So, we are currently researching class A deisel and have a few questions....  First, I realize that everyone has different preferences...and it really is what feels right for you, however, just researching the different brands/makers, it gets a tad confusing.  What's the difference between Itasca and Winnebego?  Holiday Rambler and Monaco?  Is this a Toyota/Lexus kind of relationship (regular vs luxury) or a chevy/oldsmobile kind of relationship (same cars, different names)? 

Also read on another thread, some of the manufacturers to focus on for full timing would be:  Newmar, Tiffin, Winnebago?  Any other thoughts?  Can anyone recommend a good book or resource that outlines all the manfacturers, their low, mid and high end models, reviews, etc? 

Thanks in advance for reading and hopefully helping!!

 

 

At the last RV show we attended, there was a sign at the dealership that was selling the Tiffin motorhomes that Tiffin was the to selling Class A and that their Phaeton line was the top model of the brand.  When we were researching, we took a liking to the Phaetons, with a preference for a 42-footer because it had the "tag axle."  A tag axle are those with a second axle on the rear, usually with only one wheel in each side instead of duals like the front "rear" axle.  To Jo and I, it seemed like the tag axle really added to the stability of the coach going down the road and changing lanes.

Now, all that said, all the brands mentioned are good ones.  You just have to find one that is built to your standards.

Terry

You didn't mention your budget, or whether you are looking only at new coaches or also considering used ones. There is quite a price range from the lowest priced DP coaches to the highest priced ones. Buying a used coach can let you move up in quality for the same cash outlay. Our coach was the top of the Foretravel line in 1993, and sold new for over $350,000. We bought it this spring for much less than 10% of that. Yes, we've put new tires on it, and have some additional work to do to get it back to what it should be, but even when we're done I doubt that we'll have $35,000 in it.

We knew we would be buying a used coach, and wanted quality, so we looked only at some of the higher-end ones. The three brands that made our short list were Bluebird Wanderlodge, Foretravel, and Newell. We would have been satisfied with any one of them. We saw our Foretravel first and fell for it. Had we found one of the others first we might have gone that way. PM or email me if you'd like to know our process.