Should I buy it?

[Bryon Raymond]

Hello everyone, I'm new here and I'm real close to buying a 99 Tour Master 40. It has a 325 Cummins. My question: How does that eng handle mountains with a toad? Also, It seems like a lot of length for a single axle in rear. I've owned a 40 with a tag and the weight distribution and anti-porpoising were great. Also, I've been reading about GS's deplorable customer service. That alone is very disturbing. Thanks in advance for your input.

[univmd]

I am happy with my 08 Tourmaster. Length is listed at 42'9". It only has a Cummins 360 and it only has 1 axle in the back. To me, it has plenty of power and it does not porpoise. But I have not driven bigger engines or tag axles before so I can't compare. In terms of customer service, my own experience is that they are terrible as you mentioned. I called them multiple times, auto-message directs me to a regional manager, which directs me to an answering machine, but I never get a return call. Luckily Freightliner and Coach-Net and the people on here and rv.net have been most helpful enough so far:-)

[David Bott]

Hello...

Welcome to the site.

The single rear axle in the rear with such a large coach was also a concern of mine until I talked to Freightliner. I was worried about the weight and was more or less told it really was not needed on the unit as the way they are designed these days, the load is not even close to what it really can handle. It also seems that the tag axle is a "look" vs a need and it is used a lot for that. (It does offer other things, but at the same time removes cargo space and gives you 2 more tires to buy and also more things that can go wrong.)

In regards to "GS's deplorable customer service". Well, seeing it is well out of warranty, you really would not need to deal with GS at all. Yes, they need to work on it, but I have also heard of issues with others companies as well.

Not sure on the 99 TM's at all, but we love the value we received with our 08.

Good luck!

[Bryon Raymond]

Thanks David and univmd for your input. I think before you could answer my first query I had changed my mind in favor of a 2005 GS Friendship 40.
It has a 350 Cat. Anyone heard of or knows of any bad press on this model?
I'm not insinuating GS is not a fine coach. I really like them but would appreciate a heads-up if there are any inherent problems with this particular coach. I'm disabled and can't DIY on fixing some things myself. Thanks.

[Bryon Raymond]

Well, my final choice was an 04 GS Atrium and I couldn't be more pleased!
Happy trails to all!

[David Bott]

Congrats! Hope to see you at the Gulf Stream Back To Home Rally next year.

[Bryon Raymond]

Thanks David, the rally sounds like fun.

[David Bott]

Opps...Forgot the link...

http://streamers.gulfstreamcoach.com/events.html