WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

Looking for a DP Motorhome

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
It looks like the Toyhauler is sold and now on the hunt for a diesel motorhome.

I've driven both a 2002 Monaco Diplomat 40' and 2012 Tiffin Allegro Bus 42' cross country and both were great. The Tiffin drives better as it has a tag and independent front suspension. But the Monaco had better power, but sucked in the wind.

Other than these MFG. I don't know much about the others.

Looking at a used '17 Entegra Aspire, anyone familiar with these?

Wife would prefer bunks, so that is limited on options. So for now that is what we are looking for...

Lets hear it RDP ...
 
Last edited:

Dr Rob

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2019
Messages
404
Reaction score
713
It looks like the Toyhauler is sold and now on the hunt for a diesel motorhome.

I've driven both a 2002 Monaco Diplomat 40' and 2012 Tiffin Allegro Bus 42' cross country and both were great. The Tiffin drives better as it has a tag and independent front suspension. But the Monaco had better power, but sucked in the wind.

Other than these MFG. I don't know much about the others.

Looking at a used '17 Entegra Aspire, anyone familiar with these?

Wife would prefer bunks, so that is limited on options. So for now that is what we are looking for...

Lets hear it was RDP says...
We have owned 2 Dutch star motor homes from Newmar. We loved the build quality. And they were both on the Spartan mountain master 2 chassis. Independent front suspension. Both had the 8.9 l Cummins for power. If we ever order a new one, it will be from Newmar.
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
We have owned 2 Dutch star motor homes from Newmar. We loved the build quality. And they were both on the Spartan mountain master 2 chassis. Independent front suspension. Both had the 8.9 l Cummins for power. If we ever order a new one, it will be from Newmar.
what years did you have?
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
The first one was a 2002. the second one was a 2006.
I have one saved in my search and think its a '16 but its priced higher at about 30-35k more than the others MFG (Tiffin Phaeton and the Entegra)

I need to check one out. Thanks...
 

Dr Rob

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2019
Messages
404
Reaction score
713
The first one was a 2002. the second one was a 2006.
1000003937.jpg
 

Dr Rob

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2019
Messages
404
Reaction score
713
The Red's are nice, just don't care for the chassis they sit on as it differs than the Phaetons.
It makes such a difference when you get to where you are going and you do not feel beat up from the journey.
 

Blackmagic94

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Messages
5,375
Reaction score
7,373
It looks like the Toyhauler is sold and now on the hunt for a diesel motorhome.

I've driven both a 2002 Monaco Diplomat 40' and 2012 Tiffin Allegro Bus 42' cross country and both were great. The Tiffin drives better as it has a tag and independent front suspension. But the Monaco had better power, but sucked in the wind.

Other than these MFG. I don't know much about the others.

Looking at a used '17 Entegra Aspire, anyone familiar with these?

Wife would prefer bunks, so that is limited on options. So for now that is what we are looking for...

Lets hear it RDP ...
I’ll sell you my 2007 cheetah safari 37’ which is a Monaco brand

59k miles
Cat c7
Onan 8000
3 ac units
IMG_4500.jpeg
 

EmpirE231

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
4,808
Reaction score
9,880
The entegra aspires are nice rigs. 450hp Cummins which is plenty of power unless you’re towing stackers.

I’d say a similar model year Newmar Dutch star would be overall better build quality. And worth the extra premium.

Tag axles can’t be beat on drivability… they drive so nice compared to a non-tag coach. The more power the better. I have. Cummins 450 which is nice, but towing the stacker I wish I had something with the 605.

American coach makes some nice rigs as well. If you look at older models, consider the country coaches and Monaco’s.
 

EmpirE231

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
4,808
Reaction score
9,880
Another thing to watch for in the newer years is Newmar Dutch stars with the steerable tag axles sooner than the entegras did.
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
The entegra aspires are nice rigs. 450hp Cummins which is plenty of power unless you’re towing stackers.

I’d say a similar model year Newmar Dutch star would be overall better build quality. And worth the extra premium.

Tag axles can’t be beat on drivability… they drive so nice compared to a non-tag coach. The more power the better. I have. Cummins 450 which is nice, but towing the stacker I wish I had something with the 605.

American coach makes some nice rigs as well. If you look at older models, consider the country coaches and Monaco’s.
Do you have Fleetwood?

I’m good with a tag or not? I don’t have the time for cross county driving as I work to much and kids sports. It is a night and day difference though. We might see a 2000-3000 miles trip every other year when I take a 2 week break.

The motorhome is just easier with 2 kids and 2 dogs.
 

EmpirE231

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
4,808
Reaction score
9,880
Do you have Fleetwood?

I’m good with a tag or not? I don’t have the time for cross county driving as I work to much and kids sports. It is a night and day difference though. We might see a 2000-3000 miles trip every other year when I take a 2 week break.

The motorhome is just easier with 2 kids and 2 dogs.
I have an American coach tag axle. Fleetwood eventually bought American coach.

I really like the tag because I’m towing a stacker 90% of the time we use the Motorhome. So easy to drive in the wind. Cruises like a big Cadillac.
 

n2otoofast4u

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2015
Messages
5,666
Reaction score
11,387
I have been coming back to this one and really like this. Opposing couches, tag, right colors. It’s over priced, which I can work through, but the tiny motor KILLS it!

 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
I have an American coach tag axle. Fleetwood eventually bought American coach.

I really like the tag because I’m towing a stacker 90% of the time we use the Motorhome. So easy to drive in the wind. Cruises like a big Cadillac.
I thought you had an expedition or something like that.

I have found some American revolutions that have bunks.
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
I have been coming back to this one and really like this. Opposing couches, tag, right colors. It’s over priced, which I can work through, but the tiny motor KILLS it!

Not a bad unit. I did think those had 380hp not 360. Maybe that switched in the teen years. IDK.

Might be worth checking with cummins to see if they can bump up the hp? I know some engines can be.
 

EmpirE231

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
4,808
Reaction score
9,880
I thought you had an expedition or something like that.

I have found some American revolutions that have bunks.
Used to have a Fleetwood discovery. For the last few years I’ve had an American coach revolution. They’re nice rigs and drive very nice. Full wall slide opens up the space a lot, which is something you won’t find in a Newmar. Not sure if entegra did full wall slides either.

Ours isn’t a bunk model, has the king bed. But you can see the space the full wall slide provides. I’ve seen people even convert the rear closets into bunks. Only downside to bunks is how much space they take up.


IMG_0134.jpeg
 

evantwheeler

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2015
Messages
2,875
Reaction score
5,532
I've got over 20k miles on my Foretravel since I bought it. 90% of those miles with a loaded enclosed behind it. I can't imagine a coach being any more stable, it is literally a dream to drive considering the mass that you are controlling. I don't know why you would want the hassle of a tag axle personally, I don't see the need or desire to have a tag.

450 cummins would be my minimum acceptable power plant. I could probably live with the smaller 400hp ISL in the early to mid 2000's coaches if it was a 36' unit. Its cool being able to drive up almost any hill at any speed you want with the 450, which you just cannot do with a 350.
 

evantwheeler

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2015
Messages
2,875
Reaction score
5,532

BRONCOBOY

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Messages
106
Reaction score
157
In the market for a upgrade and lurk around the Entegra facebook group. Not sold on the quality and have seen a few newer Entegra's that needed full roof repair. complete tear off all wood replaced and reskinned. They leak under the top awning mounts and not a cheap repair 15 to 20 grand.
 

spectras only

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
13,233
Reaction score
13,325
Last edited:

spectras only

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
13,233
Reaction score
13,325
2008 Monaco, 4 slides, W/D, fireplace for 60K $US
 

Attachments

  • 1728633077188.png
    1728633077188.png
    1.3 MB · Views: 0
  • 1728633123456.png
    1728633123456.png
    1.3 MB · Views: 0

welldigger00

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
3,699
Reaction score
8,612
Whats The max you’ll spend? I’ve got a buddy getting out of his rig, for a toy hauler. I’m gonna send him this link.
 

DRIVE BYE

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 27, 2008
Messages
539
Reaction score
79
Agreed on The Tiffin Red Chassis, It still drove fine. The Dutch Stars just take it to the next level....
The Interiors are much better than the lower end units. But with kids and dogs, maybe just get an intermediate unit that will get you by for a while.
 

DEEDUB

New Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2015
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I’m getting ready to list my 2016 Berkshire XL 40’ Bunk House model here in a bit. Cummings 360 hp motor, 41k miles, brand New tires. I can send you more info and pictures if you’d like.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0943.jpeg
    IMG_0943.jpeg
    3.3 MB · Views: 0

Ladsm

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 30, 2017
Messages
1,276
Reaction score
3,016
I have a 2004 Holiday Rambler Endeavor which is made by Monaco. Welded Aluminum Frame with no wood in the walls and ceiling. I had a Holiday Rambler/Monaco Dune Chaser Toy hauler before the MoHo and it was just as good. The Monaco brands have been the best functioning and quality RVs I have owned. I have had Fleetwood products self-destruct on the freeway, I have had wood framed rigs fall apart. I do agree that the older Tiffins before Thor bought them are also great rigs.
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
Agreed on The Tiffin Red Chassis, It still drove fine. The Dutch Stars just take it to the next level....
The Interiors are much better than the lower end units. But with kids and dogs, maybe just get an intermediate unit that will get you by for a while.
This is a true statement. Once we start looking at some of these mfg it would help with our long term direction. We we have twin 12yr old girls and 2 10 month old Rotts... 🤦‍♂️
 

BHC Vic

cobra performance boats
Joined
May 24, 2014
Messages
25,612
Reaction score
20,143
My buddy just got a 41’ coachmen sports coach it’s really nice. Bunk model
 

RVRKID

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Messages
6,330
Reaction score
6,600
With twin 12 year old girls I would be looking for a bath and a half over the bunks.. LOL You also have to think about how long you are going to keep it and how long the bunks are, with my 13 year old he would probably be too tall by next year to fit comfortably in a bunk.
 

69hondo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
3,297
Reaction score
7,684
What are you going to be doing with it?
Meaning just traveling the country or dragging around 10K plus of work like a lot of us? LOL
If just traveling then focus on the nicer models. If towing an enclosed trailer full of shit then the most power with a balance of comfort in your budget.
I would go pre def.
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
With twin 12 year old girls I would be looking for a bath and a half over the bunks.. LOL You also have to think about how long you are going to keep it and how long the bunks are, with my 13 year old he would probably be too tall by next year to fit comfortably in a bunk.
We all know a motorhome is built to sleep 2 and cocktails for 6. With that, my wife does not like the fact that beds are in the front and need to put in and out everyday. With the bunks its out of the way and can close them off.. With that said we have yet to test the kids in the bunks to see the room and if it works, but its on her wish list...

I liked this bunk couch....

IMG_8881.PNG
 

STV_Keith

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2009
Messages
2,888
Reaction score
1,509
If I were looking, here's a few things I'd be looking for:

- outboard airbag suspension (not inboard) for better ride and stability
- tag - adds weight, but also control and one more set of tires on the ground should anything go wrong.
- original MSRP by year. A 20 year old coach that was $500k will have better quality everything than one that was $250k.
- amenities like Aqua Hot vs propane heater/water heater, size of inverter (2kw, 2.5kw, 3kw), size of generator (7.5kw, 8kw, 10kw, 12kw, etc).

In a 38'+ coach, 450hp minimum.

For me, my U320 Foretravel checked all the boxes.
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
What are you going to be doing with it?
Meaning just traveling the country or dragging around 10K plus of work like a lot of us? LOL
If just traveling then focus on the nicer models. If towing an enclosed trailer full of shit then the most power with a balance of comfort in your budget.
I would go pre def.

Don't do the desert thing anymore...... Just RV parks either towing a toad or a 20' enclosed tailer with a golf cart or something... we don't have a sxs at this time and no plans on getting one.

I make my work schedule difficult to take long trips and with kids club V-ball it takes up time as well... So most trips are with in a 8 hour drive... then every so often a longer trip... We all want to go back to south Dakota pretty bad.

Just need a unit post gold fixtures.. lol
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
Another big bonus mentioned above, since you’re traveling with the kids is the bath a half… I thought it was not needed, but with my wife and 2 girls in tow… it is very VERY much needed 🤣
Really? only had 1 bath in the trailer and never had an issue.

Then again i would go stink it up and it would be mine for at least an hour.... 🤣
 

69hondo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
3,297
Reaction score
7,684
Don't do the desert thing anymore...... Just RV parks either towing a toad or a 20' enclosed tailer with a golf cart or something... we don't have a sxs at this time and no plans on getting one.

I make my work schedule difficult to take long trips and with kids club V-ball it takes up time as well... So most trips are with in a 8 hour drive... then every so often a longer trip... We all want to go back to south Dakota pretty bad.

Just need a unit post gold fixtures.. lol
LMAO. I totally get that. Our Itasca every fixture was gold.
I bought an 05 Tiffin Allegro bus year and half ago and I can say there is no gold anywhere 😆 😆
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
Tiffin Allegro Bus!!
This is what I'm used too diving, but its my parents and used it for a trade show in Atlanta 4 years ago and took 2 weeks to come back to CA. with the kids.... 7-8 at the time but no dogs. We alo have used it many times for local trips and our yearly Pirates Cove trip at easter before we bought our trailer.

I just hope with any other mfg I'm looking at drives as nice as this one.... I know the tag does wanders, but do wonder if the bus non tag model drives just as nice... dont know.

IMG_3073.JPG
 

Done-it-again

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
9,629
Reaction score
12,171
If I were looking, here's a few things I'd be looking for:

- outboard airbag suspension (not inboard) for better ride and stability
- tag - adds weight, but also control and one more set of tires on the ground should anything go wrong.
- original MSRP by year. A 20 year old coach that was $500k will have better quality everything than one that was $250k.
- amenities like Aqua Hot vs propane heater/water heater, size of inverter (2kw, 2.5kw, 3kw), size of generator (7.5kw, 8kw, 10kw, 12kw, etc).

In a 38'+ coach, 450hp minimum.

For me, my U320 Foretravel checked all the boxes.
Thanks for the info... I'll check out the Foretravel.
 

69hondo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
3,297
Reaction score
7,684
This is what I'm used too diving, but its my parents and used it for a trade show in Atlanta 4 years ago and took 2 weeks to come back to CA. with the kids.... 7-8 at the time but no dogs. We alo have used it many times for local trips and our yearly Pirates Cove trip at easter before we bought our trailer.

I just hope with any other mfg I'm looking at drives as nice as this one.... I know the tag does wanders, but do wonder if the bus non tag model drives just as nice... dont know.

View attachment 1438366
Mine is a bus none tag and it drives like I am on a cloud. Take that for what it is as I have never driven a tag though.
 

EmpirE231

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
4,808
Reaction score
9,880
Really? only had 1 bath in the trailer and never had an issue.

Then again i would go stink it up and it would be mine for at least an hour.... 🤣
You said they're 12....

I have a 12 and a 15 YO... wait til they hit 13 and they start their skin care regimens... you will wish you had an extra sink & mirror somewhere in there lol

when we wen to a bath and half, I though "this is not necessary", but now I have figured out that it is 🤣
 

BHC Vic

cobra performance boats
Joined
May 24, 2014
Messages
25,612
Reaction score
20,143
The sports coach is bunk and two bath. It was listed at 160 I think my buddy got a sweet buddy deal though because the guys DW got delivered
 
Top