vwlovr
La Honda, CA
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ok, so we're ready to buy our RV that we are gonna go full timing in for a year or two. there are two that we like and we're on the fence about which one to get.
one is a 2006 gulf stream endura 35c with gas motor on the kodiak chassis. we like it because it's roomy but not huge, has a great layout (with good kitchen and bath).,plus it's a new RV but from 06 so it's priced pretty well at $62k (msrp is 123k), has only 3k miles on it from it's delivery to CA. we don't like it because it's from the dealer so i expect the $62k to skyrocket after dealer fees and other BS, and i'm worried about resale since i think it will be overshadowed by other 35c's that have diesels.
the other is a diesel, but it's HUGE. a 2004 fun mover 39c on a ford f750 chassis. it is a very reasonable $60k with 22k on it. it has the cat 300hp motor which has some impressive stats. the interior is the white and checkered interior that we kind of like although we'll probably kill the flooring. the layout and huge size is really the big downers. it also has 1 slide which i'm on the fence about too. the benefits of slides are obvious, but to me they seem like they could be more trouble then they are worth.
if resale was no concern, i think i'd do the 35, but i just think that in 2 years the diesel with a slide will be easier to sell and i think it won't depreciate as much as the 35 will. i need to check with the bank if they'll finance for the used 39, but they have said before they would. i just hope the rate doesn't change. we got pre-approved at 9.1% which seems ok.
thoughts? anyone with a 39c diesel care to comment on mpg?
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vwlovr
La Honda, CA
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also, has anyone owned both and have any insight as to if a 39 is really any more limited by it's size than the 35? i do like the kodiak chassis a little better and they claim a better turning radius, but i don't hate the ford either, i prefer the look but functionally i like the stubbier chevy.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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I am confused are you pricking out one for your use or one that will suit the next owner if and when there is one. 
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john b
anywhere USA!
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Joined: 11/07/2001
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Experience tells me I wouldn't touch anything Gulfstream made with a stick! IMHO!!!
2001 F 350 CC PSD 373 rear,auto
RBW X16 slider,Bedsaver,Prodigy,Fold A Cover,Pressure Pro!
2004 Crossroads Paradise Point PF33Rl 5th wheel Fibreglass and all the goodies necessary,Dish,comfy loungers,and a nickel to spend,
Mr & Mrs and the PUP.
 (2).jpg)
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Texas TC
Corinth,Texas
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Joined: 05/28/2007
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I owned a Four Winds Fun Mover and now a Gulf Stream SuperNova. From a quality standpoint, I like the SuperNova much more than the Fun Mover. However, I do agree that the diesel will have a better value down the road than the gas coach.
My Fun Mover was a 35' model and we decided we wanted more living area than hauling. That big garage in the back uses a lot of living area and we find the 34' Gulf Stream much more livable than the Fun Mover. The 39' will have more living area than we had with the 35' but not as much as the traditional 35' coach.
Unless you need the cargo area, I would keep looking for a traditional coach in the 35' range with a diesel power plant (just my humble opinion).
2008 Gulf Stream SuperNova (6331)
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vwlovr
La Honda, CA
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hey gale, yes i am concerned about resale. we plan on full timing for 1.5-2 years after which we plan to move to hawaii. so it's not coming with me. so how much it will depreciate over the next 2 years and how hard it will be to sell is very important. if i could lose 10k instead of 25k i would be much happier.
i have heard mixed reviews on gulf stream quality, but i've read the same on fun movers as well. to me it's a toss up. the used 39c's interior looks a little more tattered and we like the mini-tub in the gulf stream for our 4yo.
as for the cargo area, yes we really want it. we are taking motos with us and we're hauling a toad so a moto trailer is not an option nor is loading them in the back of a pickup, since our toad is a van that i really want to take. we actually plan on partitioning the garage and using a portion of it as a small office/dog crate room. we ride supermotos and dirt bikes so they are easy to cram in and if i do get stuck on the mainland with an RV i can't sell i would much rather it have a garage.
any more comparisons on size, mainly from an exterior standpoint? are the 39's hard to move around? or is the difference not really noticeable?
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Well that makes sense vwlovr.
While I know little about the newer stuff someone stated a friend picked up a 30' 2005 Hurricane with 8K miles for $29K. i bet with the way used prices have to jump it would seem to me that selling one like that in two years should not see much of any loss.
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/05/2006
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GS does not make a 35C. Are you sure of the model number? Numbers should be something like my Endura 6340. Check out GS Conquest site for brochures from previous years. Literature Archive
I believe you are correct about your Gas/Diesel concerns IMHO.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
Saf-TTE tire monitor
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vwlovr
La Honda, CA
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right, i'm just being lazy. i'm talking about the 35 foot endura max 6361.
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vwlovr
La Honda, CA
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so nobody has some insight? how about this. my concern with the 39 is that will limit us to certain campgrounds. we prefer real parks over RV parks and i worry the 39 will be too big at some campgrounds. so the question then is, is the 35 going to be any better or will it be just as limited?
thanks!
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