I did not want to turn this into a DP v gas issue. I like my gas just fine. I know the Dp's were working up some grades because as I passed them and them me I could hear them roar. I know you don't hear it up front like we do with the gas. I was just curious about handling and power on the larger gas powered motorhomes and I got some nice input.
Effy wrote: Get PLENTY of power out of my Ford v-10. Pulling the toad, up mountains, no matter. It's got plenty. For the miles we put on, and the cost of the unit, I couldn't see spending the money or maintenance, not to mention cost of fuel and the imperceptable MPG for a DP. When I retire I might opt for a DP, but power is not really one of the reasons. I have all the power I need out of my gasser for a whole lot less money.
X2...perfectly said.
Chuck n Terri
2011 Georgetown 378TS in FireMist
2010 Wrangler Toad
Rica, the old cat
Max E. Dog, the puppy dog
Kirby, the old dog, passed but not forgotten
Effy wrote: Get PLENTY of power out of my Ford v-10. Pulling the toad, up mountains, no matter. It's got plenty. For the miles we put on, and the cost of the unit, I couldn't see spending the money or maintenance, not to mention cost of fuel and the imperceptable MPG for a DP. When I retire I might opt for a DP, but power is not really one of the reasons. I have all the power I need out of my gasser for a whole lot less money.
I can see on a 30' MH how a v-10 has more than enough so to your points you are correct. Now take that to 39' and you have a different need for power. So how does this answer relate to the OP's question of gas powwered in LARGE MH's. Many send out the answers that are how your small handle the power so the information does not relate to the actual question. BTW a diesel motor in a 39' MH will deliver at least 30% better fuel mileage than the same size 39' with a V-10. once again not putting down the V-10 it is right sized for the smaller class A's. You cannot compare apples to Banana's
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow Golden's Daktari Cavalier King Charles (fur Bearing Children)
Effy wrote: Get PLENTY of power out of my Ford v-10. Pulling the toad, up mountains, no matter. It's got plenty. For the miles we put on, and the cost of the unit, I couldn't see spending the money or maintenance, not to mention cost of fuel and the imperceptable MPG for a DP. When I retire I might opt for a DP, but power is not really one of the reasons. I have all the power I need out of my gasser for a whole lot less money.
I can see on a 30' MH how a v-10 has more than enough so to your points you are correct. Now take that to 39' and you have a different need for power. So how does this answer relate to the OP's question of gas powwered in LARGE MH's. Many send out the answers that are how your small handle the power so the information does not relate to the actual question. BTW a diesel motor in a 39' MH will deliver at least 30% better fuel mileage than the same size 39' with a V-10. once again not putting down the V-10 it is right sized for the smaller class A's. You cannot compare apples to Banana's
Agreed and point well taken. I had that exact thought after I posted. Personally I probably wouldn't go bigger than 36 on a gasser. While the gas engine may have the power it's a lot of work for the extra weight that a diesel will handle easier simply by way of torque. Plus a 36-39 ft gasser is going to start to get into a price range of an entry or used diesel anyway. Like I said, I have plenty of power but I have a 30' coach. Probably still plenty of power at 34'. After that I would think you are starting to tax the engine and drive train especially pulling a toad. One day I'll have a DP, something just short of 40'. Quiet comes to mind. Gas engines are loud and more so the more they have to work ~ ie more length/weight. All that said, I have seen very few underpowered newer rigs. The new gas engines are adequate even for larger coaches. However ~more length = more weight = more work, and more fuel. Diesels work less doing the same job. But they cost a lot to buy, feed and maintain. Yes the new engines are adequate, but I think we all know what we would buy if money was no object
When it comes to how much power an engine has, or how you feel about the hp it has, all any of you would need to do just one time in your life time, is crawl into a GMC cabover with a 238 detroit 6 cylinder bellering in your ears & climb any hill.
Next thing you crawl in & drive, you would think it was jet powered & be well pleased the the hp & performance output.
I've got a 99 32' V10, everytime it leave the driveway it is grossing over 25,000 & I'm well pleased with the engines performance. Would I like more than 275 hp, yes who wouldnt, but its not a race car so I just do with what I have to do with at a slower pace.
Climbing a hill is only part of the job, getting to point A & back to B without any problems is on the top of the list & the MOST important of all, if the WIFE aint pleased with that coach floor plan, then ol big daddy aint going to be very shortly & hp wont make one ounce of difference.
Neil
Can't comment on the Ford V10. My Workhorse 8.1 gas engine on a 39 foot MH with the 6 speed trans has very good power. I get 8.6 mpg pulling a 4000 pound toad. I have made it over 10 and 14 % grades in the Rockes where my friends diesel MH's had to unhook their toad or overheated. It is to bad they quite making that engine/trans combination!!!!!
Looking through the various specs on different coaches with gas engines, it appears that the rear axle ratio changes as the coach gets longer/heavier. With the change in axle ratio, and maybe transmission gearing also, there is no reason why a 36+' gas coach would have trouble going up hills. I'm sure that there is a penalty to be paid in gas mileage, but the mileage on my previous diesel also dropped when we hit hilly country.
Bob, I forgot to mention in my first post that some gas coaches are equipped with a Banks set up to increase power. If you care to look go to GaleBanks.com
I have the V-10 in a Damon 02 369. I'm new to this but old to engines (although my experience is with much larger than MH engines) Given the way I use the MH, months of storage, I chose the gasser. Has anyone experianced the problem of long idle periods and low power operation of the diesels in the MH? We used to see oil dilution with low power and fuel contamination with storage. Power levels below about 50% rated, were very damaging.
the silverback wrote: Can't comment on the Ford V10. My Workhorse 8.1 gas engine on a 39 foot MH with the 6 speed trans has very good power. I get 8.6 mpg pulling a 4000 pound toad. I have made it over 10 and 14 % grades in the Rockes where my friends diesel MH's had to unhook their toad or overheated. It is to bad they quite making that engine/trans combination!!!!!
WOW!!! if you get 8.6mpg with a 39' coach pulling a 4k lb toad, I would say that's definitely a keeper..
Good luck and safe travels,
Jim & Sherry Seward
Las Vegas, NV
2000 Residency 3790 V-10 w/tags & Banks System
2003 Suzuki XL/7 toad
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