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Country Coach Newbie

Yahoo Message Number: 86587
Hi,

I'm a new member and hopefully a potentially new CC owner.
I'm in the market for a used DP and have done quite a bit of work and study at all the usual sites, so hopefully my questions aren't too redundant. These are some questions that I can't quite put my finger on.
My budget is not a hard number, but is in the $100k - $130k range. I could be convinced to go to 150k if the deal were right. This probably means a 2005, 2006 or possibly a 2007 model year.

1) I have determined that I want a tag axle. Having spent many years in construction and heavy equipment I am pretty safety conscious. I hate the idea of running a coach close or over capacity. It is something that I just won't do. We will be traveling with family and the fairly low CCC on many units means that I would always be too close. So a tag is in my future. Plus we may tow a toad ~50% of the time.
 So is there any magic or key to which CC models have a tag axle and which ones don't? I have looked at Damon's model history, but even there it is hard to see which units have tags.

2) There are several comments recommending that one stay to a 2006 or prior due to the increased diesel emission changes after 2006. I am pretty familiar with diesels and I would certainly pick one without a DPF filter or DEF if given the choice, but I am not sure the difference is enough to make that the predominant factor.
Sooner or later any late model DP will end up having a diesel engine with emission controls on it, so is it just accept that and not try to stay to 2006 or prior? I don't want the tail wagging the dog. :-)
3) On the flip side, I have read comments that say to buy a 2007 or newer unit, since the structural and suspension changes are significant enough to make a great difference. I see some of these changes on Damon's history, but I can't determine if they are substantial and of real importance. Is a 2007 model that much better? I know the first decision should be layout. But I am confident we can find a good layout in any of these years.

4) We like the built in dinette (u-dinette or the straight one), particular when traveling with more family. There aren't that many coaches out there that have the built in dinette, many seem oriented around the full timers which seem to prefer the table with 2 chairs.
Would a dinette be modular enough that I could add it back in, either custom made or find one someplace? I know the couch area seems to be a place where people swap desk for couches, so I am wondering if the same can be done for the dinette.

5) What is the rough cost to setup a hitch system for towing? I have no idea so just wanted to know what to budget. Is there a clear good choice that most everyone prefers?

Thanks for any and all input. Again I hope my questions are not overly redundant and have been answered dozens of times before, I don't want or mean to waste your time.

Thanks!
Dan

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86588
Dan, Good luck in your search for a Country Coach. You will not be disappointed in buying one. If you are looking for a tow car, I have a 2006 Ford Explorer that is all set up for towing with a factory drive shaft disconnect, braking system and lights. If your interested, get back to me.
I have this on my M.H. that is also for sale for a lot less than this new one: "Black Hawk 2 All-Terrain Tow Bar - Fits Roadmaster brackets Roadmaster Part #: 422
Your Price: $950.00"

I also have the rock guard for protecting the front of the toad.

Jim

Allure 30745

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86590
We were at lazy days today near Tampa and had time to walk all around their used coaches. We saw only one, an 06 Magna, and when I asked about more, the response was that folks seem to be keeping their country coaches and not trading much! If true, says good stuff for our Country coaches.

Mary

06 inspire 51784

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86591
The dinette vs booth arrangement has been changed out by many buyers of different brand coaches after the purchase. Materials and quality of install co-ordination will be your most difficult issue.
The tow bar and baseplate cost will be about $2000 if you include the toad braking system.
I have read good comments about the readybrake/ReadyBrute Elite system that is all in one for about $800. You would need to buy a base plate system for the toad which would be about $400 more uninstalled.

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86592
Hi Dan,

Good luck in your search. We love our CC. We totally agree on the tag axle for weight and stability.
We have an 07 Allure that has an 06 Cummins engine so just because a CC is an 07 does not mean it has an 07 engine :-) I believe this is true for many of the 07's the manufacturer prepared for the change.

Marta

07 Allure 31501

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86593
I can recommend the ReadyBrute Elite system I have towed with it going on two years now, 12,000+ miles. It's a simple/easy to hook-up system that works fine. I installed the braking system & lights myself in about 1/2 day. I tow a 2012 Ford Explorer.
Good luck in your pursuit.
RJ

2005 Inspire 360
#51264

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86594
Dan,

Welcome to the group and happy hunting. Damon Rapozo is one of the best resources across the country for coaches and a great place to start your search for a motorhome. This group has the most expansive knowledge on the Country Coach Brand and will give you a wealth of information and a variety of valuable opinions and experiences for you to sift through to meet your particular needs. Where are you located?

Here are my thoughts.

Based on what you've said are your needs and wants a pre-2004 coach may not be a good fit as they are mostly pre-slide coaches and, with family on board, a snug fit. Many owners like them, however, as they have simpler systems, and are said to be better built than newer rigs . . . net-net more trouble-free.
The 04,05,06 model years seem to have more than their share of paint blister/cracking ($$$$) and radiator failures ($$, aluminum construction). The number of posts on this site suggest Inspires and Allures are most susceptible, but I could be wrong.
Model years 07 and 08 may be your sweet spot, based on your stated priorities, though at the top or above your price range. Those years are not trouble free but would have enough years/miles that a reasonably well cared for coach would have the bugs out . . . I'm thinking of two - PTO and HWH hydraulic line issues. These years are also due for tires and batteries. Newer models would likely be way above your stated price rang.
Coach listings always state if there is a tag axle so that won't be hard to determine, coach by coach. Jeanne and I have a table/chairs in our coach. Mostly it is the 2 of us, but the table top slides out to easily seat 4 and most coaches come with 2 extra chairs, so 4 is not a big deal with a table. We would never have a dinette. And you have more or less space as necessary. By the way, J-lounges are not well loved. MPG seems to be more a factor of driving habits than emission equipment. DEF really didn't appear in coaches until around 2011 or later (I think) so that's a non-issue for you.

You will also want to look into HD TV and Receivers.

You can email me directly if you want to chat off-group or call.

Lee
--

Lee (leozbrowski@...) 2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86595
Have a 2006 Inspire Da Vinci 40'' with 3 slides. CAT C9/400HP, 46000 miles. Dinette, no tag though, $40000 in extras, just inspected, and all issues fixed. $116,000 Jim



[size=0px]
From: love_a_road_trip

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 4:01 AM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Country Coach Newbie
Hi,

I'm a new member and hopefully a potentially new CC owner.
I'm in the market for a used DP and have done quite a bit of work and study at all the usual sites, so hopefully my questions aren't too redundant. These are some questions that I can't quite put my finger on.
My budget is not a hard number, but is in the $100k - $130k range. I could be convinced to go to 150k if the deal were right. This probably means a 2005, 2006 or possibly a 2007 model year.

1) I have determined that I want a tag axle. Having spent many years in construction and heavy equipment I am pretty safety conscious. I hate the idea of running a coach close or over capacity. It is something that I just won't do. We will be traveling with family and the fairly low CCC on many units means that I would always be too close. So a tag is in my future. Plus we may tow a toad ~50% of the time.
 So is there any magic or key to which CC models have a tag axle and which ones don't? I have looked at Damon's model history, but even there it is hard to see which units have tags.

2) There are several comments recommending that one stay to a 2006 or prior due to the increased diesel emission changes after 2006. I am pretty familiar with diesels and I would certainly pick one without a DPF filter or DEF if given the choice, but I am not sure the difference is enough to make that the predominant factor.
Sooner or later any late model DP will end up having a diesel engine with emission controls on it, so is it just accept that and not try to stay to 2006 or prior? I don't want the tail wagging the dog. :-)
3) On the flip side, I have read comments that say to buy a 2007 or newer unit, since the structural and suspension changes are significant enough to make a great difference. I see some of these changes on Damon's history, but I can't determine if they are substantial and of real importance. Is a 2007 model that much better? I know the first decision should be layout. But I am confident we can find a good layout in any of these years.

4) We like the built in dinette (u-dinette or the straight one), particular when traveling with more family. There aren't that many coaches out there that have the built in dinette, many seem oriented around the full timers which seem to prefer the table with 2 chairs.
Would a dinette be modular enough that I could add it back in, either custom made or find one someplace? I know the couch area seems to be a place where people swap desk for couches, so I am wondering if the same can be done for the dinette.

5) What is the rough cost to setup a hitch system for towing? I have no idea so just wanted to know what to budget. Is there a clear good choice that most everyone prefers?

Thanks for any and all input. Again I hope my questions are not overly redundant and have been answered dozens of times before, I don't want or mean to waste your time.

Thanks!
Dan

[/color][/font][/size]

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86597
What is the GVW and GVWR and associated CCC on that unit? Sounds like a nice unit. But again would be worried about being overweight when all is said and done. At times there could be up to 8 of us and you have NO idea how my daughters pack! (Well maybe you do....). :-)

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86600
Dan

Our coach was equipped with a blue ox system when we bought it. It cost me $650 to have the base plate and set up to receive the Blue Ox. I also went with the M&G air brake system which cost $487. The install took a couple hours. I can have my brakes hooked up with 2 quick connects. I tow a Chevy Silverado 4 x 4 so with just the push of 2 buttons my transmission is in neutral Tom

2005 Inspire 51177

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86607
CC started with tag axles in 2000 with Affinities as I remember. by 2003 magnas and intrigues had

tags, too. Depending on the length of coach 37, 40 or 42 and the size of engine. Wet weight carrying

capacity could be over 10,000 lbs. But when all the new models with higher ceilings came along in 05

and bigger engines and all tile floors carrying capacity dropped tremendously. 45 ft coaches such as the 06 Intrigue wet carrying capacity was down to 2000 lbs with a tag. In late 06 early 07 CC added a

heavier front axle to gain another 2000 lbs. When 2007 came along Uncle Sam introduced new cleaner

fuel standards and required engine manufacturers to up date their engines.
Older coaches had fuel or

lift pump issues, Cummins had enough points they could keep building their dirty ISM 11 through 09,

so INTRIGUES got these Cummins 500 hp engines with a lot better fuel milage than the Cat C-13.

Coaches with ISM could travel into Mexico using the older type fuel. Late 03 CC introduced deep 3

slide coaches. So CC weight capacities dropped. Coaches from late 02 have radiator, charge air cooler,

and fan controller issues along with hot water circulation pump failures in the engine compartment,

electrolysis around slide out openings. Starting in late 04 Allures and Inspires started having the

dreaded micro cracking. Intrigues Magnas and Affinities seem to be free of the issue. Coaches with

Cat C9 and C-13 and Cat transmissions seem to have issues, not that Cummins don't , but Allison

transmissions seem to be pretty trouble free. The Cummins ISL 400 Mark II has some internal

connecting rod issues. All Tires can have issues, but by purchasing a coach with 12R, 295, or 315 tires

you should be close to having few troubles providing they are less than 6 years old. If over 5 plan on

replacing them yesterday. Sound electronics and TV's were almost obsolete when they were installed,

thanks to oriental manufacturers and a less than straight supplier. My Motosat is still working for

satellite, but the company is long gone. What else is new?
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Original Message:
-----------------

From: love_a_road_trip danspangenberg@... Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2013 19:24:27 -0000 To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Country Coach Newbie

What is the GVW and GVWR and associated CCC on that unit? Sounds like a nice unit. But again would

be worried about being overweight when all is said and done. At times there could be up to 8 of us and

you have NO idea how my daughters pack! (Well maybe you do....). :-)

Quote from: Bobby Mattison \[br\
] > > Have a 2006 Inspire Da Vinci 40'' with 3 slides. CAT C9/400HP, 46000
miles. Dinette, no tag though,

$40000 in extras, just inspected, and all issues fixed. $116,000

Quote
Jim

__

From: love_a_road_trip

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 4:01 AM > Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Country Coach Newbie >

Hi,

I'm a new member and hopefully a potentially new CC owner.
> I'm in the market for a used DP and have done quite a bit of work and
study at all the usual sites, so

hopefully my questions aren't too redundant. These are some questions that I can't quite put my finger
on.

Quote
>

My budget is not a hard number, but is in the $100k - $130k range. I
could be convinced to go to

150k if the deal were right. This probably means a 2005, 2006 or possibly a 2007 model year.

Quote
>

1) I have determined that I want a tag axle. Having spent many years in
construction and heavy

equipment I am pretty safety conscious. I hate the idea of running a coach close or over capacity. It is

something that I just won't do. We will be traveling with family and the fairly low CCC on many units

means that I would always be too close. So a tag is in my future. Plus we may tow a toad ~50% of the
time.

Quote
>

So is there any magic or key to which CC models have a tag axle and which
ones don't? I have looked

at Damon's model history, but even there it is hard to see which units have tags.

Quote
>

2) There are several comments recommending that one stay to a 2006 or
prior due to the increased

diesel emission changes after 2006. I am pretty familiar with diesels and I would certainly pick one

without a DPF filter or DEF if given the choice, but I am not sure the difference is enough to make that
the predominant factor.

Quote
Sooner or later any late model DP will end up having a diesel engine with
emission controls on it, so is

it just accept that and not try to stay to 2006 or prior? I don't want the tail wagging the dog. :-)

Quote
>

3) On the flip side, I have read comments that say to buy a 2007 or newer
unit, since the structural

and suspension changes are significant enough to make a great difference. I see some of these changes

on Damon's history, but I can't determine if they are substantial and of real importance. Is a 2007
model that much better?

Quote
>

I know the first decision should be layout. But I am confident we can
find a good layout in any of
these years.

Quote
>

4) We like the built in dinette (u-dinette or the straight one),
particular when traveling with more family. There aren't that many coaches out there that have the built in dinette, many seem oriented

around the full timers which seem to prefer the table with 2 chairs.
Quote
Would a dinette be modular enough that I could add it back in, either
custom made or find one

someplace? I know the couch area seems to be a place where people swap desk for couches, so I am

wondering if the same can be done for the dinette.

Quote
>

5) What is the rough cost to setup a hitch system for towing? I have no
idea so just wanted to know

what to budget. Is there a clear good choice that most everyone prefers?

Quote
>

Thanks for any and all input. Again I hope my questions are not overly
redundant and have been

answered dozens of times before, I don't want or mean to waste your time.

Quote
Thanks!
Dan
mail2web LIVE ? Free email based on Microsoft® Exchange technology - http://link.mail2web.com/LIVE

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86608
GVWR: 33,200
GCWR: 43,200
WHEELBASE: 26"



[size=0px]
From: love_a_road_trip

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 3:24 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Country Coach Newbie

What is the GVW and GVWR and associated CCC on that unit? Sounds like a nice unit. But again would be worried about being overweight when all is said and done. At times there could be up to 8 of us and you have NO idea how my daughters pack! (Well maybe you do....). :-)

[/color][/font][/size]

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86611
First of all, thanks to everyone for sharing your info and thoughts. I appreciate it!
This is interesting info on the weights and capacities. I guess I am wondering if there is someplace that shows the CCC for each coach? (other than the individual tag on the coach...) Has anyone compiled that info? Do the brochures disclose it? (although I have had a tough time finding brochures from those past years)

This info pretty well cements my resolve to get a coach with a tag.
Thanks for the comments on tires, no one really wears them out...they just get old! :-) I love your comment "If over 5 plan on replacing them yesterday" :-)
I am not too concerned about the electronics since I would most likely upgrade everything anyway. That part is easy and comes natural to me.
I wasn't aware of micro cracking on the Allures and Inspires. Are you talking about cracks in the paint finish? Was it isolated to the 04's or do the 05's and 06's also have issues?

Thanks again to everyone for sharing your experience!

Dan

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86612
The RVCG publishes CCC information on almost every coach ever made. When I was looking for a motor home a few years back I used them extensively.

Bob and Barbara
Affinity 2002 42'

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86617
Keep in mind a tag will give you extra carrying capacity but it will actually take away carrying space. (Cubic feet). Those extra wheels have to fit in somewhere!

Bruce

2001 Intrigue #11278
 

Re: Country Coach Newbie

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86630
You might check the paperwork that may have been with the coach from the factory. Mine had a factory weight sheet showing the weight of the coach at each wheel. I believe CC weighed all their coaches before they left the factory.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856