I'm starting to narrow down my search for my first RV. Planning on Full Timing. I live within 30-45 minutes of 4 different dealerships so I've been able to look at quite a few. I have it narrowed down to a few, but they fall into very different categories.08 Fleetwood Fiesta bunk house- Unknown miles - asking 40k02 Fleetwood Southwind - 50k miles - asking 32k99 Holiday Rambler - Diesel 90k miles - asking 40k03 Beaver Santium - Diesel 37k miles - asking 40kI haven't seen the Fiesta yet. I will see it in two days. The sales person told me over the phone that it's coming in on a trade in two days. I'm not sure yet if its the 34b or the LX 34n, but it has bunks which I like. I'll be living in it full time, but also taking a small 3 or 4 piece band on the road. It's the newest of the group, but also an "entry level" coach.The Southwind is kind of my backup plan, its cheaper and a little older, but if I'm on the road with musicians I won't have to worry as much about it getting beat up. The Holiday Rambler appeals to me because of the longevity of the diesel engine and construction of the house, also has a washer/dryer which is a cool bonus. Only 1 slide. Next time I go look at it, I will have to check if the engine is the Cummins "53 block", if so it's not worth the risk to me...The Beaver appeals to me for the same reasons as the HR, although it does not have a Washer/Dryer, it does have 2 slides. Low mileage at 37k...is this too low?The Fiesta is at the top of my list unless it has super high mileage or is too beat up...I'll know in two days. The HR is second on my list unless it has the 53 block. What are your thoughts on a newer "entry level" model versus an older DP? Or any thoughts on the Fiesta in particular? Thanks!

Regarding your 1999 Holiday Rambler - here's another with very low mileage of 36,284 miles for $25,900. You might compare the two.http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/diesel/diesel-motorhomes.phpLow mileage doesn't necessarily mean it's bad because of not being driven enough. Have someone check it out thoroughly and naturally, you'd want to see it in person. PPL does basic checks of the normal components such as stove, refrig, etc. but you'd need someone to check the engine, etc. This unit looks extremely clean in and out. It might have been a snowbirders unit which stayed in a southern park during the winters and just moved back and forth.

To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.

Dick_B wrote:To help you decide on what RV to buy you could go to www.rvknowhow.com and read Joe and Vicki’s suggestions and/or download their e-book `RV Buyers Homework’, which walks you through the process of choosing the best RV for your needs, selecting the right floor plans and features, determining the RV’s cargo-carrying and towing capacities and evaluating its livability. (Nov-Dec Highways, pg. 21)RVtravel.com and the Better Business Bureau have a DVD that covers the same subject (http://rvbookstore.com/shop/detail.aspx?p=710&m=2) and Chuck Woodbury has an ebook with similar advice.So when I went to rvknowhow.com it was just a bunch of random sponsored listings. Some of which had to do with RVs, some did not. Ex: erotic eBooks, haha. Basically just a bunch of ads. Definitely didn't see anything about Joe and Vicki. Perhaps that domain has expired... :/I'm mainly interested in hearing advice from you guys about full timing in a newer "entry level" model versus an older high end model. Also, since the Fiesta is currently at the top of my list, any input or experiences on that particular model would be appreciated. Zach

I sent you a Private Message. I own a 08 Fiesta 34B.

which model is the 1999 holiday rambler?

Narrowing Down My RV Search... | Good Sam Community

2chiefsRus
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015
sounds like you might want to get both.
zach477
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015
2chiefsRus wrote:
Onan Generator EC-30W

Since you have mentioned your pets, you may want to check out this add on if the coach you decide on doesn't have an Auto Generator Start on it already. This unit can be programmed to start the generator in case of a loss of shore power, high temperatures, etc.

I have been looking at that. I have also been looking at a device that would call/text me if the temp got too high.

The advantage to the EC-30w is that it provides a solution to a power outage problem. But, if the ACs themselves malfunction, it won't do any good. On the other hand the remote temp monitor doesn't provide an immediate solution to the ACs going out, but it I would be alerted either way, whether the problem was due to a power outage or AC malfunction.

It's kind of a toss up. It won't be an issue until NEXT summer since I won't be going full time until this fall, so I have time to sort that out. I will be getting one of the two regardless of the coach I buy. It's a pretty reasonable insurance policy for the safety of my dog.
2chiefsRus
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015
Onan Generator EC-30W

Since you have mentioned your pets, you may want to check out this add on if the coach you decide on doesn't have an Auto Generator Start on it already. This unit can be programmed to start the generator in case of a loss of shore power, high temperatures, etc.
zach477
Explorer
Jun 30, 2015
rekoj71 wrote:
The power management panel will start both A/C's about 20 seconds apart to lessen the power load. It will also shut one of the A/C's off if you use the microwave or some other high amp appliance, then turn it back on later, so 30 amp should be enough.

Wish I could help with your other questions.

I'm not sure if this model comes with a stock electrical management system. Looking at the brochures, the 34b has that as a standard option, but the LX 34n just says "systems monitor panel". Maybe the previous owners had that as an extra option, but I won't know until tomorrow.

If it does not have the EMS, can I trust it to run two ACs when I'm gone? For that matter, even if it DOES, can I trust it? I refuse to take chances with my pets' safety. In any case I will be getting a remote temperature monitor to call/text me if the temp gets too high when I'm gone.

Zach
rekoj71
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
The power management panel will start both A/C's about 20 seconds apart to lessen the power load. It will also shut one of the A/C's off if you use the microwave or some other high amp appliance, then turn it back on later, so 30 amp should be enough.

Wish I could help with your other questions.
WILDEBILL308
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2015
Yes it will run everything but not at the same time. I would keep looking.
Bill
zach477
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
Just got off the phone with the sales person. The Fiesta has 37k miles on it. She originally told me it had 50 amp service, but now realized that it's only 30. They assured me that 30 amp service can run EVERYTHING just fine. I'm skeptical. I will be full timing with a dog and a cat, and don't want to take the chance that the two ACs shut down while I'm away...
zach477
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
2chiefsRus wrote:
which model is the 1999 holiday rambler?

Endeavor 37wds
2chiefsRus
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
which model is the 1999 holiday rambler?
Colo_Native
Explorer
Jun 29, 2015
I sent you a Private Message. I own a 08 Fiesta 34B.

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