Help with Winnebago decision

[revrick3]

We are going to look at a 2006 Winnebago Voyage 38J in a week that we are interested in buying. Gas, 3 slides 38 ft. Has about 60000 miles on it, good tires batteries and all options work. We are trying to decide on several models including this one. Other are a 2004 Damon intruder 350, gas and 2 slides, and a 2003 newmar mountainaire 3778, gas with 2 slides 38 ft. , a 2002 newmar country star 36668 diesel 37 ft.
All of these have floor plans we like and are in the basic same ball park for costs. None with excessive mileage and all features we are wanting.
What I need is input into which coaches are better quality and better longetivity in usage. We are new to this and its our first coach. Any input will be helpful. This is a big decision and we want all input we can get. Thanks everyone.

[Tom_Barb]

The last trip over the north cascade highway, (20) we caught up with a caravan of three gas coaches, not nearly the size we are, at the long grade into Rainy pass we took a look around the three, nothing coming, so we stomped the Newmar, and started to pass. the tranny shifted back to 4th, RPM came up to 2000, and shifted to 5th. They all got over for us, and we passed them all on a 5% grade up hill. I love a diesel and their power, by the time we got to the top we could no longer see the caravan struggling up hill.

[nemo45]

stew47 wrote:
I have a 98 winne. Good quality and like it. I think newmar is in the next league though. Diesel vs gas is good question. Much more expensive to fix and maintain but lasts much longer and gets better mileage. If you are going to travel you should consider. If you are going to stay local gas is fine.

Also rides much better because of air bag suspension. And, much quieter with the engine and transmission in the rear instead of right next to your feet.

[nemo45]

Two Hands wrote:
I am certainly no expert, not even close. But, I have had a gas class A and a diesel pusher class A. I would definitely go with the diesel pusher.

What two hands said!

[Bruce_Brown]

My first choice would be the Kountry Star - we've owned 2 of them, so like my brother often says, "I'm not asking you to do something I haven't already done". :B

My second choice would be the Mountain Aire, however take a good look at the CCC of that unit. They tend to be a bit on the heavy side, which leads to a fairly low CCC.

[sososixmpg]

GO with the Newmar and concider the lowest mileage for the money as to have a fresher start. I HAVE A Winnebago 34 rq that wont die and we love it. That said when im ready to replace it Ill certainly LOOK HARD AT THE NEWMARS AS THE CONSTRUCTION IS SECOND TO NONE. GO AND TAKE THE FACTORY TOUR ON YOUTUBE. HAPPY TRAILS.

[Mergs]

We have a 2006 34 ft Voyage and I wouldn't get another Winni ever. We live on Long Island and maybe camp close to the ocean 2 times a year and the rust is terrible on it. The front windows are dripping rust on the dash board and we have to have them taken out and don't know how they will repair the rust. Right now we have spent $1000. on something else and it hasn't been fixed yet. It gets in a mood and won't shift out of park and won't start. Now it still does it once in a while and the back up camera comes on and blinks when the directional goes on or when the brake is applied. Goes in tomorrow to see what else it will cost us. Have friends with Winnis and they have the same problem with the windshields rusting.

[Ava]

If you find a good unit for a good price the diesel would be my option. A well maintained motor should run as long or longer than rest of the rig. Rear pushers are quieter when driving as well.

[creeper]

Newmar without question.

[stew47]

I have a 98 winne. Good quality and like it. I think newmar is in the next league though. Diesel vs gas is good question. Much more expensive to fix and maintain but lasts much longer and gets better mileage. If you are going to travel you should consider. If you are going to stay local gas is fine.

[DownTheAvenue]

Go with the Newmar.

[Tom_Barb]

Hands down, no brainer, NEWMAR.

[Two_Hands]

I am certainly no expert, not even close. But, I have had a gas class A and a diesel pusher class A. I would definitely go with the diesel pusher.