DKean wrote: We have been rving since 2004. We started with a truck camper. Then we bought a diesel dually and a fifth wheel. Now we are shopping for a class A. We can't afford a new diesel pusher but I sure like the air ride on the pushers. So we are looking at new class A gas. I know how well air ride is because I was a trucker for 28 years. I always said my 18 wheeler road better then my crown victory. I have never ridden in a class A gas so I don't know how they ride or what to compare them to.
I'm trying to convince my wife to consider looking at 2004/2005 diesel pushers so we can get the air ride. We all know how it goes "if momma ain't happy,ain't no body happy". This is not the hill I want to die on. I'm sure I will be happy with a new class A Gasser but will I be sorry about the ride without air ride?
You definitely have the right idea. And dont have fears about even going to earlier model years if you cant find what you want in say a 2004 or 5 right.
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
msmith1199 wrote: All I can say is are you sure you want to do this? I have a DP and the day I can sell it for what I owe on it is the day it gets sold. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that it was a huge investment for the way I use it. If money is no object go for the Class A, but it sounds like it is an object since you want to do gas versus a DP. I want to stay in RVing so my next RV is probably going to be a TT. I can buy the top of line TT out there, and still save a ton of money over what this DP is costing.
I wanted used diesel pusher and DW wanted NEW. We took a little time and finally ended up with a new gas coach.
Am I happy with it, Yes.
Do I like it, Yes!
Do I wonder what the air ride would have been like, Yes!
Is wife happy, Yes!!! That really makes all the difference.
Seriously, for our travels, short trips here/there and long weekends, we got new and saved a bunch of $$ by buying a gasser. It's still very cool and I really enjoy it.
If I was going to take longer trips I would have tried asserting my authority... and still probably ended up with the new gasser.
We had a 2000 Dutch Star gasser that was in extremely nice condition. It handled very well on the highway, but the ride was pretty rough. I installed Kony FSD shock absorbers and the ride improved considerably.
Last winter we sold the Dutch Star and bought a 2001 Southwind gas on the very same 2000 Ford F53 chassis. The Southwind is a little bigger and heavier and it rides much smoother, yet handles just as well as the Dutch Star.
Drive a few different models and compare the ride before you buy.
2001 Fleetwood Southwind 35R on 2000 Ford F53 Chassis
V10 310HP
Roadmaster Sterling All terrain tow bar
Ready Brake
2002 Chevy Tracker V6 4x4 SUV
Our gasser rides hard and shakes the dashboard almost out of it. I can get a comfortable ride but have to let an excessive amount of air out of the tires and thats not good for obvious reasons.. If I could afford a diesel and the maint. cost for it I would go diesel but you run with what you can afford. Big difference between diesel and gas..
DonBaja wrote: Letting Mama decide on a truck, a boat, or a motor home is a recipe for disaster, besides being unmanly. Unless, of course, she is funding the project. I only let my wife pick my truck once and it was a mistake. I learned (evolved). I bought the boat and motor home that I had selected with her agreement, after careful prepping, but without her offering any insights.
Does the "little woman" know her place and also walk behind you?
msmith1199 wrote: All I can say is are you sure you want to do this? I have a DP and the day I can sell it for what I owe on it is the day it gets sold. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that it was a huge investment for the way I use it. If money is no object go for the Class A, but it sounds like it is an object since you want to do gas versus a DP. I want to stay in RVing so my next RV is probably going to be a TT. I can buy the top of line TT out there, and still save a ton of money over what this DP is costing.
SAME HERE!!!
Wow, and these are a couple of diesel folks talkin'. The ride issue is WAY overblown. I think alot of folks keep their tires rock hard because they read to many threads about tires and it scares the heck out 'em. I have a 2000 National Seabreeze (gasser) with the F53, new tires, new Koni's and a front Davis Tru-track. We, I say again, we are very happy with our motorhome. I want my wife to be happy and you know what she says? "Darling, I'm very happy with our Seabreeze". Me too.
I have approval authority for the mechanical and electrical attributes of a coach - including age. The DW has veto authority on livability (and especially the kitchen). If I find a DP that I like but she can't stand then we don't buy it. She doesn't go looking for gas or diesel and I don't decide side aisle or center aisle or slide-outs. Luckily, after nearly 40 years we are pretty well balanced in our tastes.
wa_desert_rat wrote: I have approval authority for the mechanical and electrical attributes of a coach - including age. The DW has veto authority on livability (and especially the kitchen). If I find a DP that I like but she can't stand then we don't buy it. She doesn't go looking for gas or diesel and I don't decide side aisle or center aisle or slide-outs. Luckily, after nearly 40 years we are pretty well balanced in our tastes.
Craig
Exactly. My wife wants a comfortable bedroom, a nice bathroom/shower, and a kitchen that makes sense. She could care less about the Ford V10 or how much horsepower it has.
You had best make the right decision because your motorhome will likely be your partner for a long time. Do not plan on trading a second time in this economy as it will be very costly.
I bought a new gas class A pace arrow and then traded for a DP the next year for many reasons besides the ride. The exhaust brake is invaluable in the mountains, the quiet cabin is invaluable, the power is incredible, and ah, the ride is unsurpased. I would definately buy the DP that you can afford. The drivetrain is good for hundreds of thousands of miles.
If you have not taken Momma out in a quality diesel, You have done yourself a real diservice. The test drive tells the tale. BTW, you have many quality choices for used DP under 100K these days.
Make the right decision one time...unlike me.
Joan and Bruce
05 Excursion 39L
powered by 350 KittyCATS on a Spartan
2010 Traverse LT toad (Blue Ox & Breakbuddy)
...and a "road dog" named Max and his gabby sister, Abby.
"May the wind be always at your back and your destination the one you chose"
I'm sure I will be happy with a new class A Gasser but will I be sorry about the ride without air ride?
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