Hello!

[Rick7793]

Hi All!

Figured I'd join on here. I'm looking for a coach to live out of about 6-8 months a year. Leaning heavily towards Liberty. Looking for 2009-2012. I'd prefer an xlII, but I would entertain the right h3. Anybody have any commentary between the two besides that the h3 has bigger bays? I just have trouble believing that line. H3's seem to outnumber the S-class 10:1.

I have some (far) prior RV experience with Newell, which are great, but I'm looking for something a little prettier inside. The gas pedal location in Newell is a killer too. Prevost has been a long time dream, and with the stock market all screwy, I might as well do something else with my money.

I'm located in Northern Colorado for now. Looking to use the coach to travel around and find somewhere a little more sensible to spend my time.

Can anyone speak to how these coaches hold up to "severe" winter use?

I was looking at the 2008 Liberty XLII at Legacy Coach, but it got away from the before I could put a deposit on it. I'm traveling tto Florida next week to check out a unit at Millenium, take a tour of Liberty Coach's facility, and look at the 2010 H3 at The Motorcoach Store.

Looking forward to spending some time on here.
Rick

[Fratto]

Welcome! The H3 is physically taller than the XL. Depending on the roof design and equipment the H3 can be roughly 12" higher in the 13'-6" range. While the older XLs are in the 12'-6" range. That can be limiting on some roads with shorter bridge heights. We have an interstate bridge here in town on a 3 lane each way highway and only one of the three lanes is 13'-6" tall! If you were in an H3 in the right hand lane and missed that information you would be missing some roof equipment when you went under the bridge.

The H3 bays are definitely taller and will accommodate some things better than the lower XLII bays. So it depends on what you want to store in the basement. For example, I always bring at least one bike in my XL. I have to put the nice one in the bay on its side in a custom rack. However my sister can stand hers up on a fork mount in her H3.

The extra height in the H3 bays results in a lower interior ceiling even though the coach is taller. If you are a tall person or like higher ceilings, then you may be disappointed in the H3. Also, the passenger chair is located up and behind the driver. It is also not normally used as part of the salon seating.

Many people feel like they drive different. So without biasing you one way or the other, I would drive both before making a decision.

As you likely know, the chassis itself is made in Canada and is more than able to handle winter conditions. What you need to consider is how the converter and that specific coach was set up for cold weather. Be sure and ask about that and what is involved. How are the basements and hydronic systems heated? Can they be heated while spending the night in a rest area on batteries, etc. etc.

A few of the other things that always seem to come up are: 1) Is galley storage and layout adequate if you like to cook? Many beautiful coaches in my opinion have inadequate galley storage or the refrigerator is in an awkward location. 2) What kind of air conditioning / heating system do you prefer? 3) Will you be spending a lot of time not plugged in? or are you always in a park. 3) Do you have a preference for or against DEF? 4) Is basement storage adequate? 5) Do you like to do some maintenance yourself or do you always take it to someone? Some coaches are easily self maintained and others are very difficult due to system layout. Also some converters are more willing than others to share wiring diagrams, etc. 6) Is there a service firm close to you that will service both the chassis and the coach and has significant experience with the converter you choose?

I think you get the idea and since you have spent some time in the past in the Newell you should be well equipped to find a solid coach that will meet your needs.

Looking forward to hearing what you decide on.