| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Newmar vs. Tiffin

By the way, do you know why Newmar dropped the mid-engine line for this year? I honestly think that the floorplans for the mid-engined Newmar coaches were some of the most innovative ever designed!
Would not worry about a Newmar dealer being close by or having to return to the manufacturer. Have never returned to a dealer and just went first time in three years to the manufacturer to replace a cracked windshield(on our way back from Alaska to Florida) in and out in 18 hours! PS-the windshield cracked in the lower 48 not in Alaska.
|
raydf_1
|
10/27/09 07:35am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Newmar vs. Tiffin

Impressive video! It does look like Newmar's sidewalls are indeed something out of the ordinary -- thanks!
You can see how Newmar does theirs in this link. Basically the structure isn't relying on glue to retain it's strength. No lamination, no chance for de-lamination.
|
raydf_1
|
10/27/09 03:46am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Newmar vs. Tiffin

I wonder, what is the difference between Newmar's hung walls and Tiffin's laminate walls?
Thanks for any light you may want to shed on this!
Both enjoy a good reputation. Personally I like the hung wall construction of the Newmar over the laminate construction of many others, including Tiffin...
|
raydf_1
|
10/26/09 09:44am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Are there quality RVs that will last?

By the way, the Sprinter van on which the Winnebago ERA is based comes like that from the factory, raised roof and all. So, Winnebago really doesn't cut out anything, just builds inside and adds some lower-body fiberglass panels (steps and tank covers.)
...The conventional Dodge roof was either cut off by the RV company, an extended roof installed by Dodge at their production facility, or came from Dodge without a roof ready for the RV company to install their own...
|
raydf_1
|
10/15/09 01:30pm |
Class C Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Are there quality RVs that will last?

I think that what everyone has said above is correct. However, I wonder if an all-metal RV, such as a Winnebago ERA, which is based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, has no slides, and didn't have anything "cut out" by Winnebago in building it, would be a better-quality coach than, for example, my own (which is also based on the same chassis, but with a standard fiberglass body, a slide, etc.) I wonder...
|
raydf_1
|
10/15/09 11:48am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: lazyday RV

Our experience was excellent, before and after the sale.
|
raydf_1
|
09/23/09 04:13am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Cold weather new Class A?

Thanks! The Triple E coaches do look wonderful. I wonder, is the Alpine Coach brand (from defunct builder Western RV) also a good Winter coach? The name indicates so, but I wonder?
Ray
Hi raydf_1,
I'd look at a Canadian built one such as Triple E.
|
raydf_1
|
09/21/09 10:50am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
Cold weather new Class A?

Which of the currently-available new Class A coach brands would you say is the best built and equipped for using it in cold weather?
Thanks!
|
raydf_1
|
09/21/09 06:55am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
Tiffin Phaeton --> Lazydays Crown Club

I just noted that the wonderful 2010 Tiffin Phaeton is now being sold and serviced through Lazydays' Crown Club (instead of the standard sales and service area.)
For details, click here.
|
raydf_1
|
07/30/09 04:51pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Fleetwood

Same here. We bought ours in August 2008 and have had it to the dealer for a few times for minor stuff (and even a recall) and we have had zero problems with warranty work (and the dealer has also gotten paid for all this stuff.)
...Does anybody have any thoughts/experience buying from a company going through bankruptcy reorganization in regards to product support?
|
raydf_1
|
07/24/09 03:23am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Fleetwood American Dream or Eagle

For that vintage, I understand that the prime differences between the Dream and the Eagle are as follows: (1) Rubber roof (Dream) vs. fiberglass roof (Eagle); (2) Standard storage bay doors (Dream) vs. "bus-style" storage bay doors (Eagle); and (3) Nicer interior finishes on the Eagle than on the Dream, for example, an etched-glass door in the cabinet above the bed (Eagle) vs. a wood cabinet door (Dream.)
I think that you can't go wrong with either one, as these are some of the most beautiful coaches ever made, IMHO.
We are thinking of upgrading to a late 90's to early 20's American Dream or American Eagle. We're not sure about the differences between Traditions, Eagles, or Dreams. That is: good, better, best, etc. Any and all comments would be GREATLY appreciated.. Thanks in Advance for your thoughts and comments..
TripNtime
'93 Pace Arrow DP
|
raydf_1
|
07/21/09 07:45am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Do U travel with friends who want to stay in your RV always?

I think that the basic technique is to set the rules clearly and very early in the trip (or before leaving.) Once the rules are well-known, the next step is to enforce them, sweetly, but firmly.
|
raydf_1
|
07/20/09 02:07am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Confusion on purchase offer of a new motorhome

Looks like an excellent price (I presume it's a 2009 Coachmen Prism Diesel w/Slide -- M230). The coach looks great (I have a similar one from Fleetwood.) I would advice adding a set of HWH hydraulic levelers installed at the dealer, so that their cost is included in the financing (that's about $4,000, but worth every penny, IMHO.)
...Am I missing something here, or have they already discounted about as much as they're going to? Is there any way I can find out what other people are paying for the same model?
|
raydf_1
|
07/09/09 05:34am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Have YOU ever boondocked with residential fridge?

I wonder, given all the trouble with residential fridges and the very large RV fridges now available, why would manufacturers of high-end coaches still use them? What is their intrinsic advantage over an RV fridge that justifies these worries?
Thanks!
|
raydf_1
|
07/09/09 03:18am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Fleetwood Jamboree 31M model year 2007 Good or Bad

I think that the main point is that the original Fleetwood company is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but the judge recently approved the sale of most motorhome assets and brands to another new company (also called Fleetwood Xxx -- can't remember the "Xxx" part.) Thus, the Fleetwood situation (and the factory warranties) were a little uncertain for a while. However, for my own coach ALL warranties have been honored, without a hitch.
However, we still haven't heard from the new Fleetwood as to which brands they will retain and which ones they'll drop. My own (Fleetwood Pulse) could end up in the cutting floor but I think that the Jamboree / Tioga brands should continue on, based on their big sales numbers (just look around and you'll see that about half or more of the Class Cs on the road are Fleetwood.)
The 31M is a phenomenal floorplan. Perhaps the only limitation is a somewhat small load capacity but that shouldn't be a problem if you travel light (just don't take your rock collection for a trip!)
Meaning what?
|
raydf_1
|
07/07/09 09:23am |
Class C Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Outdoor Furniture Tips

Well Nina, we don't full time and thus don't use the outdoor furniture too extensively but we bought our folding Coleman "bag" chairs at Wal-Mart and they have held up quite well (and we're pretty heavy folks.) The "bag" chairs have proven to be extremely easy to set up and store. There are many manufacturers of such chairs, so you may find others that may be more durable (although these are great for us.)
...Any other outdoor furniture/stuff ideas?...
|
raydf_1
|
07/06/09 09:46am |
Beginning RVing
|
 |
RE: 2001 Newmar "Kountry" ?

Folks:
Thanks for the excellent information! As to the beauty of this coach, I place it right there, neck and neck, with the 2000 American Coach Eagle which until now I considered to be the most beautiful motorcoach ever built -- now my heart is torn between these two as to which should hold that title!
Cheers!
Ray
|
raydf_1
|
07/05/09 12:50pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
2001 Newmar "Kountry" ?

The following beautiful coach was recently listed on eBay:
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww207/raydf/BTPgvw2kKGrHgoH-DEjlLlzuWBKHZLzk2Og.jpg
(The photo is copyright by eBay seller "mkzsjonez" and can be seen in its original state at: eBay listing.)
The lettering on the photo states that it's a "Kountry" and the eBay posting states that it's a "Kountry Aire". However, that name is apparently used in Newmar's fifth wheels, not motorhomes. Does anyone here knows what is the official name of this motorhome model?
Thanks!
|
raydf_1
|
07/05/09 07:48am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Smaller Coaches with Three Air Conditioners?

Hey Marvin!
Wonderful and extremely useful information -- THANKS!
Ray
How about one of those roll around units that Home Depot sells for $300. Read about a guy in a 5er who needed extra cooling so he bought one of these. He liked it so well he used it all the time and used roof air for backup. You would have to make arrangements for the 3" exhaust tube (which also exhausts dondensate) but that would be a cheap solution if only needed occassionally. Below is the link and info.
http://blog.rv.net/2009/06/energy-efficient-rv-cooling/
|
raydf_1
|
07/05/09 03:58am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
 |
RE: Smaller Coaches with Three Air Conditioners?

When I want a quicker cool-down period, I start the coach's engine and leave it running with the chassis A/C going full blast. This particular chassis has a very powerful A/C, so it cools down really quick in almost any temperature. However, I wonder how long should the engine (a small Mercedes-Benz diesel) be left idling without any negative consequences. Do you know? I've had it running in such occasions for up to 20 minutes or so, but I wonder if I should or not.
My 40 footer came with two 13.5's. I switched the front unit to a 15K unit, but there are still times when I would love to have a third A/C unit. It would seem to be pretty easy to do as long as you have 50A service. Any time the temp is mid-90's or above it would be very welcome, as well as for quick cool-down when the coach is overheated. This would be a very welcome thing to have and something I will consider doing in the future.
|
raydf_1
|
07/04/09 05:44am |
Class A Motorhomes
|