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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Buying An RV -> Any RV Purchase Consultants ??
Post Info TOPIC: Any RV Purchase Consultants ??
Lightfin


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Any RV Purchase Consultants ??
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We have narrowed our motorhome purchase decision down to a few specific coaches, but we are reluctant to "pull the trigger" for fear of making a poor decision.

Are there any unbiased consultants out there that know the pros and cons of the brands and features, as well as market prices, etc. that a person can hire for a fee to help finalize and make the best decision?

We'd be happy to pay at least a few hundred dollars to help avoid making a multi-thousand dollar mistake.

Thanks!

Bob



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Bob Johnson
2013 Winnebago Journey 36M
Luvglass


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Have you thought to join RV Consumer Group? http://rv.org/class_A.htm
They can offer guidance on which brands are the best for fulltime use.
Good luck, this is an exciting time for you.

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Lightfin


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Thanks Fred.

Yes, I have gotten their reviews, and they are helpful to a point, but they don't go quite as far or as deep as I'd like.

It would be nice to have the judgement and expertise of someone who "knows" regarding such things as: "Is it worth paying $?? amount more for the supposed better quality of unit 'a' even though it's older and/or has more miles than cheaper unit 'b', etc etc.  And, I'm willing to pay for that kind of help if it's out there.

And yes, it's exciting, but also stressful !!  : )



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Bob Johnson
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NorCal Dan


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I can only speak to the brand I own and can answer specific questions that relate to Monaco. I would guess that most folks have limited experience with other brands if they have not owned one. And it would not be unusual to find 2 people with the same brand RV and one person loves it and the other hates it. Other than the folks here on the forum I do not know of any independant consultants who could help with the decision facing you. Maybe post your short list, see if there are any owners on the forum and what they think of their purchase and dealer support.

-- Edited by NorCal Dan on Wednesday 15th of July 2009 11:15:39 AM

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Mallo


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Lightfin,

At some point it's all a leap of faith.

All the rigs you posted are from quality companies.  Newmar, Winnabago and Monaco all make very good very solid class A motorhomes.

All of them have their fans.

That said I know people who swear by the Freightliner chasis how the company will stand behind you.

Course today I'm camped near someone who swears by Spartan.  You see the problem.

I wasn't being flip when I said I'd buy the one the wife liked.  I was being serious.

Go sit in the rigs find the one you and her feel you can spend a week in in the rain with no TV because you can't get a signal.

There are floor plans where we'd kill each other after a week and others where it wouldn't be an issue.

Some where on that list is a home not an RV, not a motor coach but a home no consultant will answer that.

Of course do your checks make sure the engines are sound the transmissions are sound.  Make sure the pieces that make up the home are all sound (Fridge, Propane systems, electrical systems, water systems, and if possible the sewage systems).

Ask if it's possible to spend the night in the one or two that make your short list.  We had an Excel dealer offer that as an inducement when we were shopping.  It's unlikely they will but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Spend time in them image where everything will go.  If you can't make your life fit in that rig it doesn't matter what our opinion of it is it's the wrong rig for you.

It is both that simple and that hard.

Mallo


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Jim01


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The only rig on your list that I would question is the last one with the smaller engine. I personally feel that a 39 or 40 foot MH needs at least a 300 hp engine. If you're not going to be driving in many mountains, that may not be an issue for you.

Other than that, I'd follow Mallo's advice. He made some very good points.

Jim

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Mallo


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Jim01 wrote:

The only rig on your list that I would question is the last one with the smaller engine. I personally feel that a 39 or 40 foot MH needs at least a 300 hp engine. If you're not going to be driving in many mountains, that may not be an issue for you.

Other than that, I'd follow Mallo's advice. He made some very good points.

Jim



I think I'd want to know the Torque before I booted the 275 HP Cummins from the list but something to consider is the over all horsepower / torque.

Mallo

 



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Lightfin


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Thanks much to all for the info.

Mallo, that's a lot of good and practical thoughts, several of which I had not thought about.  Thank you.

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Bob Johnson
2013 Winnebago Journey 36M
Roz


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Lightfin,

Above are some very insightful comments that will help.  I understand your wanting a "learned opinion", but as NorCal Dan stated, each person is most likely truly knowledgeable only about specific units they have owned.

You may  provide your "short list" of makes/models under consideration asking those who "have owned one" to send you a list of the features they felt were superior and also those they felt were shortcomings.  This should illicit some the type of feedback that will assist in your decision.

Charles

-- Edited by Roz on Thursday 16th of July 2009 07:54:27 AM

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