ferndaleflyer
everywhere
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Joined: 03/31/2011
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Rich is about right. Last year I put 6 new Hankooks on mine for $2500, every year service is about $2-300,and routine stuff I do myself. I got mine new and have kept it in perfect condition. Wash, wax, etc when it needs it and I have every record. Just hit 100k. Miles.
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Bikeboy57
Inverness, FL
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Joined: 08/09/2006
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3x on what RichB said. I think is low on his ongoing costs but everyones experience is different. If you go used DP, spend 90 and leave 10 for first year fixes. If you are not handy, not comfortable troubleshooting electrical and mechanical basics then motorhoming may not be for you.
Richard and Rhonda
1999 Newell
Subaru Outback toad
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supercub
Modesto CA
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Joined: 04/24/2005
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First off, test drive a gas motor home, and then a diesel.........you'll see the difference. Make sure your test drive includes freeway driving so you can feel how they handle when a big rig passes you. Try driving up a long grade so you can compare power, plus the noise difference between a gas rig when it down shifts and revs up........typically you can't carry on a conversation because of the noise. Right now diesel is about a buck and a half more here in California the gas, so that's a consideration Both Gas and Diesel will get about the same mileage, which is around 8 mpg. I've had 3 gas motorhomes and 3 diesel pushers. Make sure you look hard at the floorplan. One of my diesel motor homes, didn't have any place to put a garbage can under the sink, also the sink in the bathroom, had barely enough room for a tooth brush. Spend some time sitting in it and just looking around for awhile, to visualize what it would be like to stay in it from a comfort level. Typically gas motorhomes are less expensive to maintain then diesels......oil changes are less, tires depending on the years, are bigger then gas, hence cost more. One other thing, if you're looking at older Monaco, stay away from the R4R Chasis........they ride terrible. The R4R's were found on the low end of the diesel line for Monaco, Holiday Rambler and Safari's. Again, test drive over serveral different roads to see how they handle and ride.........Don't be afraid to take it out for 30 or 40 miles test drives, it's one of the best things you can do when thinking of buying.
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Ivylog
Blairsville, GA and WPB, FL.
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At 35’ you do not need a diesel engine so go to 40’ so you have no choice plus you’ll save a step or two and a fair amount of money. I made the mistake 20 years ago believing 36’ was max for public CGs… not true even in a big rig.
Went to the Tampa Super RV show last month and again was not impressed with the new DPs…poor fit and finish plus very heavy and surprisingly poor CCC. Agree 03-08 (if it has a 06 engine) we’re good years I’m partial to the Monaco products, especially the bigger ones with a tag axle… 40’ or more. Great handling rigs and well built.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years.
Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45’...
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ferndaleflyer
everywhere
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Everyone is different. I had a 45ft Dynasty with 4 slides. I kept it 1 year, slides were a pain and didn’t need the room anyway. Got a 40ft that wasn’t bad but not enough power. The one I have now is 36, has a full wall slide out and 450hp Cummins. I like it. Consider l sometimes tow a 32ft race car trailer.
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Chum lee
Albuquerque, NM
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Whether you buy gas or DP, spend three times as much time as you think you should deciding on what you REALLY NEED, long term, (based on what you plan to do with it) before you buy. (rather than just impulse buying what you WANT) IMO, buying a MH that doesn't fit your needs (then selling it shortly thereafter) is the FASTEST way to burn through your MH $$$$'s. Short term, . . . . sales taxes, title/registration fees, sales commissions, dealer profit, transportation fees, depreciation, and vanity upgrades cost way more than regular maintenance/repairs on a quality vehicle held long term.
Chum lee
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Sandia Man
Rio Rancho, NM
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Joined: 08/09/2008
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X2 on what Chum Lee stated, do as much research on the various powertrains available for class A rigs and get out and view/drive as many coaches as you can get your hands on. We took our time and looked at coaches in surrounding states eventually driving nearly 1K miles to purchase our 40' class A.
These type of queries will get responses in favor of the rigs currently owned by responders, just good ole human nature and our need to feel superior. Not to mention some of the blanket statements that are simply farcical, best to take responses with a grain of salt, don't rush and enjoy the experience.
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ferndaleflyer
everywhere
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Isn’t that the truth
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Wjohns02
Nc
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All - thanks for the feedback it is really appreciated. This research project is turning out to be much more difficult than I thought. At this point I’m pretty much sold on the diesel option. We currently have a 49ft TT that we tow with a F350 Dually diesel and it tows perfectly so I’m a big diesel fan.
I’ve found a few options in the 2005 to 2008 range that look good online. Hopefully will start checking so out in person this weekend. Worst case scenario is that we keep what we have. It will still be good.
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RichB3125
Beavercreek, OH
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Joined: 06/22/2005
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Checkout the Motorhomes of TX website. You can see a lot of options in one place - online or in person.
https://www.motorhomesoftexas.com
Rich
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