decision time

jnr0104 · 02-28-2015, 12:52 PM

Will decide next week between a 2015 Concord 300TS, and a 2015 Leprechaun 320 bunkhouse. Most of the time will be just the wife, 3 small dogs and I, but want room for occasional trips with the grandkids. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks

asquared · 02-28-2015, 01:09 PM

Spend some time in the units thinking about where you will put things and where people will sleep. Act out your daily activities ie wife cooking and husband moving about. Test out space in the bathroom too. The one that feels the most comfortable for you with your storage needs and moving about cabin needs as well As tank size needs will be your answer.

Ford Idaho · 02-28-2015, 01:12 PM

Does the sofa and dinette in the Concord convert to beds?

Would grand kids fit them?

If so then the choice is down to the one you like the most.

Duckogram · 02-28-2015, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnr0104

Will decide next week between a 2015 Concord 300TS, and a 2015 Leprechaun 320 bunkhouse. Most of the time will be just the wife, 3 small dogs and I, but want room for occasional trips with the grandkids. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks

In the price range you are looking there are now quite a few small gas powered Class A coaches that will excede your needs and greatly increase your storage.
Mine is a Pursuit 27KB. It is 29' short and fits into the small municipal parks.

I looked at many Class C's. The new wave of "Mini A's" is growing and the marketing is aggressive. Even Jayco is putting one out at the $80k price point.

Just an alternative. Your choices should meet your needs however the bunkhouse takes a big chunk out of the floorplan for occasional use. The up side to the Lepruchan is the private bath and standard Queen bed.

lgray · 02-28-2015, 03:32 PM

Concord 300TS, on the Ford Chassis (Chevy option is underpowered) would be my first choice. The front two slides provide great space and better entertainment center. It closely resembles our Winnebago Aspect 30J. The options we value most are the MCD shades and hydraulic levelers.

Our couch and dinnete both convert to beds. On occassion we travel with 17 and 19 year olds...

jnr0104 · 03-01-2015, 11:52 AM

Thanks for the comments . Out first motorhome was a pursuit, several years back. Shame the new ones still don't have a dual gas/electric water heater. In the area we are from, much easier to get a mechanic to work on the Standard Ford cab and chassis of a class C than an A. The bunks will be used for storage 95% of the time if we went with the BH model.

**Terier** · 03-01-2015, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnr0104

Thanks for the comments . Out first motorhome was a pursuit, several years back. Shame the new ones still don't have a dual gas/electric water heater. In the area we are from, much easier to get a mechanic to work on the Standard Ford cab and chassis of a class C than an A. The bunks will be used for storage 95% of the time if we went with the BH model.

Do you have a plan of where to put the storage for when the bunks are needed?

jnr0104 · 03-01-2015, 02:18 PM

Igray, we didn't even think about the Aspect 30J. Think we will make a trip up to Kerrville,Tx and take a look at one, I like it up in that area anyway, worth the time to go for sure.. Their in-stock units look good in the pics, and seemed better equipped than the Concord. Now if we can get the price close to the one at motorhome specialists . Just may work.
Terier, thanks for the reply. Yes , just items that we might want to have faster access to, no big deal putting into a compartment etc. We have become pretty good at packing (notice the R-Pod behind the Rubicon in the pic under my handle. The kids and their families have laid claim to a 33ft surveyor travel trailer we have so we are in the baby trailer for awhile.

Wandering Jarhead · 03-01-2015, 02:25 PM

I'm not sure if the bunks in your unit fold away or not. I have a little Wolf Pup with bunks. These are built in and allow a bit of storage underneath, but stuff is hard to get to. I have found the bunks to be a waste of space considering how rarely they are used. I would have been better off with more space and a bed that I didn't have to take apart every morning. Might even rip my bunks out in the near future.

lgray · 03-01-2015, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnr0104

Igray, we didn't even think about the Aspect 30J. Think we will make a trip up to Kerrville,Tx and take a look at one, I like it up in that area anyway, worth the time to go for sure.. Their in-stock units look good in the pics, and seemed better equipped than the Concord. Now if we can get the price close to the one at motorhome specialists . Just may work.
Terier, thanks for the reply. Yes , just items that we might want to have faster access to, no big deal putting into a compartment etc. We have become pretty good at packing (notice the R-Pod behind the Rubicon in the pic under my handle. The kids and their families have laid claim to a 33ft surveyor travel trailer we have so we are in the baby trailer for awhile.

I think you are on the right track. Take your time and make a good comparison. It will be very difficult to find a Concord that comes close to as many options as the Aspect comes with as standard. New, you should be able to get out the door for around $90,000, loaded. Most 30J's will have the following:

1. Contour windows, dual pane thermo insulated with mini frames for a tighter seal that competitive frameless windows, with an added darker tint
2. Infotainment Center with Rand McNally RV GPS, including touch screen color monitor with split screen function, Rand McNally RV GPS safe & easy routing, amenities and tools, trips & content, turn-by-turn voice guidance, CD DVD player, SiriusXM, compass, outside temperature, iPod and iPhone audio integration, Bluetooth, and so much more.
3. Tankless on demand water heater
4. Inverter, 1,000 watt
5. Skylight and roof vent
6. Ultraleather Rest Easy 12V mechanically reclining sofa, that converts into a queen bed
7. Exterior Entertainment
8. Side video camera monitoring system added to the side mirrors and integrated into the rearview camera monitoring system
9. Microwave and convection oven, which will bake, brown and roast like a traditional oven, yet frees up complete storage below the range top
10. HWH Leveling Jacks
11. Water purification system
12. Air sleep system, queen
13. Seat pedestal, swivel and slide
14. Interior upgrade package, which includes MCD American Duo Solar and Blackout roller shades, accent lighting, range backsplash, cab floor mats, instrument panel and beverage tray applique, decorative pictures, Corian range top cover, refrigerator door insert upgrade, sink covers and throw pillows for the sofa and bed
15. Airbags

lgray · 03-01-2015, 04:42 PM

By the way, the Itasca, Cambria 30J is identical to the Aspect, see link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mju6YF3j8UE

jnr0104 · 03-02-2015, 10:05 AM

Igray, thanks for the good info. We have dropped any thought of the Lep bunkhouse model, for no other reason than lots of reports of leaking on the Leps and freelander designs over the cab area, and under the slide. don't want to buy a known problem.
Turns out a dealer 30 miles from us in Rockport has a 2015 Aspect 30J, However it is Ron Hoover, who has Never made us a good cash price when we checked with them on other units in the past. But at least we can see one in person. If I could get one drive-out price around 90 grand I'd pull the trigger. The Concord up in Alvarado would hit that mark, I'm just not sure I want to deal with those guys, that far away.

I just don't see many complaints about the Aspect, which eases my mind on a purchase. I have 2 travel trailers now and have had a Class A , so I realize none are perfect. My trailers however have been Great, except for the terrible hailstorm we went through at the Frio river last summer. R-Pod un scathed, Surveyor, lost all the roof vent covers and AC cover. But NO roof damage !.. The wife just wants another MH,She gets to use al the stuff in the back, while I get to drive!

The ONLY thing I can see from pics that worries me on the 30J is the way the body drops down where the entry door is. We live on a ranch and HQ is 2 miles off the highway. Have a railroad crossing just off the highway and gravel oilfield road to the houses. The crossing isn't flat, but a gentle grade up and down the other side, not sure with the long wheelbase if the back tires will start to come up in time to keep the low step area from hitting as the front goes down the other side. I guess I could get a service company to come in and add material to both sides of the crossing and make the grades longer, but that is kinda a pain in the rear.

lgray · 03-02-2015, 10:32 AM

This is the only RV that I have ever had that has required absolutely no servicing. I have been top to bottom on mine and can’t find a single thing wrong with it. However, it is comforting to know that every part, down to each individual cabinet door is numbered and can be indexed on their website for easy ordering, back to 1958. They make 80-90% of their own parts, plastics, metals, etc. Their appliances are not selected by who is selling it cheaper, this week…Norcold refrigerator instead of Dometic, etc. Even when discontinued, they are still cataloged by Winnebago, see link:
http://www.winnebagoind.com/resources/manuals/pdfs/Winnebago_Catalog.pdf

Pull back some panels and you will find that all wiring is neatly run, no rat nests. In addition, each wire is numbered and all wiring schematics are available on line.

Owner’s manuals are specific to the unit and contain all component information.

I understand your concerns on clearance and had the same. The coach does come with Firestone bags, but has no issues with clearance. The front and rear axles are distanced so that the low points are not an issue, but would suggest taking it out for test drive, off road to see for yourself. I have had mine in state parks and even been forced to go off road to turn it around in a shallow ditch with no problems.

lgray · 03-02-2015, 10:56 AM

I left off a couple of thoughts:
The lower profile allows for less wind drag for better mileage. It also allows for built in, internal stairs. Nothing to fold out or rust.
I can reach and inspect the fiberglass roof easily with a 6-7 foot step ladder.

jnr0104 · 03-03-2015, 08:12 AM

Well after several calls to dealers around Texas, and a visit to look at a 30J 35miles from here in Rockport at Ron Hoover, we are dropping the Aspect as one of our choices. All the places we called and visited were asked for their best cash , no trade -in sale price ,not including TTL. Well the best we received was 104,900.00. Not even close ,and these were Not the drive-out prices.
So if the ice and freezing rain in Alvarado,Tx goes away as predicted, we will be making the 5 hour trip to Motor Home Specialists Thursday morning early. Fully realizing by the way, that after we leave their lot with a unit, we are on our own (from reviews and what we have been told, they have a crappy rep for service after the sale) . We are back to the Concord 300TS, Lep 320 BH, and my new favorite the 319DSF. Can get out of Alvarado around 90 grand +,- a little on any of these and they will be fully loaded units. Then all I have to worry about is leaks, and other problems I have read about. Darn shame the Motorhome industry doesn't maintain the quality control, and dealer manufacturer relationship of the auto industry.
I realize it's a crap shoot, but I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed we get to make the trips in the coming months we have already made plans for, and not visiting the new MH In a shop somewhere, being put to the back of the line on everything because we bought from the only dealer in Texas with affordable prices(and who is 5 hours away by car). Thanks to ALL for your comments and help

lgray · 03-03-2015, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnr0104

Well after several calls to dealers around Texas, and a visit to look at a 30J 35miles from here in Rockport at Ron Hoover, we are dropping the Aspect as one of our choices. All the places we called and visited were asked for their best cash , no trade -in sale price ,not including TTL. Well the best we received was 104,900.00. Not even close ,and these were Not the drive-out prices.
So if the ice and freezing rain in Alvarado,Tx goes away as predicted, we will be making the 5 hour trip to Motor Home Specialists Thursday morning early. Fully realizing by the way, that after we leave their lot with a unit, we are on our own (from reviews and what we have been told, they have a crappy rep for service after the sale) . We are back to the Concord 300TS, Lep 320 BH, and my new favorite the 319DSF. Can get out of Alvarado around 90 grand +,- a little on any of these and they will be fully loaded units. Then all I have to worry about is leaks, and other problems I have read about. Darn shame the Motorhome industry doesn't maintain the quality control, and dealer manufacturer relationship of the auto industry.
I realize it's a crap shoot, but I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed we get to make the trips in the coming months we have already made plans for, and not visiting the new MH In a shop somewhere, being put to the back of the line on everything because we bought from the only dealer in Texas with affordable prices(and who is 5 hours away by car). Thanks to ALL for your comments and help

Sorry about your troubles locally with the Aspect. I bought a slightly used 2014, with 3600 miles, for $73,500 out the door, in November. Since then most of the new 2014's have sold...they are popular. If you are willing to travel, as I did, there are two on this link, in OK and IA, that you may want to contact.
New and Used Winnebago 30j Class C For Sale On RV Trader

Roll · 03-03-2015, 03:19 PM

Research and lots of looking, on line and in person, did not work for us.

I should have stepped into the shower and closed the door; should have layed on the bed with my wife; should have touched and operated every water fixture even without water in the system; and should have waited until there were two more adults nearby and asked them to step inside with Cindy and I in the coach.

The truth is that you really don't know a coach regardless of the time you spend looking at it until you've lived in it a few days. i.e. the shower looked great until I took a shower and banged my arms and elbows into the door and walls.

I had to learn a new and compact way to shower; we have a coach built for two adults and no more, (dreams of traveling with grown children are out the window); our water fixtures are made of plastic, (they looked like metal to me and so didn't check); our grey water tank is too small at 40 gallons, (70 gal fresh, 40 gallon black, 40 gal grey which should have been 55 or 60 gal).

Just some thoughts....

Gary

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