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Kate + 8 set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stranded

Yahoo Message Number: 74285
So imagine the setting.

We're mulling for our dream motor home on our very first purchase (no trade ups). My wife had previously had bad RV experiences as a child in her uncle's old "box on wheels" back in the '70's...and the most vivid memory she has is all the numerous times the motorhome would "break" ~ coming to a complete stop in the most inhospitable places (middle of the desert in summer, on the freeway at night, etc.). She's a bit resistant, to say the least, but has slowly come on board...sort of.
"Coaches today are far better than those ones you experienced in the '70's" I said. I think I had her almost convinced...until she watched "Kate + 8" where "they" (3 adults, 13 kids and a camera crew) go for a 14 day tour of the U.S. in two (2) RVS. I won't debate the fact that 8+ people per motor home is insanity, but in 14 days, both original motorhomes had massive failures (one had to be replaced), and even the replacement had a major issue that grounded it for a day. That's not mentioning her litany of "minor" problems while traveling...broken refrigerator door (?), microwave & TVs failed, loss of generator leaving them with no AC, the list goes on. So you can imagine the look my wife gives me as this unfolds...certainly didn't seem reliable! (I noticed they were rented from "ALL STAR" rentals ~ but none of them were Country Coaches (Though one was a Monaco)...so I'm hoping the story is different.)
So my question to all Country Coach owners is...How many breakdowns have you had in "X" years of ownership, and how much did they affect your trip and your pocket book?
Help me win this war so I can become a "permanent" member instead of a "looky-loo" LOL

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74287
Just look her in the eye's, and tell her these two things:

1) It's all part of the experience...
2) Wherever you are, is our where our home is...

And, then run like the wind...

I'm pretty much a newbie, compared this gang. But our first used Bounder, driven for 4 years after we bought it when it was 8 years old - never let us down. Had a few times when it needed tender loving coaching (relay switch impacting the starter) - but we always got on our way, and never coasted to a stop.

Our 04 Allure has so far also been rock solid.
While 'stuff' happens, and even the best maintained rig will have a surprised from time to time. I've noticed that most failures and breakdown situations that I have been involved in trying to resolve - had a common theme. Root cause was lack of, or inadequate, maintenance. Many just did not know, did not care, or just figured they would take their chances. Some, just could not afford to do what needed to be done.

I help where I can, and move on.

I think if you both go into this together, take some of club Boot Camps for new RV'ers, both of you attending - that she would have a much better feel for what to expect. Most full timers will tell you it is not 'if', it is just a question of 'when' - you will have a problem along the way. Just plan accordingly, keep a smile on your face - and things work out.
As far as Country Coach, as good as they are (much better then most) - you will have maintenance item, and things that plain down wear out. Nothing magic to keep Country Coaches from having problems like the rest of them. I do feel the better build quality, and stable chassis, will provide a buffer over many of the problem of lesser built RV's.
I wish you luck on your search, and hope she enjoys it as much most on this board do.
Best,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
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: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74288
I researched and looked at a bunch of motorhomes and decided Country Coach was what I wanted. My wife said go big or go home and to buy something I would want to keep instead of trading it in 3 months down the road. In January I purchased an 07 Intrigue 530 45' tag axle Quad Slide with 20,000 miles on it. I have 25,000 now.
I have been on six trips and had something break on every trip but mostly little annoying things like the hydro hot level switch, step cover motor, gas sensor solenoid to propane shut off valve, sliding glass mirror door, awnings popping out going down the highway, but leaving the Good Sam Rally this summer in Redmond Oregon about 1 1/2 hours out heading North to Seattle my passenger side rear slide flew out. 17 days and $6,500 later we were on the road again. The guys that repaired it said it was a known problem on the model and year that I had and it usually happened about 20,000 miles. Country Coach changed the location of the synchronizer later that year.

Good Sam ESP was worthless and didn't pay a dime.
I have two friends with Country Coach's,2004 54,000 miles and 2000 69,000 miles, and they don't have any problems. Since January the oldest one a 2000 had the heating coil in the oven go out. The only thing my wife says is please don't go anywhere on I5 in California, (worst highway of any state that we have been in. Bounced us all over the place at 55 MPH). We are heading from California to New Orleans later this month for a 30 day trip.

I would do it all again but only buy a 40'

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74291
My wife and I have had around 9 RV's since we started in 1973. While there have been a number of problems over the years, we only broke down one time. Last year while driving down I-5 the coach shut down completely. After 8 hours and a $1300 tow, the shop determined that a $2 fuse had blown. Go for it!

dick bradley

04 Intrigue #11830

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74294
I bought my 05 CC Inspire 3 years ago with 14K miles. I now have 42k. I have had 1 road break down when the pwr steering hose was rubbing against the frame and wore a hole. I had an almost road break down when I discovered that the power takeoff gear needed a wet kit.
That being said, I take my coach into a CC shop every year for service and inspection. There is always something. Be sure to purchase a extended service warranty contract. These are very complicated pieces of equipment.

Good Luck.

Michael

05 Inspire #51381

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74298
I've had 3 1/2 break downs. The first was an injection pump issue that was half fixed, it cost $0.0 and half a day. The second Part cost me $75.00, and replacement of the pump, $0.00 for the pump. when not corrected right the first time and a day and a half. The second breakdown was on the second coach and was the accumulator part of the injection pump. It ended costing me $300.00 and four days. It would have been fixed over night but the service contract company drug their heals. The last one was expensive, had to replace an aluminum radiator and cost me 10 days and close to $7200.00 when all said and done. The earlier airstream TT didn't cost me any time in 11 years we owned her before the two CC motor homes, but had 8 trips with heater and air conditioner issues, until I added a second air for hot weather over 100 degrees, $1200, and had the heater replaced for the third time under warranty. So in 23 years, I guess we lost 16 to 18 days in 23 years, and missed out on one trip because of Toyo tire issues where I received two telegrams not to move the coach, until the front tires were replaced 3 times. Now if you buy a CC make sure it has had the radiator replaced, the PTO has been updated, has fairly new Michelin tires and you will have saved your self over half of my issues. Other issues, such as stuck vent lids, wiper blade arms coming loose, awnings being suspect, bad tasting water, steps squeaking and failing to extend, low batteries, etc etc. can all be taken care by you or others with annual inspections and checking everything out, before heading down the road. Once a month I take the coach out for a couple of hours and make sure everything is ship shape, exercising the tires, engine, genset, airs, heat pumps, refer, micro wave. Sometimes we throw in an over night bag and drive just a few miles to a park, to get away.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731 PS. Normally we are traveling in the coach 5 to 7 months a year.

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74299
They are paving I80 over Donner Pass now, but until they finish I would say the east bound lanes are the worst of the entire Interstate system. Speed limit on I-10 in Texas is 80 mph from East El Paso to San Antonio, if you are in a hurry.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74310
9 years and 63,000 miles starting with a then 7 year old Country Coach.

We have been stranded waiting for a tow 3 times.

1. Fuel Injection pump failed in the Sierra mountains.
2. Coolant booster pump failed on Hwy 94 near Glendive, Montana.
3. Fuel line broke after a clamp failed returning from Lake Tahoe.

Either Good Sam or Coachnet came to our rescue very promptly and with quality tow service. Items 1 & 3 required shop time for the repairs.
I could/should have repaired the booster pump problem myself in 30 minutes and been back on the road. But, I was not knowledgeable at the time and so wasted a Sunday.
We have done lots of other repairs over the years but none would have been a trip stopper.

Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74312
Almost stranded but not really stranded. On our maiden voyage in our new 2000 Intrigue, January 2000, having driven approximately 2100 miles from Florida to Tucson, Arizona. Stopped at the RV park check-in point, went into the office, checked in and then came back out to the coach, turned the key but no starter action. Tried several times as I couldn't believe my brand new CC motor home was failing me after only 1 week of ownership! It was getting late on a Friday afternoon, I called CC factory warranty folks and they said they would have it towed to Cummins. I said no way! You need to send a mobile Cummins truck out to fix it on-site, they resisted, I insisted and they finally gave in. Bottom line, this all started at around 3pm and by 9pm the mobile truck came out and had a new starter with him, removed the old starter and installed a replacement starter. That was 75000 miles ago and never been dead in the water since. Had lots of other issues which got me into service centers but nothing really major that kept me from getting on down the road. Best of luck with your buying decision. You will have issues, it is a motor home!

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

"Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74305
We have been RV-ing big time but not full time since '99 (13th year) with only two major breakdowns that required towing to a Cummins place. Our current one we bought near-new (6k miles), have 139,000 miles on it and still do 3 months or better each year. Slowing down a bit as we get into the late 70s. We used to do 6 to 8 months a year.
Two major breakdowns were both under warranty and involved an engine rebuild, and then four months later an engine replacement with a new one - under warranty thank goodness.
There are always little things that stop, break, come loose, etc. When you consider that you are putting your house on wheels and driving it down the road at 70mph in comfort, one has to realize that a lot of compromises have to be made in the equipment end of the equation. A prudent person plans for on-going maintenance expenses on his auto or truck, why not the RV, which is 10 times more complex?
I say go for it and enjoy what you can. Make sure that you include your wife's personal likes in each of your itineraries, i.e. if she likes stage productions, then a few days stop in Ashland, OR at one of the three Shakespeare theaters, or likes to walk in the sandy beach, a few days each trip along a beach somewhere.
Also make sure she has plenty of drawers for her management in the galley and the stateroom and the majority of space in the closet.
Otherwise, all I can say is good luck to your aspirations. You have selected a mountain to overcome. Find yourself a good 01 or 02 Intrigue with two slides and plenty of storage space, the very best of all the CCs in our humble opinion, and enjoy.

Re: "Kate + 8" set RVing back 20 years ~ Question: Has your CC Stran

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 74309
Since my CC is a 1999 old school unit... I've had one on road break down and one running poorly in 5 years of ownership. Lucky for me it was an easy and cheap (280 air miles) fix. It was the turbo oil line. The only reason it failed was due to the repair shop installing it over the exhaust manifold after replacing the exhaust manifolds. It did last 10K miles before failing though.
Getting the replacement part was a comedy of errors. Had to be ordered from Cummings Northwest and instead of sending it to the repair shop they sent to my home. All in all, looking back pretty funny. The highlight was the turbo line failed at the RV parks check-in driveway. Rather messy, however they were quite understanding. So I've never been road side disabled, just RV park captive.
The running poorly never did leave me stranded. Turned out to be a micro crack in one of the fuel filters housings. Would suck air into the fuel system, but never leak fuel out of the housing. A tough and costly(900 air miles) one to find.
All in all.... I love my old school Country Coach. I've placed 48K miles on it. I never think twice about hooking up the MKX (fancy heavier Ford Edge with A/C seats. A sweet n easy, look Ma no fuss hook it up toad) and heading up I-80 east for a weekend of throwing money away, around Lake Tahoe or Reno. No I do not, have a gambling problem... I feel its my duty to keep the casinos looking nice for others to enjoy!

Gordo

1999 Allure 30344
Sacramento, Ca.