Looking for first DP

[YakFishMo]

We have been RVers for several years starting with a 30 foot bumper pull and currently with a 40 foot 5th wheel. We started full timing in July of this year after I retired. My DW retired 9 months before me. So, having done the prerequisite research and believing a 5th wheel and dually truck would suit us best, we are second guessing that decision. It's actually more than second guessing. My DW has some health issues and the stairs to the bathroom and bedroom are causing her problems. It also doesn't help that she is afraid to drive the dually because it is so big. Climbing the steps to a MH once or twice a day would not be a problem. Once inside, everything can be accessed without steps. So, we have started the research process all over again. Like others, we have the champagne taste and beer budget! I have a meeting set up with my financial advisor so I can determine what I can really afford to do. We are looking for a used DP. We are used to a lot of room and have several "must haves" and several "nice to haves". On the "must haves" list we need a king size bed, separate washer and dryer, large refrigerator (preferably residential style), double pane glass, two 15K AC units (preferably heat pumps), large kitchen sink, good counter space, television viewing without turning your head. The "nice to haves" are: dishwasher, 1 1/2 baths, residential refrigerator, roller shades and a large LED TV opposite the sofa.
So, the search begins. We have looked at our local dealer and found nothing. However, we looked at a couple of Newmar coaches and know that Newmar would be a good choice for us. We would rather get an older quality coach than a newer low quality coach. That said, our short list is Newmar, Tiffin, Entegra, Monico, Holiday Rambler and American.
I am very capable of doing many repairs myself. I have extensive knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, electronic, refrigeration/HVAC and gas appliances. I wouldn't attempt to rebuild a cummins engine, but most other repairs on an RV are not beyond my capabilities, so I'm comfortable with buying a used coach.
Does anyone see anything wrong with my thought process so far? Any ideas, suggestions, etc would be appreciated. Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll be posting here as a MH owner soon!
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[JimM68]

We've been very happy with our 2008 Monaco, purchased used in 2010.
Our 40SKQ floorplan is kinda unique, a TV in the rear of the salon that is not covered when the slides are in, front kitchen, and a separate room (not walkthrough) bathroom. No separate washer/dryer tho.
The ride and handling of the roadmaster rr4r chassis is amazing.

[bfast54]

Big Katuna wrote:

sdianel wrote:
http://www.mhsrv.com/2013-entegra-coach-aspire-42deq-w4-slides-450hp-used-diesel-pusher-tx-i1418162

That pretty much clicks off the marks if you gots the bucks.

Beautiful coach.

Motor Home Specialists is a High Volume Entegra Dealer.....My Sales Guy..(Actually Factory Guy..Reginal Sales Manager)....said they pick up 2,4,6 a week...to take . down ...So...They Know Entegra...and Entegra Knows them....

When I stopped in for Factory tour...2 couples in lounge.... at least one bought from them..

[Boxer_Lovers]

Country Coach has full parts and service support and plan to resume limited production next year. They also can update an older coach with your desired equipment.

[YakFishMo]

J-Rooster wrote:
Older luxury D.P.'s on my list would be Country Coach, Alpine, Travel Supreme and Winnebago! Next time your on your computer check the website at DeMartiniRV.com

Yup. That's perfect, except for the price. I have been figuring on $100,000 to $200,000, but hoping for closer to the bottom end of the range. There may be some wiggle room. You never know.
Thanks for all the help and suggestions, y'all!

[J-Rooster]

Older luxury D.P.'s on my list would be Country Coach, Alpine, Travel Supreme and Winnebago! Next time your on your computer check the website at DeMartiniRV.com

[Big_Katuna]

sdianel wrote:
http://www.mhsrv.com/2013-entegra-coach-aspire-42deq-w4-slides-450hp-used-diesel-pusher-tx-i1418162

That pretty much clicks off the marks if you gots the bucks.

Beautiful coach.

[Big_Katuna]

sdianel wrote:
http://www.mhsrv.com/2013-entegra-coach-aspire-42deq-w4-slides-450hp-used-diesel-pusher-tx-i1418162

That pretty much clicks off the marks if you gots the bucks.

Beautiful coach.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

http://www.mhsrv.com/2013-entegra-coach-aspire-42deq-w4-slides-450hp-used-diesel-pusher-tx-i1418162

[sdianel_-acct_c]

we looked at Entegra and they are beautiful. They have the 1.5 baths and stackable washer dryer that you are looking for. Not sure about king bed.
Newmar and Monaco are also worth a look.

We love our Country Coach but don't remember any of their models having 1.5 baths. Foretravel does but they are expensive.

[ncrowley]

I have a 2004 with a separate washer and dryer so that is not an issue. However, you will have a hard time finding a TV that is not in the front in an older coach. We have replaced both of our analog TVs with LED ones. With he opposing slides, watching the TV in the front is just fine for us.

I like my Newmar because they are still in business and their customer service has been great. But Country Coach made a great coach.

[Dale_Traveling]

Your search criteria is a bit similar to mine except I'm not retiring any time soon. Two items on you list, separate washer and dryer and the TV's, caught my attention. You need to focus your search no older than 2008. Pre 2008 the TV's were analog and it appears the combo washer/dryer were common items. Also for model years of 2011 and beyond there was a big price jump due to the new EPA requirements on the power train and the inclusion of DEF. The TV opposite the coach is going to hard to find unless you jump into 2012 and beyond. The are a couple with the TV in a book case/cabinet with a electric fire place.

All the brands you listed are solid rigs. Shop floor plans first builder second and chassis third. Although they may look the same small differences such as kitchen on the curb or driver's side as an example, can really change how livable to you and the DW the coach feels. Seen a couple with a retrofit residential fridge also. You can tell by the exterior fridge vents but there's a stainless steel model in the coach.

My search is focused on Tiffin Phaeton line. Prefer a 36' but 40' is within my budget but I'm at least a year out before I buy something. A couple of really good buys popped up after Labor Day but not so much at the moment. Maybe come Spring there might be another sell off so be ready to jump if 'The Coach' pops up.

Good luck with your search.

[Big_Katuna]

Without a budget number it's not easy to make recommendations.

Finding all that seems unlikely in one unit.

I'm thinking a Foretravel below your price range then take it the factory for updating.

They are good at updating and making custom improvements. They all have side radiators and a retarder in the Allison.

They are quality units, they use quality components and because they are monocoque, they are at least one step, maybe two steps lower than many DPs so easier for your wife.

Look at MOTORHOMES of Texas.

[bfast54]

I toured the Factory...and Looked at Several Entegra coaches....Built well.

Just one example ....the windshield comes from Qatar or Pakistan or something like that place with lots of sand........anyway they have a Metal jig made that is the exact reproduction of the Front of the coach .......if the windshield does not fit perfect and I mean perfect........ then it gets sent back to wherever is made and they sending another one

that's just one of their attention to detail

[tahiti16]

I would add the Country Coaches Intrigue, Aspire, and even Lexi.