Just bought my first luxury RV. 2016 Newmar Dutch Star. I agree the maintenance is key. Other than the digital das on the newer model, you really can't tell the difference between new and 8 years old. And we paid almost half the price of new. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment as this coach was impeccably serviced and maintained.
Not gonna lie, I was SUPER nervous to listen to this video as I just closed on my first ever Motorhome purchase (first EVER RV in general!!). I've done a good amount of research myself then the dealership also gave me some advice. Just picked up an Entegra Vision 29f for the Family. I cannot wait for the season to open up here so I can get out and enjoy it!
That's a great choice! Entegra is a good brand to choose from. They have a lot of loyal fans. And yes, I think everyone is getting ready for RVing season to be here now. The sooner, the better! :-)
I basically agree with you choices. One of the key elements that the top ones on the list is not just customer satisfaction but customer service. I know if you bought a 15+ year old Newmar and call customer service, they will help trouble shoot problems you may be having. I have heard Winnebago will also.
Very good point Roy. In fact, I considered customer service as an important factor in making my list of the top brands. Unfortunately, some brands make a reasonably good product but just don't follow it up with good customer service. But when you get the combination of a quality product and great customer service together, it makes for a pretty great buying experience in most cases. Thanks for chiming in on this Roy.
@@RVInspectionAndCare You are so right on that. If more companies today realized the MAJOR role CS plays they would have many come back customers. As a retired lady I would so appreciate good customer service but rarely can find it. Not like the old days when you could go back to the place and buy again.
Great video. I would like for you to add another video covering 20 year old coaches. A lot of folk are shopping pre-def diesel pushers pre industry implosion of 08. Sans condition, information covering chassis, engines, build quality, etc., may be of some help to folk looking at older coach. Thanks again for your help to the industry. I appreciate your style, easy to listen to commentary, and knowledge of the industry. it is appreciated.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Please do make a video of how well these better made diesel pushers are doing today. I'm looking to purchase a lovely 1999 Newmar Dutch Star Class A with 59000 to live in and eventually relocated in AZ. Looking fwd to your videos. Just subscribed
My father-in-law has a 2010 Monaco Riptide gasser and it's still a solid unit. For modern diesels, the Super C Jayco Seneca on the Freightliner chassis is a beast! If I was in the market for a diesel pusher, I'd probably choose a Tiffin. Great video!
For sure, older Monaco's were usually great coaches. And Tiffin has built some of the best diesel pushers out there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Really helpful to make the right choice because when you try to have info's with regular peoples you get enswer depending what they like or think they know. Good job
I couldn't agree more Andy. A lot of RVers like to think that whatever choice they made for an RV is the best for everyone. And it's hard for them to be objective. But I try to keep my video information as fair as possible. Thanks for appreciating that!
Gonna be dropping about 100k give or take in about a year and doing my due diligence in research. Pretty much settled on a diesel pusher. Holiday Rambler made the top of my list so far mainly the mid 2000s. Appreciate the insights.
HR made some fine coaches in those years. I always highly recommend getting an RV inspection on an RV of that vintage though, just to be sure. I hope you find exactly what you're looking for!
That is awesome Daralen! We have a 2004 Newmar diesel pusher ourselves. We love it and it's built like a tank. Thanks for being a loyal channel watcher. I really appreciate it!
@@RVInspectionAndCare Yes. Had a few expensive issues with the turbo/actuator at 33k miles but have been happy with the coach and all it offers us. The 1997 Fleetwood Tioga Class C was a great starter coach. Zero problems but no slides so as the kids got older and bigger, we needed more room. The Class A gasser was a Pace Arrow. A few fixes were needed but the ride was what one expects in a Class A - we joked that our fillings would come loose when we road on bumpy roads.....
@@Momster89 Ha!Ha! Yeah, that's a common complaint about gassers. The suspension and handling often need a little help. But there are some great aftermarket products that help solve those issues now. I'm glad that the Tiffin is working well for you. They make a great coach.
This is really helpful. I've been wishing someone would do something like this. I started looking at the RV life about 20 months ago and have found most people don't want to distinguish between brands. It's hard to find any good words about Fleetwood so that was especially helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Randy. I felt that there was a need for a video like this too, so I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Fleetwood has had some issues in the past but the good news is that they seem to be improving in recent years. But it's hard to live down previous impressions some folks have.
Good video! Know it is subjective but actually surprised that Thor came up on your list as we hear so many negatives about quality of some of their products, which consist of hundreds. They are the largest. Although all have pros and cons
I understand your surprise Ramiro. The problem with many opinions on this subject is that a lot of folks compare RVs that are in totally different cost ranges. When we do that, it is only natural that the lower cost RVs will be considered unfavorably in such a comparison. But if you take the cost range into account, and compare all of the lower cost manufacturers, Thor actually builds an acceptable product. At least in my opinion anyway. Now if you compare them to Newmar or Tiffin, Thor is going to lose almost every time. But Thor is building their Class As for a whole different subset of RV buyers. And for those buyers, and the cost of the rigs they make, the quality is mostly reasonable when compared to other brands in the same cost area. Having said that, I personally wish that almost all of the brands did a better job at quality control before their rigs left the factory.
Super Video! I love the different class comparisons and going back ten years and then some regarding maintenance . Also you stressed that this is just your experience so great job ... Cheers from Nova Scotia
Glad you enjoyed the video. Some don't like my breaking the comparison out into different levels, but I think it's the only fair way to do it. It's great to have a viewer from Nova Scotia too! :-)
I'm really glad I read through many of your comments and you clarified why you didn't include several brands. I thought is this guy for real when he didn't include Newell and Foretravel, especial Newell. IMHO, I don't think there is a better brand on the market than Newell. Even their used ones I guess could be considered very high end. For someone looking for a quality motor coach, I would be looking hard at a used WELL MAINTAINED (as you stated) bus style for a diesel pusher but you are still looking at a lot of money. They were built to go several hundred thousand miles with nary a squeak or rattle (and many people simply don't need that). When you get ready to sell or trade however, for whatever reason, you'll get much more of your money back UNLESS you bought a new one and then they are like cars, the first year of depreciation is wicked but still no where near what driving a new car off the lot would be. I appreciate your clarification why "those" brands were left off your list Duane. There is a lot of difference between a manufactured coach when compared to a bus conversion. Thanks for your video.
You are so right that Newell is a great manufacturer. I just couldn't fairly compare them to the brands that aren't in that price range. I'm glad that you read through the comments and understood my reasoning on that. I have gotten more feedback from Newell fans on this video than I ever expected. But I assure everyone that watches this video that if Newell had been included in this list, they would have been at the very top of the list in every way. Thanks for both watching and leaving such a nice comment!
I agree but those coaches exceed 40 feet and are not for everyone. The very specific decor that the original buyer chose becomes dated quickly. I would rather buy a production coach and spend money to update it.
Thanks for the video. We love our Tiffin after first going with another brand at the lower end. Wish I would have found you 4 years ago, but this will be helpful to many. Keep up the good work.
Thanks D.C. Yes, Tiffin has made excellent coaches for many years now. They have a very loyal following, especially for customer service. Thanks for watching and leaving us a comment about your experience with Tiffin RVs.
It's coming Jeff. The premium brands like Prevost, Newell and Foretravel are in a category of their own. I hope to be able to cover them soon. Thanks for watching!
American Coach is making RVs again, under new ownership. And for lots of cash, Newell and Prevost are in the extreme luxury class. Great synopsis of today's RV sector. Thanks Duane!
Hi Jim. Newell and Prevost are really in a class by themselves and out of the reach of most RV buyers. I probably should have included Foretravel but they are also on the higher end and they don't build a lot of coaches each year either. However, Foretravel is a great quality manufacturer.
Great video! Your opinion is valuable due to the fact that you are a certified inspector and have inspected many motorhomes. I'm sure you are forming your opinions based on your findings of the different brands you have inspected.
That's part of it Louie. But I also do a lot of research for my TH-cam channel. So I pay attention to what is said by reliable RVers in forums and on websites. I also read RV reviews a lot too and ask RVers I meet about their impressions of the RV they own. Overall, if you do that long enough, clear patterns start to emerge about RV manufacturers and the quality of their products. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@RVInspectionAndCare Purchased our first RV in 2004. We purchased a new 31ft. class C Winnebago. It was a great starter coach and we loved it. Had it for 10 years with no major issues. We decided to switch to a class A, so we purchased a Holiday Rambler Vacationer. I was not happy with the ride. Rode rough and seemed like the dash was going to fall apart on every bump. Other than that it was a nice coach. However, we decided to go back to Winnebago. This time we went with the Forza 38W. Love the coach, love the smooth ride and all a diesel pusher offers. Customer service at Winnebago has been great. Every time I have a question or need assistance I'm connected with a representative within minutes.
It sounds like you found the perfect RV for your needs Louie. And Winnebago is known for their great customer service. Holiday Rambler also builds a quality product, but a lot of Class A gassers need extra work on their suspension to make them handle like they should. You should be very happy with your diesel pusher though. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
I'm wanting to fill time RV..I look at it as saving up for home on wheels. Stock my kitchen and cook in it I just wished these RV makers would combine black and grey tank make it same size as fresh tank. Also more energy. I'd ad solar panels being cost effective all about choices lol
Great info . i wanna hear from someone who inspects coaches to me their the ones that see the major F ups that manufactures give consumers. Thanks for this video!
So glad it was helpful Scooby. It's true that we inspectors see things that most other RVers don't. And after a while a pattern develops about each brand so you often know what to expect. Thanks for watching!
how funny, I watch a video yesterday on diesel pushers from oregon - monaco, beaver and country coach ..... very confusing to a new person who has a vw bus and a minivan
Newell Coach (Miami, Oklahoma)? Foretravel (Nacogdoches, TX)? Understand not covering Bus conversions as they are not exactly built for purpose Class A motorhomes, (ie Prevost conversions, liberty, Marathon, etc) and bus conversions may represent an entirely different animal from Class A diesel pushers. But have owned both Newell and Foretravel motorhomes, and both really seem to be several levels above the rest of Luxury Class A motorhomes that I have owned or toured. Really enjoy you videos, thank you for all the time, research, and effort you put into your presentations, you keep making em, I'll keep watching them.
That's a good question Don. I deliberately left Newell and Foretravel, as well as Prevost, out of this list for a couple of reasons. I wanted to focus on the major manufacturers that put out a lot of RVs each year. And I also wanted to include mainly RV brands that most people who watch my videos would recognize and could afford. So in my opinion, Newell, Foretravel, and other high end brands are kind of in a category of their own. They are all well known for high quality products. But they don't make many of them and you pay a steep price for the quality they produce. As you said they are "several levels above" other Class As. I'm so glad that you enjoy my videos and are loyally supporting the channel. That means a lot!
Thanks for mentioning that George. It's true that Triple E is not selling Class As anymore, but they still have a website and they are aligned with Leisure Travel Vans, which still makes some really fine Class B+ RVs. Here is a link to their site - tripleerv.com/products/
When it comes to DP's, I've always felt that Winnebago looked very low quality when I was shopping for a MH. Same opinion when it came to Holiday Rambler. But I respect your opinion.
I understand what you are saying. But Winnebago and Holiday Rambler coaches of 10+ years ago have a lot of very loyal and happy customers who are satisfied overall with the quality of their rig. Of course, not everyone feels the same way. But that is true of almost any brand out there. In general, I feel myself that both of them have been more reliable overall than many other other brands. But of course, that is just my opinion. And as I said in the video, this subject is very subjective. Thanks for contributing your thoughts on the subject though. It's much appreciated!
In the high-end diesel pusher list, I was surprised no mention of Newell or Foretravel. A cared-for used coach by either of these manufacturers, from my research, can be a better coach than a new one by other manufacturers, and much less expensive.
Good point Tony. Newell and Foretravel make very high quality coaches. But they cost so much more than the average Class A, even used, that I did not include them in the list. They also don't build very many coaches each year either. So I kind of consider them in a class of their own. I just tried to cover the brands that most RVers are familiar with and would be shopping. Thanks for mentioning those brands though.
Had me worried for a minute as ive been researching Thor Vegas/Axis 24.1 for a few months now as im waiting for the Mrs to join me in retirement in the next 3 years........
Actually I am no longer recommending Thor at this point Mose. It's not that you can't get a good RV from them. But there are other brands that are just putting out a more consistently better product now. I would recommend that you consider Jayco's gas Class A offerings instead. Thanks for watching!
Always thought a good rule of thumb was to look at the industry standards for automotive products, usually coming from extreme testing like racing, so if a manufacturer consistently proves reliability then it should follow with consumer applications. Same thing with gas vs. diesel engines. If you examine the harshest conditions demanded from commercial vehicles, interstate trucking necessitates a diesel engine, there being NO gas powered 18 wheelers. We’ll have to see where E-trucks land in this scenario…
I have heard from other RV techs that the Winnebago roof systems are substandard design, fraught with problems/replacements. I'm wondering why you have not heard or experienced same.
Hi Peyton. There a lot of opinions you hear out there about brands. But the truth about Winnebago is that they traditionally score very well for both overall quality and customer service with their customers. And I have had very positive impressions about the company from what I have seen as well. But as I always say, rating brands is subjective. So if anyone disagrees with my selection, I understand.
There was a very widely circulated story (with photos) of a brand new Newmar King Aire being driven home from the factory went it caught fire. Newmar turned their back on him as I recall. Have your attorney review any warranty contract before signing if you're buying a high price coach.
Unfortunately, Thor is not on my recommended list for Class A motorhomes. That doesn't mean that you can't get a good Thor RV. But I feel that there are better choices for similar money.
As I have mentioned in some of the comments below, I regard Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost as being in a class of their own at the very high end of Class A RVs. And it's not really fair to compare their standard of quality (much better) with those of higher production builders as you find on my list of recommended Class A RVs. Foretravel is an excellent brand and I hope you will be enjoying your RV for many years to come. But it just doesn't belong in this discussion IMO.
Actually I agree that Newell and Foretravel make excellent coaches. I did not include them in my list because they simply don't build many RVs each year, especially when compared to the brands that are on my list. Therefore, they are not as recognizable as Newmar or Tiffin. I feel that Newell, Foretravel and Prevost is kind of in a league of their own. And it would be unfair to compare them with a production-minded company like the ones I recommended on my list. But you are so right about their quality ... Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
Thank you for the great video. We have an entry level gasser and are now looking to buy a new Newmar gasser. Do you know of any RV Inspectors in Louisiana and what is the average cost for an RV inspection? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Jesse. I don't know any RV inspectors in LA personally, but there are some listed on the map at nrvia.org/locate/ Any NRVIA certified RV inspector is well trained to perform a quality inspection for you. As far as cost goes, this video can be helpful about that - th-cam.com/video/BxVViCeFCqU/w-d-xo.html
New Class-A RVs, Tiffin & Newmar, as long as Thor and Winnebago stay out of their operations. Used Class-A RVs, Country Coach, Monaco, Tiffin & Newmar. Others, I don't even consider. Bonus: New & Used Super-C RVs, Dynamax & Renegade.
Those are all good recommendations. And yes, we all hope that Winnebago and Thor will let Newmar and Tiffin continue their tradition of putting out quality products. We'll see!
This video was filmed in 2022, are there any changes to the recommendations updated for 2024? I am currently considering an Entegra Reatta but I am open to similar sized Forest River Berkshire 34B or others. I also may try to go for a new 2023 closeout.
Hi Daniel. The Reatta is still a good choice. But my full list of recommended Class A RVs has more models that fall in that price range that would be good for you to consider. You can download the guidebook at payhip.com/b/pSyQG I hope that helps. BTW, Forest River is not on my recommended list.
Where do brands like Newell, Prevost, Foretravel and Liberty Coach fit in? Are these in a different class than the ones you are referencing in the video?
Yes, they are in the premium segment of the Class A market. So it just isn't fair to compare them with RVs that are in much higher production and cost much less. This video is about the Class A brands that most people will encounter when they go shopping for a Class A. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Another great content video Duane! We’ve been researching and very close to your “10 years ago diesel pushers”. What do you think of the Western Recreation Alpine coaches? They seem to be very “Country Coach” like. Thanks!
Hi Doug. Actually Western RV coaches like the Alpine were pretty well built and compare favorably with other brands from that era. Unfortunately, the company didn't last. But an Alpine that has been really well cared for could be a great deal these days.
Any Dynamax product gets a thumbs up from me. They have been building quality RVs for years. But I still recommend an RV inspection before taking delivery just to make sure that everything is operating the way it should.
That's hard to say. The major Class A motorhome diesel engine manufacturers have been Cummins, Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel. And truthfully. IMO they all have built a really good product.
We have a1999 American Heritage 45’ that has been very well maintained. Have you had any experience with American Coaches from around that time period? We feel the quality of workmanship has been extremely high.
Yes Ann, American is well known for their quality in those years. There are some very fine brands from 20 years ago that I couldn't mention in my list because it doesn't go back that far. But no doubt you have a well-built coach that will last for many years to come with the right maintenance.
Newell is a very high quality coach. Unfortunately, they don't produce many RVs each year and they are also relatively very expensive. So I didn't include them in this list as they are not a manufacturer that most of my listeners would be considering. But their quality is without question. Great question Gaymon.
As I have explained before in the comments for this video, I consider Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost as being in a class all by themselves. They certainly are not in the price range for the average Class A buyer. And they also don't build very many units per year. So in my opinion they don't belong in this video. I hope to make another one about them soon.
With all of your training, research and inspection that you have done, I would agree with your lists. I do hope that ALL of the manufacturer's would invest in a quality control system that would raise the bar across the board. The price of 250/300K for a middle of the road new class A coach deserves a great fit and finish. For the matter so does a 12ft pop up. I guess it's in the consumer's hand. Buy or don't buy! THANKS DUANE SAFE TRAVELS
I couldn't agree with you more Ron. Better factory quality control is desperately needed in the RV industry. Maybe we will begin to see things changing for the better on that score soon. I sure hope so. All the best Ron!
I usually recommend that RVers looking into buying a DP consider either either Tiffin or Newmar. They are at the top of their category and have been there for several years now. I hope that helps.
I just purchased a class A gas. Winnebago did not impress me with their adventurer. A very bland motorhome with no backsplash and the refrigerators were smaller. The price difference did not make it worth it for me. I also sold a class C Winnebago and other than both slide motors giving up the ghost within a year at $500 each, I was happy with it. I feel Newmar is also overpriced. We are basically dealing with the same gas chassis from Ford so the difference is what is on the chassis. I like the way Newmar constructs their motorhomes but with every floor plan they lacked something we wanted. So that is a personal choice. The price of the Newmars are really up there if you buy new and I just didn’t think it was worth paying that much more than what I paid. I ended up buying a Entegra emblem 36u. I agree it is the middle of the road but that is usually what I personally do. Not top of the line not the bottom. The 2-3 warranty Entegra gives, the huge window up front, quality full body paint with a full size residential fridge with a bath and 1/2 for the price I bought it for was well worth it. That’s my two cents. Thanks Wayne for your opinions.
Entegra is a great manufacturer Doug and I'm sure that you will be happy with your purchase. The great thing about RVs is there is plenty of variety and we get to choose what works best for our own wants and needs, right? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject. It may be helpful for others who are reading the comments here. :-)
Absolutely! Beaver was a great manufacturer. In fact, we almost bought a Beaver before we settled on our Newmar coach. But like you said, it was a brand that went defunct more than 10 years ago, so I didn't include it on my list.
As I have mentioned in some of the comments below, I regard Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost as being in a class of their own at the very high end of Class A RVs. And it's not really fair to compare their standard of quality (much better) with those of higher production builders as you find on my list of recommended Class A RVs. Newell is an excellent brand, but it just doesn't belong in this discussion IMO.
Hi Dwayne, my brother has his eye on a 2002 Thor Marana motor coach. Its at a dealership in Houston. he tells me its has 1 to 2 miles on it. The dealership is asking $169 and with the magic of financing, fees, and taxes $198. I've never owned an RV but have always heard they're not an investment. I have not seen the RV but to me has bad deal written all over this. My thoughts are just because it has zero miles doesn't make it a sweet deal. The other thing I don't understand is why has this beast not sold in 20 plus years? I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.
It's really hard to comment on a rig that I haven't seen Matt. But I can't imagine why a 2002 RV has only 2 miles on it. Something doesn't seem to be right there. I would advise running a CarFax on it if it is a motorhome and see what comes up. And do a LOT of research on that rig before going any further.
Yes, Tiffin and Newmar have always built great gassers, and Fleetwood's quality has been steadily improving over the last ten years. So those would be a good assortment of brands to consider.
Hi Carlette. My list is geared toward larger manufacturers that are more easily recognized by the RV buying public. There are several smaller volume brands and high end brands that I purposely didn't include as they are not going to be on most RV buyers shopping lists. That video would be for another day. :-)
Well, as I mentioned in the video, Entegra, Newmar and Tiffin have all had a reputation for quality products. But I don't specifically recommend any one coach for purchase. That mostly depends on what your needs are. On what kind of floor plan you want, what kind of travel you will be doing, how much you are willing to spend, etc. But choosing an RV from these manufacturers puts the odds on your side that they will be a good one. I hope that helps.
Hi Scott. Foretravel and Newell are excellent and well-built coaches. But they don't make many of them each year. This video is about the Class A brands that are most commonly thought of by RVers and those who manufacture RVs in larger volume. But Foretravel is an excellent choice.
I know nothing about RVs and I am going to buy one. So this question might be a little stupid. I am deciding between a Class C and a Class A. I have only heard people say that it is more difficult to find a place to find a place on the road repairs for a Class A than a Class C. Where can you go to get a Class A repaired? Can a dealer be better than a repair shop?? This question is only regarding engine repairs.
I don’t know why it would be more difficult to service a class C gas than a class A gas. The motor in my class C was the same Ford V10 Triton engine as the class A manufactured at the time. Ford engines are easy to service and almost everyone will work on them. Finding a shop which has a bay where they can pull it in is another question all together. Any shop which services trucks could do it. Anyway changing fluids is a piece of cake and I do it all. I had my class C for 4 years and never had to take it to the shop. Ford makes really good engines and transmissions for these motorhomes and I doubt you would have any major issues. Diesels are another deal all together. The motors are stronger with more torque and they do last longer but they also are more costly to maintain and operate. If you plan on traveling an average of 5000 a year gas is probably your best bet. If you travel closer to 10,000 then diesel would be the way to go. Just my opinion.
That's not a stupid question at all and I'm glad you asked about it. First of all, you can't lump all Class As together when it comes to engine repairs. That's one reason why I separated the gassers from the diesel pushers in this video. Repairs can be very different between these two when you are on the road. A lot of gassers will have the Ford V10 engine in them and they can be serviced by almost any mechanic willing to work on motorhomes. But diesels are another story altogether. And it can be a challenge sometimes to find a reputable service center for their engine trouble in unfamiliar territory. In addition, generally speaking, many diesel engine repairs can be significantly higher in cost than gasoline engine repairs. Of course, most Class Cs, other than Super Cs, have gasoline engines. So if having plenty of availability for service centers on the road is important to you either a gasser Class A or a Class C could be worth considering. I hope that helps. :-)
I agree Colin. That’s why I never used a changing price point as criteria for whether or not a brand did or did not make my list. If you got the impression that I did, you were mistaken.
Liberty Coach is a Prevost conversion company. This list does not include the super-high cost companies like Foretravel, Newell and Prevost converters. I consider them to be in a class all by themselves. This list is for production Class A manufacturers who are most commonly known and whose cost is within reach of most RVers.
Entegra has gone downhill since Thor bought them. Now Tiffen belongs to them as well. Newmar got bought by Winnebago and are tying to improve quality .
Well, the Covid pandemic of the last few years has affected almost all of the RV manufacturers to some degree. Even Newmar, Tiffin and Entegra. I covered this subject in a video you can watch here - th-cam.com/video/QTW0pyApm9Q/w-d-xo.html . And I personally have not seen any clear evidence that Thor or Winnebago has had a negative influence on the way these companies run their operations yet. But the next few years will be revealing. In the meantime, these three are still among the cream of crop in the Class A field IMO.
Currently looking for our first Diesel Pusher. I really like Entegra Anthem. Price keeps me around the 10-12 year old range. You didn't mention them in the 10 yr range but did in current years. Would a 10-12 yr old unit be a good purchase if inspection was clear? Thanks for the videos
Hi Trent. Yes, Entegra has been building good quality coaches for pretty much their entire history. As I understand it, Jayco purchased Travel Supreme when they went out of business. And many of the same employees and building methods were incorporated into the Entegra brand. So they were able to hit the ground running at a high quality level. Thanks for supporting the channel!
The reason I didn't include Foretravel in this video is the same reason that I didn't mention Newell or Marathon Prevost. All of those manufacturers build super high end products in very low production numbers. The brands in this video are the most popular ones, those that build in higher production numbers and those that are affordable by most people who will be watching the video. Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost are in a class of their own in my opinion and I plan to compare them in another video.
Good question Alden. I tried to focus on RV manufacturers that are large enough to be recognized by the average RV buyer and who are affordable for most people. That means that brands that use a Prevost chassis and manufacturers like Newell and others just don't fit in this list. They are the truly high end of the RV market. Typically they don't build many coaches each year, but when they do they usually build a good one. Thanks for asking that question.
Yes, as I have mentioned in other comments on this video, Foretravel is an excellent RV Class A manufacturer. But my view is that it is more of a small volume builder that caters to the ultra-high end of the Class A market. So most RVers would not be able to buy any of their products. So I didn't include them in this list along with Newell and Prevost for those reasons.
Just bought my first luxury RV. 2016 Newmar Dutch Star. I agree the maintenance is key. Other than the digital das on the newer model, you really can't tell the difference between new and 8 years old. And we paid almost half the price of new. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment as this coach was impeccably serviced and maintained.
That's awesome Kenny. It sounds like you found the perfect RV for your needs. I hope you have lots of fun and happy experiences in your Dutch Star!
Not gonna lie, I was SUPER nervous to listen to this video as I just closed on my first ever Motorhome purchase (first EVER RV in general!!). I've done a good amount of research myself then the dealership also gave me some advice. Just picked up an Entegra Vision 29f for the Family. I cannot wait for the season to open up here so I can get out and enjoy it!
That's a great choice! Entegra is a good brand to choose from. They have a lot of loyal fans. And yes, I think everyone is getting ready for RVing season to be here now. The sooner, the better! :-)
Thank you for your video. My wife and I have narrowed the search a Winnebago and and Newmar diesel pusher. This video solidified our search.
Hi Brian. Winnebago and Newmar are good choices for Class A DPs. I hope you find the perfect model for your needs. Thanks for watching!
I basically agree with you choices. One of the key elements that the top ones on the list is not just customer satisfaction but customer service. I know if you bought a 15+ year old Newmar and call customer service, they will help trouble shoot problems you may be having. I have heard Winnebago will also.
Very good point Roy. In fact, I considered customer service as an important factor in making my list of the top brands. Unfortunately, some brands make a reasonably good product but just don't follow it up with good customer service. But when you get the combination of a quality product and great customer service together, it makes for a pretty great buying experience in most cases. Thanks for chiming in on this Roy.
@@RVInspectionAndCare You are so right on that. If more companies today realized the MAJOR role CS plays they would have many come back customers. As a retired lady I would so appreciate good customer service but rarely can find it. Not like the old days when you could go back to the place and buy again.
As a 1st time shopper for a diesel Class A, this is Great info. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Globemaster. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video. I would like for you to add another video covering 20 year old coaches. A lot of folk are shopping pre-def diesel pushers pre industry implosion of 08. Sans condition, information covering chassis, engines, build quality, etc., may be of some help to folk looking at older coach. Thanks again for your help to the industry. I appreciate your style, easy to listen to commentary, and knowledge of the industry. it is appreciated.
Great suggestion BSF. I'll see what I can do about making that kind of video. Thanks for watching and giving me feedback!
Not a bad idea BSF. We're looking at some older MHs just to test out the waters before making a bigger purchase on a new or new rig.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Please do make a video of how well these better made diesel pushers are doing today. I'm looking to purchase a lovely 1999 Newmar Dutch Star Class A with 59000 to live in and eventually relocated in AZ. Looking fwd to your videos. Just subscribed
My father-in-law has a 2010 Monaco Riptide gasser and it's still a solid unit. For modern diesels, the Super C Jayco Seneca on the Freightliner chassis is a beast! If I was in the market for a diesel pusher, I'd probably choose a Tiffin. Great video!
For sure, older Monaco's were usually great coaches. And Tiffin has built some of the best diesel pushers out there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
Really helpful to make the right choice because when you try to have info's with regular peoples you get enswer depending what they like or think they know. Good job
I couldn't agree more Andy. A lot of RVers like to think that whatever choice they made for an RV is the best for everyone. And it's hard for them to be objective. But I try to keep my video information as fair as possible. Thanks for appreciating that!
I sure will look for you when I am ready to purchase. New or used. The RV I am interested in was on your list. Thank you for your honest opinion.
That's great Yolanda. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Gonna be dropping about 100k give or take in about a year and doing my due diligence in research. Pretty much settled on a diesel pusher. Holiday Rambler made the top of my list so far mainly the mid 2000s. Appreciate the insights.
HR made some fine coaches in those years. I always highly recommend getting an RV inspection on an RV of that vintage though, just to be sure. I hope you find exactly what you're looking for!
Thank you yet again for another awesome video. We have an older Newmar and love it. We enjoy your channel and have learned so much.
That is awesome Daralen! We have a 2004 Newmar diesel pusher ourselves. We love it and it's built like a tank. Thanks for being a loyal channel watcher. I really appreciate it!
Love our 2016 Tiffin 36LA, bought 12/20.
Tiffin is a great brand and I'm sure that you will most likely be very happy with your choice. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Great video. We had two Fleetwood products from 1997 and 2003. We upgraded to a used 2012 Tiffin and have zero regrets.
That's awesome Lucy! Those are all great Class A brands from those years. Are you still in the Tiffin?
@@RVInspectionAndCare Yes. Had a few expensive issues with the turbo/actuator at 33k miles but have been happy with the coach and all it offers us. The 1997 Fleetwood Tioga Class C was a great starter coach. Zero problems but no slides so as the kids got older and bigger, we needed more room. The Class A gasser was a Pace Arrow. A few fixes were needed but the ride was what one expects in a Class A - we joked that our fillings would come loose when we road on bumpy roads.....
@@Momster89 Ha!Ha! Yeah, that's a common complaint about gassers. The suspension and handling often need a little help. But there are some great aftermarket products that help solve those issues now. I'm glad that the Tiffin is working well for you. They make a great coach.
This is really helpful. I've been wishing someone would do something like this. I started looking at the RV life about 20 months ago and have found most people don't want to distinguish between brands. It's hard to find any good words about Fleetwood so that was especially helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Randy. I felt that there was a need for a video like this too, so I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Fleetwood has had some issues in the past but the good news is that they seem to be improving in recent years. But it's hard to live down previous impressions some folks have.
This is an excellent and very diplomatic video with helpful suggestions to the RV buyer. Thank you.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I hope it's both helpful and informative. Thanks for watching!
For me Newmar is the #1 follow by Entegra
Tiffin have a lots of imperfections about details and quality
Hi Ruben. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. There's plenty of room for different opinions here. :-)
Good video! Know it is subjective but actually surprised that Thor came up on your list as we hear so many negatives about quality of some of their products, which consist of hundreds. They are the largest. Although all have pros and cons
I understand your surprise Ramiro. The problem with many opinions on this subject is that a lot of folks compare RVs that are in totally different cost ranges. When we do that, it is only natural that the lower cost RVs will be considered unfavorably in such a comparison. But if you take the cost range into account, and compare all of the lower cost manufacturers, Thor actually builds an acceptable product. At least in my opinion anyway. Now if you compare them to Newmar or Tiffin, Thor is going to lose almost every time. But Thor is building their Class As for a whole different subset of RV buyers. And for those buyers, and the cost of the rigs they make, the quality is mostly reasonable when compared to other brands in the same cost area. Having said that, I personally wish that almost all of the brands did a better job at quality control before their rigs left the factory.
Super Video! I love the different class comparisons and going back ten years and then some regarding maintenance . Also you stressed that this is just your experience so great job ... Cheers from Nova Scotia
Glad you enjoyed the video. Some don't like my breaking the comparison out into different levels, but I think it's the only fair way to do it. It's great to have a viewer from Nova Scotia too! :-)
I'm really glad I read through many of your comments and you clarified why you didn't include several brands. I thought is this guy for real when he didn't include Newell and Foretravel, especial Newell. IMHO, I don't think there is a better brand on the market than Newell. Even their used ones I guess could be considered very high end. For someone looking for a quality motor coach, I would be looking hard at a used WELL MAINTAINED (as you stated) bus style for a diesel pusher but you are still looking at a lot of money. They were built to go several hundred thousand miles with nary a squeak or rattle (and many people simply don't need that). When you get ready to sell or trade however, for whatever reason, you'll get much more of your money back UNLESS you bought a new one and then they are like cars, the first year of depreciation is wicked but still no where near what driving a new car off the lot would be. I appreciate your clarification why "those" brands were left off your list Duane. There is a lot of difference between a manufactured coach when compared to a bus conversion. Thanks for your video.
You are so right that Newell is a great manufacturer. I just couldn't fairly compare them to the brands that aren't in that price range. I'm glad that you read through the comments and understood my reasoning on that. I have gotten more feedback from Newell fans on this video than I ever expected. But I assure everyone that watches this video that if Newell had been included in this list, they would have been at the very top of the list in every way. Thanks for both watching and leaving such a nice comment!
Thank you Sir. Appreciate your recommendations 👍🏽
I'm glad the video was helpful Reuben. And thanks for the supportive comment too!
For what you would spend on a new class A, I think you’d be better off buying a used coach such as a Liberty, Featherlite or Marathon conversion.
A lot of RVers agree with you Shannon. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I agree but those coaches exceed 40 feet and are not for everyone. The very specific decor that the original buyer chose becomes dated quickly. I would rather buy a production coach and spend money to update it.
@@Momster89 true but you’re sacrificing build quality for decor.
Thanks for the video. We love our Tiffin after first going with another brand at the lower end. Wish I would have found you 4 years ago, but this will be helpful to many. Keep up the good work.
Thanks D.C. Yes, Tiffin has made excellent coaches for many years now. They have a very loyal following, especially for customer service. Thanks for watching and leaving us a comment about your experience with Tiffin RVs.
Would love to hear similar presentation on Super C RVs. Thanks for sharing on class A. Well done.
Thanks for the suggestion Bob. I'll see what I can do. :-)
Always good to see your videos!
Thanks Otis. Have safe and happy travels!
I’d like to some commentary on premium brands, particularly the Prevost based pranks.
It's coming Jeff. The premium brands like Prevost, Newell and Foretravel are in a category of their own. I hope to be able to cover them soon. Thanks for watching!
American Coach is making RVs again, under new ownership. And for lots of cash, Newell and Prevost are in the extreme luxury class. Great synopsis of today's RV sector. Thanks Duane!
Hi Jim. Newell and Prevost are really in a class by themselves and out of the reach of most RV buyers. I probably should have included Foretravel but they are also on the higher end and they don't build a lot of coaches each year either. However, Foretravel is a great quality manufacturer.
That’s what I was thinking 🤔!!!
Great video!!
Glad you enjoyed it Rhonda. And thanks for watching!
Great video! Your opinion is valuable due to the fact that you are a certified inspector and have inspected many motorhomes. I'm sure you are forming your opinions based on your findings of the different brands you have inspected.
That's part of it Louie. But I also do a lot of research for my TH-cam channel. So I pay attention to what is said by reliable RVers in forums and on websites. I also read RV reviews a lot too and ask RVers I meet about their impressions of the RV they own. Overall, if you do that long enough, clear patterns start to emerge about RV manufacturers and the quality of their products. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@RVInspectionAndCare Purchased our first RV in 2004. We purchased a new 31ft. class C Winnebago. It was a great starter coach and we loved it. Had it for 10 years with no major issues. We decided to switch to a class A, so we purchased a Holiday Rambler Vacationer. I was not happy with the ride. Rode rough and seemed like the dash was going to fall apart on every bump. Other than that it was a nice coach. However, we decided to go back to Winnebago. This time we went with the Forza 38W. Love the coach, love the smooth ride and all a diesel pusher offers. Customer service at Winnebago has been great. Every time I have a question or need assistance I'm connected with a representative within minutes.
It sounds like you found the perfect RV for your needs Louie. And Winnebago is known for their great customer service. Holiday Rambler also builds a quality product, but a lot of Class A gassers need extra work on their suspension to make them handle like they should. You should be very happy with your diesel pusher though. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
I'm wanting to fill time RV..I look at it as saving up for home on wheels. Stock my kitchen and cook in it I just wished these RV makers would combine black and grey tank make it same size as fresh tank. Also more energy. I'd ad solar panels being cost effective all about choices lol
I hope your dream of full-time RVing comes true real soon. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great info . i wanna hear from someone who inspects coaches to me their the ones that see the major F ups that manufactures give consumers. Thanks for this video!
So glad it was helpful Scooby. It's true that we inspectors see things that most other RVers don't. And after a while a pattern develops about each brand so you often know what to expect. Thanks for watching!
If I was full time I’d get a Country Coach Magna hands down
If it has been maintained well, that would most likely be a great choice Steve. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!
how funny, I watch a video yesterday on diesel pushers from oregon - monaco, beaver and country coach ..... very confusing to a new person who has a vw bus and a minivan
LOL ... Thanks for watching Dan!
Newell Coach (Miami, Oklahoma)? Foretravel (Nacogdoches, TX)? Understand not covering Bus conversions as they are not exactly built for purpose Class A motorhomes, (ie Prevost conversions, liberty, Marathon, etc) and bus conversions may represent an entirely different animal from Class A diesel pushers. But have owned both Newell and Foretravel motorhomes, and both really seem to be several levels above the rest of Luxury Class A motorhomes that I have owned or toured. Really enjoy you videos, thank you for all the time, research, and effort you put into your presentations, you keep making em, I'll keep watching them.
That's a good question Don. I deliberately left Newell and Foretravel, as well as Prevost, out of this list for a couple of reasons. I wanted to focus on the major manufacturers that put out a lot of RVs each year. And I also wanted to include mainly RV brands that most people who watch my videos would recognize and could afford. So in my opinion, Newell, Foretravel, and other high end brands are kind of in a category of their own. They are all well known for high quality products. But they don't make many of them and you pay a steep price for the quality they produce. As you said they are "several levels above" other Class As. I'm so glad that you enjoy my videos and are loyally supporting the channel. That means a lot!
I would like to add that Triple E is not in business anymore and it is also the only one you mentioned built in Winkler Manitoba Canada
Thanks for mentioning that George. It's true that Triple E is not selling Class As anymore, but they still have a website and they are aligned with Leisure Travel Vans, which still makes some really fine Class B+ RVs. Here is a link to their site - tripleerv.com/products/
Love my 2003 LIKE NEW Blue Bird
Sounds like you've found the perfect coach for your RVing style. Thanks for watching!
Thank you very much for your sharing.
I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!
When it comes to DP's, I've always felt that Winnebago looked very low quality when I was shopping for a MH. Same opinion when it came to Holiday Rambler. But I respect your opinion.
I understand what you are saying. But Winnebago and Holiday Rambler coaches of 10+ years ago have a lot of very loyal and happy customers who are satisfied overall with the quality of their rig. Of course, not everyone feels the same way. But that is true of almost any brand out there. In general, I feel myself that both of them have been more reliable overall than many other other brands. But of course, that is just my opinion. And as I said in the video, this subject is very subjective. Thanks for contributing your thoughts on the subject though. It's much appreciated!
Thanks for the video.
So glad you enjoyed it Gary. Thanks for watching!
In the high-end diesel pusher list, I was surprised no mention of Newell or Foretravel. A cared-for used coach by either of these manufacturers, from my research, can be a better coach than a new one by other manufacturers, and much less expensive.
Good point Tony. Newell and Foretravel make very high quality coaches. But they cost so much more than the average Class A, even used, that I did not include them in the list. They also don't build very many coaches each year either. So I kind of consider them in a class of their own. I just tried to cover the brands that most RVers are familiar with and would be shopping. Thanks for mentioning those brands though.
A bus conversion rv is a totally different level of rv vs a class a.
Had me worried for a minute as ive been researching Thor Vegas/Axis 24.1 for a few months now as im waiting for the Mrs to join me in retirement in the next 3 years........
Actually I am no longer recommending Thor at this point Mose. It's not that you can't get a good RV from them. But there are other brands that are just putting out a more consistently better product now. I would recommend that you consider Jayco's gas Class A offerings instead. Thanks for watching!
yes thank you that was very helpful
I'm glad to hear that Jessica. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment too!
you are very welcome 🙂
I’m buying the 4000 41 ft Thor Aria 2024 for a clinet is it a good one ?
1-10 10 being the best Diesel
Unfortunately, Thor is not on my list of recommended motorhome manufacturers at this point.
Always thought a good rule of thumb was to look at the industry standards for automotive products, usually coming from extreme testing like racing, so if a manufacturer consistently proves reliability then it should follow with consumer applications. Same thing with gas vs. diesel engines. If you examine the harshest conditions demanded from commercial vehicles, interstate trucking necessitates a diesel engine, there being NO gas powered 18 wheelers. We’ll have to see where E-trucks land in this scenario…
Thanks for watching and sharing a thoughtful comment here!
I have heard from other RV techs that the Winnebago roof systems are substandard design, fraught with problems/replacements. I'm wondering why you have not heard or experienced same.
Hi Peyton. There a lot of opinions you hear out there about brands. But the truth about Winnebago is that they traditionally score very well for both overall quality and customer service with their customers. And I have had very positive impressions about the company from what I have seen as well. But as I always say, rating brands is subjective. So if anyone disagrees with my selection, I understand.
There was a very widely circulated story (with photos) of a brand new Newmar King Aire being driven home from the factory went it caught fire. Newmar turned their back on him as I recall. Have your attorney review any warranty contract before signing if you're buying a high price coach.
Thanks for that suggestion and for watching the video.
show but I didn't see you talk about the Thor Motor Coach, which has a class A range in both gasoline and diesel, are they good or bad?
Unfortunately, Thor is not on my recommended list for Class A motorhomes. That doesn't mean that you can't get a good Thor RV. But I feel that there are better choices for similar money.
I love my Foretravel. It is screwed together very well. Too bad it missed the list.
As I have mentioned in some of the comments below, I regard Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost as being in a class of their own at the very high end of Class A RVs. And it's not really fair to compare their standard of quality (much better) with those of higher production builders as you find on my list of recommended Class A RVs. Foretravel is an excellent brand and I hope you will be enjoying your RV for many years to come. But it just doesn't belong in this discussion IMO.
He didn’t hit any of the top tier brands. So I wouldn’t worry at all about not being on the list.
Thank you for an informative video. Be well and stay safe. Sam in N.H.
Thanks so much. I'm glad that you enjoyed the video. Have safe and happy travels Sam!
Going to disagree with you on the current high end coaches... I'd say Newell, Foretravel, Newmar in that order
Actually I agree that Newell and Foretravel make excellent coaches. I did not include them in my list because they simply don't build many RVs each year, especially when compared to the brands that are on my list. Therefore, they are not as recognizable as Newmar or Tiffin. I feel that Newell, Foretravel and Prevost is kind of in a league of their own. And it would be unfair to compare them with a production-minded company like the ones I recommended on my list. But you are so right about their quality ... Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
I agree with u
Thank you for the great video. We have an entry level gasser and are now looking to buy a new Newmar gasser. Do you know of any RV Inspectors in Louisiana and what is the average cost for an RV inspection? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Jesse. I don't know any RV inspectors in LA personally, but there are some listed on the map at nrvia.org/locate/ Any NRVIA certified RV inspector is well trained to perform a quality inspection for you. As far as cost goes, this video can be helpful about that - th-cam.com/video/BxVViCeFCqU/w-d-xo.html
New Class-A RVs, Tiffin & Newmar, as long as Thor and Winnebago stay out of their operations.
Used Class-A RVs, Country Coach, Monaco, Tiffin & Newmar.
Others, I don't even consider.
Bonus: New & Used Super-C RVs, Dynamax & Renegade.
Those are all good recommendations. And yes, we all hope that Winnebago and Thor will let Newmar and Tiffin continue their tradition of putting out quality products. We'll see!
This video was filmed in 2022, are there any changes to the recommendations updated for 2024? I am currently considering an Entegra Reatta but I am open to similar sized Forest River Berkshire 34B or others. I also may try to go for a new 2023 closeout.
Hi Daniel. The Reatta is still a good choice. But my full list of recommended Class A RVs has more models that fall in that price range that would be good for you to consider. You can download the guidebook at payhip.com/b/pSyQG I hope that helps. BTW, Forest River is not on my recommended list.
Where do brands like Newell, Prevost, Foretravel and Liberty Coach fit in? Are these in a different class than the ones you are referencing in the video?
Yes, they are in the premium segment of the Class A market. So it just isn't fair to compare them with RVs that are in much higher production and cost much less. This video is about the Class A brands that most people will encounter when they go shopping for a Class A. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you for clarifying 🙏. I guess you could say they are aspirational coaches!
Another great content video Duane!
We’ve been researching and very close to your “10 years ago diesel pushers”.
What do you think of the Western Recreation Alpine coaches?
They seem to be very “Country Coach” like.
Thanks!
Hi Doug. Actually Western RV coaches like the Alpine were pretty well built and compare favorably with other brands from that era. Unfortunately, the company didn't last. But an Alpine that has been really well cared for could be a great deal these days.
How do you feel about Dynamax Europa?
Any Dynamax product gets a thumbs up from me. They have been building quality RVs for years. But I still recommend an RV inspection before taking delivery just to make sure that everything is operating the way it should.
Thanks!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
What is the best diesel motor
That's hard to say. The major Class A motorhome diesel engine manufacturers have been Cummins, Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel. And truthfully. IMO they all have built a really good product.
We have a1999 American Heritage 45’ that has been very well maintained. Have you had any experience with American Coaches from around that time period? We feel the quality of workmanship has been extremely high.
Yes Ann, American is well known for their quality in those years. There are some very fine brands from 20 years ago that I couldn't mention in my list because it doesn't go back that far. But no doubt you have a well-built coach that will last for many years to come with the right maintenance.
where do you put Newell?
Newell is a very high quality coach. Unfortunately, they don't produce many RVs each year and they are also relatively very expensive. So I didn't include them in this list as they are not a manufacturer that most of my listeners would be considering. But their quality is without question. Great question Gaymon.
you missed a couple... what about Foretravel, Newell, and Prevost?
As I have explained before in the comments for this video, I consider Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost as being in a class all by themselves. They certainly are not in the price range for the average Class A buyer. And they also don't build very many units per year. So in my opinion they don't belong in this video. I hope to make another one about them soon.
thank you and looking forward to your review on these coaches too. ! @@RVInspectionAndCare
With all of your training, research and inspection that you have done, I would agree with your lists. I do hope that ALL of the manufacturer's would invest in a quality control system that would raise the bar across the board. The price of
250/300K for a middle of the road new class A coach deserves a great fit and finish. For the matter so does a 12ft pop up. I guess it's in the consumer's hand. Buy or don't buy!
THANKS DUANE SAFE TRAVELS
I couldn't agree with you more Ron. Better factory quality control is desperately needed in the RV industry. Maybe we will begin to see things changing for the better on that score soon. I sure hope so. All the best Ron!
what about LEXTRA BY ODESSA sir how bad or good are they. thank you,
Sorry Eddy. I don't know much about that brand.
Well said. Honest and insightful. Would be interested in getting your opinion on the top three diesel ranking. I’m leaning towards Newmar.
I usually recommend that RVers looking into buying a DP consider either either Tiffin or Newmar. They are at the top of their category and have been there for several years now. I hope that helps.
I just purchased a class A gas. Winnebago did not impress me with their adventurer. A very bland motorhome with no backsplash and the refrigerators were smaller. The price difference did not make it worth it for me. I also sold a class C Winnebago and other than both slide motors giving up the ghost within a year at $500 each, I was happy with it. I feel Newmar is also overpriced. We are basically dealing with the same gas chassis from Ford so the difference is what is on the chassis. I like the way Newmar constructs their motorhomes but with every floor plan they lacked something we wanted. So that is a personal choice. The price of the Newmars are really up there if you buy new and I just didn’t think it was worth paying that much more than what I paid. I ended up buying a Entegra emblem 36u. I agree it is the middle of the road but that is usually what I personally do. Not top of the line not the bottom. The 2-3 warranty Entegra gives, the huge window up front, quality full body paint with a full size residential fridge with a bath and 1/2 for the price I bought it for was well worth it. That’s my two cents. Thanks Wayne for your opinions.
Entegra is a great manufacturer Doug and I'm sure that you will be happy with your purchase. The great thing about RVs is there is plenty of variety and we get to choose what works best for our own wants and needs, right? Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject. It may be helpful for others who are reading the comments here. :-)
Great video! As always. Beaver is just barely outside the 10 years, but, would they make the list?
Absolutely! Beaver was a great manufacturer. In fact, we almost bought a Beaver before we settled on our Newmar coach. But like you said, it was a brand that went defunct more than 10 years ago, so I didn't include it on my list.
What about Newell?
As I have mentioned in some of the comments below, I regard Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost as being in a class of their own at the very high end of Class A RVs. And it's not really fair to compare their standard of quality (much better) with those of higher production builders as you find on my list of recommended Class A RVs. Newell is an excellent brand, but it just doesn't belong in this discussion IMO.
Hi Dwayne, my brother has his eye on a 2002 Thor Marana motor coach. Its at a dealership in Houston. he tells me its has 1 to 2 miles on it. The dealership is asking $169 and with the magic of financing, fees, and taxes $198. I've never owned an RV but have always heard they're not an investment. I have not seen the RV but to me has bad deal written all over this. My thoughts are just because it has zero miles doesn't make it a sweet deal. The other thing I don't understand is why has this beast not sold in 20 plus years? I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.
It's really hard to comment on a rig that I haven't seen Matt. But I can't imagine why a 2002 RV has only 2 miles on it. Something doesn't seem to be right there. I would advise running a CarFax on it if it is a motorhome and see what comes up. And do a LOT of research on that rig before going any further.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks I'll pass that on to my brother.
So far we are thinking high end gas is Tiffin, Newmar and Fleetwood.
Yes, Tiffin and Newmar have always built great gassers, and Fleetwood's quality has been steadily improving over the last ten years. So those would be a good assortment of brands to consider.
@@RVInspectionAndCare Tiffin was great while Bob Tiffin owned the Company
I noticed you didn't mentioned any Realms, or Prevost, or Liberty. Coaches. Have you ever inspected one of these products?
Hi Carlette. My list is geared toward larger manufacturers that are more easily recognized by the RV buying public. There are several smaller volume brands and high end brands that I purposely didn't include as they are not going to be on most RV buyers shopping lists. That video would be for another day. :-)
I'm looking to buy an Entegra Cornerstone . What do you think about this RV? what's the best class A brand diesel to purchase from Tiffin or Newmar?
Well, as I mentioned in the video, Entegra, Newmar and Tiffin have all had a reputation for quality products. But I don't specifically recommend any one coach for purchase. That mostly depends on what your needs are. On what kind of floor plan you want, what kind of travel you will be doing, how much you are willing to spend, etc. But choosing an RV from these manufacturers puts the odds on your side that they will be a good one. I hope that helps.
I'm surprised you didn't mention Foretravel???
Hi Scott. Foretravel and Newell are excellent and well-built coaches. But they don't make many of them each year. This video is about the Class A brands that are most commonly thought of by RVers and those who manufacture RVs in larger volume. But Foretravel is an excellent choice.
I know nothing about RVs and I am going to buy one. So this question might be a little stupid. I am deciding between a Class C and a Class A. I have only heard people say that it is more difficult to find a place to find a place on the road repairs for a Class A than a Class C. Where can you go to get a Class A repaired? Can a dealer be better than a repair shop?? This question is only regarding engine repairs.
You may want to look at class C versus Super C for evaluation of serviceability.
I don’t know why it would be more difficult to service a class C gas than a class A gas. The motor in my class C was the same Ford V10 Triton engine as the class A manufactured at the time. Ford engines are easy to service and almost everyone will work on them. Finding a shop which has a bay where they can pull it in is another question all together. Any shop which services trucks could do it. Anyway changing fluids is a piece of cake and I do it all. I had my class C for 4 years and never had to take it to the shop. Ford makes really good engines and transmissions for these motorhomes and I doubt you would have any major issues. Diesels are another deal all together. The motors are stronger with more torque and they do last longer but they also are more costly to maintain and operate. If you plan on traveling an average of 5000 a year gas is probably your best bet. If you travel closer to 10,000 then diesel would be the way to go. Just my opinion.
@@InChristalone737 Thank you for the info. But I was told that the Class A was more difficult to find a place on the road for repairs.
That's not a stupid question at all and I'm glad you asked about it. First of all, you can't lump all Class As together when it comes to engine repairs. That's one reason why I separated the gassers from the diesel pushers in this video. Repairs can be very different between these two when you are on the road. A lot of gassers will have the Ford V10 engine in them and they can be serviced by almost any mechanic willing to work on motorhomes. But diesels are another story altogether. And it can be a challenge sometimes to find a reputable service center for their engine trouble in unfamiliar territory. In addition, generally speaking, many diesel engine repairs can be significantly higher in cost than gasoline engine repairs. Of course, most Class Cs, other than Super Cs, have gasoline engines. So if having plenty of availability for service centers on the road is important to you either a gasser Class A or a Class C could be worth considering. I hope that helps. :-)
So true Bob.
Just because a manufacture moves its price point up, is not necessarily an indication of QC improvements.
I agree Colin. That’s why I never used a changing price point as criteria for whether or not a brand did or did not make my list. If you got the impression that I did, you were mistaken.
Wow no Liberty Coach ?
Liberty Coach is a Prevost conversion company. This list does not include the super-high cost companies like Foretravel, Newell and Prevost converters. I consider them to be in a class all by themselves. This list is for production Class A manufacturers who are most commonly known and whose cost is within reach of most RVers.
NEWMAR !
HA!HA! Being a Newmar owner myself I understand the sentiment ... :-) They build a great product. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Entegra has gone downhill since Thor bought them. Now Tiffen belongs to them as well. Newmar got bought by Winnebago and are tying to improve quality .
Well, the Covid pandemic of the last few years has affected almost all of the RV manufacturers to some degree. Even Newmar, Tiffin and Entegra. I covered this subject in a video you can watch here - th-cam.com/video/QTW0pyApm9Q/w-d-xo.html . And I personally have not seen any clear evidence that Thor or Winnebago has had a negative influence on the way these companies run their operations yet. But the next few years will be revealing. In the meantime, these three are still among the cream of crop in the Class A field IMO.
Currently looking for our first Diesel Pusher. I really like Entegra Anthem. Price keeps me around the 10-12 year old range. You didn't mention them in the 10 yr range but did in current years. Would a 10-12 yr old unit be a good purchase if inspection was clear? Thanks for the videos
Hi Trent. Yes, Entegra has been building good quality coaches for pretty much their entire history. As I understand it, Jayco purchased Travel Supreme when they went out of business. And many of the same employees and building methods were incorporated into the Entegra brand. So they were able to hit the ground running at a high quality level. Thanks for supporting the channel!
Foretravel beats them all and you didn't even mention them.
The reason I didn't include Foretravel in this video is the same reason that I didn't mention Newell or Marathon Prevost. All of those manufacturers build super high end products in very low production numbers. The brands in this video are the most popular ones, those that build in higher production numbers and those that are affordable by most people who will be watching the video. Foretravel, Newell and Marathon Prevost are in a class of their own in my opinion and I plan to compare them in another video.
Why not MARATHON?
Good question Alden. I tried to focus on RV manufacturers that are large enough to be recognized by the average RV buyer and who are affordable for most people. That means that brands that use a Prevost chassis and manufacturers like Newell and others just don't fit in this list. They are the truly high end of the RV market. Typically they don't build many coaches each year, but when they do they usually build a good one. Thanks for asking that question.
Didn't hear him mention Gulfstream at all WTF
LOL
FORETRAVEL!!!
Yes, as I have mentioned in other comments on this video, Foretravel is an excellent RV Class A manufacturer. But my view is that it is more of a small volume builder that caters to the ultra-high end of the Class A market. So most RVers would not be able to buy any of their products. So I didn't include them in this list along with Newell and Prevost for those reasons.
Love the channel but this one video is
Soooooooo drawn out.
Sorry about that. I'll try to do better.
This video was very informative and covered a lot of ground so I would say it needed to be long! Great job!!