Considering a Crescendo 324 Fred

[Quixotic1]

Hello,

We are previous owners of a Newmar DutchStar (too big) and a diesel Safari Trek (too small).

We're looking for something "just right".

I test drove and liked the '08 Crescendo and am wondering if there are other owners of this particular model on this forum who may be able to offer insight as to quality issues and overall service problem like recalls, known issues, etc.

Thank you in advance.

Richard

[RayChez1]

I have never driven a Fred, but I did talk to an owner of a Crescendo Fred in Cottonwood, Arizona about three years ago. I asked him how he liked the coach. He claimed he really liked it. That is about all I asked.

[GULFSTREAMER37]

Hello,

We are previous owners of a Newmar DutchStar (too big) and a diesel Safari Trek (too small).

We're looking for something "just right".

I test drove and liked the '08 Crescendo and am wondering if there are other owners of this particular model on this forum who may be able to offer insight as to quality issues and overall service problem like recalls, known issues, etc.

Thank you in advance.

Richard

Hello Richard and welcome, I am the proud owner of an 07 Crescendo 37 ft FRED 378 I purchased it with only 7000 Miles on the Odometer and 80 hours on the Generator, I suspect they lived in it more than drove it, and it must have been in a seasonal site, It was a divorce case that gave it to my local dealer they had it almost 2 years.

I purchased it for 70K which I feel was a great Deal.

I am an Auto Mechanic 35 years and quite fussy, the quality of the chassis is A+, the ride is nice the handling is very good, and the fuel mileage is Very good, 10+ towing a car on a dolly.

I upgraded the shocks to Konis, Very good investment, made a huge difference all positive.

The cabinets are Poorly assembled with staples and screws and No glue, the drawer slides are the most basic cheap quality,

I spent a lot of time repairing, reinforcing, cabinets and shelving, and replacing all the drawer slides with good quality self closing slides.

Tightening lose screws through out the coach, the table mounted to the wall has no backing and the screws were stripped out, there is a lot of Poor workmanship throughout but I have fixed Everything over the winter.

Most of the stuff the average person would not notice but as I said I am fussy.

I have replaced a lot of rusty screws on the outside with stainless screws for looks and durability.

I have added a lot of modern conveniences and overall now that I have gone through the Whole coach with a fine tooth comb I am Happy with my Coach.

My best explanation is they used good quality parts but the execution of assembly was poor.

You would not believe the sawdust I vacuumed out of the carpets and under all the cabinets.

Not trying to talk you out of it but give you some Real information to help you make a decision.

I hope this does not talk you out of it because I believe that most coaches in this price range will have all the same problems.

Ted.

[Quixotic1]

Thanks Ted,

I appreciate your detailed insights into the Crescendo.

I've been able to contact a couple of people on this forum (like you) who have this particular model and seem to know something about mechanics. They all approve of the coach. The fact that it's a Freightliner chassis and Cummins diesel make me feel good about it, plus the wife likes the interior.

I understand all coaches have problems (they are rolling earthquakes) and require regular maintenance. I virtually rebuilt the Safari Trek I'm trading in and enjoyed it.

I'll have fun updating the interior cabinets as you mentioned.

Hope to meet you on the road someday!

Richard

[GULFSTREAMER37]

Thanks Ted,

I appreciate your detailed insights into the Crescendo.

I've been able to contact a couple of people on this forum (like you) who have this particular model and seem to know something about mechanics. They all approve of the coach. The fact that it's a Freightliner chassis and Cummins diesel make me feel good about it, plus the wife likes the interior.

I understand all coaches have problems (they are rolling earthquakes) and require regular maintenance. I virtually rebuilt the Safari Trek I'm trading in and enjoyed it.

I'll have fun updating the interior cabinets as you mentioned.

Hope to meet you on the road someday!

Richard

I am happy to share my experience.

Some people are just not prepared for the Maintenance required to Keep a Rolling Earthquake from tearing things apart, Sounds Like you are Well Versed, I like your analogy :D

Let us know what you decide

Ted.

[Quixotic1]

OK we bought the 2008 Crescendo.

So far we like it very much. Drives very well and plenty of get up and go.

We're camping in Sedona, AZ then heading north into Utah.

I look forward to many good discussions on this forum!

[RayChez1]

That is great news that you bought the Fred and you like it. It should be a good coach. Have fun in Utah. I go to Utah a lot. It is a beautiful state and great fishing lakes.

[GULFSTREAMER37]

OK we bought the 2008 Crescendo.

So far we like it very much. Drives very well and plenty of get up and go.

We're camping in Sedona, AZ then heading north into Utah.

I look forward to many good discussions on this forum!

Congrats, This site is Pretty Quiet so don't expect much discussion, Just My experience

Ted.