Readers comments:
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JCH :   I purchased a 2007 39F "demo" in Dec 2008 and although there have been some problems - I am very pleased with the unit. One of the problems was odor from the holding tanks while in motion. The fix for this was using water softener (White King D or Calgon). Simply put about one cup into each tank after each dump. Also, prior to driving anywhere I emptied the holding tanks and rinsed the black water tank for 10 minutes. After that I added approximately 5 gallons of clean water and 1 cup of bleach in both tanks. The bleach solution cleans the tanks as it slouchs (?) around while driving. I then drained the tanks when I arrived at the next location. The odor went away after 3 times of doing this - and I still use the water softener in every tank.

Bob B :   As "Toby K" mentioned this engine is 330 hp over the Bounder's 300. But this isn't the main issue here. 330 hp isn't that much more. In most cases 330 hp isn't enough either. But look at the torque. It's 1000 lb,ft, compared to 650 lb.ft on the Bounder.

AJN :   I bought my presidio about 4 months ago and have had a few problems. we have the 360 with the full slide. It's a 2008. we love the layout, love the tile floor, love the bathroom (although the sink is too small. just got back from omaha. noticed when we were parked all the a/c units were cooling untill we started moving then got very uncomfortably warm. seemed like warm air was entering the cabin from the vents. the washing machine smelled like rotten eggs (it's never been used) could not sleep for two nights. the awning over the door just fell completely off when we were parked. the door to the bedroom does not stay shut while we are in motion. to say the least we are not happy campers

Kevin and Julie :   We just purchased the 400 f . The ride is quiet. will keep all posted, trip planned for palm desert

Kenny N :   I'm looking at one of these, 1 year old and a really good price. Beautiful coach and seems as if it's never had serious problems. Good to read all the comments. Thanks.

Neil F :   JOHN B - I have the Mercedes 330. Love it. Mileage on flat hwy at 70mph is about 10mpg. Doesn't seem to matter if I tow or not, but I tow a Jeep wrangler, 3200lbs. I would say I average overall about 9mph.

Three Bears :   We too, are looking into the Presidio 39F, Damon Tuscany 4055, or Monaco Camelot 40PDQ. My husband is dead set on a Cummins engine and I have requirements for the interior. Need room in bath/sink area, two couches, good quality cabinetry, carpeting and a w/d combo that don't take away too much of the storage space. That being said, I hope some other people can give me their input if this Presidio seems to be more bang for the buck versus the other 2 units we are looking at. And by the way, customer service and warranty are big plusses!

John B :   To Neil F, you say you like your 330 Mercedes with great mileage. Could you tell me what you mileage is and if you tow anything? Do you know anyone with a 360 Cummins? I'm trying to decide on a '07 330 Mercedes or a '08 360 Cummins. I would appreciate anyone's comments on the pros & cons.

Pat K :   Overall, I would say that we love the layout, and the performance. We purchased the 39F last Fall ('07) new at a show. I love the coach, however there is not enough room here to mention all the problems we have had with the unit. From thermostats (which we had to purchase another one of while on a trip), to the television falling out of it's compartment (wrong screws), to the shower floor requiring additional supports, and not to forget the ice maker that was not installed properly (water gushing out of the storage compartments underneath). Oh yes then there was the "fin" that was connected to the engine cover that was flapping in the breeze, (thanks to the person on the road who flagged us down and brought our attention to it)also the wrong screws. We do however report that all that Mandalay could address was handled in a professional manner. Overall, I would say that we love the layout, and the performance.

John & Bonnie :   I just bought a 2008 Presidio 39E. It's our 2nd pusher and it's much quieter than the last and definately has more power. I must be missing the cheap drawer slides because we loaded up the drawers and they work fine. We took it to Big Bear Lake Calif and the road is steap and very curvey and he coach went up with no effort. We will have this one for some time. The fireplace is electric but puts out 5000 btu's and with the temp at 28 degrees it kept the coach warm. My wife and I love it and would recommed it.

DonL :   Saw them at Camping World and liked the layout, colors, features, etc. The only negative was some cheap items like the draws and shower door construction. I look forward to a test drive.

Delta Bunny :   I drove a 2007 Presido and was very impressed. It drove very nice, quiet, and loved the color scheme on the home. I was about the squeeze the trigger when I decided to look at the NADA Book value on the home. While they has a great retail price they really had a lousy resale value. That really soured me on the home. While most folks may not look at wholesale value to value paid it makes a big difference if I need to sell my home on the market because of an emergency. On this home it would have meant at least a 25,000 loss over a Newmar, Tiffen,or Country Coach. While these homes are more money the percentage of resale was heavily in their favor. Just my thought on the coach.

Gerry K :   I like the look of this coach very much and it seems to be at a very good price. I like the 400 hp and the full wall slide looks really nice. I'll look at it at a dealer and then write about my feelings afterwards. I'd never heard of Mandalay but it looks good. Thanks.

GODie49 :   This is wonderful coach and the 400 puts it in a higher class. I have a bounder diesel but I'm seriously looking at the Presidio. I think this is a better alternative to the Fleetwood and Monaco coaches in the same price range. The 400 Cummins really makes me lean this way.

Neil F :   DEAN R - Well, I can't tell you how they "Rate" as I'm not sure there is a system out there for that. I have an 06 Presidio 39D that I purchased new last November and have been extremely happy with it. You always have the little things, but for the money I got a lot of coach compared to some other brands. The chassis is the same, appliances, a/c, etc all the same as anyone else, plus I am very happy with the interior workmanship, so whether you're looking for an 07 or an 08, I do recommend. That said, if you're looking at an 08, I believe they will now put a 400hp in them. I would recommend that. I have the 330hp Mercedes which I like and get great mileage, but the 400 would be nicer. JOHN - not sure why you should have trouble finding the Roadmaster brake system for your toad. Camping World has them in stock.

JB Wise :   Mandalay make a good coach. I read this article and went to Mike Thompsons and looked at a Valencia. Really thinking about it. I'm not happy about the trade in value of my Fleetwood, is it a difficult market to sell into now? The big problem with RVs (I've had 4) is you really loose bigtime on tradein.

john :   I am in the process of purchasing a 2008 Presidio and am having a problem with the availability of installation of a roadmaster brake system for our toad? any suggestions??

Jerry :   While at "The Rally" in Redmond, Oregon last week I looked at the 2008 Presidio 360 which is their 38 foot RV with a full wall slide plus two other slides. It appears to be a combination of the 39E and the 39F above. At first it looked like a very nice coach with a spacious living, kitchen and bedroom area and I loved the TV in mid-coach with a fireplace under it. The extension in the kitchen gave extra counter space. Overall it appears to be well designed and laid out. However, upon further examination, they installed 'cheap' drawer guides that are notorious for breaking when you load the drawer, the shower stall base had over 1" of movement when I stepped on it (not to mention it was very small for this size coach) and the bathroom was just too small - there was barely enough room for just one person in it. They also took away the vanity in the Bedroom. Overall I liked the coach, but I questioned the quality after finding these cheap pieces.

Neil F :   I have the 2006 39D and love it. Great value and the 330 Mercedes Benz diesel is great with 1000lb of tourqe versus the 350 cat with only 860 lbs of tq. I bought mone about 4 months ago and already took it on a 2000 mile trip with Jeep in tow. Never knew it was back there even in the hills. Like any new RV, always have a few little things, but I am very pleased with the quality of workmanship. I highly recommend

RvCowboyIam :   With the Freightliner chassis this home looks like it would be a great one to take a look at. Is there a dealer in the middle of the country that sells them? Nebraska, iowa, kansas - it also appears that the prices are very competitive.

Toby K :   The Fleetwood Bounder diesel with a full wall slide is about $182 base price. This has 330 hp compared to the Bounder 300 hp. So about $15,000 more for the Presidio. I wonder what other differences make it worth the extra.

Art Nelms :   What surprizes me, reading the review is that the full wall slide is about the same price as the other models, in fact one model - 39E - is more expensive. Looks like a nice coach, I'm not really familiar with Mandalay.