Opinions on Class A Quality

eheading wrote:
I think many times we confuse "features" with "quality". The presence of a tag axle, Aqua Hot heat, etc., is a fine list of features that one may consider indispensible or not worth the cost. However, to ME, and I emphasize the "me", quality means the coach was assembled correctly, durable components were used, and that visits to the dealer/factory to have repairs made are either minimal or non-existent. We had two medium to high end diesel pushers, and a couple of years ago downsized. Most of the shorter diesels we found were closer to the entry level for diesels. Well, the Newmar Ventana LE that we purchased, was a high quality coach in my opinion. We had very few issues with it, things worked right, and have continued to work right through the 17,000 miles we have driven it. Features?? Sure it lacks a number of features that we had in our previous coaches, but the ones it has all work reliably and as advertised.

Ed Headington

I think this is well stated. A lack of certain features doesn't necessarily mean lack of quality.

You are going to have some problems with most any coach.
But if you stick with Newmar, Tiffin, Or Entegra, I think you will be happy.
We bought a used 2012 Newmar Canyon Star and love it.

I too am a Fleetwood fan.
Three friends have had major problems with new high end Tiffin DPs, for what it is worth.
Using Schwintec slides is a deal breaker for me

aliceinanthemaz wrote:
Hi everyone,

I'm selling my 24ft C and moving up in length to +/- 35ft and was thinking A because I will be full timing. My budget is around 120-140K and of course I'm looking to get the best quality for my money.

Wanted to hear personal thoughts/experiences on brands.

Also, I was thinking of consigning to sell the 24ft C. So far I've read positive things from people on Facebook. Anyone not have a good experience selling this way?

TIA, any opinion welcome.

Fleetwood has always been good to me, I am on my 3rd Fleetwood, pre bankruptcy Fleetwood's, I have a 08 Bounder 33 ft on a Ford chassis and has been great so far, only paid $69,900 for it 30 months ago, could go used around 5 years old with little use and save $70,000, don't buy a used diesel the repairs/maintenance will eat you alive..

Go slightly used gas motorhome, save money and you wont loose thousands the day you buy it like a new one will.

I think many times we confuse "features" with "quality". The presence of a tag axle, Aqua Hot heat, etc., is a fine list of features that one may consider indispensible or not worth the cost. However, to ME, and I emphasize the "me", quality means the coach was assembled correctly, durable components were used, and that visits to the dealer/factory to have repairs made are either minimal or non-existent. We had two medium to high end diesel pushers, and a couple of years ago downsized. Most of the shorter diesels we found were closer to the entry level for diesels. Well, the Newmar Ventana LE that we purchased, was a high quality coach in my opinion. We had very few issues with it, things worked right, and have continued to work right through the 17,000 miles we have driven it. Features?? Sure it lacks a number of features that we had in our previous coaches, but the ones it has all work reliably and as advertised.

Ed Headington

We traded for our '99 Winnebago Adventurer and started full timing shortly thereafter. Hind sight being 20/20, knowing what we know now, the list would include;
leveling jacks
a second toilet
slide outs
roof mounted satellite dish

The only maintenance issues that we have had occurred due to my inexperience with motorhomes. (noobie)

If buying used and you don't know the seller it's a mystery? You my buy the best coach ever or a lemon and all brands have made lemons from time to time! More coach history you have the better!

I have a 1998 Foretravel U320. It is still a very solid coach. I would recommend that you look at Foretravels as well.

With your budget you would be in the 2003- 2005 era, perhaps a little newer if you are persistent.

I consider our 36' Foretravel to be a quality motorhome. It does not have a tag axle or Aqua Hot, but it does have air leveling and side radiator. I actually like our propane furnaces, but most would prefer the Aqua Hot. There are few 36' with a tag axle.

JetAonly wrote:
Strangely I have found a simple test to see if it a "Quality" MH. Tag axle, Aqua Hot, and Air Leveling. There are few quality MH that have 2 out of 3, those that have hydraulic leveling instead. Any that have all three gets it down to condition and floor plan.

Hmmmm..... our 40' Newmar didn't have a tag or Aqua Hot but we found it to be excellent quality.