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Looking For ????

Yahoo Message Number: 79431
Hi I am new to this group. I have not owned a coach since mid 90's and that was a 32' Winnebago Princess?? with a rear island queen and basement storage, gas engine. I have a couple friends with CC, and they seem to be very nice quality coaches. I just looked at one today a 05 Magna 630 that was super deluxe, it was in for service and was newly purchased.
I am wanting to go around the US and Canada for a while ( year maybe longer) with the family, my wife and 5 year old son. We had looked at some new bunkhouse models by Forest River and the guy I spoke with at a high line sevice center said don't do it. He said look into an older quality coach, Monaco, Beaver, CC etc. That is when he let me peek inside the Magna they were getting ready for a customer. I asked about making the rear wardrobe closet into a bunk bed and he said it would not be to hard ( my son loved the little bunks with his own TV ) I am wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what to expect buying a used coach. What to look for and lookout for. I will be wanting to haul an enclosed stacker trailer with car and toys inside behind the coach and was wondering what engine/trans would be best. I have seen so many different options and don't know what is what. I was thinking at least 500hp any suggestions? What is difference between 3000 and 4000 trans? Cat, Cummins or DD 60 series? Really any suggestions about anything would be great. Is the Magna the model to get? or Allure or Inspire? Thank you in advance for any and all help

Dave

Re: Looking For ????

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79444
I'm an advocate of the advise to buy quality, dropping years to remain within budget.
I would suggest you take some time to go kick several of the rigs at local dealers and a few RV's shows if you can. Start coming up with a list of Must Have's and Nice to Have's. Mechanical (side vs rear radiator, tag of non tag; power to weight ratio, CCC, Jake Brake Compression 2 Stage vs 3 Stage (or Retarder for Foretravel), etc.) Inside (lay out for living. Quality of cabinet and components, Auqua/Hyro hot vs Water Heater, etc.)
Using this list, narrow down the number of Manufacturers, and the specific Models that match your list well. Then start the hunt.
If you can do the math on the load you will be pulling, add this to the RV's weight (factor water, and 'ready to go' by adding a cushion onto the reported rigs weight). This will give you the combined weight you need to be read for the engine and braking to pull.
The Big Cat would probably do it. But in general, the more HP/Torgue the better, and the Allison 4000 sounds like a given need for what you are talking about. From Cummins, the ISM would probably get you done, but the ISX would propably be better. It really comes down to the expected total weight, and then do the math on the HP/Torque to weight ratio...

Country Coach
Alpine
Foretravel

Monaco Dynasty or above (and the Beaver and HR equivalent) Travel Supreme
Entegra

Bluebirds and Wanderlodges
Newmar Essex

Maybe even an older Newell

These all come to mind when you talk the combo of higher quality, and larger size engines. Others too, but those are some I recall quickly.
Best of luck on our search, have fun, go slow, pay for full inspection, and go travel!! Smitty

04 Allure 31017

- In Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com, "Dave" wrote:
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Looking For ????

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79461
Thanks for the input, I am leaning toward an 06 or newer Magna with the biggest power I can find. Although I did see an 08 Monaco Signature at California Coach Company with 600 hp ISX that looks pretty nice....

Thanks Again,

Dave

Re: Looking For ????

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79510
Dave,

You must live close by as I've been to CA Coach many times. The previous post brought up some excellent points, but here are a few more.
Overall Length - In CA there is a maximum allowable length of coach + trailer of 65.0" Yes, there's a CHP officer that pulls suspect trailers over and measures -- one inch over and it gets expensive really quickly (fine + manditory tow of trailer by wreaker, etc). Other states have similar requirements.
Class B-Non Commercial License - You'll need one for any coach over 40'
We too love the engineering and quality of Country Coaches. If you can swing it, the 2007 year has some very significant upgrades. The Magna is probably the best series and the Rembrant model has arguably the best floorplan (Galileo the worst - desk, but no pantry! IMHU).
Specific details of changes from year to year among all CC coaches is available here http://www.damonrapozo.com/model_history/index.php It's a very complete listing (and yes, he also offers CC for sale.
You may also want to talk with Steve Wilson at Holland RV in San Diego. He's very knowledgable about CC and other high end coaches (There are two Holland web sites that list inventory -- make sure you're NOT looking at the MI one!).
One of my favorite search engines for coachess is www. OODLE.com - it's just amazing what it can find.

Best of luck to you and your search! Keep us informed!

Mark

Future Affinity Owner?

Re: Looking For ????

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79530
X2 on Mark's input about Steve Wilson. He sold us our rig. But it was more then a sell for Steve. He does care, and knows his stuff - a fair man, and good people.
I sat down with Steve and provided him our list of Must Have and Nice to Have. Our budget range. He asked good questions, suggested a few things to consider.

A call costs you nothing....
Best,
Smitty
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)
 

Re: Looking For ????

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79534
I cannot say enough good about my experience with Steve and Tony and Calif Coach....... over and above what I ever anticipated as far as support/service, assistance.... in every way... they are awesome people to deal with. jan

06 Inspire 51898 DaVinci

From: GSmith77_7

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:23 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Re: Looking For ????

X2 on Mark's input about Steve Wilson. He sold us our rig. But it was more then a sell for Steve. He does care, and knows his stuff - a fair man, and good people.
I sat down with Steve and provided him our list of Must Have and Nice to Have. Our budget range. He asked good questions, suggested a few things to consider.

A call costs you nothing....
Best,
Smitty