the appliances are from someone else, majority of the chassis are out sourced. Might be a factor if you damage the front or rear caps and need a replacement but with any builder coupled with an older model finding new external replacement parts could be a challenge. The one item that would concern me is an in house chassis with an out of business builder. Just not sure who that might be off the top of my head.Good luck with your search.

I can't offer insight to all your questions, but here's what I think:Your coach choices are good ones. Our list was Tiffin, Winnebago, Newmar. If you've got more $$, look at older Foretravels.I am the wife and do ALL the driving of our 40' DP. Personally, I don't want to go longer. I think some corners are tricky as it is. You are right that many parks cannot handle big rigs, especially older state parks. We actually bought a 22' B+ to take to Alaska two years ago. Worked great, kept it to use for east coast travel and when we want to make a quicker trip somewhere.We had a 37' with a tag axle before. I didn't notice any problems with it, other than tires and it had to be maintained, but it worked for us. Our current coach does not have a tag.I love my washer/dryer. Wouldn't leave home without it.We also tow 4-down. Towing a 2003 Sport Trac for 9 years without a hiccup. Bought a dolly once years ago. Couldn't get our car on it with the ground effects. Modified it to be able to use it and didn't care for the way it worked. Our preference.Monacos and Fleetwoods are still being built. Those companies were bought by Allied Specialty Vehicles and they are being built in Decatur, Indiana, as is the American Coach line and Holiday Rambler, too.Here is a link to a website that gives a lot of information. I would not use it as my only source, but it will work for a lot of your questions, plus it has a good bit of finanacial information.RV DreamsGood luck!Dale

Mike@Asheville wrote:Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since October. I also have a truck camper I've been traveling in now for about 5 weeks on a trip from NC out west towing a motorcycle. We are loving the full time life style but thinking a larger class A with a toad may be a better choice. I read Johnny T's sticky for first time buyers today. Thank you Johnny! I do not have answers to all of the well thought out questions but I hope to before buying.Here is what I think I know at this point. I'd like a used 40'-45' DP with enough power to travel the Rockies and beyond. I think I want a tag axle for the additional weight capacity and stability. I want a quality manufacturer that uses household quality materials and appliances. My budget is under 200K, hopefully well under.So with that being said I have a few basic questions.1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.Here goes:2) Fleetwood is still in business. They are a good coach manufacturer. In fact, they make the American Coach Eagle and Tradition. As far as I know, Monaco Coach is also still in business.3) Tag axles increase load capacity and may help with tracking but there are a few disadvantages. a) they take up valuable storage space, b) they add weight and complexity to a coach, c) your tolls on toll roads will shoot way, way up because a third axle puts you into commercial rates, d) It's two extra tires and wheels to maintain, e) most tag axles slightly reduce your turning ratio unless you lift them or have steerable tags.4) Freightliner is way more popular (i.e. more of them) than Spartan but the real differences lie within each individual chassis more than between the manufacturers. Spartan makes probably the best non-bus RV chassis today, the K3, which is favored by most of the top brands. But other than that, it really depends on which model chassis you get from which manufacturer. Freightliner has way more service centers but Spartan can be serviced at any Cummins service center so it's really not a problem. On any chassis, I'd pay attention to the front suspension (independent front suspension is better), disk vs. drum brakes, tag axle and type, side radiator vs rear radiator, and engine specs.5) I agree6a) Huge difference in handling between my 31 foot gasser and my 45 foot DP. Everything is more precarious in the 45 footer and I need way more vigilance to make sure I don't hit anything. Otherwise, the ride itself is much smoother in the DP because of the air suspension, air brakes, and no engine noise.6b) I've never had a tow dolly so take this with a grain of salt. The tow dolly is probably initially cheaper and can be used with most cars but you end up with this dolly you need to store at the campgrounds and it takes way more time to hook and unhook the car.7) Check here: http://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/8) Wall insulation and climate control are probably more important to a full timer like me. Try to avoid any carpet, anywhere. You'll probably want to boondock more as a fulltimer so look at tank sizes and electrical capacity. You've already mentioned W/D and dish washer.9) https://escapees.com/ caters to fulltimers. Handles issues such as residency and mail servicesI hope that helps.

FYI: American Coach, Fleetwood, Monaco Coach, Holiday Rambler are all still around but now owned by Allied Specialty Vehicles.

Help with DP for Full Timing | Good Sam Community

Grandpere
Explorer
May 22, 2015
Mike@Asheville wrote:
Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since October. I also have a truck camper I've been traveling in now for about 5 weeks on a trip from NC out west towing a motorcycle. We are loving the full time life style but thinking a larger class A with a toad may be a better choice. I read Johnny T's sticky for first time buyers today. Thank you Johnny! I do not have answers to all of the well thought out questions but I hope to before buying.

Here is what I think I know at this point. I'd like a used 40'-45' DP with enough power to travel the Rockies and beyond. I think I want a tag axle for the additional weight capacity and stability. I want a quality manufacturer that uses household quality materials and appliances. My budget is under 200K, hopefully well under.

So with that being said I have a few basic questions.

1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.

Glitz is the basic difference between MHs

2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?

Don't know about Monaco, but Fleetwood is alive and well

3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?

Another pair of tires to replace

4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?

Sorry no help here

5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.

6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?

Just need to swing a little wider, which can be annoying in tight
places

6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?

Since you are asking about a honda accord in question 7, you will
need a tow dolly, we pull our kia sedona on a master tow dolly

7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?

With a tow dolly it will be fine

8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.

For us, a full rear bath, not a split or something crammed in a
corner

9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?

irv2

10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?

As stated earlier, the only difference between entry level and top of the line is glitz

Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.
Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
May 22, 2015
Lot of questions at once. Can't directly reply to some but I can for others.

The Accord will work well as a toad. Honda does not recommend to do so for the model year you listed but the transmission will handle it. I have the same model year but a two door that is next in line if the primary, 2005 CRV, dies.

Both towing options each have advantages and disadvantages. Dolly will greatly expand the line of vehicles that can be towed but it might be a bit more work at a camp site. Four down is simplest but you vehicle selection is a bit narrower.

Critical items, washer/dry (individual units) would be high on my list. Residential fridge, heat pumps, dual pane windows will make life a bit easier. Top of the list though is a floor plan that fits your life style. All the options in the world won't make up for a floor plan that is a problem for you.

Tag axle does have benefits but generally you don't see them often on a 40' or shorter coach. Foretravel is the first builder that comes to mind for a smaller wheel base rig with a tag. The additional axle will need maintenance along with two more tires and higher tolls if you happen to venture out on a toll road. If you're not afraid of older rigs this Foretravel would be a really good choice for full timing and fit a couple of your "in search of" items. The ISM based power train will get you to the top of Pikes Peak if they allowed rigs up there.

I wouldn't worry too much about coach builders that have stopped production. If you dig into everything in a coach the list of what the build supplies really isn't that big. All the appliances are from someone else, majority of the chassis are out sourced. Might be a factor if you damage the front or rear caps and need a replacement but with any builder coupled with an older model finding new external replacement parts could be a challenge. The one item that would concern me is an in house chassis with an out of business builder. Just not sure who that might be off the top of my head.

Good luck with your search.
Scottiemom
Nomad
May 22, 2015
I can't offer insight to all your questions, but here's what I think:

Your coach choices are good ones. Our list was Tiffin, Winnebago, Newmar. If you've got more $$, look at older Foretravels.

I am the wife and do ALL the driving of our 40' DP. Personally, I don't want to go longer. I think some corners are tricky as it is. You are right that many parks cannot handle big rigs, especially older state parks. We actually bought a 22' B+ to take to Alaska two years ago. Worked great, kept it to use for east coast travel and when we want to make a quicker trip somewhere.

We had a 37' with a tag axle before. I didn't notice any problems with it, other than tires and it had to be maintained, but it worked for us. Our current coach does not have a tag.

I love my washer/dryer. Wouldn't leave home without it.

We also tow 4-down. Towing a 2003 Sport Trac for 9 years without a hiccup. Bought a dolly once years ago. Couldn't get our car on it with the ground effects. Modified it to be able to use it and didn't care for the way it worked. Our preference.

Monacos and Fleetwoods are still being built. Those companies were bought by Allied Specialty Vehicles and they are being built in Decatur, Indiana, as is the American Coach line and Holiday Rambler, too.

Here is a link to a website that gives a lot of information. I would not use it as my only source, but it will work for a lot of your questions, plus it has a good bit of finanacial information.

RV Dreams

Good luck!

Dale
holstein13
Explorer
May 22, 2015
Mike@Asheville wrote:
Hi all, I'm researching my first Class A. I've never driven or ridden in one so I have a lot to learn. I have been a fifth wheel guy for many years and I'm full timing in a 36' 5th wheel since October. I also have a truck camper I've been traveling in now for about 5 weeks on a trip from NC out west towing a motorcycle. We are loving the full time life style but thinking a larger class A with a toad may be a better choice. I read Johnny T's sticky for first time buyers today. Thank you Johnny! I do not have answers to all of the well thought out questions but I hope to before buying.

Here is what I think I know at this point. I'd like a used 40'-45' DP with enough power to travel the Rockies and beyond. I think I want a tag axle for the additional weight capacity and stability. I want a quality manufacturer that uses household quality materials and appliances. My budget is under 200K, hopefully well under.

So with that being said I have a few basic questions.

1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.

2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?

3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?

4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?

5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.

6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?

6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?

7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?

8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.

9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?

10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?

Thanks for taking the time to respond to so many questions. I tried a search but found few helpful threads.

Here goes:

2) Fleetwood is still in business. They are a good coach manufacturer. In fact, they make the American Coach Eagle and Tradition. As far as I know, Monaco Coach is also still in business.

3) Tag axles increase load capacity and may help with tracking but there are a few disadvantages. a) they take up valuable storage space, b) they add weight and complexity to a coach, c) your tolls on toll roads will shoot way, way up because a third axle puts you into commercial rates, d) It's two extra tires and wheels to maintain, e) most tag axles slightly reduce your turning ratio unless you lift them or have steerable tags.

4) Freightliner is way more popular (i.e. more of them) than Spartan but the real differences lie within each individual chassis more than between the manufacturers. Spartan makes probably the best non-bus RV chassis today, the K3, which is favored by most of the top brands. But other than that, it really depends on which model chassis you get from which manufacturer. Freightliner has way more service centers but Spartan can be serviced at any Cummins service center so it's really not a problem. On any chassis, I'd pay attention to the front suspension (independent front suspension is better), disk vs. drum brakes, tag axle and type, side radiator vs rear radiator, and engine specs.

5) I agree

6a) Huge difference in handling between my 31 foot gasser and my 45 foot DP. Everything is more precarious in the 45 footer and I need way more vigilance to make sure I don't hit anything. Otherwise, the ride itself is much smoother in the DP because of the air suspension, air brakes, and no engine noise.

6b) I've never had a tow dolly so take this with a grain of salt. The tow dolly is probably initially cheaper and can be used with most cars but you end up with this dolly you need to store at the campgrounds and it takes way more time to hook and unhook the car.

7) Check here: http://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/

8) Wall insulation and climate control are probably more important to a full timer like me. Try to avoid any carpet, anywhere. You'll probably want to boondock more as a fulltimer so look at tank sizes and electrical capacity. You've already mentioned W/D and dish washer.

9) https://escapees.com/ caters to fulltimers. Handles issues such as residency and mail services

I hope that helps.
sch911
Explorer
May 22, 2015
FYI: American Coach, Fleetwood, Monaco Coach, Holiday Rambler are all still around but now owned by Allied Specialty Vehicles.
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 22, 2015
Mike, for full time you are on the right track. Having been on here since 2004, you know there is a lot of info hidden in the search box... you just have to know what to search for... Tag axle, RR10S, AquaHot, CCC, residential refrigerator, Girrard awning, washer/dryer for starters. Here is 15 of my posts related to tag axles, longer DP's and taking a motorcycle with you. Do not make the mistake I did of starting at 36' because of posts on here about staying in SP, NP, USFS, COE CGs. We boondock often in those type of CGs and all you have to do is not show up Friday to find a site big enough.
Monaco is alive and through out it's three owners the GOOD customer support line has never stopped. When you ask what to buy you will usually hear "buy what I own" and I'm no exception... BUT after 11 years with the coach below I plan on using it for another 10-15 years as half timers and I'm what's going to age out first.
There are actually some good reasons for not buying new besides $$$$. The bugs will be worked out and you'll have a better idea how it will hold up. You should be able to find a high end DP that five years old for less than $200K. A quick search this EXE has what you want in a DP but it's overpriced and only 40' long. Here is a better choice.
I would start looking at Cranky Ape as there have been some really good deals on tag axle MH come through... like this one. It's older than what I'd recommend but there are some really good deals out there. Do not get in a hurry and you can save a bunch of money once you learn what's a good price.
slemnah
Explorer
May 22, 2015
I really don’t understand why some people take the time to answer someone’s concerns with inane, flip answers. I am assuming you are asking the questions because you want to learn so I will give you my opinions backed up by 5 years of RV experience with class A’s both with tag axles and without.

1. Which brands have the best reputation for quality and durability? I'm familiar with Tiffin, Newmar, Country Coach, Winnebago and the older Fleetwood names. I am not familiar with American Coach, Intergra and some others I have seen.

All of the coaches you have listed make high end and low end coaches. If your budget is $200k then you should be looking at a used high end coach. Glitz isn’t the only difference between them. Engine size, transmission, rear radiator v s side radiator, chassis manufacturer, aqua-hot vs water heater, residential vs rv refrigerator, quality furniture and cabinets vs cheap, etc are all things that you need to look at and consider. My first coach was a 97 HR Imperial 40ft with an 8.3l engine and my current coach is a 2005 Safari Panther 42ft with a CAT C13 525hp engine. The differences between the two are night and day. I have the 4000 series Allison (extra heavy duty), 4 slides, aqua hot, residential fridge, all wood cabinets, leather furniture, tag axle and S series Roadmaster chassis.

2. I understand Monaco and Fleetwood are out of business. Would you hesitate to buy one of them?

I purchased my Panther 2 years ago even though Monaco was bankrupt. Monaco still has parts availability and service information for my coach as a matter of fact I am in OR as I am writing this and visited the service center to purchase parts on Tuesday. I purchased my coach based upon the all steel cage construction and the S series chassis with the 10 air bags. I tow a 23ft trailer behind me and just made a trip to Yosemite on curvy winding roads and it was like driving a 65ft BMW.

3. What are the benefits and the downside to a tag axle other than the additional expense?

The tag axle allows the front and rear suspension loading to be changed by adding or removing air pressure to the tag axle. ( rear axle acts as a fulcrum) Adding air to the tag loads the front end and removing air decreases the load. All MH’s should be weighed to determine the proper inflation of the tires to reduce the possibility of overloading the tire and possibly having a blow-out. The tag also makes the coach much more stable in the wind or when driving next to a tractor trailer. The downside is the extra weight, 2 more tires to replace and the loss of storage.

4. What are the major differences between a Spartan and Freightliner chassis?

The best thing you can do is research both chassis and decide which one fits your needs. Don’t forget to research the Roadmaster chassis also.

5. I realize that longer units 40-45' limit your camping choices but I have been told that once you exceed 36' it does make that much difference. Have you found that to be true.

I have had no problem getting my 42ft into any campsite but I don’t boondock often and I always let the park know the size of my rv. I also google earth most locations to make sure there is enough room.

6. Is there significant difference between driving and handling a 36' coach vs a 45' coach?

Once you get used to where the corners are and how to use your mirrors and camera’s there is no real difference. Mine is easy to drive.

6. What are the plus and minuses of towing a toad with a dolly vs something like a Blue Ox with 4 wheels down?

Preference and the ability to have a TOAD that can be towed with 4 wheels down. When I am not using my trailer I tow my Ford Edge using a Blue-Ox tow bar.

7. Is a 2010 Honda accord a viable toad?

I would check Motorhome Magazines Dinghy edition to find that out. Available online.

8. What features do you think would be critical for a full timer that may not be obvious to a newbie? I'm thinking more about things you don't see not features like washer/dryer and dishwasher.

Aqua hot is a must, unlimited hot water for showers and heat. Also a residential refrigerator in my opinion.

9. is there another web site you recommend someone in my position might find helpful?

IRV2.com

10. Are there any brands or models I should avoid?

Just do your homework. Research and test drive before you purchase, take a driving training course if you aren’t comfortable and make sure you have the correct driver’s license classification for your state. (CA requires a non commercial class B over 40ft)Also make sure you have the oil and trans fluid tested by a reputable lab before purchase and have the coach inspected by a qualified RV inspector before purchasing it.

Hope this helps.
Busskipper
Explorer
May 22, 2015
Ivylog wrote:
Mike, for full time you are on the right track. Having been on here since 2004, you know there is a lot of info hidden in the search box... you just have to know what to search for... Tag axle, RR10S, AquaHot, CCC, residential refrigerator, Girrard awning for starters. Here is 15 of my posts related to tag axles, longer DP's and taking a motorcycle with you. Do not make the mistake I did of starting at 36' because of posts on here about staying in SP, NP, USFS, COE CGs.
Monaco is alive and through out it's three owners the GOOD customer support line has never stopped. When you ask what to buy you will usually hear "buy what I own" and I'm no exception... BUT after 11 years with the coach below I plan on using it for another 10-15 years as half timers and I'm what's going to age out first.
There are actually some good reasons for not buying new besides $$$$. The bugs will be worked out and you'll have a better idea how it will hold up. You should be able to find a high end DP that five years old for less than $200K. A quick search this EXE

As is usually the case Ivy has wrapped it up pretty well,Not much to add -- just remember to search for posts over a year.

IMHO - the info is already here you just need to search and you will get a wealth of info.

When you you get down to just a couple of key questions the discussion can be more relevant.

BOL,
Thunder_Mountai
Explorer II
May 22, 2015
Good responses. We're trying to narrow down models for a 2015 purchase. We eliminated one after asking the salesman to pull all the slides in. Access to the bathroom was tight as was kitchen access for fixing a quick meal/snack on travel days.

We travel with dogs and cats. The dogs are crated while traveling. Another unit got nixed for not having the right spaces for the crates while traveling or with the slides out.
YC_1
Nomad
May 22, 2015
Many of the Monacos single axel are wandering beasts. I know, I have one that has been tamed.

Be sure to test drive at highway speeds. Nice RV, it was just a beast to drive. Some earlier models had trailing arm issues.

You should be able to get an excellent RV for the budget. If you keep the price down you will have plenty to trick the new unit out to your likings.

The 400 ISL and larger are excellent choices in engines. Cummins that is. Not familiar with others.

Ditto on the IRV@.com site. There are mfgr specific areas so you can really drill down and get responses from owners of the rv you like when you have it narrowed down.