Selecting a Diesel Pusher Coach for Full-Timing

[RUSSELL5000]

I am planning and preparing for going full-tine when I retire in the next four to eight years. My objective is to embark on this endeavor with an adequate rig with no debt; i.e., obtained and paid for prior to retirement. I understand that ongoing maintenance and repairs are part of the retirement budget.

My DW has expressed a preference for a motorhome and towed vehicle. My current thinking is to purchase a used motorhome, trying to find the optimal value mix of coach price and refurbishment cost. A new motorhome is out of the budget.

I have reviewed numerous threads identifying likely coaches, so I think I am informed regarding brand names.

My questions really deal with aspects I should seek out. I have resolved the gas/diesel question and seek a diesel pusher. I seek something between 34 feet and 40 feet. I have gleaned the following from previous threads:

Engine: I am partial to Cummins, but it appears from a review of ads that Cat and Cummins are highly prevalent and both appear to perform well over time.

Transmission: They all seem to be Allison. I assume more gears are better.

Chassis: It seems to me that Freightliner is to be preferred due to the ready availability of parts and repair network.

Brakes: I have read that hydraulic brakes are to be avoided in a motorhome; air brakes are far more desirable.

Suspension: I gather airbags are the way to go. Also, examine sway control carefully.

Roof: Some prefer fiberglass roof; I think rubber OK, especially if the new approaches such as RV Armor prove to be effective.

Model years: This is quite a conundrum for me. In one respect I think I should focus on models years from the early 1990s through 1998 in order to obtain an engine which is completely mechanical. The assumption here is that it is simply to maintain and less to break. Engine and transmission control electronics become more prevalent with each new model year. I also wonder whether I should stop at model year 2005 or so in order to avoid most of the complicated emissions systems.

Does anyone have other recommendations?

Thanks!

[RayChez]

Get what ever you can afford. Do not listen to these people because they all think everybody is made of money. Most will be biased to what they own. The thing is a lot of people can not afford Prevosts, Newells, Foretravels and Bluebird TL.

Then they want to get personal and want to know your budget?? Geez!

I believe you mentioned you wanted a pre 2000 model.

Not sure about this forum sometimes.

[RUSSELL5000]

Budget: I think if I were buying today then I would like to spend $60K to $90K. Is that realistic?

[Bruce_Brown]

Just an FYI, our 2008 has virtually zero emissions on it. It can even burn the low sulphur diesel no longer sold in the US. It's a 2006 spec motor in a 2008 MH.

On a side note, I'm partial to Newmar, not laminated, can't delaminate - and that's just one of the reasons. We've owned 3 of them, if we ever buy another it will be another Newmar.

It would also help us help you if we had an idea of your budget.

[3Lakes_Steve]

There are a lot of older quality coaches out there, but not all that many for sale. Most owners are happy with, and prefer to keep their older coach, realizing newer may not necessarily be better.

[Cloud_Dancer]

Gonna live in it all the time? Get a 45 footer with at least two slideouts.

[tinkerer]

In my opinion if you are going to live in it full time, get as many slides as you can. We enjoy our full slide and the extra slide in the bedroom but don't have a slide on side of the kitchen and living room. If we were full timers we would want the extra slide.;)

[Big_Katuna]

Ora Foretravel.

[2gypsies1]

If you are planning to full-time in approx. 8 years I'd be looking at new ones right now and zeroing in on a couple choices of quality motorhomes that you really like. Then when you're ready to full-time search for those specific models and buy one. They'll be in your price range 8 years from now. I wouldn't buy one now in planning to full-time in 8 years.

[RUSSELL5000]

You mean like this kind of BlueBird Wanderlodge?

http://www.buybyebluebird.com/show.php?id=155&category=&srt=model_year ASC&p=10&submit=Click to Sort&page=1

[Mandalay_Parr]

The floor plan is the most important.

[MountainAir05]

Prevost, Newell, Bluebird Wanderlodge. All high end .

My pick would be BlueBird Wanderlodge, then Newell, and last the Prevost.


There are many and I mean many Wanderlodge still on the road today and still look as good as when new. But this is one choice that only you and wife can make.

[Ivylog]

For FT 40' minimum... air ride/airbags and most will come with air brakes. Up until 2004 Cat/Cummins, after 04 Cummins not Cat Accert. I would not worry about staying with a 1996 or older mechanical Cummins but I do agree with an engine that's 05 or older BUT Monaco in particular bought up a bunch of 05 engines and I've seen a 05 engine in a 08 Monaco. Easy to tell, if it has a muffler without any wires going to it... 05 or older.

I would not buy a DP with a rubber roof (12-14 year life) plus if they went cheap on the roof they probably went cheap elsewhere. I would not limit to just Freightliner as most chassis parts are not made by them or any other manufacture.

Multiple slides... 3-4 started appearing around 02-05. Buy more MH than you think you need... ONE TIME! I learned this the $$$$ way and we are just half timers.

[donn0128]

Your looking to buy a 20 year old MH? So in 8 years it will be nearly 30 years old. Not real far thinking for full timing. Maintenance cists will eat you alive.