RV Smackdown - Best Small Class A Diesel Pusher Motorhome
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- What's the best small class A diesel RV? Which motorhome is perfect for me? We get these questions often...so we put it to the test in this RV Smackdown video. We've put four different Motorhomes head-to-head in this RV comparison to see which of these new RVs are the best! As always it's just our opinions, so please take it for what it's worth.
Here's what we're calling the most popular and newest Diesel RVs for 2015:
Thor Palazzo
Holiday Rambler Ambassador
Fleetwood Excursion
Tiffin Allegro RED
Get all the details, ask questions and give your two cents on each RV on our website here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/small...
See all our Filming and Editing gear here: www.gonewiththewynns.com/hd-vi...
Camera:
Sony NX30U
Audio:
Sony Shotgun Mic (built-in)
Editing:
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6
Magic Bullet Suite
© Gone With the Wynns 2015
*we were not compensated by the dealerships nor are we affiliated in any way, if you want the full disclaimer please read the article. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Another fun and informative video. Thanks!
It seems that there is no 'perfect' coach or trailer. There are always trade-offs. We looked at many RVs for over two months before making a decision. Doing your research and legwork really pays off.
Wish we'd known to ask more detailed questions about on board systems, like charger, inverter, water heater, furnace, vent fans, etc.
We are in the process of upgrading several components in our RV, like shower wand, bathroom faucet, vent fans, slide topper, battery bank, LED lights, storage compartment locks, and adding solar panels.
Thanks again, and Happy Camping!
I wish bedrooms were more versatile. Perhaps a Murphy bed that would allow the room to convert to an office space or home theater.
My wife and I recently went to an RV show. We were looking into renting an RV this summer. After we walked the floor AND saw the Holiday Rambler, we realized we could could actually afford the payments for a new HR!
Great video and thank you for sharing your lives and travels with us! Wishing you longevity and prosperity in your future endeavors!
DaddyIvo Do not buy new! There are so many good used coaches. Depreciation on new is crazy expensive. RVT.com
I'm looking at the Newmar Essex ranging from 2005 to 2008, they run about $100K to $175K. Quality wise the Newmar, even though used are far superior to these. Specifically if you plan to spend the $220K on the last two. There was no input on engine, for something this size you need a 400 to 500HP diesel, what of the generator, the Newmar comes with a 12KW. Then there is reliability, this was not cover either, all of which are important to me, at lerast.
Nexus RV (factory direct) has a nice 34B diesel pusher coach for much less money.. they are in Indiana. I think it would be helpful to cover what cargo carrying capacity these coaches have, which is quite important, as well as hitch rating.
Thank you so much for these reviews. You bring up issues that are very important, yet I might not notice some of the items that you pointed out. Must say I was quite disappointed with plastic sinks, etc. Please keep up the good work/service you both are providing. Lou Ann/Oklahoma
Awesome Job Guys!!!! Very Well Done As Always!!! Thanks!!!!
Great points I had not thought of. Thank you! we expect to purchase in the Spring of 2018.
First, thank you both SO MUCH for your reviews and opinions. Not long ago I posted on your website regarding RV type choice. While I still like my Silver Wonder (Airstream trailer) I ventured out looking at other types due to your inspiration. Since then, I have now driven different types of motor homes and would have to agree that a diesel pusher has many advantages. It is not as much the engine as it is the overall driving experience of handling and braking. The coaches are so different and the drive is so different- heavier chassis, more solid feel, etc. I was amazed. The gassers bounced per se like a truck versus the feel of floating like the commercial bus likeness of the pusher.
Love your review. Very concise and adorable, thanks!
Nice job you guys!
Love your videos, you both make them casual and fun. It would be interesting if you rated each of these coaches (or future coaches) on all of the same criteria. For example. 1. Size of Bedroom. 2. Size of bathroom. 3. Closet Area 4. Driver comforts. 5. Passenger comforts. etc. This way you're giving an apples-to-apples comparison on many of the features buyers would like covered.
Nice review. I'll keep my '87 class B+ for another few years though. Thanks!
Awesome video thank you
Very insightful... thank you,
I haven't watched a lot of your videos since you so rudely responded to a succenct technical comment I made a while ago. It is nice to see how much your camera and lighting have improved.
We're in our first motorhome, a 2013 Winnebago Access 24V. We've been discussing upgrading and there has been a fair bit of debate over whether to stay with a class C, go to class A, or maybe even super C. We don't full time in it (maybe in a dozen years when the kids are in college) but we do go boondocking. I'd prefer to keep the length to about 30 feet so we can still fit in some of our favorite campsites, and 35' would be the absolute upper limit. I'd prefer an RV fridge so we don't have to run our generator to keep our batteries charged to run a residential refrigerator, and a nice big 4 door RV fridge with plenty of storage would be a bonus. Since we have four of us our stays tend to be limited by water and holding tank capacity (class A wins that) Storage capacity is also a biggie. Since we sometimes bring other people extra sleeping capacity is a bonus, but most of the bunkhouse layouts sacrifice too much kitchen space for my tastes.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for the reviews. For future reviews, I would like to see the size of the master bed. For us, a king size bed is a must. We don't sleep well with little stretch and turn room.
I was there just this afternoon getting some parts for my rv.
Would be neat to see you guys do a video /series on the typical different layouts in Class A vs. B vs. C and what slide-outs add. I keep seeing features here and there I like from different manufacturers but feel like floor plan layout is a crap-shoot a lot of the time. Which is more important, finding key features or a layout I like? I'm tempted to go with layout since I could always upgrade some features, but I certainly can't add a slide out or move a fridge. Some advice from you guys along these lines would be great.
Being just my wife and I, would never consider a Class A, but they're nice to look at.
Hello Wynns, I liked the Fleetwood Excursion best out of all the coaches you reviewed. I'm looking to get a SuperC or an A class RV for my tailgating travels across the USA!
Those are very nice picks. However for what you paid for the allegro, the 360HP fleetwood expedition is the one to see. The Full slide wall and opposing living area slide creates a very comfortable and spacious living area.
I was in the market for a entry level diesel with bunk beds and my options were the palazzo, forest river legacy, sport coach cross country and the fleetwood excursion 35E.
After stepping into the expedition "just to see"...well..I decided to come up with some extra cash and buy it. Just picked up my expedition 38b 2 weeks ago.
I truly enjoy your channel and blogs. We are new into the rv world and your blogs helps tremendously. We have young kids and we are trying to make this experience a great way to bond as a family. Maybe just maybe you can review some of the units with bunks for family like us.
Also, likely a blog of rving with kids..the what to do, where to go, essentials to have, places to avoid etc...
How about vehicles available to tow per year?? I still can figure this out!
Hope to see you guys on the road some day!!
Thanks again for your time!
I'd be concerned about the slides. I do NOT like to have "important stuff" like a refrigerator, sink, stovetop, washer/dryer, toilet etc, sliding in and out. Eventually, something is going to spring a leak (ask Mr Murphy when said leak will happen). You have not said anything about how useable a coach is with slides RETRACTED. I've seen coaches and trailers that are virtually unusable unless the slides have been extended. All in all, I enjoy your videos and, appreciate your point of view. Thank you!
Love the series guys. Very helpful and gives me things to look for when we plan to buy a couple years from now.
If you guys ever make it to Colorado maybe you can do a in depth review on a EarthRoamer. That is one of the ones we are looking at. Not sure if I can get it past the wife though haha. Just a dream rig.
First time watching one of their videos, I like this couple!
Welcome aboard!
The holiday Rambler may not have had a headboard, but the window you disliked is far superior than most fire escape windows in case of an emergency. God forbid there ever is a fire in your RV, but you may regret not having this window if such an emergency ever does occur.
Last one i prefer 4 thambs up!
I'd like to see you guys do a smackdown with full size luxury Class A rvs (Newmar, Newell, American Coach, etc)
Chicken Soup LONDON AIR:)
+Chicken Soup Foretravel ih-45 or REALM ... Newmar London Aire ... Entergra Cornerstone ... Newell any model
Have you looked into any Itasca/Winnebago offerings? Thanks for the video, it got me fired up to do some traveling.
In the second unit RV you were saying there's no AC in the bathroom while you were showing the AC vents in the ceiling in the bathroom right next to the fan?
The only problem I noticed is I wish you guys would’ve checked out the showers to see what size they were The video is very well put together I liked it a lot and learned some to
Ok kids to cut to the chase.....buy a used prevost.....yes a used one with a series 60 pre DEF...real quality...already broke in solid construction with a real motor...side radiator easy access to the engine.....check out some videos on these rigs and u will see!!!!
Great review, what are your thoughts ob the Newmar Ventana 3436? I believe is around 244 grand
Hello Fellow RV'ers; I think you did a good job on the Motor Homes in your presentation. If I had a opportunity to build one, no wood would be used! Fire Hazard! Aluminum materials would be used on all cabinets, closets, and cupboards. Sliding doors would be fitted to most, except under the sinks. No loft beds! Murphy beds only---650 lb. rating. Coach sprinkler system installed. Rear Fire Door Exit with ladder. I think the Nexus Bentley 34B is near to what is needed----minus the wood.
I'm still waiting for the slide out arboretum so that I can grow hydroponic food on the road...
I wish you would have reviewed the Winnebago Forza 34T. I have this coach on my radar and would love your opinion.
on the RED there was a A/C vent right above your head
Y'all need to do a provost
Have you seen Nexus RV's Bentley? Please review it!
I would prefer the star rating system that Amazon uses. Looking at your thumbs and trying to figure out what you are trying to say is odd. You could also add separate ratings of manufacturer, safety features (side cameras) etc.
Tiffin has a good name in the market however check out Newmar or some other with great rep
i found myself watching your clips like 4 of them lol
Would be nice to get more specs, mechanicals,appliances, electronics, etc.
The chain to the drop-down loft is exposed? I don't know about that, they should have put a removable cover over that...
neXus Bentley $196k fully customized your way, check out their factory on u tube-all your complaints will be addressed and fixed -totally custom- i should be getting a check from them for telling you guys but i'm not, they are just so much better than the lower end stuff your looking at -for less $
Have you seen a Nexus RV? Lot better bargain than any of these. I would love to see a side by side comparison. I really think most of you will see instantly how much you get for your dollar compared to any of these. These were very vague, like no mention of chassis or engine etc. Thanks.
Not sure why you did not mention the TIFFIN 28 Diesel MSRP $155,000 new. It was chosen as the best small RV recently...................Used a 2012 can be had for about $70,000 depending on mileage.
For the price, I would be looking at a sorted out, used higher end unit. I guarantee each one of these units will be back at the dealership getting repaired or sorted out under warranty.
Loved the Fleetwood Excursion! When we are ready to upgrade to the big boy RV's I think that would be our choice! How many will the Excursion sleep? I saw the hide-a-loft, but didn't know if the couch had a bed as well? Love the videos... keep it up!!
chad bixby our 33' can sleep up to 8...but it's a squeeze when there's only one bathroom.
My pet peeve on RV floorplans.... too much kitchen and cabinets; not enough sleeping areas. I like couches and tables that turn in to beds.
what do you think of the Berkshire motorhomes? Have you had any feedback as to how reliable they are. I have been thinking about buying the Berkshire 34qs.
I go to may shows in the North East and I'm always amazed at the cheap materias and the many, many corners cut by these manufacturers. I'm my opinion there is no excuse to find a plastic sink in a $200K++ coach. Shameful!
They want to make as much profit as they can. Sounds like they are skimping because 200k is quite a lot for an RV.
Agreed, but weight is an issue
rennybarr there's a $100k chassis and a $10k Onan that you can't even see. Lot more going in that a sink that runs the price up. They COULD make all the stuff you see look great and the stuff you can't low quality. Dunno if you'd like that either though.
It seems you talked about different areas with each coach and didn't comment on the same stuff on every coach. For instance the inverter and batteries are not on the other coaches? Driving area? How about engine choice?
you guys need to get a new rating system. You should put together a list of features/design/quality etc. and use a scoring system based on a scale like 1-5 or something that is a little more comprehensive then the thumbs system.
Inconsistent marking guys, your two favorites are mid entry, you prefer bus, one of them has exact same booth dinette, flexsteel, as the one for children etc, a little repetitive but then again so where the rv's and as you say its personal choice, as regards the ambassador, again it also had a drop down bed and any RV with a domestic fridge needs a pretty beefy pure sine wave inverter to run it and that comes with extra batteries. The real difference is one you barely touched on, how well they are made and how good factory support will be when something goes wrong and also the dealer is very important, a good one enhances the whole experience, a bad one could put you off for life.
Anyway thanks for your review.
Did anyone else notice that the bathroom faucet in the last rv was identical to the cheap plastic one the Wynns panned. So I'm assuming it was the real thing, or did you miss it.
have you guys seen showhauler coach C Class
Holiday Rambler
Thanks for the review, we certainly will consider the Class A Small Diesel going forward, but we just got our Class B+ Coachman Concord and are pretty happy. One question: Who is filming this video at 1:13? Can see him in the mirror.
Theses videos are great. I have found as I am sure you two have the materials used in the construction is the biggest factor in determining the quality and price of these. Videos don't really do them justice, good and bad. the Newmars, Fleetwoods, Tiffins and some Winnebagos are going to cost more because they use high-end end materials. and to the naysayers below, 200k is entry for a diesel.
More rv smake down
What about the Newmar Vantana? Also how about a little more detail and consistency in comparison. For instance you only looked at one awning and one drivers area. You didn't like the tv layout in one but others were the same. Just saying. Otherwise I hope you keep this up. Thanks
I really love your reviews but I wish you would cover RV's that normal people can afford. ie: $100,000 or less.
Robert Winkler We did last week! BTW - there aren't many new RV's with an MSRP under $100k, so you likely won't see another video on it from us.
Gone with the Wynns c
I bet you could provide a great service to manufacturers with your evaluations and ideas. Go make some money!
Is there any CZcams video that talk about used RVs 1970-2000 and prices between $500- $ 5000. Crraigslist and RV Trader prices
What about Thor Palazzo 33.5 ?
hi I currently own a 37ft travel trailer and I'm ready for the class a plunge I'd like to stay on the low 100s any suggestions?
Might I suggest you investigate used Class A diesel pushers, maybe 3 - 5 yrs old........
Love your shows. Don't know about anyone else, but it seems you two are the only ones that can decipher your thumbs up/down ratings. Especially the 2 1/2 one. What does a fist mean? Lol.
Boy have prices gone skyward in the past 4 years!
I'd like to know how much you paid for your RV's, how many miles you put on them, and how much you sold them for (with adjustments for any upgrades you might have made) when you were done with them. Oh, and how long you had them. Thanks.
You'll need to click over to our site and choose "RV" from the tabs www.gonewiththewynns.com
Did you mean "RV'IN"? You have a lot of vids there and I couldn't find what I was looking for. Can you be a bit more specific as to location? Thanks.
Fun to watch. But these things are so complicated you didn't even scratch the surface, nor could you without the video being 8 hours long! Also I saw an AC vent where you said the bathroom had no AC. Really?
Who wins in the build quality department?
Sorry, but I disagree with no A/C in the bathroom. The vent shown next to the fan at 4:13 is an A/C vent. You have a powered exhaust fan, why would you need a return air in this spot?
You totally missed the best small diesel - Why not include the Newmar Ventana 34 footers?
I am disappointed that the Newmar Ventana LE was not covered. It is in this price range and I think the quality is much better. Why no Newmar?
MyDogIsJack Closest Newmar dealership was near San Diego and we were filming in LA, too far of a drive. We originally had the Newmar on our short list of coaches, we do recommend it in the accompanying article on our site: www.gonewiththewynns.com/midsize-class-a-diesel-rv
how tall are you two?
buy the fleetwood
I like hearing your thoughts on these, but tell who ever is doing the camera work to quit zooming in and out......
Where's the washing machine and dryer?
Niki is that your normal hair color?
If I'm paying this kind of money for a moving house, then it have better amenities than what we saw. I didn't pay anywhere near that much for my house. So to say the least. I'm disappointed in what is suppose to be the more luxury end of the spectrum of RV's.
Just my 2 cents...LOL
1timby Where do you live? $200,000 doesn't buy much house where we live.
Road King One can buy a nice home for less than 200K. One that's at least 2000 sq ft. I live in TX.
Where I live 200k is the top end of the housing prices. You can get a pretty amazing house for that amount. It's sad that these RV's are so expensive.
1timby I hear you. But these new Class A's are amazing and the technology has come a long way. You can't drive a house 2000 miles while towing a vehicle to see the Grand Canyon or Glacier Nat'l Park. There is no question these are luxury items unless of course you become full timers. It's not the kind of purchase you make if you are raising kids and have to slave at a job to survive. So in the meantime, rent one and have a blast until you want to retire. RVing is so liberating and relaxing.
+Road King The down side, RV's depreciate a ton! A friend bought a used class A to live in while his house was being built. When his house was finished, he took him 2 years to sell his RV, taking a bath on the deal.
Who's video taping you guys? And how often do you have someone tape you guys?i thought you did everything yourselves.
Humberto Fernandez We do most of our own filming, but this project was too large to try and do our own everything. We gave Duzer credit, he's a cool guy and an inspirational traveler.
Humberto Fernandez
Gen Y is hitting their mid-30s now so you should pitch a mfr to be consultants/testers on actual livably intelligent RV construction.
Such simple things as which way the microwave opens seems ignored in all these $200,000+ coaches.
Me, I want to start with a Ford F-53 chassis:
www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/strippedchassis/trim/f53classamotorhome/
and build from that . . . big enough LPG tanks to boondock for weeks, rooftop solar and maybe water condensers (not sure if they make any that work yet) etc etc
I wouldn't consider my families Palazzo 36.1 small lol. Especially when you take into consideration that it's actually 38 feet long.
Niki is super cute.
Bill Hamilton Seriously.
They look alike, brother and sister or married?
She looks like the girl from that movie that one time in bandcamp I forgot the name of the movie
Really?
None of them looked like they were worth that much money to me.
and they're ugly
Just a thought..California is an expensive state! Would it be less $$$'s to buy one in a state like Iowa where the cost of living is far less than California? Keep up the good work!!
Msrp is the same nationwide, some dealers will give you a larger discount then others, 20% - 25% off msrp,but that depends on the dealer not the state.....
Are there any RVs like a VW bus but newer? And not the new overly modern VW thing
+Will G There are a bunch of van-type RVs. A lot of them are on Sprinter van chassis but you can find all kinds. An internet search for Class B RVs should get you started.
Some of them are nice but I don't really want to look like I'm driving a truck/school bus if you know what I mean.
35 is mid the 33 Thor Palazzo is small
the peeps that do the layouts for these coaches - they don't have a real clue as to what is '''really''' functional for the hard core RVer . . jmo
maybe you could do a review on something most people can afford
karen reuss I can afford them...Where exactly should the price cutoff be? And any $200,000 brand new coach can be gotten for way less after it's been used for a couple of years. And you'd be surprised how well, successful people take care of their stuff. I just got a $425,000 coach (new in 2011) for around $160,000 and with only 6700 miles on it. See what I'm getting at here?
K-Man S Exactly, a used Tiffen or Monaco can be had for around $80k. Shop around, do your research and do not take the hit for depreciation when buying new. Avoid Thor, from my research they are junk. See USER REVIEWS at RVT.com
karen reuss if you can't afford one you shouldn't be watching these videos then get a review on sewing machines or something like that
Ed Victory you spelled Tiffin wrong
karen Most people do NOT want to see a video review of Tents.
i dont see either one rving?
Nikki where do you get your clothes?!
What rv do you drive
+William Lawton We've had 4 now. You can find more info on our site www.gonewiththewynns.com
Prevost
What I dislike most about all those Rv's and many others in general is the decor always seems to be out of the ark.... You are two young people, why don't they design for young people?
Michael Caton agreed. it seems like they are still stuck in the 70's or 80's with the interior design.
+Michael Caton When we first started looking at RVs a few decades ago it appeared that the prevailing decor was country motif and wasn't for us. What you see now is an improvement. Although not saying it couldn't be better.
At least they dont have big ugly flowery designs on them as much as the older ones. UGLY!
I thought you were reviewing small RV's ???
I love the videos. However they're of limited value to me given that I am almost 6' 2" and weigh more than you two put together. It is hard to judge the scale of these machines because I don't know how tall you are. For example, in one of coaches you barely were able to see out of the kitchen window under the cabinets. That would probably mean a lot to me.
+Morgan Johnson Yea, if you're over 6' the selections get more limited. Check out some of the Super C's, they are often taller. The worst part for tall people can be the shower as it's often in the back where there is a step up over the engine!
I've been paying close attention to the showers more than anything, A a Navy veteran, I can sleep anywhere, but I need dome headroom to shower. An outside shower would serve to a limited degree; just lacking in privacy too often.