Question Poll to learn more about the community.

[marc2912]

My coach doesn't have the dinette. It has a table and chairs just like a house. The car seat anchors are on the couches. They are not visable. You have to reach down behind the bottom cushions to find them. The couches are then bolted to the floor. So maybe you just need a Class A without the dinette? It's something to check into.

The holiday rambler Nautica 35QZ is also a really interesting design I landed upon with a separate "kids bunk room". Never read much on HR. Is there any good literature you can reco on the brand?

 

["EZ"]

The holiday rambler Nautica 35QZ is also a really interesting design I landed upon with a separate "kids bunk room". Never read much on HR. Is there any good literature you can reco on the brand?

I don't know about literature but Holiday Rambler was built by Monaco back in the hey day of Class A diesel pushers. There were not many any better. Certainly not for anywhere near the money! I wanted a non-emission diesel engine so that's why I bought our 2006. I've sold diesel commercial trucks for a living for 30 years so I knew how bad some of the issues could be with the newer emission diesel engines. There are horror stories everywhere. It's not the RV manufacturers fault and I don't blame Cummins because most of their competition simply quit building on-road diesel engines as the emissions got stricter and stricter in 2003, 2007 and 2010. It almost bankrupted many of them. Somehow Cummins figured out a way to meet emissions with the DEF system but it is FAR FROM PERFECT. That being said, there's not much else you can do if you want a new coach with all the modern amenities except hope for the best and bite the bullet!

 

[marc2912]

I don't know about literature but Holiday Rambler was built by Monaco back in the hey day of Class A diesel pushers. There were not many any better. Certainly not for anywhere near the money! I wanted a non-emission diesel engine so that's why I bought our 2006. I've sold diesel commercial trucks for a living for 30 years so I knew how bad some of the issues could be with the newer emission diesel engines. There are horror stories everywhere. It's not the RV manufacturers fault and I don't blame Cummins because most of their competition simply quit building on-road diesel engines as the emissions got stricter and stricter in 2003, 2007 and 2010. It almost bankrupted many of them. Somehow Cummins figured out a way to meet emissions with the DEF system but it is FAR FROM PERFECT. That being said, there's not much else you can do if you want a new coach with all the modern amenities except hope for the best and bite the bullet!

Once again, thanks EZ. So far, short of getting a 14-15 yo newmar this is the best layout I found, it’s a really unique floor plan. Going to do some research but hoping HR is the same quality it used to be. The nautica is it’s cheapest diesel line and was it’s only line with a floor plan we like but price wise it’s not too bad.

 

["EZ"]

Once again, thanks EZ. So far, short of getting a 14-15 yo newmar this is the best layout I found, it’s a really unique floor plan. Going to do some research but hoping HR is the same quality it used to be. The nautica is it’s cheapest diesel line and was it’s only line with a floor plan we like but price wise it’s not too bad.

Look at the Fleetwood brand too. It's also made by REV like the Holiday Rambler is now. We really liked the Fleetwoods at the shows we've been to. They are very similar to the HR line but each has it's own personality.

 

[marc2912]

Look at the Fleetwood brand too. It's also made by REV like the Holiday Rambler is now. We really liked the Fleetwoods at the shows we've been to. They are very similar to the HR line but each has it's own personality.

I had. Unfortunately only the discovery lxe has something that aligns and it’s msrp is over $500k. Nothing on the American coach line.

 

["EZ"]

I had. Unfortunately only the discovery lxe has something that aligns and it’s msrp is over $500k. Nothing on the American coach line.

Yeah, them new coaches are expensive aren't they???!!!!

 

[marc2912]

Yeah, them new coaches are expensive aren't they???!!!!

Yeah some get a little crazy for me, regardless I’m not as into the high luxury look they offer so it’s not a disappointment. My budget is more around the 250 to 300 mark and I’m pretty set on a diesel pusher so it leaves more entry level buses or used.

 

["EZ"]

Yeah some get a little crazy for me, regardless I’m not as into the high luxury look they offer so it’s not a disappointment. My budget is more around the 250 to 300 mark and I’m pretty set on a diesel pusher so it leaves more entry level buses or used.

If you've got $250-$300K then you can buy a NICE coach. You don't have to settle for an entry level coach. Get a nice used one a few years old like a Fleetwood or Holiday Rambler. They both have the over head bunk over the captains chairs available. Get a 40' with a Cummins. It'll be nice! Check out the 2018 HR Endeavor. That's the year they made the heated floor STANDARD. That's a nice feature for those shiny tile floors! We almost bought one in 2018. Seems we were getting prices in the upper $200k for a new one. They might be UNDER your budget by now.

 

[marc2912]

If you've got $250-$300K then you can buy a NICE coach. You don't have to settle for an entry level coach. Get a nice used one a few years old like a Fleetwood or Holiday Rambler. They both have the over head bunk over the captains chairs available. Get a 40' with a Cummins. It'll be nice! Check out the 2018 HR Endeavor. That's the year they made the heated floor STANDARD. That's a nice feature for those shiny tile floors! We almost bought one in 2018. Seems we were getting prices in the upper $200k for a new one. They might be UNDER your budget by now.

When I said entry level it was in a new coach, i know that used I can get A LOT of coach for that. I think my largest issue is floorplan, wife made it clear that this needs to be more than aisle bunks and that's REALLY going to limit my options. (above the captain chair doesn't work for the age of my kids). I found some amazing coaches around 3-4 years old with low miles but ... floorplan. It is sooo restraining and probably why I complain so much about it.

 

[FL-JOE]

I took the poll mainly because we are "reformed" Class A DP folks, having gone back to a fiver.

First of all I think many part time traveling RVers lean toward coaches because they really don't want to have a big pickup truck sitting around or have to use one as a daily driver while not camping. Also, for many the biggest thing they have ever driven has been a mini van. The thought of driving a 40 or 43' DP is one thing, the thought of hooking up to a 40' fiver and pulling it is entirely another thing.

We spent 3 years in a wonderful 43' tag axle DP (purchased new). It was a dream to drive and as full timers very comfortable.

Currently we are in a 44' Toy Hauler fiver. It actually has more livability, 80% less annual maintenance costs, and I am getting 40% better mpg traveling. If we didn't haul a 1,100 pound motorcycle in the rear garage it is equipped with two queen bunks and a 1/2 bath, so it could be a 8'x13' bedroom for two children.

My point is don't be too quick to rule out pull behinds and fivers. There are a ton of floorplans out there that are set up for parents with a couple kids.