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Considering used IH-45

Hello all.
I had decided to purchase a Newmar King or London Aire but, knowing all motorhomes have issues, I have decided to shift my focus to a Foretravel coach, because I live an hour from the factory.  My budget is not set in stone, but $300k is where I am going to start.  There are currently, (2) 2012 IH-45s on the market.  One is local, at MOT and one is in AZ.  I am looking for input on the IH-45s as well as the Nimbus and Phenix models.  I like the modern touches and tech of the newer IH-45s but, I would forgo those for an older coach if it means a more reliable coach.  I know some of the older coaches have few to no slides and that also offers less of a headache, but we will not consider anything with less that 4 slides. If you were in my shoes, what would top your list.

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #1 –
At the risk of being blackballed here, I would also be looking at Newmar, Entegra, Tiffin Zephyr. All are still in operation.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #2 –
Understand that 2012 was the first year of the IH-45.  Let's just say there was a learning curve...  :-X

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #3 –
Quote from: txcharlie –
I know some of the older coaches have few to no slides and that also offers less of a headache, but we will not consider anything with less than 4 slides. If you were in my shoes, what would top your list.
FOUR slides!  I mean absolutely NO offense, but I will never be in your shoes.  Different strokes for different folks.  :thumbsup:

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #4 –
Get what you want, what others choose in their choice.  A 2010 Phenix pre def has always been appealing to us mainly because they still used wood for cabinets. I have seen a couple Cornerstones that were pretty nice as well. 

So much of this depends on where you are going to use the coach and what your expectations are.  Mostly RV parks and resorts, longer stays, then bigger is fine.  Your choices in State Parks and many others will be fewer than with a shorter coach.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #5 –
As Roger has stated "get what you want".  Think about where you like to camp.  We started off full timing in a 2007 Newell, which was a great coach, but found it was just too heavy, long and high to go where we liked to camp.  We did manage to shoehorn it into a few remote campgrounds but after 4 years we sold it and downsized to a Foretravel 2004 U320 38' two slide a little over 2 years ago.  We moved from our Penthouse into our cabin and it fits our camping needs.

So think about where you like to camp and get the coach that best fits your needs.

Good luck,
Oscar
Oscar & Janet Valent
2023 Coach House 261XLQD
Former 2004 U320 3820 PBBS
Former 2007 Newell Coach #815
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
I have seen a couple Cornerstones that were pretty nice as well. 


I have driven a 2017 Cornerstone and it was an eye-opener (in a good way).  Great handling and ride, impressive visibility (especially compared to a Realm, which has a sight-blocking B pillar).

The 2015 Essex we drove, however, had some serious handling issues.  Couldn't get used to the Comfort Steer, but that coach also had been "rode hard and put up wet".
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #7 –
Like Roger mentioned but is worth repeating, pre def is definitely a major PLUS.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Dub –
Like Roger mentioned but is worth repeating, pre def is definitely a major PLUS.

Especially with the issues on the newer (2016+) Spartan chassis with the Shaw DEF heads that are failing, leaving people stranded and no parts available...
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #9 –
Maybe you could share where you will be "camping," and your experience with operating and maintaining motorhomes. We have friends with a 45' Cornerstone and they tow a 24' stacker trailer containing a half million dollar show car and their daily transportation. They travel from pole to pole, almost exclusively pull through sites. We live full time in a 36' no slide Foretravel and sometimes have trouble getting into the site we have reserved in a National Forest or State Park. In Wyoming the host came out from her trailer and said, "Are you crazy?" I said yes. We found two sites where we could "fit." No electricity, water, or sewer. I recently had a site where there was barely room to open my bay doors. Their Cornerstone has battled with a radiator leak, awning malfunction, and multiple AquaHot pump motor failures. They have an extra travel trailer for when the motorhome is being repaired. On the other hand, we have been unable to make reservations in a few commercial parks because our unit is over 10 years old. We have also spent time in the shop and have made repairs along the way.

You are looking at some really nice motorhomes. All are complex.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #10 –
Size matters in more ways than one, we have had a 40' fifth wheel, numerous 30 to 36' travel trailers, 18 and 24' class C units, 2 class A's etc.
We have had new and old, gassers and pushers, there is no perfect coach.
With your budget you could buy an older unit (yes less slides but less to go wrong) but with a change in furniture you could maximize space, most RV's use the awning as the extra room.
You could spend way less on making it yours and add an amazing automation package for entertainment and still have only spent a quarter of your budget.
if you will go to state parks keep under 40'
Older unit without computers running everything that can go wrong, simple engines with parts available. There is a lot to be said for the simpler coach.
Have fun in it for a year or two and see if you really want the bigger newer one, or you may love the older Retro look and decide to buy a place in the mountains or on a lake where you can go and park it for a weekend.
So often I think bigger is better, we love our smaller 36' no slide, it feels like our yacht on the water.
There are members on the forum who really know what they are saying when it comes to the mechanical stuff, they are a big help. Blue Def has been a nightmare for many truckers, it may be worth buying a unit per DEF
Whatever you do: enjoy it!
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #11 –
Isn't Tiffin now owned by Thor? And Thors' reputation is——

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #12 –
I will second or third on pre DEF.  Less issues for sure.  We have had fifth wheels, Class C's and two Foretravels.  By far, the best in my opinion, having sold others of different manufactures in the past!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #13 –
The only Tiffin I've looked closely at was a 2021... 40ft .. It was ok until we got to the rear radiator. I asked my neighbor how he accessed the engine, his reply I don't because I'm not a mechanic . I asked how does the mechanic access the engine. He said there's a panel either in the bedroom or bathroom that after removing you can see PARTS of the engine.. My point is if Tiffin is not beyond that in all their DP models I think I would take them off the short list Bruce.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #14 –
If I was working with that budget I'd buy a 2005 U320, and then spend another $60k or so to have the interior remodeled and a great solar system installed. You'd be two slides short of your requirement but $100k under budget with "one of the last good ones".
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #15 –
To add my 2 cents.
  The detail I noticed was " I live an hour from the factory".  Since we are 2500 miles from Nac and I trust very few to work on ours. 
  Living close to the factory would be huge for us. 

 It's why I would consider a Prevost Marathon coach cause they are 80 miles from here.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Considering used IH-45

Reply #16 –
Previous coach was 4 slides creates a lot open space but the one I have now has none, personal choice better storage without, just 2 people and less to worry!
1995 U320
Build #4677
2011 Honda CRV