Best diesel class a by year, between 2003-2009

[cabjbb]

Hi, We are going to buy an older diesel pusher in the next 6 months. I have done a lot of research (you all are amazing!) and am dialing it down to some great, proven brands. We are looking at these: Alpine, Foretravel, Monaco, Beaver, Country Coach, Newmar, and Tiffin. My question is this: Is there a model that stands out during these years as being more well built, luxurious, etc. And, same question of models/makes we should avoid during that same timeframe.
We'd like to stay between 34'-40'.
Thanks so much.

 

[DHudson]

Newmar & Country Coach shouldn't be over looked.

 

[cabjbb]

Newmar & Country Coach shouldn't be over looked.

My mistake! Yes, we are looking at both of those, too. I'll try to add to my original post. Thanks.

 

[High Desert]

I believe you have the right product line in your list. One thing to consider is the engine. Apparently, since CAT quits building rob engines, around 2010, I believe, it seems that finding qualified mechanics has gotten tougher. Also, some of those CAT engines had some real issues that were very costly. But, I will say this - they were all well made units Using real wood and top line materials for their day.

 

[Carl Hallberg]

Hi, We are going to buy an older diesel pusher in the next 6 months. I have done a lot of research (you all are amazing!) and am dialing it down to some great, proven brands. We are looking at these: Alpine, Foretravel, Monaco, Beaver, Country Coach, Newmar, and Tiffin. My question is this: Is there a model that stands out during these years as being more well built, luxurious, etc. And, same question of models/makes we should avoid during that same timeframe.
We'd like to stay between 34'-40'.
Thanks so much.

I bought a 2004 Newmar Kountry Star with a Caterpillar C7 diesel pusher 6 sp Allison it's great 68000 miles hardly broke in. 12 miles per gallon. It's a great machine well built and a good value.

 

[TDServices]

Looking for a class A between 2002 and 2010 36’ with lots of horsepower and torque anybody know the specs on any of them all I usually see are 300hp. Cummins

 

[DHudson]

Looking for a class A between 2002 and 2010 36’ with lots of horsepower and torque anybody know the specs on any of them all I usually see are 300hp. Cummins

I've got a 38' Dutch Star with a Freightliner & 3126B Cat. 300HP 860 lb-ft torque. It is hard to keep it under 70MPH. Some of that is that it is so quiet while driving, but I have o have a very light throttle to maintain a safe speed. Power is not a issue. That much torque moves it more than adequately.

 

[Trav_lr]

One thing to consider is the engine. Apparently, since CAT quits building rob engines, around 2010, I believe, it seems that finding qualified mechanics has gotten tougher. Also, some of those CAT engines had some real issues that were very costly.

C series engines were used in many bulldozers, backhoes, pumps, generators, marine, fire trucks and off highway trucks. Finding service and parts is not difficult. I have about 70K on my C 7 350HP with 860 ft lbs of torque and it's running strong! Regular maintenance, oil and filter changes and keeping the CAC & radiator clean will keep my C 7 running long after I'm gone.

 

[Chargerman]

Foretravel and Country Coach would be the two brands I would focus on. There quality was above the rest IMHO

 

[Scooterfan]

We're looking as well. Your list is very similar to ours. It's not the chassis and/or engine(s) that are challenging in our pursuit, but the floor plans (outdated). We are not fans of the walk-through bathrooms midship. Finding an enclosed bathroom or rear bathroom is a challenge. The quality builds from Coburg OR are hard to beat. We had our windshield replaced at Coach Glass across the street and had time to do a walk around. Some very nice oldies but goodies. Blessings