Flatman6 Posted June 25, 2022 Report Share Posted June 25, 2022 Hi there. I am in a pickle and wanted some advice. We had decided on a 2005 Vectra 40AD that I posted about in a different thread. It has a couple of issues, one being that a couple of the ceiling panels have bubbled, but the dealer has agreed to fix them by reattached them. It also has some clear coat peeling at the top of the front cap. Otherwise is in good shape. The Vectra is being sold at a dealership. Now, one of the motorhomes we really loved has had a sale fall through and is available to us again. It is a 2003 American Dream 40-G. No noticeable issues with this one, but not as much space as it is only 2 slides. It also doesn't have as many bells amd whistles since it's a bit older. This is a private sale. They both have approximately 75k miles on them and are approximately the same price. My question to you wise explorers is: which is known for better build quality and longevity? Which would you choose? TIA. PS- My wife and I will be full timing with a 5 year old and a 3 year old for the next year so space is important, but quality and peace of mind is even moreso. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 25, 2022 Report Share Posted June 25, 2022 With any RV 17 years or 19 years old, condition is everything. Even though it was new 2 years before the Vectra, the Dream was a higher end RV and cost about $50k more. Without a lot more information, there is really no way to give you a reliable opinion. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted June 26, 2022 Report Share Posted June 26, 2022 (edited) Looking at YouTubes the one I looked at for the Vectra had storage bins attached to the slideout. You loose a lot of space. Perhaps they're not all like that. The storage on the door side wasn't great either. For full-timing and with two children you'll need all the storage you can. Slide out trays are great, also. Things to compare: What chassis/engine/HP? The Vectra seemed to have a choice of a Cummins or a Caterpillar. Cummins is much better. You said the ceiling panels have bubbled on the Vectra & dealer will reattach them. This could be from water damage. Look closely for water stains at the top edges all around where the wall and ceiling meet - on both of them. A side radiator is better than a rear - better air flow and less dirt Compare wheelbase: Longer will give the best stability and ride. No long overhang. Our 2004 Newmar Dutch Star had a 276" wheelbase and it gave a very smooth ride. Refrigerator size? Biggest is best with two children. The ages of the RVs probably will dictate a new refrigerator. Two slides vs Three slides? You lose storage space with slides. Also, I don't know if you'll be doing any public campgrounds - national or state parks or national forest campgrounds but we purposely chose two slides and they had to be on the same side. Many campsites in these kinds of parks have trees and it's easier to position the RV on the parking pad when you only have to deal with slides on the same side. Washer/Dryer? Some older all in ones (Splendide) take forever to dry and with two children you'll be doing laundry constantly. Tires are a big expense and should be changed around every 5-7 years. Do you have access to maintenance/repair records? In my opinion the American Dream will be the highest quality. It all depends on how well both have been cared for. Edited June 26, 2022 by 2gypsies Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandsys Posted June 26, 2022 Report Share Posted June 26, 2022 The damaged ceiling panels and front cap would make me wonder about water damage. That's one of the worst things that can happen to an RV. Without knowing anything more than that, I lean towards the other one. But, I would want to know a lot more about both before deciding for sure. Linda Sand Quote Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/ Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJohns Posted June 27, 2022 Report Share Posted June 27, 2022 The first RV possibly lived its life in the desert. No rust in the desert but heat can cook interiors and paint. Quote 2002 Beaver Marquis Emerald C-12 Cat 505 HP 2014 Volvo 630 D-13 I Shift SOLD 2017 New Horizons SOLD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted June 29, 2022 Report Share Posted June 29, 2022 (edited) Winnebago used basement compartments made into the port-side front slide because inside the frame rails is the 125/150G fuel tank location; no space lost as a result. Same for starboard-side front basement compartments. As to which is best I say this; the deciding factor should be floorplan and living space. Winnebago and Fleetwood top-of-the-line models are approx the same quality IMO. Edited June 29, 2022 by Ray,IN Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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