Almost embarrassed to ask....

[Sorrswa]

Hubby and I, both retired are excited to purchase our first MH soon. We've been looking at TT's, 5th wheels and MH's for over a year. We've decided a motorhome is for us, but now comes the hardest part....which one? We continue to find ourselves drawn to the Phaeton, but have heard some concerns about customer service declining.

Then there's the Entegra line which is the other one we like. Both have our favorite floor plan, etc. but chassis's are different. Spartan or Freightliner? How's a newbie to know. I feel like I'm over thinking this at times...,but it's a big investment for us.

Salespeople really aren't all that helpful, as their MH is best. I found this site and thought " ah ha!" Opinions galore, but not profit driven! We read and read, but would appreciate your experiences if you have the time to share.

So...Tiffin, Entegra, or Fleetwood ( or other recommendations for 40 footers). Please share your thoughts.
Thanks you:)

[I_am_still_wayn]

YC 1 wrote:
If you are not handy with tools and a voltmeter you need to be handy with a check book.

This is the best statement I have heard in a long time!

[Bumpyroad]

pianotuna wrote:
Since you have had a boat I'd not rule out a class C. Much cheaper to maintain. Less storage of course.

and the overhead either has leaked, is leaking, or will leak. take your pick.
bumpy

[pianotuna]

Since you have had a boat I'd not rule out a class C. Much cheaper to maintain. Less storage of course.

[deleted-2]

gemsworld wrote:
Stay away from Fleetwood.

Not sure why gemsworld says stay away from Fleetwood...
Damn nice looking MH in my humble uninformed opinion.

[wbwood]

Good luck in whatever you buy.

My in laws had a 2004 Monaco Dynasty that they sold a year or two ago. It was a diesel pusher and they were continuosly getting something on it worked on. The problem was they bought it from a dealer that was 4-5 hrs from their home. They weren't fulltimers in it. The longest they had it out was over the winter at Riverbend in Labelle Florida on a spot they own there. My father in law, said it got to the point that it was costing him about $10,000 a year in keeping it going (repairs/service/etc). The unit was bought outright brand new in 2004, so that was not including any financing payments.

[Sorrswa]

Oh boy....sounds like owning a boat ( the checkbook comment). Hubby is somewhat handy with tools but no mechanic. He did minor repairs on our boat. I'm sure he'll be up for the challenge.

[Sorrswa]

Thank you all for your advice. We have considered renting, and may still. You've given us some other models to consider as well. We are looking at buying new. We had a boat before this so are used to being together in smaller space and the limitations of cargo space.
Looking at different coaches is interesting...some do seem to stand out more then others. But how do you get info about a manufacturer being bought out/restructuring? It's the reputation that seems important.

[YC_1]

If you are not handy with tools and a voltmeter you need to be handy with a check book. A 40 footer is a wonder of electronics and mechanics and plumbing. There is a ton of information available and several fantastic forums like this to support you. Since you have been looking for a year you have done a lot of research.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

How about a low mileage used Foretravel or Country Coach. We have a 2004 Country Coach Allure and love it. Has over 100,000 miles on it.
Here's a Foretravel: http://www.foretraveloftexas.com/view-inventory.php?id=526

[2chiefsRus]

It is a very hard decision. You didn't say if you were thinking used or new. We have a Monaco product that we are very happy with but I don't know that I would buy a NEW Monaco/Holiday Rambler at the present time while they are being bought out/restructuring.

Just remember that all brands have some nice models and some entry level models. Try to find out where the one you are looking at falls in the available models for a manufacturer.

If I were looking for a used 40 foot Diesel Pusher, I think I would look at Monaco Knight, Diplomat or higher; Holiday Rambler Endeavor; Newmar Dutch Star or higher, Winnebago/Itasca; or Phaeton. I haven't seen anything in the Fleetwood line that we liked at the same price point although their higher end models are very nice.

I would look for something 2006 or newer if possible because that is around when the interior heights were raised and the advent of the one piece windshield.

Floorplan is very important but as it is your first motorhome it will be difficult for you to know what you like. Try to imagine yourselves living in the coach for a month - where would you each sit to watch TV on rainy days, where would you put your groceries and/or dishes. Outside - where would you store your grill and lawn chairs, bottled water or beer/sodas. The outside storage bays can look really large until you start putting things in them - then they fill up really fast.

Cargo carrying capacity is a very important factor if you plan to be in the coach for any extended period of time. Think of it as the equivalent of the foot print of a new home construction. You can't add carrying capacity later, it has to be there from the start.

Good luck in your search.

[grizz272]

First poster nailed it. Rent one and take a trip in it. That will tell you if you even like traveling in something that big.

[fla-gypsy]

Phaeton enjoys a good reputation for the most part and Tiffin seems like a responsible outfit to deal with. That doesn't mean nothing will ever go wrong, but you should get the attention you should.

[2gypsies1]

...or Newmar 🙂

[Community Alumni]

Stay away from Fleetwood. Go with Winnebago or Tiffin.

Good luck!

[deleted-2]

I want something like the above...