RV Smackdown - Best Small Class A Diesel Pusher Motorhome 

Another fun and informative video. Thanks! It seems that there is no 'perfect' coach or trailer. There are always trade-offs. We looked at many RVs for over two months before making a decision. Doing your research and legwork really pays off. Wish we'd known to ask more detailed questions about on board systems, like charger, inverter, water heater, furnace, vent fans, etc. We are in the process of upgrading several components in our RV, like shower wand, bathroom faucet, vent fans, slide topper, battery bank, LED lights, storage compartment locks, and adding solar panels. Thanks again, and Happy Camping!

My wife and I recently went to an RV show. We were looking into renting an RV this summer. After we walked the floor AND saw the Holiday Rambler, we realized we could could actually afford the payments for a new HR! Great video and thank you for sharing your lives and travels with us! Wishing you longevity and prosperity in your future endeavors!

I'm looking at the Newmar Essex ranging from 2005 to 2008, they run about $100K to $175K. Quality wise the Newmar, even though used are far superior to these. Specifically if you plan to spend the $220K on the last two. There was no input on engine, for something this size you need a 400 to 500HP diesel, what of the generator, the Newmar comes with a 12KW. Then there is reliability, this was not cover either, all of which are important to me, at lerast.

Awesome Job Guys!!!! Very Well Done As Always!!! Thanks!!!!

I wish bedrooms were more versatile. Perhaps a Murphy bed that would allow the room to convert to an office space or home theater.

Nexus RV (factory direct) has a nice 34B diesel pusher coach for much less money.. they are in Indiana. I think it would be helpful to cover what cargo carrying capacity these coaches have, which is quite important, as well as hitch rating.

Thank you so much for these reviews. You bring up issues that are very important, yet I might not notice some of the items that you pointed out. Must say I was quite disappointed with plastic sinks, etc. Please keep up the good work/service you both are providing. Lou Ann/Oklahoma

Great points I had not thought of. Thank you! we expect to purchase in the Spring of 2018.

Love your review. Very concise and adorable, thanks!

Nice job you guys!

First, thank you both SO MUCH for your reviews and opinions. Not long ago I posted on your website regarding RV type choice. While I still like my Silver Wonder (Airstream trailer) I ventured out looking at other types due to your inspiration. Since then, I have now driven different types of motor homes and would have to agree that a diesel pusher has many advantages. It is not as much the engine as it is the overall driving experience of handling and braking. The coaches are so different and the drive is so different- heavier chassis, more solid feel, etc. I was amazed. The gassers bounced per se like a truck versus the feel of floating like the commercial bus likeness of the pusher.

Awesome video thank you

Love your videos, you both make them casual and fun. It would be interesting if you rated each of these coaches (or future coaches) on all of the same criteria. For example. 1. Size of Bedroom. 2. Size of bathroom. 3. Closet Area 4. Driver comforts. 5. Passenger comforts. etc. This way you're giving an apples-to-apples comparison on many of the features buyers would like covered.

The holiday Rambler may not have had a headboard, but the window you disliked is far superior than most fire escape windows in case of an emergency. God forbid there ever is a fire in your RV, but you may regret not having this window if such an emergency ever does occur.

Nice review. I'll keep my '87 class B+ for another few years though. Thanks!

We're in our first motorhome, a 2013 Winnebago Access 24V. We've been discussing upgrading and there has been a fair bit of debate over whether to stay with a class C, go to class A, or maybe even super C. We don't full time in it (maybe in a dozen years when the kids are in college) but we do go boondocking. I'd prefer to keep the length to about 30 feet so we can still fit in some of our favorite campsites, and 35' would be the absolute upper limit. I'd prefer an RV fridge so we don't have to run our generator to keep our batteries charged to run a residential refrigerator, and a nice big 4 door RV fridge with plenty of storage would be a bonus. Since we have four of us our stays tend to be limited by water and holding tank capacity (class A wins that) Storage capacity is also a biggie. Since we sometimes bring other people extra sleeping capacity is a bonus, but most of the bunkhouse layouts sacrifice too much kitchen space for my tastes. Any thoughts?

I'd like to see you guys do a smackdown with full size luxury Class A rvs (Newmar, Newell, American Coach, etc)

I'd be concerned about the slides. I do NOT like to have "important stuff" like a refrigerator, sink, stovetop, washer/dryer, toilet etc, sliding in and out. Eventually, something is going to spring a leak (ask Mr Murphy when said leak will happen). You have not said anything about how useable a coach is with slides RETRACTED. I've seen coaches and trailers that are virtually unusable unless the slides have been extended. All in all, I enjoy your videos and, appreciate your point of view. Thank you!

I haven't watched a lot of your videos since you so rudely responded to a succenct technical comment I made a while ago. It is nice to see how much your camera and lighting have improved.

I go to may shows in the North East and I'm always amazed at the cheap materias and the many, many corners cut by these manufacturers. I'm my opinion there is no excuse to find a plastic sink in a $200K++ coach. Shameful!

I'm still waiting for the slide out arboretum so that I can grow hydroponic food on the road...

Ok kids to cut to the chase.....buy a used prevost.....yes a used one with a series 60 pre DEF...real quality...already broke in solid construction with a real motor...side radiator easy access to the engine.....check out some videos on these rigs and u will see!!!!

In the second unit RV you were saying there's no AC in the bathroom while you were showing the AC vents in the ceiling in the bathroom right next to the fan?

Very insightful... thank you,

Would be neat to see you guys do a video /series on the typical different layouts in Class A vs. B vs. C and what slide-outs add. I keep seeing features here and there I like from different manufacturers but feel like floor plan layout is a crap-shoot a lot of the time. Which is more important, finding key features or a layout I like? I'm tempted to go with layout since I could always upgrade some features, but I certainly can't add a slide out or move a fridge. Some advice from you guys along these lines would be great.

Love the series guys. Very helpful and gives me things to look for when we plan to buy a couple years from now. If you guys ever make it to Colorado maybe you can do a in depth review on a EarthRoamer. That is one of the ones we are looking at. Not sure if I can get it past the wife though haha. Just a dream rig.

First time watching one of their videos, I like this couple!

Thanks for the reviews. For future reviews, I would like to see the size of the master bed. For us, a king size bed is a must. We don't sleep well with little stretch and turn room.

Being just my wife and I, would never consider a Class A, but they're nice to look at.

Have you looked into any Itasca/Winnebago offerings? Thanks for the video, it got me fired up to do some traveling.

Those are very nice picks. However for what you paid for the allegro, the 360HP fleetwood expedition is the one to see. The Full slide wall and opposing living area slide creates a very comfortable and spacious living area. I was in the market for a entry level diesel with bunk beds and my options were the palazzo, forest river legacy, sport coach cross country and the fleetwood excursion 35E. After stepping into the expedition "just to see"...well..I decided to come up with some extra cash and buy it. Just picked up my expedition 38b 2 weeks ago. I truly enjoy your channel and blogs. We are new into the rv world and your blogs helps tremendously. We have young kids and we are trying to make this experience a great way to bond as a family. Maybe just maybe you can review some of the units with bunks for family like us. Also, likely a blog of rving with kids..the what to do, where to go, essentials to have, places to avoid etc... How about vehicles available to tow per year?? I still can figure this out! Hope to see you guys on the road some day!! Thanks again for your time!

Hello Wynns, I liked the Fleetwood Excursion best out of all the coaches you reviewed. I'm looking to get a SuperC or an A class RV for my tailgating travels across the USA!

I was there just this afternoon getting some parts for my rv.

The only problem I noticed is I wish you guys would’ve checked out the showers to see what size they were The video is very well put together I liked it a lot and learned some to

neXus Bentley $196k fully customized your way, check out their factory on u tube-all your complaints will be addressed and fixed -totally custom- i should be getting a check from them for telling you guys but i'm not, they are just so much better than the lower end stuff your looking at -for less $

Hello Fellow RV'ers; I think you did a good job on the Motor Homes in your presentation. If I had a opportunity to build one, no wood would be used! Fire Hazard! Aluminum materials would be used on all cabinets, closets, and cupboards. Sliding doors would be fitted to most, except under the sinks. No loft beds! Murphy beds only---650 lb. rating. Coach sprinkler system installed. Rear Fire Door Exit with ladder. I think the Nexus Bentley 34B is near to what is needed----minus the wood.

I really love your reviews but I wish you would cover RV's that normal people can afford. ie: $100,000 or less.

I would prefer the star rating system that Amazon uses. Looking at your thumbs and trying to figure out what you are trying to say is odd. You could also add separate ratings of manufacturer, safety features (side cameras) etc.

For the price, I would be looking at a sorted out, used higher end unit. I guarantee each one of these units will be back at the dealership getting repaired or sorted out under warranty.

Great review, what are your thoughts ob the Newmar Ventana 3436? I believe is around 244 grand

Loved the Fleetwood Excursion! When we are ready to upgrade to the big boy RV's I think that would be our choice! How many will the Excursion sleep? I saw the hide-a-loft, but didn't know if the couch had a bed as well? Love the videos... keep it up!!

My pet peeve on RV floorplans.... too much kitchen and cabinets; not enough sleeping areas. I like couches and tables that turn in to beds.

i found myself watching your clips like 4 of them lol

Theses videos are great. I have found as I am sure you two have the materials used in the construction is the biggest factor in determining the quality and price of these. Videos don't really do them justice, good and bad. the Newmars, Fleetwoods, Tiffins and some Winnebagos are going to cost more because they use high-end end materials. and to the naysayers below, 200k is entry for a diesel.

Last one i prefer 4 thambs up!

Have you seen a Nexus RV? Lot better bargain than any of these. I would love to see a side by side comparison. I really think most of you will see instantly how much you get for your dollar compared to any of these. These were very vague, like no mention of chassis or engine etc. Thanks.

Inconsistent marking guys, your two favorites are mid entry, you prefer bus, one of them has exact same booth dinette, flexsteel, as the one for children etc, a little repetitive but then again so where the rv's and as you say its personal choice, as regards the ambassador, again it also had a drop down bed and any RV with a domestic fridge needs a pretty beefy pure sine wave inverter to run it and that comes with extra batteries. The real difference is one you barely touched on, how well they are made and how good factory support will be when something goes wrong and also the dealer is very important, a good one enhances the whole experience, a bad one could put you off for life. Anyway thanks for your review.

I wish you would have reviewed the Winnebago Forza 34T. I have this coach on my radar and would love your opinion.

what do you think of the Berkshire motorhomes? Have you had any feedback as to how reliable they are. I have been thinking about buying the Berkshire 34qs.

you guys need to get a new rating system. You should put together a list of features/design/quality etc. and use a scoring system based on a scale like 1-5 or something that is a little more comprehensive then the thumbs system.

Not sure why you did not mention the TIFFIN 28 Diesel MSRP $155,000 new. It was chosen as the best small RV recently...................Used a 2012 can be had for about $70,000 depending on mileage.

Would be nice to get more specs, mechanicals,appliances, electronics, etc.

Thanks for the review, we certainly will consider the Class A Small Diesel going forward, but we just got our Class B+ Coachman Concord and are pretty happy. One question: Who is filming this video at 1:13? Can see him in the mirror.

None of them looked like they were worth that much money to me.

Tiffin has a good name in the market however check out Newmar or some other with great rep

The chain to the drop-down loft is exposed? I don't know about that, they should have put a removable cover over that...

Y'all need to do a provost

Have you seen Nexus RV's Bentley? Please review it!

What I dislike most about all those Rv's and many others in general is the decor always seems to be out of the ark.... You are two young people, why don't they design for young people?

hi I currently own a 37ft travel trailer and I'm ready for the class a plunge I'd like to stay on the low 100s any suggestions?

the peeps that do the layouts for these coaches - they don't have a real clue as to what is '''really''' functional for the hard core RVer . . jmo

on the RED there was a A/C vent right above your head

If I'm paying this kind of money for a moving house, then it have better amenities than what we saw. I didn't pay anywhere near that much for my house. So to say the least. I'm disappointed in what is suppose to be the more luxury end of the spectrum of RV's. Just my 2 cents...LOL

What about the Newmar Vantana? Also how about a little more detail and consistency in comparison. For instance you only looked at one awning and one drivers area. You didn't like the tv layout in one but others were the same. Just saying. Otherwise I hope you keep this up. Thanks

Is there any RU-vid video that talk about used RVs 1970-2000 and prices between $500- $ 5000. Crraigslist and RV Trader prices

It seems you talked about different areas with each coach and didn't comment on the same stuff on every coach. For instance the inverter and batteries are not on the other coaches? Driving area? How about engine choice?

I bet you could provide a great service to manufacturers with your evaluations and ideas. Go make some money!

Did anyone else notice that the bathroom faucet in the last rv was identical to the cheap plastic one the Wynns panned. So I'm assuming it was the real thing, or did you miss it.

Fun to watch. But these things are so complicated you didn't even scratch the surface, nor could you without the video being 8 hours long! Also I saw an AC vent where you said the bathroom had no AC. Really?

have you guys seen showhauler coach C Class

Boy have prices gone skyward in the past 4 years!

I'd like to know how much you paid for your RV's, how many miles you put on them, and how much you sold them for (with adjustments for any upgrades you might have made) when you were done with them. Oh, and how long you had them. Thanks.

Sorry, but I disagree with no A/C in the bathroom. The vent shown next to the fan at 4:13 is an A/C vent. You have a powered exhaust fan, why would you need a return air in this spot?

Love your shows. Don't know about anyone else, but it seems you two are the only ones that can decipher your thumbs up/down ratings. Especially the 2 1/2 one. What does a fist mean? Lol.

Gen Y is hitting their mid-30s now so you should pitch a mfr to be consultants/testers on actual livably intelligent RV construction. Such simple things as which way the microwave opens seems ignored in all these $200,000+ coaches. Me, I want to start with a Ford F-53 chassis: www.ford.com/commercial-trucks/strippedchassis/trim/f53classamotorhome/ and build from that . . . big enough LPG tanks to boondock for weeks, rooftop solar and maybe water condensers (not sure if they make any that work yet) etc etc

I am disappointed that the Newmar Ventana LE was not covered. It is in this price range and I think the quality is much better. Why no Newmar?

35-38 feet is considered small...?!

More rv smake down

maybe you could do a review on something most people can afford

I wouldn't consider my families Palazzo 36.1 small lol. Especially when you take into consideration that it's actually 38 feet long.

I like hearing your thoughts on these, but tell who ever is doing the camera work to quit zooming in and out......

You totally missed the best small diesel - Why not include the Newmar Ventana 34 footers?

Holiday Rambler

Niki is super cute.

Buy a five year old comparable unit for approx. $85K save a bunch to spend on fuel and beer.

What about Thor Palazzo 33.5 ?

Who's video taping you guys? And how often do you have someone tape you guys?i thought you did everything yourselves.

how tall are you two?

Just a thought..California is an expensive state! Would it be less $$$'s to buy one in a state like Iowa where the cost of living is far less than California? Keep up the good work!!

I love the videos. However they're of limited value to me given that I am almost 6' 2" and weigh more than you two put together. It is hard to judge the scale of these machines because I don't know how tall you are. For example, in one of coaches you barely were able to see out of the kitchen window under the cabinets. That would probably mean a lot to me.

Niki is that your normal hair color?

Are there any RVs like a VW bus but newer? And not the new overly modern VW thing

Who wins in the build quality department?

Where's the washing machine and dryer?

i dont see either one rving?

buy the fleetwood

35 is mid the 33 Thor Palazzo is small

These are not what I consider small. Small is 30' and under.

I thought you were reviewing small RV's ???