Looking for our next motorhome

[Emily_Eisenman]

We recently lost our 1992 Foretravel to a fire, and are beginning the process of researching our next motorhome. This was our third motorhome, we worked our way from a Class C Toy Hauler to a 32’ Class C gasser, to this 36’ Class A diesel. She was vintage but she was a beauty. We are keeping a totally open mind and want to explore all our options to go forward.

While we loved the vintage and the high-end build of the Foretravel, DH wants to go newer this time. We expect to buy used, probably less than 10 years old. Price point will hopefully be under $65,000. We are spoiled by the Foretravel build quality but know that a newer one will be WAY out of our price range.

Other considerations:
We are not full-timers, we do a few 2-week trips a year and long weekends at least once a month in the spring-summer-fall.
We may go back to gas (but are intrigued by the Mercedes Sprinter diesels).
We are also seriously considering downsizing to something in the 25’ range.
We prefer a dedicated bed as I stay up much later than DH.
We are not completely ruling out travel trailers, but think we want to stick with self-propelled

I’d love to hear what current brands are the best quality right now, brands to avoid, or any other thoughts or suggestions.

//cross posted in Class C forum, as all options are on the table//

[jplante4]

I expect no coach in that price range will live up to your Foretravel. Maybe if you could find a 2000ish Beaver.

Here's one on RVT.

[Lwiddis]

Gee, M, no need to double post.

[tropical36]

Emily_Eisenman wrote:
We recently lost our 1992 Foretravel to a fire, and are beginning the process of researching our next motorhome. This was our third motorhome, we worked our way from a Class C Toy Hauler to a 32’ Class C gasser, to this 36’ Class A diesel. She was vintage but she was a beauty. We are keeping a totally open mind and want to explore all our options to go forward.

While we loved the vintage and the high-end build of the Foretravel, DH wants to go newer this time. We expect to buy used, probably less than 10 years old. Price point will hopefully be under $65,000. We are spoiled by the Foretravel build quality but know that a newer one will be WAY out of our price range.

Other considerations:
We are not full-timers, we do a few 2-week trips a year and long weekends at least once a month in the spring-summer-fall.
We may go back to gas (but are intrigued by the Mercedes Sprinter diesels).
We are also seriously considering downsizing to something in the 25’ range.
We prefer a dedicated bed as I stay up much later than DH.
We are not completely ruling out travel trailers, but think we want to stick with self-propelled

I’d love to hear what current brands are the best quality right now, brands to avoid, or any other thoughts or suggestions.

//cross posted in Class C forum, as all options are on the table//

Well, it's doubtful that you'll find a quality unit to fit your budget, that's less than 10yrs old and after having a Foretravel, you might be in for a huge disappointment with an entry or mid-level unit. You won't like the gassers, either, no matter what the quality.
If it'd be me and with repeating myself over and over, I'd look for a side radiator DP and at least for insuring some quality throughout, whether more than 10yrs old or not.
I'm partial to the older American brand and as I said to someone the other day, would recommend an 05 Revolution LE 40E for a $60 offer. Sooner later, you'll get it and one that should fit the bill for you and your DW. This is the 1 1/2 bath model and other floor plans of that vintage are available as well. Just make sure it't the LE!
Good luck!

[wildtoad]

Look at some slightly older Newmar Bay Star Sports if you go the gas route. Several nice units in the 27/28 ft range. Large holding tanks, good tow power.