Even surprising ourselves a little, we purchased a new RV!  We have been considering this for a while and were doing some research and looking online.  After two years in our gasoline powered Winnebago Adventurer, we learned a lot and knew what we liked and what we thought would work better for us. 

We determined that we wanted to move to a diesel for more power and hopefully a better ride.  Our original plan was to look for one in Florida this winter.  In mid-July, we took the Winnebago to a repair shop for some minor repairs and maintenance.  With the RV in the shop, we decided to visit a few dealers and start looking.  BIG mistake – right?

With the research we had done, we narrowed it down to several manufacturers we were interested in.  Solid consumer reports for quality and service pointed us toward manufacturers Tiffin, Newmar, Entegra, and Fleetwood for diesels.   However, a lot of their models are bigger than we wanted and out of our price range.   At the same time we were learning that the used RV diesel market is much different than the used RV gasoline market.  Used diesels are priced higher than we expected and not as much inventory to choose from.

To make a long story short, we found our new RV at a dealer near Grand Rapids:  2019 Fleetwood Discovery XLE – Model 40M.  (Close out deal on the 2019 model.)  We took delivery August 2^nd and did a “door-to-door” move in the parking lot.  We are thrilled with the purchase and hope it will be our home for many years to come.  In other words, we are “all in”!

The Discovery XLE is 40’ (three feet longer than the Winnebago) and is a diesel pusher.  It has three slides and has many features we enjoyed in the Winnebago, i.e, two bathrooms, king size bed, washer/dryer, good storage, etc, as well as other options we didn’t have previously.  The difference in the technology from our 2012 model to this 2019 is probably the biggest improvement. Wi-Fi and cell boosters included, touch control panel and a control app for the phone.

This is an “all electric” coach, no propane.  In addition to the standard roof air conditioners, there is an “Aqua-Hot” system that provides hot water and heat when needed.  There is an induction cooktop stove and combination microwave/convection oven.  I know, I know, what about my oven??  In reading and talking with people, I learned that you can bake in this type of oven and it will brown food like a regular oven.  I have already experimented and am happy to say cookies and breads bake just fine! 

The LED lighting system is definitely an improvement, as well as the residential refrigerator and small drawer dishwasher.  Outside (basement) storage is comparable to what we had, but I think there is more cabinets and storage inside.  Even the small electric fireplace is a nice addition.

With a mountain of owner and operation manuals to read through, we are still figuring everything out. We are anxious to give it a full road test hopefully around Labor Day with trip to northern Michigan.

Also coming soon, I will summarize our 2nd year as full time RVers. What a ride it has been!

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