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Hello All,
Nine year ago we come off of the road due to our parent's health situation. We want to go back again but in a Class A this time around.
It has become very difficult to determine which manufactures/models are considered to have the build quality for full-time use.
We began looking at Class C's but have come to realized a lack of storage both inside as well as outside for full timing.
We need to stay with a used rig and gas engine to accommodate our budget. We feel a 26'-30' Class A would fulfill our needs with the right floor plan but could stretch that some if needed.
Any suggestions, recommendations or good sources for further research would be greatly appreciated.
Seems to be a lack of information on the part of the manufactures to supply construction and materials used in their products.
So much out there that it has become mind boggling. With your help, the folks that know, perhaps we can make a better choice.
Thanks,
Dan and Rita Spencer
USAF Retired
There are differing opinions about what RV is best or better, but if I were in your position, I would be shopping for one of the following, based on our 12 years on the road fulltime in a gas powered class A.
Tiffin Open Road, previously the Allegro
Newmar Canyon Star
Winnebago Adventurer
In my opinion, those are the top manufacturers of gasoline powered motorhomes for quality and reliability.
There are differing opinions about what RV is best or better, but if I were in your position, I would be shopping for one of the following, based on our 12 years on the road fulltime in a gas powered class A.
Tiffin Open Road, previously the Allegro
Newmar Canyon Star
Winnebago Adventurer
In my opinion, those are the top manufacturers of gasoline powered motorhomes for quality and reliability.
Thanks Kirk,
We'll certainly check them out. It's difficult finding the right floor plan and keep the length and number of slides to a minimum. When did manufactures become so slide happy!
Dan
I concur with what Kirk said. I have seen many of those out and about. The owners that of them that I have talked to all said they liked the rigs. Wife and I full-time in a 33ft Class C. It does lack storage that you get on Class A's and 5ers.
I concur with what Kirk said. I have seen many of those out and about. The owners that of them that I have talked to all said they liked the rigs. Wife and I full-time in a 33ft Class C. It does lack storage that you get on Class A's and 5ers.
Thanks Doc,
I checked your rig out on a YouTube Video. Very Plush, lots of nice features. Did it come with hydraulic leveling jacks? I'm a advocate of AZDEL and hope more manufactures begin using it. I run every time I here the word "Luan". Is your roof TPO?
Dan
Hi Dan,
Our did come with hydraulic leveling jacks. We have the TPO roof with RV Armor on top of it. We still inspect the roof monthly when we check vent pipes, a/c, etc. and then clean it every quarter.
Hi Dan,
Our did come with hydraulic leveling jacks. We have the TPO roof with RV Armor on top of it. We still inspect the roof monthly when we check vent pipes, a/c, etc. and then clean it every quarter.
I'm not a fan of TPO roofs. Had nothing but problems with our 5th wheel. I checked out RV Armor, not cheap but they make it sound good. Too bad the RV industry couldn't just use it in the beginning and we wouldn't need to protect our interest.
Dan
I'm not a fan of TPO roofs.
Dan
Me neither. The rough texture of TPO vinyl holds dirt and is tough to keep clean. The felt-like underlayer absorbs and wicks moisture. My present roof has smooth vinyl on it and I really like it, easy to clean. Dirt, algae, mold, and mildew just wash right off. Looks as good at five years as it did new.
My present roof has smooth vinyl on it and I really like it, easy to clean. Dirt, algae, mold, and mildew just wash right off. Looks as good at five years as it did new.
What is your present roof material and on what RV?
Dan
Edited October 9 by Dan & Rita Spencer
Our RV home had an EDPM roof which served well but the constant chalking was a pain. My present little travel trailer has an aluminum roof with is much like the RVs we had back before 1990. Those have good and bad points too. We have two friends who have had RV Armor and both have been happy. One of them was pleased enough the first time that when he traded to a new motorhome he had RV Armor do his roof as soon as the 2 year warranty was up.
What is your present roof material and on what RV?
Dan
PVC (vinyl) on a fifth wheel.
We have two friends who have had RV Armor and both have been happy. One of them was pleased enough the first time that when he traded to a new motorhome he had RV Armor do his roof as soon as the 2 year warranty was up.
StraitRVing like his RV Armor roof as well.
You suggested we take a look at the Allegro Open Road 30GA and we like what we see so far in pictures and videos. It would have to be one 5-7 years old to align with our budget. I especially like the molded fiberglass roof. I'm trying to find more about the outside sidewall construction. Of course Rita likes all of the inside storage! Men have different priorities, right!
Know of anyone members here on the forum that I could sent a private message to and ask some questions about their Open Road?
Dan
I'm not a fan of TPO roofs. Had nothing but problems with our 5th wheel. I checked out RV Armor, not cheap but they make it sound good. Too bad the RV industry couldn't just use it in the beginning and we wouldn't need to protect our interest.
Dan
I agree. When we purchased the RV we had RV Armor come right out and do the roof. Brand new RV and the tech found issues with the TPO already. He basically removed a lot of it and replaced it then put down the RV Armor on top. I think he might have replaced it with vinyl and then did the RV Armor.
If you can find a well cared for unit, and not afraid of age, I'd also add:
-National's Dolphin to your list - 36' coaches were available on Workhorse with 8.1 5 & I believe 6spd Allisons. Or the Ford F53 with the 5spd transmission. They were, and if properly cared for, are, good solid coaches.
-Also, Newmar had the Mountain Aire available in Gas Class A's too. Probably one of the top quality and appointed gas coaches of the mid 2000 era.
-Finally. Often overlooked, are two other smaller volume makers: 1) Tipple E - Made some very nice coaches, I believe mostly on F53 chassis; 2) Rexhall - Also made some unique, very livable layout gas Class A's. Both Workhorse and F53.
===
And if you want something a bit unique, the Workhorse UFO Chassis, with the 8.1 with Allison 5spd, rear engine coaches - are mostly loved by their owners. Monaco's Holiday Rambler and Rexhall - would be the two I'd focus on if those grab our attention. The 37' Rexhall UFO based unit, had two large T-Rex Superslides (And Bill Rex, designed one of the best slides in the industry, and one piece fiberglass roofs too, also Steel Framed all around the cockpit for added safety.), was soooo big - you could square-dance inside of it. More room then many 40-42' DP's...
Happy hunting to you,
Smitty
If you can find a well cared for unit, and not afraid of age, I'd also add:
-National's Dolphin to your list - 36' coaches were available on Workhorse with 8.1 5 & I believe 6spd Allisons. Or the Ford F53 with the 5spd transmission. They were, and if properly cared for, are, good solid coaches.
-Also, Newmar had the Mountain Aire available in Gas Class A's too. Probably one of the top quality and appointed gas coaches of the mid 2000 era.
-Finally. Often overlooked, are two other smaller volume makers: 1) Tipple E - Made some very nice coaches, I believe mostly on F53 chassis; 2) Rexhall - Also made some unique, very livable layout gas Class A's. Both Workhorse and F53.
===
And if you want something a bit unique, the Workhorse UFO Chassis, with the 8.1 with Allison 5spd, rear engine coaches - are mostly loved by their owners. Monaco's Holiday Rambler and Rexhall - would be the two I'd focus on if those grab our attention. The 37' Rexhall UFO based unit, had two large T-Rex Superslides (And Bill Rex, designed one of the best slides in the industry, and one piece fiberglass roofs too, also Steel Framed all around the cockpit for added safety.), was soooo big - you could square-dance inside of it. More room then many 40-42' DP's...
Happy hunting to you,
Smitty
Smitty,
Thanks, I needed some more option to research. This will keep me busy for awhile!
We considered looking at a Tiffin Open Road 30GA but was sold. That was one of the suggestions from Kirt W..
I sent you a private message with a couple of questions.
Dan
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