Sportscoach Advice

[floridaguy]

Stop me before I screw up. I'm looking to move from my Newmar gasser to a DP. I originally focused on Newmar, Tiffin and Winnebago. My pockets are not deep enough to buy new. Today I saw a new Cross Coutry 390TS that has a floor plan that works for us and maybe in my price range. I also saw a new Pathfinder 404RB that also looks good to me and MHSRV has 3 units with a 42% discount off suggested retail. Engine and chassis are the same as the manufacturers I can't afford. I guess it boils down to quality of the build and customer service after the sale. Any advice on those issues or others. Talk me off the ledge or push..... Thanks

[floridaguy]

DSDP Don, I'd call it using the forum as a sounding board. Sounds better than asking for approval. But, call it whatever, I've certainly got doubts, other than my home this is the largest purchase I've ever made.

[RayChez]

If you are really interested on what the rear and front axles are rated, all you have to do is call Freight Liner in Gaffney SC and give them the last six digits of the VIN number and they will give you all that information. Best company to work with. That is if you are serious.

[DSDP_Don]

"floridaguy".....It sounds a little like you're trying to get the forum to to approve your purchase of the Sportscoach. Sure, it will be shiny and new, but you'll soon find out that it's a VERY entry level coach missing a lot of things that you'll eventually realize, like heat pumps, inverter size and other items.

I was always amazed at the quality of the Sportscoach and Pathfinder in comparison to their best coach, the Elite. A huge difference.

[floridaguy]

Went back with the wife and took another look. For the money it is impressive. At 39 feet and inches, the Cross Country 390TS is on a Freightliner XC chassis, with a cummins 340HP. Fit and finish look OK to me but there doesn't seem to be much info online. I was able to find GVWR-28,000 lbs and GCWR-33,000. Most coaches I've looked at or owned also gave a front and rear axle weight rating but I can't find any info on Sportscoach. I'd also want heat pumps instead of straight AC's but they're not even listed as an option. Dealer said they could change them out. I'm on the fence but leaning towards taking a pass. I appreciate all commments. Thank you.

[RayChez]

The chassis would be better on the diesel, that is for sure. The house part would be entry level versus the Newmar. But you should know that by now owning the Newmar.

I have heard that since Coachmen was bought out by Forest River that the new Coachmen motorhomes are much better. Not sure on that, but it is considered an entry level coach it does not matter how you paint it.

About the only thing that would be better and that is the chassis. No comparison a gasoline to a diesel period.

[Teacher_s_Pet]

The Sportscoach of the past was well below the quality and price level, of the others you listed. We owned one of their class C's and the coach floor separated from the cab. I can't tell you of those points since Coachmen merged (bought out) with Forest River. However good friends of ours had problems with gelcoat and stress fractures on both front and rear caps their 2010 Georgetown gasser that weren't addressed properly and returned twice more after the warranty period, before they traded it off.

[rr2254545]

PastorCharlie wrote:
Look a little longer a Newmar DP that will fit your budget and floor plan...

x2

That 42% off msrp is telling you something - they are not selling

[PastorCharlie]

Look a little longer a Newmar DP that will fit your budget and floor plan...

[GWK]

we had a 390TS (2011) for a couple of years. It wasn't a bad coach for the price. The cabinetry and interior fit and finish were just fair. We had issues with one of the slides tearing the lineoleum flooring and never could get the exterior compartment doors to stay latched. It was no fun having them pop open on an interstate.