Although not a full timer yet, I really would not want to drive a pickup truck everywhere. Towing a car makes the decision simple for me.....As an added note, I am not down with pickup trucks or drivers...its just not my thing.
I've had my Excursion weight done three times over the years. 26,800 lbs was he heaviest, full tank of fuel and 1/2 tank of fresh water w/o toad, loaded to travel. I think you'll be just fine. My 330 cat w/860 ftlbs of torque does fine. My Max is 32K
Something you need to be aware of.
Many full timers find that they need 1500 pounds of cargo carrying capacity (CCC) for each adult. The CCC or the newer designation OCCC will be on a sticker somewhere in the motor home - usually in a cabinet or closet.
You can see the definition of CCC HERE, and OCCC HERE.
Scroll down to "2009 New weight label" and download the pdf file.
It is common to see CCC numbers as low as a few hundred pounds (even on diesel pushers) which means it would be overloaded for weekend trips and unusable for full timing.
Clay (WA5NMR), Lee (Wife), Katie (cat).
Full Timing in a 2004 Winnebago Sightseer 35N, Workhorse chassis, Honda Accord toad
One thing to consider. Check the rig's owner's manual. Most of the time it tends to be useless, but some RVs have this weasel clause saying, "For Occasional use only", and some legalese about the warranty void if the MH or trailer is used heavily.
rolnhome wrote: Gross vehicle weight 31,000
Towing capacity 10,000
Gross combined weight 41,000
Manufacturered weight.. full fuel,oil, coolant 25,7844
Full fresh water tank, full propane, and 6the people at 200lb each you have
Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,100 pound
With 2 people at 200lbs. You are at 3,900 +- CCC
And what is the front/rear distribution of that 3,900? If all available on the rear, great. If 1,900 front, 2,000 rear, and you load in 3,000 lbs of full timer gear, you likely would be overloaded on the rear if this is the available across the two axles.
2003 Country Coach Intrigue towing 2006 Ford Focus. Follow our full timing adventures at The BooneDocks
mlts22 wrote: One thing to consider. Check the rig's owner's manual. Most of the time it tends to be useless, but some RVs have this weasel clause saying, "For Occasional use only", and some legalese about the warranty void if the MH or trailer is used heavily.
I found this same thing while researching the 5er. Forest River for one doesn't warranty if used for full time. That knocked out two of there models I was checking Columbus and Cedar Creek.
This was one of the things I was wondering about MH's also. However the Fleetwood Discovery I am looking at is a 2008 model so the warranty thing might be a mute point. I am going back to the dealer thursday and will find out. That and about 50 other questions.
rolnhome wrote: Gross vehicle weight 31,000
Towing capacity 10,000
Gross combined weight 41,000
Manufacturered weight.. full fuel,oil, coolant 25,7844
Full fresh water tank, full propane, and 6the people at 200lb each you have
Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,100 pound
With 2 people at 200lbs. You are at 3,900 +- CCC
And what is the front/rear distribution of that 3,900? If all available on the rear, great. If 1,900 front, 2,000 rear, and you load in 3,000 lbs of full timer gear, you likely would be overloaded on the rear if this is the available across the two axles.
Don't have the numbers but measured against my friends Camelot (I said Dynasty yesterday) my distance between axles is about 8 inches more and the house sets about a foot back on the frame. Both are 41 rigs. I,m sure this was done because of the foward galley and allows for better weight distribution. That leaves room to balance the load. The majority of storage is mid coach. We full timed 6 years and I see no major problems the floor plan is a big plus for us.
rolnhome wrote: As for the engine. It has preformed well for me. I travel a lot with friends with the 8.1 1000 something torque and he doesn't run off and leave me on steep grades (Rockies, Sierras) and we arrive at our destinations together. Plus I think I get a bit more MPG. He has a Monaco Dynasty which is a nice rig but we both agree I have more storage and larger inside cabinets. He has driven mine and said they both ride about the same
Look at them all and find what is right for you.
I'm not to worried if it is not a speed demon going up mountains. Downhill side will still be there when I get there.
I have gone up 14% grade towing no problems and up and over South Pass in the Rockies towing no problems. I pass more than pass me on grades and I don't hot rod. I retired from the Operating Engineers and have 45 years of running heavy equipment. I'm satisfied with my 40X. Drive it see what you think. It may not be to your liking.
Ivylog wrote: Yes, there are MH's that are built more like a 5er where everything is chip/partical board, put together with staples, and a rubber roof. Most manufactures make several models with some cheap and some better built. You get what you pay for. I would not be afraid of buying a 5+ year old upperend DP as it's a buyer's market in used rigs.
I'll put what Dennis said a different way: Twice the husband, on 1/2 the income, in 1/10th the space will test any marriage. I learned the hard way ($$$$) that you should buy more RV than you think you need...ONE TIME!
For fulltime, CCC is king. Since you are new here (and welcome) Cargo Carrying Capacity is how much stuff you can put in with full fuel, people, and water (plus a few other things) already in the MH.
Why a MH? Most on here will agree that a MH is the nicest way to fulltime and the most expensive if you are not careful. No way would I go back to a 5er, others will disagree. I look at towing a car as a plus because I put more miles on it and it gets 3X the MPG. You need to test drive and park a one ton dually long bed before deciding to go with a 5er. Yes, I'm biased towards a DP.
The 2008 Fleetwood Discovery looks like a nice rig but my concern is that it uses a Cummins ISB engine which is a great LITTLE engine without much torque (750 ftlbs) for a 350 HP engine. Most 350's will have 1,000. With a GCWR of 31,000 and add a 4,000 lb toad, 750 is on the low side. I'd want to see the CCC sticker that should be behind a cabinet door. Some say you can get by with 3,000 lbs of CCC but we part time and use 6,000 lbs.
On this forum there are a few people that I always enjoy reading -- Ivy is one of those -- Read what he says carefully and maybe even give him a PM -- VERY GOOD advice!
Solid wood and lot's of extra CCC are two of the most important factors, in most coaches that have those two the rest (of what you might need) usually follow.
One more suggestion -- you might just look at getting a starter, something in gas that is a solid unit but a bargain, then as you become more educated the decision might be less difficult.
Don't be afraid to PM and even talk on the phone to some of the many experts on the forum -- Before we ordered our "Last" Coach I had a great talk with Johnny T -- and made a few great additions and changes -- I've been "Camping for almost 50 years and learn something new almost ever day.
Welcome and BOL,
Busskipper
Maryland/Colorado
Travel Supreme 42DS04
MDX-FMCA--M&G Brake
States traveled in this Coach
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