Older Monaco Windsor vs Newer Forest River Berkshire

[semiretired1]

Hello all,

My wife and I have decided to upgrade to a used class A diesel pusher. In about 18 months our plan is to hit the road for a least a year, if not longer. We have looked at many pushers over the last couple of months both in person and online.
We have found 2 particular units we are interested in and are looking for some in put from anyone who is interested in offering some advice.

First one: 2003 40' Monaco Windsor 370 hp cummins with a roadmaster chassis, it has 70,000 miles on it. The unit is in great shape and loaded including every available option plus an aqua hot heating system. New tires. Asking $98,000 cdn.

Second one: 2008 37' Forest River Berkshire 300 hp cummins on a freightliner chassis, it has 36,000 miles on it. This unit is in good shape with a standard package. Original tires. Asking $80,000 cdn.

As we are potential fulltimers (or at least long timers), would anyone care to offer their opinion on which would be the better buy and which would hold its value more?

[RayChez]

barmcd wrote:
I doubt Warren Buffet has anything to do with running any of the companies that he owns. He's an investor and buys based on financial performance, not the quality of the products the company produces.

Well he has been very involved on the company I worked for and he out right bought it. BNSF railroad.

[Greyghost]

I've had a 93 Winnebago Adventurer (great fit and finish). A 2004 Newmar Mountain Aire Gas (good fit and finish) and now we have a 2005 American Tradition (great fit and finish) but I'd trade for the Monaco Windsor in a heartbeat.

The only Forest River product I have any knowledge of was a 2000 or 2001 that a friend had that was a POC structurally. The side view mirrors were screwed into the sidewall with absolutely no structural support.

Go for the Windsor

[barmcd]

I doubt Warren Buffet has anything to do with running any of the companies that he owns. He's an investor and buys based on financial performance, not the quality of the products the company produces.

[Mr_Mark1]

RayChez wrote:
But you got to read between the lines because everybody is going to be baised towards what they own. I could bet that the Newmar and Country Coach owners would also tell you that their coach is the best. LOL

All I know is that Warren Buffett owns Hathaway Berkshire and everything he makes is pretty well made. His companies are pretty solid and have not being going belly up like Monaco has several times. So it is also something to consider.

He is also a big investor in oil companies that are not doing well now. You never know what a very wealthy investor is in the business for. It could be just for a tax shelter and/or they may need the loss to balance taxes.

MM.

[mtrumpet]

OH, and to the OP, my opinion would be to choose the Monaco, without question.

[mtrumpet]

RayChez wrote:
But you got to read between the lines because everybody is going to be baised towards what they own. I could bet that the Newmar and Country Coach owners would also tell you that their coach is the best. LOL

All I know is that Warren Buffett owns Hathaway Berkshire and everything he makes is pretty well made. His companies are pretty solid and have not being going belly up like Monaco has several times. So it is also something to consider.

With the exception of Dennis (Executive), everyone else who replied to the OP prior to your post doesn't even own a Monaco product.

(Although, those of us who are Newmar owners know that clearly Newmar is the BEST coach made :B:B:B)

[semiretired1]

I agree with you smlranger.

[smlranger]

We looked at a lot of coaches (American Coach, Monaco, Newmar, Travel Supreme, Country Coach) before trading our 8 year old Winnebago Journey on the coach in our signature. IMO, the Monaco Windsor would win hands down in terms of build quality, chassis, side radiator, and other factors important to me. Regardless, how any brand of coach has been maintained is the key factor when considering a used coach.

[semiretired1]

Thank you RFCN2 and RayChez...you both make very good comments to consider.

[RFCN2]

semiretired1 - When I bought a motorhome 6 1/2 years ago I went the older higher end direction. If I had it to do again I would make exactly the same choice. Be very careful and check out each and every system on the coach to make sure it works. This includes things that you need to be driving to test like engine brake, cruise control, and so on.

I do know the Windsors are well thought of coaches. I don't know that much about Forest River. The Windsor is a good full time coach. Again I don't know about the FR.

[RayChez]

But you got to read between the lines because everybody is going to be baised towards what they own. I could bet that the Newmar and Country Coach owners would also tell you that their coach is the best. LOL

All I know is that Warren Buffett owns Hathaway Berkshire and everything he makes is pretty well made. His companies are pretty solid and have not being going belly up like Monaco has several times. So it is also something to consider.

[Nutinelse2do]

You are very welcome. This is an amazing forum, with thousands of years of combined experience. Most everyone will help in any way possible.
The link at the top of the forum... RVing FAQ's is a great place to start reading.
Enjoy

[semiretired1]

Thank you all for your comments...very much clears the muddy waters. We learned today know what CCC stands for...thank you Nutinelse2do.

[Nutinelse2do]

semiretired1 wrote:
Thank you for your reply Executive...We are new RV forums, what does "CCC" stand for?

CCC... Cargo Carrying Capacity. No comparison in the 2 coaches. Pick the 370hp Monaco.
Welcome to the forum!