Should I, Shouldn't I, Should I, Shouldn't I, etc etc

[LetsRV]

Okay, brief history --- Currently have 36ft Class A DP.
Seriously thinking of downsizing. Just the two of us (and a couple of four-legged fur kids). Current rig is 14 years old (still in good condition). Been doing the RV thing for about 20 years (3 trailers and the MH) and figure we have at least another 10 in us. Possibly more but 10 would put us in the mid 70's.

Looked at a 2015 Forester 2501TS today. Wow, seems to fit all our needs. Outside and Inside storage. Walk around bed (well sort of but close enough). Spent better part of two hours crawling around it and ran out of time so just had a very short test drive. It's on the Ford chassis with V10. Obviously test drive wasn't as smooth as our current diesel MH and was also louder (engine noise).

Soooo, here's the problem -- Still can't make up our minds. Leaning toward the upgrade and getting a new rig but gosh darn still kind of like that ole pusher we have:

Should I ??? get a new Forester and if so why???
Shouldn't I ??? get a new Forester and if so why not???

All helpful suggestions and comments truly appreciated.

BTW, forgot to mention, it has all the options we would get if this was a factory order except one (the leveling jacks). It has two things we wouldn't order, the Artic Package (in Oregon..really) and exterior BBQ grill.

[PHDiesel]

We downsized from a very nice Holiday Rambler Diesel Pusher to a Class C about a year ago. Went through the same process you are working on now. It is a very personal problem specific to each family. To put it in perspective we have been involved in rv camping for 35 years. I have driven diesels most of my life, trucks, pickups, cars, and motor homes. I love the smell of diesel in the morning. But for some of us their comes a time when downsizing just makes sense. It isn't just downsizing it is simplifying the motor home camping process. We are now one year into our Coachmen Class C Leprechaun 320 BH with the ford V-10 and loving every minuet of it. The motor home has been great, no problems, no leaks, just great. The cost benefit of moving to a class C is very real for us. Driving, operating the systems, camping, storing and servicing this motor home is much easier than any of my diesel pushers. Do not get me wrong every diesel pusher I had was fantastic even the one that was a true lemon. Ford service has been fantastic. We firmly believe that downsizing to a Class C has greatly simplified our camping experience and every bit as much fun and enjoyment as any of our big diesel pushers. After one year we are certain it was the right thing to do for us and will extend our ability to continue to camp by years. Do what is right for you. Downsizing was right for us. And if you can not live without the smell of diesel there are always class c diesels.

[bobojay5]

Forest River, Coachman and virtually any Thor made product is considered to be a "second tier" product quality wise.

Like a previous poster said, look elsewhere. Phoenix Cruiser, NexusRV, and maybe to a bit lesser extent, a Winnebago Ford chassis class C. Nexus would be on the low price end of the 3, (but not quality wise), and Phoenix would be the high end. Phoenix & Nexus will make alterations to their "standards" to fit the buyer if he/she wants....

[Grumpy374]

Yeah, I would hazard a guess that a third to a half of all new forum members who have bought new FR rigs have complaints of shoddy workmenship, leaks, water and electrical problems, all having to do with the coach and how it was built/assembled. Not refering to appliances or the motorhome chassies, just the coach. It runs from the least expensive to the top of the line. Dealer support is also hit or miss as to how your treated after the sale.
Bought ours gently used, only 1510 miles on a 2012, and I went over it top to bottom, and found a host of areas that needed "tweaking". But it was from a private owner and I knew I would be able to fix it to my satisfaction.
Would never buy another FR product, and would gladely pay extra for a quality built rig, especially when the factory invites you to watch your rig being built.
Grumpy

[klutchdust]

rjxj wrote:
Buy a new one. You will help the economy and provide used product for others downstream.

Best idea I read so far.

[magnusfide]

Grumpy374 wrote:
I have a Forest River Product, a Lexington 283ts, and am on the Forest River Owners Forum. I'll be honest with you...if you do downsize look at another brand. Forest River products are hit or miss as far as their build quality, and there are numerous, current posts about their lack of quality control and dealers taking care of warrenty problems.
I would look at Nexus Rv or Phoenix Cruiser, as you can actually go to their factory and see your rig being built. My next rig will be from one of these manuf.
You may pay a bit more, but I think the quality will offset the cost.
Personally, I will never buy another Forest River product.
Grumpy

Quite illuminating.

[PghBob]

I am a C owner and would add this. I would only consider downsizing if you have a personal need to downsize (medical), or if you expect to change the way you RV, say spending more time in remote campgrounds, verses cruising down the highway. If your DP is safe, reliable, and paid for keep using it until something changes.

[Grumpy374]

I have a Forest River Product, a Lexington 283ts, and am on the Forest River Owners Forum. I'll be honest with you...if you do downsize look at another brand. Forest River products are hit or miss as far as their build quality, and there are numerous, current posts about their lack of quality control and dealers taking care of warrenty problems.
I would look at Nexus Rv or Phoenix Cruiser, as you can actually go to their factory and see your rig being built. My next rig will be from one of these manuf.
You may pay a bit more, but I think the quality will offset the cost.
Personally, I will never buy another Forest River product.
Grumpy

[Happily_Retired]

I would do the downsize!! We went from a 37' A to our current 25.5 ' A. So much easier!! We are loving the change!! 🙂

[magnusfide]

crickeydog wrote:
IMHO: Drive that good old pre-emission DP till she blows. Drop in another engine and keep right on driving'er till the kids or the cops take'er keys away from ya. I seriously doubt you'll be happy with anything less than a DP after 14 years. You've got 3 times the MH than you'll have with a gas Forrester. The old babe's been good to ya. Keep'er around till the end. You both deserve each other.

It's a little like our 5'er. We're stuck with'er. We can't stand the idea of someone else having'er and possibly abusing'er.:B

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

Double ditto. Plus it's paid for and no more of your money will be going to the bank for interest rates.

[SDcampowneroper]

We woulldn't know or care if your rig is more than 10 years old. Keep the DP. You know it, all its funky stuff. Do you really want to change to a C for some new glitz?
Hey, get the DW flowers, paint the rig, rearrange the furniture. Make it new to you again.

[azrving]

Buy a new one. You will help the economy and provide used product for others downstream.

[time2roll]

Rent one for the week before you buy. Otherwise keep the old DP.

[lovemytt]

There is a reason you are reluctant. Listen!

[bobojay5]

Stay with what you've got. Sounds like you want to...