dceggert
SE Michigan
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Joined: 07/10/2009
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My suggestion is to either stop at a dealer and just poke around until you see the things you like or want and then shop for those things. Many manufacturers have these 'mini motorhomes' and they are all very similar. Winnebago is slightly different in that it has a fiberglass roof where a lot have EPDM rubber roofs.
The other thing you could do to accelerate finding interesting features is to do a search on eBay for 'motorhomes' and pick the options in the menu to limit the listing to class c. That is what we did and sort of armchair shopped looking for things that were different or nice about one layout or the other.
I don't know how far back in model years you want to go, but for the three of you a good Fleetwood (Tioga or Jamboree) 23 or 24 with the rear kitchen, or 25 to 26 with the rear bed is nice. The 25 has the corner bed but the 26F has a great island full size bed. 2002 and on it was upgraded to the 26Q with a queen. There are very similar models from Forest River, Jayco, Four Winds, Coachmen, Gulstream, and....the list goes on and on.
We looked at a few newer models this past summer (and fell in love with some of them)and with economics what they are I could not force myself to part with that much cash or take out a loan to buy one (will I be employed in 3 months?). What we did instead is buy a 1992 Coachmen 28' in decent enough shape to use for 3 or 4 years. By then we will be out of the woods on the 'recession' and if we are still economically viabel we can buy whatever we want then. The 1992 Coachmen is paid for! It sleeps 8 (I would say 6), has all the usual amenities, is self contained, and will work out just fine while we work out as a family our RVing future.
By the way I plan to upgrade the hitch to a Class III and tow my 25' sailboat to far off adventure spots. I pulled a 3,800 lb Scout trailer with it this past October as a test run in its 'as is' condition and it pulled that trailer with ease.
Will it last forever? No. If I use it for 3 years and lose 1/2 the money I bought it for when I buy a newer one I will be out 2,000. That in itself is amazing as you can lose that on a new one in 5 minutes. Something to think about!
regards,
Dan
1992 Coachmen Leprechaun 265RF
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FishB8s
Fredericksburg, VA
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Joined: 08/30/2004
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We went and poked around a couple of RV dealerships today. We liked the Winnebago Access but it was a larger model and we truly don't want to buy one that big. The unit we like the best as far as price, size and layout was a 2007 COACHMEN Freedom Express 21 QB. It has 6068 miles, Workhorse chassis, GM Vortec 6.0L V8. Since my main use would be pulling a boat when camping I am not sure if the 6.0L V8 would suffice. Although they didn't have one on site, we have a print out for a Conquest W6237D which has a similar layout but a Ford V-10. This layout seems to be offered by several manufacturers so it is just a matter of finding the right one for the right price. Any input on the GM 6.0L and opinions on the quality of the different manufacturers is appreciated
Also, as far as age goes, I'm low 40s and the wife isn't far behind. Thanks all.
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Gene in NE
Omaha
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Joined: 09/15/2003
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FishB8s wrote:We went and poked around a couple of RV dealerships today...The unit we like the best as far as price, size and layout was a 2007 COACHMEN Freedom Express 21 QB. It has 6068 miles, Workhorse chassis, GM Vortec 6.0L V8. Since my main use would be pulling a boat when camping I am not sure if the 6.0L V8 would suffice. Although they didn't have one on site, we have a print out for a Conquest W6237D which has a similar layout but a Ford V-10...Any input on the GM 6.0L and opinions on the quality of the different manufacturers is appreciated... That Coachmen Freedom Express 21QB is a favorite of mine. I believe they sold new at Camping World for $54,995. If you check my "view profile", you will see why I would like that size. We have the Chevy 5.7L V8 and have no desire for more power. We frequently are pulling an enclosed trailer with motorcycle inside. Trailer and bike weigh about 1,500 lbs. The horsepower rating of the Chevy is around 300HP and the Ford V-10 is 305 HP. The unbiased will say they are essentially equal.
2002 Trail-Lite Model 211-S w/5.7 Chevy
Gene
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burlmart
Baton Rouge
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Joined: 03/28/2005
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I think klhutch has one here and has said a lot about it. I toured one at a cg and really liked it. We have the Chevy 6.0 and it has been fine and lots of power. We towed the boat once, but only 1000 lb.
2005 Trail Lite 213 B-Plus w/ 6.0 Chevy
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Mobile Island
Arkansas Delta and Ozarks
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Joined: 06/09/2007
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Good Sam RV Club
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FishBeights,
We have a 2008 Winnebago Access 22B (23'). I (the wife) drove it by myself 7k miles on its maiden trip to the west coast, but haven't towed anything with it, other than the 3500 lb. jeep when I picked it up from the dealer. It is rated to tow 5k lbs. It has plenty of power and only a V-8. I had it fully loaded for the west coast trip and still didn't max out the axles or GVWR. I am sure you wouldn't have any trouble towing/launching a boat. Sometimes Itasca and Winnebago have different floorplans in their model lineup, but the Access/Impulse are the same.
As for other models/brands.....check out the Born Free built for two in a 20' or 22' configurations. Both have many floorplans and can do some custom adjustments as well. They are well made and come with a three year warranty and most people highly regard the quality of this manufacturer.
You will find just the coach you are looking for!
Gail
* This post was
edited 11/10/09 05:38pm by an administrator/moderator *
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FishB8s
Fredericksburg, VA
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Joined: 08/30/2004
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Thanks all for your input. So far we like the layout of the Access/Impulse 24V, conquest W6237D, and Coachman Freelander 21QB. The price of the coachman seems to be the most agreeable thus far.
Anyone have any input/issues/advice on those models?
* This post was
edited 11/10/09 05:21pm by FishB8s *
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