So, I realize this isn't Kosher - but if you couldn't find a Barth that suited your needs, what would you buy?

(Flame shields UP, Mr. Scott)

Note that in the near future, I'd be looking for a 30' Breakaway diesel, but since my dinky Class C is about to be used by a Katrina survivor, I may not be able to wait and shop leisurely for near-term needs...

Suggestions? (Be easy on 'em, Dave....)

I know where there are two nice 28' Regals for sale. They're both 454's, one with a G/V overdrive.

A bus conversion....thats what i did, no regrets......of course about a year later somebody had the size, type and price range barth that i wanted for sale. But still, no regrets on buying the bus.

I like other coaches too. I liked Bluebirds till I found out how complex they are, I like the National Dolphin product untill I found that they are overweight the day you take possession.

A wonderful coach was built by the Hawkins Coach Company. They used Gillig Chassis with CAT engines. They had beautiful wood work like Barth.



But I think they were externally a generally ugly coach.



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Within my budgetary limitations, and in order of preference, it would be:

1. '60's-'70's vintage Newell, probably a front-engined gasser.....(I doubt if Newell ever built a bad-anything)

2. A super deal on a GMC Birchaven

3. Argosy/Airstream on a P-30/454 (plus a small trailer for additional storage)

3. Holiday Inn Express & my minivan....

4. pup tent & Vespa

The big Holiday Ramblers, pre-slides... were pretty nice rigs, too... the ones that were CAT pushers... really high end cabinetry and construction more than a bit better than average. They are pretty reasonable these days.

I had a 23' GMC Birchaven, RB with a center gaucho. A little too snug in the sleeping area, & only a dinette for seating.

My preference, were I to get another GMC, would be a 26' Royale, RB w/center twins. As far as I know, all of the GMCs w/double beds had them stuffed in the back so the rear sleeper had to crawl over the other to make a potty call, the reason we got out of van conversions.

GMCs are extremely well-built, but even older than most Barths, with correspondingly more age-related problems.

They are tail-waggers because {IMHO) the leading & trailing arms on the rear tandem suspension have enough flex to cause some rear-end steering. The front & rear treads are different too, & guiding one down an interstate with big-rig ruts is a delicate dance, as they want to hunt from side-to-side of the rut pattern. I don't know what effect a toad would have.

None of these would be deal-breakers if I really wanted one.

Newell. Argosy/Airstream, & Hawkins are good choices, but limiting yourself to diesel limits choices, too.

You pay a premium for diesel vs. gas, & aside from a quieter front compartment from the rear engine, and the cachet attached to diesel ownership, I see no real advantage, unless you're traveling 10s of thousands of miles, where operating cost & engine longevity are important. Just about everything in a motor home, except the engine, deteriorates at an equal rate, whether it's diesel, or gas.



[This message has been edited by olroy (edited September 14, 2005).]

My buddy says the pre-Monaco Beavers were among the best. This would be about 2001 or so. Not my opinion but you asked so here it is.

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Dan & Suzy Z
'81 Euro 28

If I go DP, I will look at Barth and Bluebird. Just slamming the door on one sold me.

Thank's for the advice; as it turns out, the Katrina Guy will only need the StaRV for about a month.

The recommendations pretty much reflect what I've learned from owners, other sites, and RV mechanics. BTW, it seems like anything National made - or makes - is overweight; one of my best friends got an '03 Tropi-Cal 38', and the reserve capacity of the tires, off the lot, was 200 lbs.! National replaced the wheels and tires after some pressure was applied...

I replaced the wheels and tires on my Class C for the same reason. The axles were fine, but the tires were wimpy.

quote:

Originally posted by davebowers:
I liked Bluebirds till I found out how complex they are.

Dave, are you speaking of the classic birds or the newer ones?

Bill, I know that the new Birds are way too complex for their own good and they know it. When I sold RV's for 15 minutes once the Bluebird tech guy told me that they were going to back track quite a bit on the new coaches technology wise. But look at this dash board on a 80's era Bluebird. What is all that stuff..



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BEAM ME UP SCOTTY

I looked at an '83 Bird the other day in Houston and it had an altimeter. I didn't know that Bluebirds could fly. It may have had a hydrometer for brewing beer. Way too many gauges even for a gauge nut like me.

...."even for a gauge nut like me."

LOL Eddie!.....Like you, I've got a fistfull of gauges (and a VISA card statement to show for it)......

Yet, despite all this Early Warning technology, my last three non-routine events were first detected by my sense of feel, sound or smell...Haven't yet had a gauge be the first indicator that troubles a brewing.....Go figure