Question Which older Class A manufacturers use aluminum framing?

[davony]

Trying to find out which Class A manufacturers use aluminum framing. I know that Winnebago does but couldn't find any information on any others. We are looking for a used Class A minimum 34 foot that has aluminum frame.

 

[Rich W.]

Newmar has been building this way for over 20 years. Here’s an example of a 20 year old brochure https://newmar.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/27073538/2002-kountry-star-diesel-pusher.pdf

 

[GypsyR]

Apparently over 30 years. According to the faded sticker on the side of my 1993 Newmar that proudly proclaims its aluminum superstructure.

 

[rvkev]

Barth was built with a patented aluminum upper frame structure, then covered with aircraft aluminum. They went out of business in the late 90's. There are still plenty of Barth Coaches around. Several were built on a Gillig Chassis. Others were built on a Spartan. Then there are many built on a P30 Chevrolet Chassis. Good durable old rigs. Prices range from excellent condition in the 40K range to a few fixer upper rigs at at less than 5K. Standard RV parts are used thought the industry. Let us know if you made a purchase yet.

 

[davony]

We haven't purchased yet. I found a couple 2007 Winnebago 38j's across the country but haven't been able to check them out due to weather.
There is a 2007 Itasca 38j about an hour away I am planning to go check out soon. They are a little high on their price but may be doable.
We fell in love with that particular floor plan of Winnebago.

 

[davony]

2005-2008 I have been told by someone was Winnebagos best years. Says he used to be a Winnebago rep.
That 38 J floor plan can't be beat as far as we are concerned

 

[rvkev]

Here is a link to some aluminum Barth coaches.

url=Barth Coaches For Sale - Forum

 

[tdkkart]

Before you buy anything Winnebago, you might want to look at some of this guy's videos, specifically those pertaining to Winnebago or Itasca roofs. The stuff he shows about the roof construction is downright scary to me.

https://www.youtube.com/@AZExpert/videos

 

[davony]

Before you buy anything Winnebago, you might want to look at some of this guy's videos, specifically those pertaining to Winnebago or Itasca roofs. The stuff he shows about the roof construction is downright scary to me.

https://www.youtube.com/@AZExpert/videos

I skimmed through some of his videos but I will look further. It sounds more like he is talking about 2012 and up.
I will do more research. Thank you

 

[rvkev]

On the other hand, an average weight person can walk on the roof of a Barth. Some Barth motor coaches even had diamond plate roof for rooftop entertainment.

 

[davony]

I'm sure they were well built. I'm not looking to go that far back. I want to stay no older than 2003 and I definitely don't want anything built since the pandemic.

 

[davony]

Looking for gasoline engine and I really want something around 2003-2008 range

 

[davony]

UPDATE any and all comments appreciated.
Going to go look at a 2010 Georgetown 378TS. The pictures online look amazing and it has 53,776 miles on it.
I have taken advice to not go for a winnebago because of the roof issues they have had. Anyone know anything about the Forest River Georgetown?

 

[rvkev]

Looking for gasoline engine and I really want something around 2003-2008 range

I understand folks want what fits there wants and there needs. I prefer older with less technology. Most things I own do not have much technology.

There is a gentleman on the Barth site that appears to be working on a Chevy 350 in his Barth. That Barth coach is 52 years old. Not much technology in a 52 year old school 350 engine.

 

[davony]

There is a lot to be said about all of the latest technology. One of my concerns is the 10 year rule. I here of some people getting by with it when the unit is only a few years older and is in excellent shape.
What has your experience been with the 10 year rule? Most of those parks I wouldn't want to be in but there are a few.

 

[tdkkart]

There is a lot to be said about all of the latest technology. One of my concerns is the 10 year rule. I here of some people getting by with it when the unit is only a few years older and is in excellent shape.
What has your experience been with the 10 year rule? Most of those parks I wouldn't want to be in but there are a few.

In almost every case, when this question comes up the answer is usually "no problem". Some will ask for a picture of your rig and if it's well kept it's normally not an issue.
Seemingly, the rule is in place so that they can control things like schoolies and other "undesireables" without causing a fuss. "Says right here in our policies......."

 

[Knobs]

... One of my concerns is the 10 year rule....

In almost every case, when this question comes up the answer is usually "no problem". Some will ask for a picture of your rig and if it's well kept it's normally not an issue.
Seemingly, the rule is in place so that they can control things like schoolies and other "undesireables" without causing a fuss. "Says right here in our policies......."

My feeling exactly. It is an easy to explain rule to keep out the undesirable, poorly kept, junky, etc.

 

[SpikeE]

I understand folks want what fits there wants and there needs. I prefer older with less technology. Most things I own do not have much technology.

There is a gentleman on the Barth site that appears to be working on a Chevy 350 in his Barth. That Barth coach is 52 years old. Not much technology in a 52 year old school 350 engine.

I have a 84 Winnebago 33 cheiftain. Its all old school to me. That 454 is totally bare compared to newer. Love it no air pump ect

 

[Barthguy]

Trying to find out which Class A manufacturers use aluminum framing. I know that Winnebago does but couldn't find any information on any others. We are looking for a used Class A minimum 34 foot that has aluminum frame.

Barth.