When we decided the time had come to experience RV travels for at least a one year adventure, we decided we'd switch from a fifth wheel to a diesel pusher for the journey. As we began our research for purchasing a new motorhome, we realized that we were doing exactly what many of our readers are also doing -- or will also do in the future. So we decided we'd document the process in a series of articles. We will add to these articles as we go, and before concluding the series pass along a compendium of what we considered helpful reader input into the process of "Buying a Diesel Pusher"
1. "What it's All About". Here we outline our thoughts and opinions going into this process. I'm sure we'll learn much as we go along, but here's the plan!
2. "On the Factory Tour -- Part I". We have a lot to learn about what goes into making a quality coach. We need to first see how they're constructed, and learn what we can about the companies that manufacture them. Join us for a factory tour at National RV, in Perris, CA; and at Monaco Coach, in Coburg, OR.
3. "On the Factory Tour -- Part II". Armed with a bit more education about what we should be looking for as we make our walk throughs of the RV manufacturing facilities, we conclude our factory visits at Country Coach and Western RV (Alpine).
4. "Test Driving the Diesel Pushers". Would this be "it"? Would one of these three units stand out as having handling characteristics which would point clearly to just one of these coaches? Take these interesting rides with us and see what we learned about not only the coaches, but unexpectedly about the driver!
5. "Owner Attitudes and Summary Impressions". We take full advantage of one final opportunity to visit the factory service facilities in "weekend mode". These owners have opinions, and we value them. We describe here as well some summary impressions of the companies and their products.
6. "Our Personal Choice" Decision time arrives, and we choose from three outstanding choices. This process wasn't easy, but we're confident we've selected the one which will best fit our RVing lifestyle...
7. "Epilogue" Here we offer our reflections on the entire process -- focusing especially on what it was that motivated us to make the decision we made. We also explore the process of buying an RV, and some of the challenges associated with that effort.
8. "Reader Comments" Throughout the process of our searching for the "right for us" diesel pusher, we invited owner comments and suggestions. Opinions were of course not always the same. But we found the information from our readers a wonderful source of information. We decided to share some excerpts from these emails for the benefit of all our readers.