Diesel - Is It Worth It? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

jeanneo66 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Diesel - Is It Worth It?

ticat900 · RV-Dreams Family Member

the thor palazzo is pretty much a cheapo entry level DP. might be better off to take your 160K and buy top quality used diesel pusher

also at only 300HP 660T and loaded with 5 kids, dogs, camping gear,food,clothes and all the other junk we all haul around your toad will have to be a moped
because the gross is 26K and GC is 30 k that only allows for a 4k toad assuming your maxed on the GV@26K 300HP trying to push/haul 3oK up a mountain will be pretty sick

-- Edited by ticat900 on Saturday 9th of January 2016 11:11:30 PM

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with ticat900. Buy used. Also buy high quality. For that kind of money you should have quite a selection of Foretravels and Newells, to name two high end brands.

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

kb0zke wrote:
I agree with ticat900. Buy used. Also buy high quality. For that kind of money you should have quite a selection of Foretravels and Newells, to name two high end brands.

I'd go with this statement. For one, you buy new, and it takes a HUGE depreciation hit just rolling off the lot. Then not to mention all the "Bugs" and "Warranty" work that usually comes along with new.

You can buy some very nice "High End" and "Well Cared For" units out there.

ticat900 · RV-Dreams Family Member

When I made my statement I was not thinking Newell as for 150K your unit would be very very old and their expensive to repair and maintain

I was thinking more in the Tiffin,beaver,monaco,country coach, newmar, holiday rambler,winnibego selection

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/newell_coach/1998--newell--42--C1803

motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/newell_coach/1998--newell--45--P1216

motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/newell_coach/2001--newell--45--C1842

The first two are under $150,000 and the third is somewhat over. Many of us are full-timing in coaches that are over 20 years old.

Granted, that same $150,000 will get a newer Foretravel, if that is important to you. We were at Foretravel last week and looked at the coaches for sale there. We weren't able to get over to MOT, though, so I haven't looked at any of these. We did tour Newell last year and looked at the IH-45 (Foretravel's answer to a Newell), and overall I personally like the Foretravel better.

One of the big advantages that Newell has is their 24/7/365 phone service for ANY owner. If you have a problem you can call the factory and within 30 minutes you will be talking to someone who actually knows about your coach's problem. Yes, I'm a Foretravel owner, and I wish Foretravel would do that for us.

Russ Ranger · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think perhaps the numbers may determine the direction you go. Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC) may determine the motorhome you must choose.

Start with your towed vehicle, it's fully loaded weight, must fall within the towing capabilities of the coach. With a family of six you won't be in a small car.

I own a V10 gas powered motorhome and I can't see a gas powered motorhome with a family of 6 being capable of this task. There are also diesel motorhomes that may not be up to the task. I have a relative that did not do the numbers before buying his new 2015 diesel motorhome. It has turned into a very expensive mistake. He needed to tow a show hotrod.

New or used may be out of your control if you have a fixed budget. Don't make the mistake my brother-in-law did. Know your numbers before buying anything.

ticat900 · RV-Dreams Family Member

kb0zke wrote:
motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/newell_coach/1998--newell--42--C1803

motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/newell_coach/1998--newell--45--P1216

motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/newell_coach/2001--newell--45--C1842

The first two are under $150,000 and the third is somewhat over. Many of us are full-timing in coaches that are over 20 years old.

Granted, that same $150,000 will get a newer Foretravel, if that is important to you. We were at Foretravel last week and looked at the coaches for sale there. We weren't able to get over to MOT, though, so I haven't looked at any of these. We did tour Newell last year and looked at the IH-45 (Foretravel's answer to a Newell), and overall I personally like the Foretravel better.

One of the big advantages that Newell has is their 24/7/365 phone service for ANY owner. If you have a problem you can call the factory and within 30 minutes you will be talking to someone who actually knows about your coach's problem. Yes, I'm a Foretravel owner, and I wish Foretravel would do that for us.

when looking at the 2001 Newell Iam rolling on the floor laughing my butt off trying to picture 2 parents and 4 kids sitting around that pole stripper style dining table and white leather couch

or frolicking on the lepord skin bed LOL

look lets get realistic here now this family of six are not looking for any thing like a OLD newell or Old Foretravel those old units are extremely expensive to operate and keep maintained

jeanneo66 · RV-Dreams Community Member

I'm laughing out loud re: the leopard skin bed & stripper pole comments. I have to say I am amazed that anything like those would even be in our price range. It's like looking for a cabin & going to see luxury condos! Wow! They are impressive. With that being said I didn't see any of them that would sleep everyone.
It is very helpful to know some of the better brands. I am very naive. Not knowing anything about engines I've mostly been looking at floor plans & quality of cabinetry, etc - assuming they would put an appropriate engine in each motorhome. It is so helpful to get opinions from non-dealers. Obviously everyone you talk to sells "the best brands".
Do you know any of the better brands that have bunkhouses? I'm pretty sure I'm going to need one to keep as many kids separated as possible. The overhead beds are handy too so that we would only have to break down the sofa each night (not the dinette).
We could probably go up to $200K - just want something reliable & good value.
The super C I mentioned before ('15 Jayco Seneca) has a great floorplan; I just really love the big windshield. It's MSRP is $230K & they are offering it for $159K. If I can find a better used brand, I'm definitely open to them. I am planning as small a vehicle as possible (that will squeeze 6 in it).
Also trying to decide on the best length. I'm the wife of the family & will be the driver. I drove a Class A 30' rental for 5K miles in 3 weeks a couple years ago & did fine. My husband is legally blind.
Also any sources that you recommend for comparing brands, models, etc?
Again, thank you so much for your help! You don't know how much it means to me to help us!

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

You may find that most larger diesel pushers don't sleep many people. I know my '99 Fleetwood American Dream will sleep (4)four. There is a queen bed and a fold out couch. If want a big diesel pusher, with lots of housing accommodations, you might look at custom conversions. Some of the highway coach conversions are set up with a lot of bunks........but then you may sacrifice something else.
Lots of choices.....

ticat900 · RV-Dreams Family Member

jeanneo66 wrote:
We have a family of 6 & are planning to buy our 1st MH. I want multiple sleeping areas (at least 4-5) and my husband thinks we should get a diesel. I've narrowed it down to 3 choices (I think) at similar prices ($120-150K) - a 2015 Jayco Seneca 37FS(super C), 2016 Thor Palazzo 33.3, & 2016 Jayco Precept 35UP. Reading reviews it seems like Jayco brand is a little better in quality than Thor but not by much. The 1st 2 have diesel engines & the Precept is a V-10 gas. I like the layout of the Precept the best but could be happy with any of them. We will need to tow a vehicle that holds everyone. Would appreciate any input on diesel vs. gas as well as any experience with any of these. Thanks so much!

the more I read about you and your situation If I was you right about now I would go with the 2015 Jayco Seneca 37FS good diesel power, great floor plan for your situation

very well made unit, looks good etc price seems in the ballpark etc

jeanneo66 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks so much for your help! Now I just have to get past spending twice as much for it as I did my first house knowing that it depreciates! But worth the memories!

Thanks again!

Blessings,

Jeanne

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

jeanneo66 wrote:
Thanks so much for your help! Now I just have to get past spending twice as much for it as I did my first house knowing that it depreciates! But worth the memories!
Thanks again!
Blessings,
Jeanne

Yeah........Motorhomes, campers, RV's, boats, all sorts of toys are just huge depreciating assets.

......But one life to live so gotta enjoy it anyway we can. The price we pay for fun, leisure, and freedom to do the things you want.