New to RV Motorhomes

[mgonfshn]

First, let me say we have RVed in a 26' travel trailer for 6 years on and off, and are now about to retire! Our dream motorhome has always been a diesel 35' + with two slideouts! But we love the outdoors and dry camp a great deal. We probably won't be able to put the miles on a diesel RV each year that is needed. We will not be able to be full-timers, but do want the space, dependability and durability. If we were to buy a newer model gas (2000 - 2003), are the engines any better than their predecessors (1997 - 1999)? This forum suggests that much over 30' feet and slideouts may be an issue for Forest Service, ational and state parks! We spend a great deal of time in Forest Service campgrounds and in the mountains as we love nature and live in the state of Washington, but do not want to limit our pleasure to the great outdoors! We want comfort and a little space so we can breath in our shorter motorhome!

If we were to limit ourselves to a say 30 - 33' with two slideouts, would we be limiting ourselves too much? We want to travel and want to have a dependable motorhome, and have been told that the gas engines may not have enough power in the mountains (limited storage weight concerns) and will probably need major work on them when you reach 100,000 to 150,000 miles. We have heard nothing but positives about the Freightliner and Spartan chassis. Should we limit ourselves to one of these for dependability, handling and storage or is the Workhorse (other ?) chassis sufficient?

Finally, would you recommend the Chev 8.1 over the Ford V-10 if we were to lean toward a gas engine? Will it be necessary to add a Banks for added power and handling? I have been told buying a diesel that is short does have its handling problems as the engine is heavy in the back. I have also been told that short gas motorhomes have handling problems as they do not have enough weight?

Thank you for responding,
Skip

[Bob and Judy Hobert]

Hi,

Sounds like you are ready for a diesel pusher! We have progressed through tent camping to a tent trailer to a class C to a gas class A motorhome. We now have a new dp on order for delivery in January.

We share the same concerns you mention about state and national parks. Our 33 ft gas class A with no slides fits well into most campsites - but not all. Having no slides certainly helps when we shoe-horn into some favorite sites. Those sites provide some very upfront interaction with nature not available in commercial campgrounds. We live outside our motorhome a lot. Slides on the curb side can be a hindrance to outdoor living. Our new mh has no slides on the curb side for that reason.

We installed a complete Banks system on our '95 Chevy motorhome chassis. It runs hills a gear higher, when not slowed down by traffic. The engine runs cooler - less cooling fan action. I'd recommend Banks. They do not immediately outfit later model motorhome engines, however. Check their website.

The new gas motorhomes are greatly improved with stronger engines and the diesel-like Workhorse chassis. They will tow fine especially with 5 spd transmissions. Even a lot of diesels slow down on the long, steep grades. We gave them a good look. Went diesel because we believe they are the ultimate driving machine. Best regards.

Have fun shopping!
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Ryder20

[wizard]

We started with a 40' Endeavor 2-slide diesel for 4 years and moved up to a 45' Navigator 2-slide diesel for 3 years. We now have a 30' BT Cruiser with 3 slides. The larger the coach, the more STUFF we took with us because it's a law that stuff expands to fit the space. If you want to FULL-TIME, ignore me. But for travelling a couple of months or so a year, smaller is better. You can easily maneuver in parking lots and state parks, etc. where a big coach is restricted. Recently we have seen the new 30' to 39' full-slide coaches which are tremendous for open interior space without a lot of length. I walked into a 30' full-slide with a 2nd bedroom slide, gas and it had more interior than our 45'! Safe Travels.
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The Wizard

[ethiermr]

Skip - I am not that familiar with diesels but I can provide my limited experience on the gas engines. I previously had an old 30' with a 454. Engine purred like a kitten. Gas mileage was approximately 8 mpg. I then bought a 38' w/3 slides, 8.1 Vortec, Workhorse chassis and 5-speed Allison transmission. What a dream. Rides like a car and no problems in mountainous terrain - drove through the Ozarks, Appalachians and Poconos. Mileage is approximately 8.5 with tow vehicle. Prior to buying current RV, I did a lot of research on gas engines, read all the reviews by RV testers and the vast majority recommended the 8.1 Vortec with the Workhorse chassis. Also test drives by 100 regular RVers overwhelmingly recommended the Vortec with Workhorse chassis over the Ford. Read and heard too many bad reviews for the V10 and chassis to even consider it. All the mechanics I spoke to say that I can reasonably expect the Vortec to last up to 400K miles with proper maintenance. For the amount of time you will be RVing, you have to ask yourself if the price difference between a gas and diesel is worth the cost. What it comes down to is which one you prefer and are comfortable with, regardless of cost. Once you decide, search the internet for expert reviews on the gas or diesel engines, chassis and transmission as all are not built the same and performances will vary.
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Marcel & Jenne
Ontario, Canada

Our second home
2005 Intruder 377W
2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid

[ABDriver]

Now that's a really loaded and personal question. I've owned a 35' gasser and currently own a 40' pusher. To start there, it depends on how much you are going to drive it, tempered with several other factors. If you drive a lot, go diesel. If you don't, go gas. My gas rig was a Ford but most people I've talked to prefer the Chevy on the Workhorse chassis. Now, having said that, diesels are typically more dependable and last longer. They are a whole lot easier to drive (just my opinion, but shared by many others) and a lot quieter up front. As far as length goes, if you spend a LOT of time at local government, state and national campgrounds and the like, 35' is about as big as you should go. Most government campsites were built before the rigs got really big and 35 feet is about as big as most sites will hold. Go with the slides. I think it would really be rare where you couldn't put them out. From what you indicate, a 33-35' Chevy gasser on a Workhorse chassis with double slides would be what I would recommend.
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Jerry

[Ten41seven]

The only thing that I would definitely recommend is to stay away from the Winnebago/Itasca make. We have one that the entry door squeaks continually. This has been so since it was brand new. We purchased it from my brother-in-law and he had in in for this repair some eight times.
I wrote to Winnebago and the reply I received from their top Service Manager is " We could fix this for nothing, but I won't. Since you mentioned the Florida Lemon Law, we will not fix it." And so far they have not.
Be warned about Winnebago/Itasca. Do not fall into a piece of cheaply made junk as we did, especially if you wish to get some help with getting it repaired by them

[retired and happy]

Ten41seven has, of course, expressed an opinion as will I. We have a 37-foot Itasca Suncruiser and would only get rid of it for a multiple slide rig and maybe a side bath with a tub. We have had very little problem with our unit other than a blowout and consequential damage from old tires. I'm sure there are good and bad in all makes and models. Just choose carefully and enjoy.
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Ken
Judy and our Special Angels
1996 37' Itasca Suncruiser
6x12 cargo trailer
2003 EZGO golf Cart