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Which conversion
I have been researching Prevost for a year now. We like what we hear about quality and less troubles than other coaches. We own a 2015 King Aire and ready to step up a few notches.
However the confusion is high when seeing so many conversion companies and different chassis.
Where I need help is selecting the chassis and higher quality conversion.
We are near Transwest in CO, who carries Emearld.
Any help will be appreciated. BTW we are looking for new. -
40 Replies
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There is only one chassis that Prevost builds unless you are talking about a H series or a XL. As far as conversions go there are not that many that are currently in business. That is not saying that the ones that are no longer in business are not good conversions. Then some converters only made a handful of coaches while others made a lot more depending on the conversion and how long they had been in business.
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Jim,
A Prevost chassis is DOT (Department of Transportation) certified. You will have real front and rear bumpers and an exterior made of the highest quality fiberglass (Kevlar). All of the chassis components are robust.
Each converter builds/designs things a little different, just investigate what you like in a coach.
We happened to like Liberty as they have been in business since 1968.
Mark
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Many of the Prevost chassis are cloaked in the best stainless steel that money can buy.
Are you looking new or preowned?
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Jeff, I understand the H series and the X series are the chassis choices. Any differences in how they drive?
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I’ve had both, not new and can tell very little difference. The H drivers seat is a little lower than the X3 and the passenger sets back a tad, but there is no real driving difference, at least between an 01 XL and 02 H.
Here are your Motorhome choices, not including Entertainers or Star Coaches and in no particular order:
Emerald
Featherlite
Liberty
Marathon
Millennium
Olympia
Parliament
If I missed anyone, remember I’m packing for a move so my brain is numb, someone will remind me here.
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All Prevost owners are going to tell you how good their conversion is, and how well their particular model of chassis rides and drives because it is all true.
All Prevost converters tend to bring their “A” game to the table with respect to build quality and robust design. Keep in mind all conversions are a compromise to an extent compared to motor homes because the basis for the Prevost conversion is a bus chassis that has some modifications from the seated coach chassis, but is still essentially a bus. It is the fact it is a bus chassis that has in either the H configuration or the X configuration that undergone millions, if not billions of miles of use under harsh conditions in the real world that makes it so good. We know its strength is because it has to be built for trouble free service as well as for the structure to be built to protect the passengers.
The typical motor home has the side walls screwed to the floor, and when there is an accident it is not uncommon to see that motor home in pieces strewn the length of its travel path. The Prevost chassis remains intact, even after roll over accidents in most cases.
As a buyer you have to first establish your budget because that dictates whether you are a new coach buyer or one in the used market. You then have to define your use of the coach because if you are someone who dry camps a lot you are likely not real interested in a coach with minimal battery capacity. If you do a lot of driving you might want to consider a coach built with over the road whole chassis air conditioning and heat, but then you are limited to two slides. You and you alone have to define what you want, and then establish priorities because you cannot get it all. A conversion is a compromise. A very well executed compromise, but one in which you have to make choices. You cannot have the maximum in bay and house storage space with a lot of slides and 2 toilets, but you might be willing to give up a big closet to get the bath and a half for example.
Have fun looking and asking questions. We will answer every question, and on certain rare occasions we will provide the correct answer.
As to speeding the process, just head to Stuart Florida, stop at Liberty Coach and buy one. Others might have a different opinion.
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If I was buying new I would buy a H…Number 1 new is a huge expense and since right now there are very few X3 being converted, therefore low demand for the X3….Resale value and options for something converted will be the highest in the H series….Now then we have settled what model Lets figure out which conversion you would like as we all enjoy spending others money….how do you intend to use the coach and how freguantly..
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I have owned 6 Prevost’s, 5 new and 1 used, 5 XL’s and 1 H. I prefer the XL so all in the party travel on the same floor level. Some prefer the low driver sitting position. Also, for me, the H seems top heavy in tight turns, but that may just be a personal thing.
You might be wise to purchase a good used unit and use it for a year or two to see how you fit into the lifestyle. It could save you big bucks if you find you don’t enjoy the hassle of coach ownership. Many do not and come and go. If you enjoy the lifestyle and can put up with some frustrations other travelers may not experience, then go for the big deal. Break out a couple of million and go for it!
Every owner will tell you their converter is best, but they all have pluses and minuses. I owned two new Liberty conversions with all the bells, whistles and toys. I later opted for 3 new Angola conversions (no longer in business) and found them to be more simple but just as well built.
I own an old 1990 Lindin conversion XL 40. At my advanced age I find it big enough and simple enough and cheep enough to enjoy. Like everything else. It is all in the eye of the beholder. Also, it helps if you are mechanically inclined. Hope this helps in some small way.
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It would help everyone trying to make recommendations if you could get us any idea of your budget. There is such a variety in years and conversions that it is hard to make recommendations if we have no idea of your budget. Some general observations: the H3 sits lower than the floor of the rest of the coach, and they have a wall behind the driver’s seat, which limits the recline for thee seat. I had to take the headrest off to get the seat to recline to my liking. The X models are not as limited in that regard.
If you are buying new, there are fans of each conversion brand on this forum, and we will all tell you why our brand is the best! Of course we will still do that if you are buying used! -
Guys, the original post states he is looking for NEW!
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You are right Alvie , can nobody read any more 😂????
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One thing that I like about the XL is that it has a window in the entrance door that can open. I wish the H had that.
Otherwise, the huge storage in an ‘H’ is amazing.
Mark
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Jim,
I have owned 3 Prevost, my 1st was an XL. Then the last 2 have been H’s. They both are absolutly the best riding and driving machine, like no other. I currently have an H because there simply is nothing any bigger. I love the feel of the H, and as the o’l saying goes and I agree with. Size matters.. my 2cents
Bill S.
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All, My wife and I went up to Transwest yesterday and I drove a new 2016 X3. The drive was fantastic around curves over humps very smooth.
The coach is by Emerald, 2 slides, 1 1/2/2 baths nice colors inside. However I beleive the H series will be more our lifestyle. They do not have one. So the search is on. MHS in Alverado has 2 Outlaws. What do you know about the quality? -
Isn’t that the old name for Emerald before the tie-up with Liberty?
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