| |
Subject |
Author |
Date Posted |
Forum
|
 |
RE: Used Allegro or Country Coach???
Many thanks to all who have offered invaluable advice. We have pursued the Allegro - Let the CC pass. Have made an offer and dickered to an acceptable bid.
One last question - tomorrow we'll be prompted (I'm sure) to purchase an extended warranty. We both feel dis-inclined to be led down that primrose path, but would like to ask if anyone has any overwhelming thoughts as to why we might want to do that? More especially, any thoughts on what to look for and/or avoid in terms of contract - or companies? (I know this topic appears elsewhere here - and I've read those - but am hoping for some fresh insight.)
Thanks again.
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/10/08 11:18pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Used Allegro or Country Coach???
I guess we mis-spoke when we said the floorplans were inconsequential. What we meant was that they both had pluses and minuses. We like them both and could live happily in either one. We wanted to point out that the floorplans were okay either way and that other factors were what was mattering at this point.
We're leaning towards the Allegro given the paint comments here, the newer age of the Allegro, and some other factors. We're in the painful negotiating phase right now. We're at our limit with what we've offered, so we may end up back at square one.
Thanks again,
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/10/08 03:20pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Used Allegro or Country Coach???
One of my "issues" which I didn't mention in the original post is that the exterior of the CC has two areas (ten to twelve feet up - six inches or so circular) of peeling -- could be either paint or sealant, one on the slide; one on the rear panel. Don't know what the likely cause is, but have asked the dealer to enquire with the consignee. Any thoughts?
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/10/08 11:28am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Used Allegro or Country Coach???
So... as it stands right now, we have a 3 vote for CC; 2 for the bus.
$25,000 does buy a lot of fuel. Very, very good point.
We sold our house, so for once in our lives, we can pay a good chunk in cash, but... then we're spending money we could invest (ha, ha -- isn't that a funny one right now!)
The age factor is a huge consideration, too but 4 years??? Don't know. Help?
The depreciation factor on the CC wasn't on our radar screen. Guessing it should be...
We knew a bit about the Tiffin product and its good reputation, but are learning that CC is high quality, too.
Any other thoughts?
Scared to death here, as usual, making a motorcoach purchase. We're not kids, but the dealers can sure get our heads spinning with "dealer talk."
Along those lines, we've purchased enough vehicles in our lives to have learned that the associated fees can be negotiated. It's been a while since we danced the dance with a motorhome. What's reasonable to expect in terms of what we can refuse?
Thanks again,
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/09/08 07:25pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
Used Allegro or Country Coach???
2004 Allegro Bus 38TGP 202000
2000 Country Coach Allure 40LPSG Lapine 1 SLD 330 HP
Mileages are both relatively low, but given that they're diesels, not so much a factor at this point.
Trying to decide between these two with about a $25,000 difference. Allegro is the higher priced. The $25,000 is a considerable difference for us (for anyone, really, we know)given our tax bracket.
The floor plans are inconsequential in that they each offer pros and cons.
We know there are faithful Country Coach owners and faithful Tiffin owners.
Opinions?
Thanks so much,
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/09/08 04:05pm |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
Tucson RV dealers
We've done quite a bit of research here on dealers. Given all the negative postings (which we understand -- we've been among them), we're looking for help in finding a reputable dealer in the Tucson area. We're looking for a used (probably) Class A. We don't mind traveling a bit.
By the way, dealers who post for themselves are generally pretty transparent.
Thanks,
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/06/08 11:57am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
Rear Camera Problems
I have a voyager rear camera/monitor system in my 1999 National TropiCal. The volume control has quit working - defaulting to max volume. Initially, I could tap or rap the monitor housing and regain manual volume control. Now, it seems to be just max - no matter what. I've driven for the last few months with the unit off - but don't like not seeing my toad.
I'm wondering if there is an easy "do-it-yourself" fix for this - or if I have to either purchase a new monitor or pay the "big bucks" for a repair shop to fix it. "Easy" is the operative word as I have little or no electrical expertise or knowledge.
I've done some research here - but have not found that anyone has dealt with this.
Thanks,
|
Don and Eileen
|
11/03/08 08:49am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
Thanks, Donn.
We're heading to Brookings tomorrow. We have reservations there for 3 nights. We had hoped to do our sightseeing (Mail Boat, too???) in our Jeep while we stayed there. Given the weather, we may be enjoying the view out our RV windshield, but resting is good, too.
We'll stop along the way using your recommendations.
Thanks again.
|
Don and Eileen
|
10/03/08 04:34pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
Just wanted to post a follow-up for our trip and recommendations to maybe help others doing a search.
At this point, we're in Winchester Bay RV park. We're here another evening and hoping that the high-wind forecasts aren't too accurate.
We really appreciated all your input. It helped so much with our planning. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we stayed at Diamond Lake Resort. Very nice, wooded campground.
Went to Bend and had hoped to stay in Tumalo State Park. The ranger was running late, the host folks were "off duty", but he came out to greet us and let us know that getting a site was an unknown since the ranger hadn't shown up and there might have been computer issues. We were advised to go across the street and wait in the parking lot of the day park. He said that others had just taken sites, but it would be a mistake since they might need to move. As we were readying to leave, the ranger came along, yelled at us and said, "Check in's not until 4:00!" The host fellow looked embarrassed and said that he must be having a bad day. Given the uncertainty of getting a site at all, we headed back to Crown Villa RV Resort and stayed there. It was well-kept, but knowing that we had barely made the "cut" since our RV is a '99, we were a bit put off. We've seen plenty of older, well-kept RV's, but that argument is best left for another posting.
We had a quick lunch in Sisters (Burger place) and then took the drive up to McKenzie Pass. What a surreal experience. The lava fields, as previously mentioned, were amazing! We followed the entire loop thereby seeing Belknap Lodge and Hot Springs. Great spot.
We want to go back to Bend and Sisters. We loved the area and will do it justice another time. The lava tube and other spots recommended were closed for the season. :-(
We took route 97 as recommended (boy, does the terrain change!) to The Dalles and drove east. We didn't have time to do the visitor center (next time.) We drove through Hood River and stopped at Viento State Park for one night. Nicely wooded. Not busy. The campground was recommended here on this forum without mention of the train that goes right alongside the campsites. Now, as the daughter of a railroad conductor, I truly love trains and their sounds, but all night long -- sounding like it was running right next to our bed -- that's another story! From there we drove in the Jeep up to Mt. Hood and had lunch at Timberline Lodge at 6,000 feet -- again, recommended here. We missed the main dining room, but ate in the pub. Good, but pricey. Nice historic lodge. The ride up was beautiful. The views amazing. We drove through Government Camp, back down into the orchard area (Odell area) stopping for fruit smoothies (yummy), some pie, some jams.
Next, we moved to Ainsworth State Park about 20 miles east. Nice campground. Very wooded. From there we took a ride up the “old highway” – route 30 to Crown Point to see the views. The road was twisty and windy and slow and pretty. The view was wonderful. We stopped at all the falls -- Bridal Veil, etc. making our way back to Multnomah Falls where we had a nice lunch in the lodge and walked up to the bridge. Hiking to the top will have to be another trip, also.
The next day, we drove our Jeep along WA route 14 on the other side of the Gorge into Portland and were frankly glad that we stuck to the OR side. The drive on this side was not nearly as nice as the OR side.
In Portland, we went to Washington Park where we walked around the International Rose Test Garden, which was free and beautiful. The city can be seen from the area. We also went to the Japanese Gardens in the same area. A fee, but worth it. We found our way to the Pittock Mansion, which is perched on a hill overlooking the city and beyond. Pittock was the publisher of the Oregonian Newspaper. The house is uniquely shaped inside and out. It’s built in a hexagon style. The rooms inside are rounded and flow differently than most mansions we’ve visited (we've done most of the Newport, RI mansions,the Hearst Castle, etc.)
We drove down towards the waterfront looking for a place to walk and get something to eat. Nothing appealed to us, so we left and drove towards old route 30 into Troutdale. We stopped at a Chinese restaurant with some hesitation, but had one of the best meals ever. We drove the rest of the way back on route 30.
The next day, we were on our way to the coast. We drove along route 26. Very beautiful.
We stayed at Ft. Stevens State Park in the Astoria area. We loved the campground. Thank you for the recommendation! Heavily wooded (rainforest type.) You can drive your 4 wheel drive along the beach about 10 miles south. We did it coming back to the campground as the fog was rolling in. Eerie.
We drove over to Cape Disappointment, WA and enjoyed the views of the mouth of the Columbia River. Access to the lighthouse was closed.
We went to the Maritime Museum in Astoria. Very well done, comprehensive center. As a former Coast Guardsman, Don enjoyed the Coast Guard boat and displays.
The bike trail within the campground was beautiful.
The tour of Ft. Stevens from the back of an army truck was well-done.
We toured Seaside and Cannon Beach by car while staying at Ft. Stevens. Seaside has a great 2-mile walkway along the beach. Small town with shops and restaurants. Cannon Beach was more upscale and the beach views were gorgeous. Don't miss the view from Ecola State Park - which had to be done by car.
We moved to Beverly Beach campground further down the coast. It was also pretty, but we were ruined by how much we loved Ft. Stevens.
We've been awed by the beauty of the coast and pleased that so much of it can be easily seen by our RV.
We just had lunch in the little Fish 'n Chips place here in Winchester Bay. Converted house boat. Very good.
Thanks again, all.
|
Don and Eileen
|
10/03/08 03:15pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
California coast
We're currently along the coast in Oregon and have enjoyed 101. Our destination is San Diego. We want to see as many of the coastal spots as possible. We're planning on stopping in the San Francisco area. We've done a lot of looking here and can't seem to find a route that fits the bill of taking our time -- not just getting from one place to the other via the freeways. We'd love to do Highway One, but have gathered that won't be feasible in our 36' and toad. Is there any part of it that we can do?
Thanks.
|
Don and Eileen
|
10/03/08 09:38am |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
Okay, so here's the HOT question. As New Englanders we're partial to the creamy chowder as opposed to Manhattan-style (tomato based broth.) So, how does Oregon do it?
:W
This could open up another whole string!
:B
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/22/08 08:31pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
Thanks again, everyone... We're leaving Crater Lake tomorrow. The weather has caused some disappointment with not being able to fully enjoy the color of the lake, but we're glad we came.
We're heading to Tumalo State Park tomorrow -- thank you all, again, for your Bend/Sisters suggestions. We're looking forward to some time there.
Donn -- we appreciate the campground recommendations. We are, in fact, heading down the coast. Now, an important question. Do you remember the name of the chowder place you mentioned (near Winchester Bay)?
:-)
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/21/08 05:57pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
We're staying at Diamond Lake tonight (thanks to suggestions here). Here for the next day or 2. We're geatful for all your suggestions - are planning to stay in the Bend area before going to the gorge. Any campground favorites in Bend? As always, Thanks.
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/20/08 10:41am |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
My goodness -- you're right obgraham! Such different views. (Pun intended.) We do prefer to get off the interstate, but were leaning that way reading the posts here. Thanks for your information.
Donn -- thank you so much for the campground suggestions.
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/19/08 04:43pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
To all -- thank you so much for all your great suggestions. I've plugged in lots of places on our Streets and Trips program. We're on the road now and will arrive in the Crater Lake area tomorrow, so we'll surely have to watch the wildfire situation in Bend. Any good suggestions of a website to check? I'll Google it in the meantime.
To Donn -- we are always open to hearing suggestions for good campgrounds. Thanks so much!
We usually spend MONTHS preparing for a trip of this magnitude.
I've been known to plan a trip to death!
We're heading towards the west coast and will meander down staying at the state parks along the way to San Diego for a family visit and then to Tucson for the winter. However, we just sold our house in MA, drove our possessions across country to an in-law apartment in our son's house in UT, so our trip planning fell by the wayside.
We knew we could count on our fellow travelers here for our last-minute assistance.
We'll look forward to any further ideas and suggestions.
Also, we lived on the northshore of MA (30 miles from Boston) for our entire lives. Feel free to private message us if anyone wants New England advice.
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/19/08 01:49pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Columbia River Gorge
We do want to take the Columbia River Gorge. This is a much-needed vacation without the usual constraints of time. If I read your response correctly, you're talking about the fastest way to get through the gorge? We're looking for the most scenic...
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/19/08 06:31am |
Roads and Routes
|
|
Columbia River Gorge
We need a little help with planning our route along the Columbia River Gorge. We'll be traveling from Crater Lake and will start from the east and head west. We're not sure how far east we should travel for the best part. Also, we've read lots of postings and can't seem to get a good grasp on what side (OR or WA) we should travel on for scenery and travel considerations as we're driving a 36' Class A with a toad.
Thanks.
|
Don and Eileen
|
09/18/08 11:34pm |
Roads and Routes
|
|
RE: Let your brakes cool down..but for how long? Tragic
I've read this post while trying to find out more about this route. We're traveling from east to west -- we'll be heading from Rapid City to Jackson, WY. We're not in our mh right now -- we've finalized our house sale and are in a 26 ft. Penske truck. We've done route 14 west to east in our motorhome, but haven't had the occasion to drive 16. We know we can dip down to Casper, but I can't tell you how much we dislike that area and would prefer to go a more scenic route. However, if we're going to be risking ourselves going over 16, we'd prefer not to do that.
Suggestions???
|
Don and Eileen
|
08/31/08 10:44am |
Class A Motorhomes
|
|
RE: Oregon in September
Thank you all so much. I was feeling more relaxed about our no-reservations journey until the last posting, so we'll do what we can, as we can, for reservations. We're in the process of arranging the last minute details of our house sale on 8/14 in MA, vehicle registrations and insurance in our new SD "domicile" -- all while we're in UT.
To: summutt2002 -- You're hysterical! I've always felt that way about our home state of MA and all of New England. I didn't want to share our secrets. ;) We had enough tourists! Also, we're in Utah -- south of SLC, so I'm wondering where you might be in the "mountains of Utah."
|
Don and Eileen
|
08/05/08 10:33am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
|
|
Oregon in September
We've done a lot of research on the forum and have accumulated much information for our fall trip to OR thanks to folks here. Our primary focus is on the coast and the Columbia River Gorge area. We'd also like to try to see Crater Lake.
We've read the frequent posts about needing reservations for the popular coastal state parks in the summer, but what we can't seem to find is information about September. We'll be traveling from the second week in Sept. or so until we need to leave to be in Tucson by Oct. 15th.
We're generally the type to make reservations, but we'd like to stay looser on this trip. Any thoughts on the risks of going without firm reservations?
Thanks.
|
Don and Eileen
|
08/04/08 11:54am |
Campgrounds, Resorts and Attractions
|
|
