cbr46
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Re: Advice and experience with older DP Class A's
TANDDANDBIGE wrote: Our 2002 HR Endeavor 40 is a great coach. . . . . and the big job was replaced radiator and CAC. Could the radiator replacement have been prevented? ie repl coolant on a schedule? What mileage? Pinhole leak? What's a CAC? We're picking up an 03 Endeavor on Friday . . . . Best, - bob500Views0likes0CommentsRe: Let's beat this horse once again
Need to ask . . . did you find that deal on a public site or was it through a connection? Our Fleetwood is 19 this year and sold new for $89,000 LOL, purchased 8 yrs ago for $17k, a good deal at the time but I had to do minor fix-ups for full functionality (microwave was the biggest item). Put 14,000 miles on it last year alone. And everything works . . . sorta! Microwave turntable doesn't turn, turn signals don't automatically return, tach sometimes sticks, windshield molding needs replacing, real nit-picky stuff. Would like to find a deal like you had. Don't think it's there in today's market. Maybe when everyone gets their kids back to organized sports, restaurants open up, theaters open up, etc. people will get distracted or tired of RV'ing creating excess inventory. Of course then it will be that much harder to sell a 20-21 yo 160,000 (projected) mile not perfect RV. Gonna suffer on one end or the other. Best, - bob679Views0likes0CommentsRe: Let's beat this horse once again
Rick Jay wrote: . . . . there are several manufacturers which produce a "low end" diesel which didn't cost much more than their "top end" gasser, or perhaps, a higher quality manufacturer's "top end" gasser. I found this to be curious...I could almost purchase a new DP for the cost of a gasser. Then I looked closely at the cheaper DP. Yes, it was a DP. BUT...what struck me first was the quality of the interiors and appliances. They were basically similar to what you found in the low-end to mid-end gassers. Looking at the mechanicals, things like airbags, leveling, tow ratings and other things were well below the quality of what was normally assumed to be found in a DP. So, I guess what I'm saying, is that make sure you look at more than just being a "DP" or a "gasser". Do some research to see where that model fits into the manufacturer's offerings. After 15-20 years, I would really expect one of those "low end DPs" to be pretty "beat up" inside. The engine might be low mileage, but the house construction is basically the same as the low end gassers, which is definitely in the same league as the high-end gassers or most DPs. As always, Buyer Beware! But if you limit your searches to the gasser upper-end manufacturer lines such as (Newmar, Tiffin, Monaco, etc.) you might be able to find a good used, gasser built with quality, yet having the gas platform. ~Rick Are you saying the lower end DP's from the upper class (Newmar, Tiffin, Monaco, etc.) are not the same quality as other models in their own line? Or are you saying the DP's from "the others" (Forest River, etc), which are the upper end of their lines, aren't built to last? Or both? Toyota and Lexus are basically the same manufacturer, just with different amenities. Both lines, from Corolla to Lexus LX are built with quality. And then there's the combinations - Thor Industries (Thor, Damon, Dutchmen, Entegra), REV Group (American Coach, Fleetwood, Holiday Rambler, Monaco), Forest River Group (including Coachmen), Winnebago (including Newmar). It's hard to keep up - who makes who and when were they purchased by their conglomerates. BTW - Last month Thor Industries bought Tiffin for $400M :-o Back to the original question . . . Would a lower end DP from (Newmar, Tiffin, Monaco) be the same build quality as the upper end? Best, - bob680Views0likes0CommentsRe: DP or Gas? DW vs DH
Godzilla V8 is out of the question. That thing called budget? Yes, diesel is more expensive to repair. Been told Cat fuel pumps are a weak link. Rattle at idle . . . suspected that. Definitely can buy a few years newer if a gasser. Can't wait to pull a hill with a diesel. Thanks for the inputs. - bob518Views0likes0CommentsRe: DP or Gas? DW vs DH
OP here . . . We looked at a 2005 Newmar Kountry Star. It hadn't been prepped very well (dirty, worn) but we looked beyond that. Pluses were a quiet HVAC but the Cummins diesel at idle was noisier than our V10 (also at idle), and had several rattles throughout the coach . . . at idle! The generator was also louder than our gas Onan to the point we had to raise our voices (slightly) to have a conversation. I'll admit not a good first impression . . . . The salesman did explain that newer coaches were better insulated (5" to 7") but hard to say which year and which manufacturers were quicker to add the extra insulation. But you DP'ers love the sauce. We'll keep looking. The trick is to improve the age and stay within our fuzzy budget. Best, - bob & anita518Views0likes0CommentsRe: Let's beat this horse once again
When you get somewhere in a Class A you're stuck. For that reason a 5'er is nice. You might consider adding a toad for getting groceries, sightseeing, etc. Pulling toads is a whole other topic but getting the right one will make RV'ing much more satisfying IMO. We're at a crossroads with our Class A and deciding on another gasser or DP. So far the DP is winning the battle. I'm tired of road noise and being pushed around by wind. There's another recent thread along those lines (cbr46) Best, - bob680Views0likes0CommentsRe: DP or Gas? DW vs DH
Bruce Brown wrote: cbr46, what is your budget range? Our current MH will be with us 14 years the August and seems to check every box you're looking for except the length. They did make them shorter and they can be bought for reasonable $$$. When we purchased our MH it was 11 yo. The DW says 50k but I think 60k will get us closer to what we want. Also trying to get out of the early 2000 styling but even a 2006 Winnebago Journey we looked at seemed out dated (round headlights, white/light brown). DW wants something short (32-34) but seems like features we want only come in longer units. With 34+ we would have to cut down some trees plus I'm concerned with turning radius, getting around tight places, etc. 39 doesn't scare me . . . . too much. We'll also have a 19 yo gasser to get rid of. If condition was 1-5 a 3 might be about right, or 2.5. Everything works but some bubbling on the outside walls under windows, windshield molding coming off, etc. That and the mileage will probably have to give it away. Best, - bob517Views0likes0CommentsRe: DP or Gas? DW vs DH
K Charles wrote: When we were looking to go from a TT to an MH we found out that a good used gas can ride as good as and have less road noise then a cheap used diesel. What were you looking at? gas and diesel? The V8 does sound interesting but way too new to consider, both in price and unproven reliability. Keep em coming - bob517Views0likes0CommentsDP or Gas? DW vs DH
We're in a dilema. We have a 2002 Fleetwood Terra 32S w 145,000 miles. It's running well but getting a little long in the tooth. Don't like - Road noise Wind noise Handling (wind, trucks, etc) HVAC AC noise HVAC Furnace noise Shower sucks! Needs a ledge or a seat Design is outdated Can't pull a hill worth beans (but pass a lot of 80,000# trucks on the long pulls) Do like - Paid for LOVE the floor plan Cloth upholstery (warm in winter, cool in summer) New tires Newish brakes Don't feel too bad driving in a cow pasture Has all those little mods you get used to over time More nimble than a 39 ft DP So we're thinking about upgrading. I'm not fond of another V10 because it's pretty much right under me. Even with insulation matting inside the dog house there's still going to be noise (just plywood between me & tires). I've also added 2x2 rubber backed carpet squares as sound and (somewhat) thermal insulation. It helps. And the handling . . . sway bushings look ok but seriously? they're 19 years old. Probably shot. I could replace 'em but it's just another thing to fix. Also not a fan of the cheap handling fix. I do some serious cow pasturing. Considering a DP probably in the 15 yo category. DW doesn't want the added length but with a rear engine, bigger tires and air bag suspension I'm thinking it will ride nicely. Maybe even have a conversation while driving! And while parked a 'nicer' moho might have central HVAC. Might even be able to hear the TV without waking the neighbors. Thoughts? Diesel gets better mileage but higher cost/gal . . . and DP's are heavier. How does overall fuel cost compare to Ford's V10? I average ~7.5mpg with the trailer. It seems to follow me where ever I go . . . DW wants hard surface floor that can be kept clean. Those are less common than full or mostly carpet, and always carpet under the slides. She calls carpet a dirt magnet. Ok, I don't vacuum after every trip. That reminds me, I need to run the vacuum . . . . I take maybe 20 - 30 solo trips / year. 14,000 miles last year. She didn't go 1 mile last year and maybe one trip in 2019. She wants to go, but always something in the way. We have two 18# terriers. They travel ok but the planets have to align just right for everyone to travel. Is it worth it to have a nicer motorhome? Does anyone have the same noise gripes I have or the tracking dirt gripes my DW has? Do they run quietly down the road or do they just "look" quiet? And brands . . . . we're seeing higher end Winnebagos, Forest River and 1 or 2 other "value" brands before getting to the Monacos, Newmars, etc. Those are pretty much out of our price range, even used. But need to know what to stay away from. All thoughts are welcome. Best, - bob & anita6.2KViews0likes20CommentsRe: Service recommendations near Charlotte NC - Ford V10 misfire
willald wrote: The part he got from Ford was one large assembly going from behind the engine all the way up to both fuel rails on either side of the engine. Sooo, it is now all new fuel lines going from about middle of the transmission all the way up to the two fuel rails. We had that problem when we first brought home our (new to us) 11 year old. No bite marks that could be seen. I figured it was ethanol related. The selling dealer chipped in half of the part cost. To prevent any future ethanol issues I try to run as much fuel through it as possible ;-) About 1800 gallons last year, all weekend trips. Glad you're up & running. Best, - bob465Views0likes0Comments
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