What would you buy tomorrow? February 07, 2008, 04:23:45 pm Yahoo Message Number: 590Since we've been talking about the problems and concerns regarding ourKodiak based coaches, if you were shopping; what would you buy now?Think in terms of similar price ranges. Would you go back to a class A?I'm pretty happy with my Grayhawk 32SS, but have found many of the sameproblems everyone else has and have posted photos of them. I'm notplanning on making a change....but the RV show in Raleigh, NC beginstomorrow and we go every year anyway :-)Since we've been talking about things we've owned in the past and howthey compared I was just curious. My last motorhome was a 1976 MinnieWinnie and everything since then has been a travel trailer until I gotthe Jayco last fall.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #1 – February 07, 2008, 05:41:19 pm Yahoo Message Number: 591Greg, My wife and I have had this dicussion a few times this year already, so good timing for the question. We have come to the conclusion that "investing" money into our GS Endura would be the best of both worlds.We have discussed making most, if not all of the upgrades needed to make this a good/great RV. We figured that "IF" we invested another $7,000.00-$10,000.00 (suspension mods, interior upgrades, ect) that this coach would be good for a few years (15+). We have a few interior upgrades schedule for the coming months (floor, cabinets, entertainment center). It will likely take a good couple of years to get things as close to perfect as possible, but this is Rving...Right!If we go out and get a " class A", we might run into the same problems with the way the suspension works, interior of the coach, workmanship, power and factory support. I for one would not like to start the process all over again.Trx....Greg Gimlick wrote: Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #2 – February 07, 2008, 06:13:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 592We have been looking a class C's and A's over the last few months.After viewing them and the cost to go to a new or used one we havedecided to continue with the mod's and upgrades that we have made.Cannot get the upgrades in the new models. Our engine drive train islike new. So it's staying with our MH for a few more years.But if I had to get a new MH it would be hard to bypass the floorplanof the Endura 6362 on Kodiak D/A 22,000 chassis. Would have to waitfor it to be delivered. Because the D/A is special order. I am notsold on the International chassis yet. Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #3 – February 07, 2008, 07:19:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 593Ours was a downsizing decision and we focused on Kodiak based coachesfor the ease of getting serviced and a roomier cab than regular C's. Mywife also wanted something less imposing for her to drive. We weretargeting in the 32ft range and ended up with the Greyhawk 33DS (33'10") but we love the floorplan.The big gasser has plenty of power for our needs, the Chevy MDT dealeris close by for service and the Jayco dealer is even closer. I stillmarvel at being able to manuver around gas up at most regular fuelislands. Would have preferred to find a year or 2 old, "gently used"coach so as to avoid the cost premium of a new vehicle and to have theinfamous "first year bugs" already worked out. Hwever... all thingsconsidered we're pretty satisfied with this decision.Now for about twice what we paid... that 32ft Bigfoot Kodiak sure issweet!Bill Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #4 – February 07, 2008, 07:57:34 pm Yahoo Message Number: 594I guess you all know my answer... I think the 19,500# chassis is simply too light to handle an RV body... the 22,000# Jayco would be my choice if they made one in the 32' box, so there would be plenty of cargo capacity AND storage space. All the suspension gadgets in the world will not fix the capacity issue, but the weight of the suspension parts will reduce your CCC even more.Denny Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #5 – February 07, 2008, 08:55:04 pm Yahoo Message Number: 597QuoteI guess you all know my answer... I think the 19,500# chassis issimply tooQuotelight to handle an RV body... the 22,000# Jayco would be my choice ifthey made one in the 32' box, so there would be plenty of cargo capacityAND storageQuotespace. All the suspension gadgets in the world will not fix thecapacity issue, but the weight of the suspension parts will reduce your CCCeven more.QuoteDennyThe 19.5K chassis is not the problem. The problem is that manufacturersstart putting too big of RV's on the chassis. My Conquest is one of thesmaller ones, and it still has plenty of CCC and towing capability. Andit does not have some of the handling issues as some of you with thelarger rigs seem to talk about. I like the ride better then any smallerclass C that I have driven. Yes, I am adding Koni shocks to improve theride, but that is just me. I like to modify cars, trucks, etc., forimprovement. None of my vehicles is "stock". I am sure my rig could bebetter.If the 19.5K chassis is too small, what about the E350 and E450? Ithink it is the companies making too big of rv for the chassis they areusing.QuoteNow don't get me wrong, I would not mind bigger. If I win the Lotto, Iwill be calling Showhauler, Renegade, Chariot, Optima, etc., to startbuilding my dream coach once the check is in my hand. But until then, Iwill enjoy my rig as much as I can.Bill Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #6 – February 07, 2008, 09:03:12 pm Yahoo Message Number: 599Good luck with the lottery, Bill... meanwhile, enjoy your coach!!Denny Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #7 – February 07, 2008, 09:38:35 pm Yahoo Message Number: 600Thanks for all of your input, it sort of confirms what I thoughtalready. Although this Jayco 32SS isn't perfect and some of the stuff isjust plain shoddy quality control, overall it's a pretty decent coach.There are some things I'd like to do, but other than handle theimmediate "must do" things I'm going to wait until we return from ourbig trip this coming summer.That trip will entail about 5000 miles over three weeks and should giveme a lot of information about whether I'm happy or not. We've doneseveral short trips of 4 or 500 miles until now and I'm happy with thehandling, etc. That's been thru the mountains of NC which aren't theRockies, but they're still pretty stout. This has been without towinganything though. We've yet to add a TOAD.We're going to the RV Show tomorrow and will probably get upgrade envy, but the budget will keep me in what I already own as far as I can see.It's interesting to hear other trains of thought. I had narrowed mysearch down to the Greyhawk and a Four Winds before I bought the Greyhawk.It's often hard to keep in mind when we read the forums that there aremany differing opinions and just because we whine about a problemdoesn't mean we're completely unhappy. From reading I would have to addsome Gulfstreams to the mix of considerations too. I think if I wasgoing to give up my Greyhawk I would be looking at a class A.The turning radius of the Kodiak is great, better than my 2500 crew cab.My problem is trying to find someplace to have service done on theengine, transmission, etc. The main medium truck dealer in the Raleigharea says he can't handle the height. This is the biggest frustration tome, having a vehicle I can't get serviced. Of course it would be thesame with a class A.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #8 – February 08, 2008, 11:12:30 pm Yahoo Message Number: 601, Greg Gimlick wrote:QuoteSince we've been talking about the problems and concerns regarding ourKodiak based coaches, if you were shopping; what would you buy now?Think in terms of similar price ranges. Would you go back to a class A?I'm pretty happy with my Grayhawk 32SS, but have found many of the sameproblems everyone else has and have posted photos of them. I'm notplanning on making a change....but the RV show in Raleigh, NC beginstomorrow and we go every year anyway :-)Since we've been talking about things we've owned in the past and howthey compared I was just curious. My last motorhome was a 1976 MinnieWinnie and everything since then has been a travel trailer until I gotthe Jayco last fall.Take care, GregGreg, Check with the local GMC dealer. I have had my RV service by them, since they couldaccomodate the height. Also, make sure you have an extra fuel filter and the correct toolsfor taking the sensor from the bottom of the filter. I was told by the dealer they will needto be replaced at 3000 miles give or take. My lasted till the 4500 miles mark, Its amazinghow quick you lose power when not getting the proper fuel pressure. I also lost a turbovane position sensor. No turbo, No power! If you are not already familiar with changingone, I would familiarize yourself with the process. The sensor tool should be available atmost parts store or ebay.On a side not, I don't see how "kids" type so fast and so much on these cell phones, keepon mind my phone actually has a keyboard.......LOL Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #9 – February 09, 2008, 10:51:03 am Yahoo Message Number: 602Did you not see the Jay Leno test? Two guys doing Morris Code whipped two guys doing text on their cell phones. Hands down, no competition. I have the video if you'd like it.DonOn 8-Feb-08, at 11:12 PM, trx_racer wrote: Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #10 – February 09, 2008, 11:04:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 604.-- --- .-- ! Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #11 – February 09, 2008, 11:49:44 am Yahoo Message Number: 605trx_racer wrote:QuoteCheck with the local GMC dealer. I have had my RV service by them, sincethey couldaccomodate the height.I tried that figuring they would be able to handle the height, but theydon't sell the commercial line. GM referred me to a Chevy dealer inRaleigh who tells me they can't handle 12' either and don't know why GMwould say they could. The closest dealer I can find is 80 miles away.Yesterday at the show I was told that Terry Labonte Chevrolet inGreensboro could handle it. That's still about 80 miles so I don't havea good local option it seems. I was told of a place that looks like adump, but supposedly gives good service. I'll check them out, but surewould have liked a GM dealership.Quoteto be replaced at 3000 miles give or take. My lasted till the 4500 milesmark, Its amazinghow quick you lose power when not getting the proper fuel pressure.Are you talking about a diesel or gas? Mine is the 8.1L gasQuoteOn a side note, I don't see how "kids" type so fast and so much on thesecell phones, keepon mind my phone actually has a keyboard.......LOLI'm a non-text message sort of guy :-) I do everything on the laptop ordesktop and use an ergonomic keyboard.Take care, Greg Quote Selected
Re: What would you buy tomorrow? Reply #12 – February 09, 2008, 12:44:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 607, "berfle624" wrote:Quote.-- --- .-- !As an old Navy Radioman, I can still remember my morse code.WOW!Bob Quote Selected