So you’re looking to invest in a motorhome to spoil the traveler in you. Well, you are in for a treat as the outdoor recreation industry has grown so vast the market is now flooded with hundreds of RV brands.
This means you have plenty of options, and the chance of finding the unit that meets all your criteria is relatively high. But, of course, you must consider other factors, such as the size, floor plan, sleeping and storage capacity, and budget.
One of the first brands you’ll come across if you’re looking for a high-end RV upfront is American Coach. This company has been manufacturing luxury motorhomes for over 30 years, claiming their products are designed with three things in mind—materials, craftsmanship, and legacy.
They also claim that they use advanced technology to build rigs that exceed safety and quality standards.
Then again, don’t all RV manufacturers say the same thing? Browse other manufacturers’ websites, and you’ll find the same claims. As a buyer, you must be careful not to take what you read at face value. Always treat claims with a pinch of salt and keep looking up the choices you’re interested in to make an informed final decision.
American Coach Motorhomes Have Issues Too
It’s great to know the advantages of a specific brand over another. But if you’re buying, it’s also crucial to learn about the disadvantages, no matter how awful they sound. This way, you can weigh your options more carefully and avoid regretting your decision.
As it turns out, like other brands, American Coach motorhomes have their fair share of problems, as attested by actual owners. American Coach has introduced many brands, including Dream, Eagle, Tradition, and Patriot.
But since they are made using the same materials, design, and technology, they share the same flaws. Below are some of them.
1. Tires wear out quickly
Some owners complain about the wheels being difficult to steer in some road conditions. The first thing that usually comes to mind when experiencing a lack of stability when driving an RV is an uneven or broken axle. While this is likely the culprit in most RVs, it’s slightly different in American Coach motorhomes.
The most likely culprit with these RVs are the tires wearing out unevenly.
If you’ve been driving for a while, you know there can be many causes of uneven wear on tires—worn-out suspension, over-inflation, improper alignment, etc. It’s hard to control the wheels without firm and balanced footing.
The quickest solution is installing new tires that deteriorate much slower. You can also install stabilizers for added support, which has become a standard part of customizing RVs since its introduction in the market.
2. Leaky roof and windows
Leaks happen when the sealant around joints and edges has deteriorated so much it forms gaps that let water in. This typically occurs on the roof (around installations) and the windows. Leaks can cause many problems, including weakening insulation, mold and mildew, and electrical issues (if water seeps through the walls and wet the wiring).
But the worst problem leaks can cause is delamination. This occurs when the layers of the wall or roof start to separate. You might notice this around the edges of slide-out rooms, particularly at the base.
These areas are prone to moisture and experience repetitive forward and backward movements, which can pry off the layers. Replacing the damaged section of the wall and resealing it will fix the problem but only temporarily.
3. Faulty air deflector
An air deflector is a device that directs airflow in a specific direction, particularly from the air conditioning or heating system, to particular areas in your RV. This helps distribute cool or warm air in the vehicle to make its interior more comfortable.
Many American Coach motorhome owners complain that their air deflectors cannot withstand wind when speeding. They say the connectors come loose quickly, making the deflector easily detachable.
Tightening the bolts may help but only for some time. Soon, the issue will recur, so the best solution is to customize the installation and add more connectors.
4. Replacement parts are difficult to come by
When you need new fender skirts, stabilizing jacks, door struts, or other components for your American Coach, you want to be able to get them ASAP so you won’t have to put up with the problem for much longer.
If the component you need is for the leveling system or other essential assemblies, you won’t be able to use your motorhome until you get the replacement part safely.
Unfortunately, unlike other manufacturers, this isn’t always possible with American Coach. Especially if you own an older model, it will be almost impossible to find a replacement for some components because those items go obsolete too quickly.
While this sounds optimistic, considering the manufacturer seems serious about upgrading their products year after year, it’s tricky for RV owners because their options become slimmer as their RVs get older.
RVs are heavily dependent on electricity. Most amenities, from small ones like the microwave and shower heater to large ones like the heating and air conditioning system, run on electricity.
So it only makes sense to ensure your American Coach’s electrical system is in good working order. Unfortunately, many owners claim to have experienced several electrical problems with their coach.
Some have trouble lowering their leveling jacks, while others get intermittent power surges. These problems may happen due to hitches in the electrical system. Poor wiring, maybe. Or loose connectors.
It will help if you run full diagnostics to get to the root of the problem. If it requires dismantling the walls to expose the cables, seek professional help.
Benefits of a motorhome or coach
Despite all the issues you may encounter with your American Coach motorhome, it is still much better than other types of RV, particularly when compared to a travel trailer. A motorhome offers convenience and flexibility that a travel trailer cannot match.
For instance, a motorhome is self-propelled, meaning you can drive and live in the same vehicle. This eliminates the need for a tow vehicle. Additionally, you can take your home on wheels wherever you go without having to worry about the hassle of hitching and unhitching a trailer.
This also means you don’t have to consider the type of car to use as a tow vehicle or if it can handle the weight.
Furthermore, motorhomes typically include a wide range of amenities, such as a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping areas, and living space, making them an excellent option for long-term travels or extended stays.
While travel trailers also come with some of these amenities, they are generally smaller and less luxurious than those found in motorhomes, which may be a deal-breaker for some people.
Motorhomes also offer greater privacy and security than travel trailers. For example, when you are parked in a motorhome, you can lock the doors and close the shades, which provides a greater sense of security and privacy than you would have in a travel trailer.
Lastly, motorhomes are generally easier to maintain than travel trailers. With a motorhome, you only have to worry about the engine and chassis, whereas, with a travel trailer, you also have to worry about the hitch, brakes, and tires.
Conclusion
Malfunctions are not unique to American Coach. You will experience them no matter which RV brand and model you choose. This is why learning basic troubleshooting is crucial when you own an RV.
Remember that you will often travel to isolated places in your RV, far from the nearest workshop or service center. If anything happens, you are on your own. Having the right tools and equipment is also essential. You must familiarize yourself with basic hand tools, such as pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.
You must also know how to use a multimeter or a water pressure gauge. These are tools you will need very often. It also helps to understand the functions and fuses and where to find them in case of outages.
If you already purchased your American Coach, there’s nothing more you can do about the potential issues but face them head-on.
Be ready because these issues often arise at the worst possible moment—while you’re driving, looking for a place to park, and just about to settle down. Fixing them as quickly as possible keeps them from worsening.
