Hi Lawrence,
Last year I went to Motorhomes of Texas in Nagadocious to look at a Newell Motorhome. I was really into it's sleek modern period design but when I looked at it it felt cold and imposing. The salesman told me they are fairly complex to operate so I looked around.
I found a pristine 2003 Foretravel U130. The former owners were meticulous.This coach is a Unibody so I don't worry about roof leaks. What I love about this coach is it looks like a little apartment. I have only two slide outs but they are ample. Storage is great. Basement model. Everything is easy to get to except the house batteries which are in the rear, underneath the bed which flips up. They are in a tray bolted to the chassis almost between the back axels. Needles to say, I am having jumper extensions put on them so I can get it jumped from the front if needed. It has a generator too.
This unit cost around $250,000+ remembering back then 250K was equivalent to 500K (I paid 120K) when built and is really high end. Bose stereo, electric this and that, mirrors on the ceiling (kinky) in the living room, side by side fridge, the counters and shower are finished in Corian, ceiling fan in the bedroom, huge double wardrobe and vanity too, the dinette and Swedish recliner are leather as are the sofa pillows. Of course the passenger seat reclines to just about full flat. The dinette does not fold down but the couch does and there is enough room on the floor for a mattress. I particularly like the water closet is not smack in the middle of the coach. The awning are in perfect condition until I ripped the rear one off on the only tree along side my driveway. To be fixed this month. Insurance paid for it.
I mean this thing is wiz bang AND, it came with new tires all around,a washer and dryer combo, the interior is well thought out, all woodwork and doors are solid wood, 85000 miles on the odometer and it's a diesel 40' long, has duel rear axel. The front (back wheel) can be lifted for tight turns. Yes I have K turned this behemoth around in a country gas station. Great turning ratio, better then my Ford focus.
This is my 3rd Rv and my best one. It is extremely easy to drive with cameras on the back and on the side when you put the blinkers on. I am a 67 year old , 5'4" female and I have no problem driving this little beauty.
The ONLY problem I do have is the driver seat does not move in far enough and I have to use a pillow behind my back. To be fixed this month. Oh, and I haven't found a lumbar support on the drivers side yet.
I went to MH of Texas after doing months of research on sales, service, demeanor, what you get for what you get, that I can call 7 days a week and talk with a mechanic if necessary and even though I don't go there for repairs they are eager to help with any problem you have. They seemed to me to be the best for what you get. (read best prices) I live in NC and flew to Texas. They have all kinds of beautiful and ostentatious rigs. The Foretravel plant is just down the road too.
Finally, I don't understand you wanting to spend so much money on a Palatial RV. if you are not new to RVing, most people sit in their rigs and watch TV. Why do you need all that other stuff.
Think about all the things you would be giving up just to support your RV. My motto has always been if I have to work OT to pay for my digs, then I need to rethink my digs. You may be giving up some real travel opportunities. There are so many new used RV's out there.
I waited years until I could afford this and to me it is NEW. But maybe you have that money burning a hole in your pocket.
If you hoping to rub elbows with the rich and famous I got news for you, I worked with the rich and famous when I lived in LA, trust me, they may be rich and famous but their not particularly nice and they don't ever pick up the check!
Nagadocious is an historic town so take the time to wander around if you should go there.
Hope this helps, Peace out,
Stacey
Be careful about bells and whistles, the more you get, the more problems you have and be sure you know what all is involved with these giant motorhomes.