Burwoods wrote: If we go Diesel I just realized I will have to think about Air brakes. Most do have them do they not? That means a licence change right?
Don't know about Ontario, but in Alberta I did need to get the air brake endorsement added to my drivers license. It basically consists of attending a class for a saturday where they introduce you to the basics of your airbrakes and gives you the proper procedure to check everything. Piece 'o cake really.
Constructive disagreement is encouraged. It is how I/we learn!
As suggested above, alot of people buy a gas M/H for the same reasons you state. After reading alot of posts where people are asking how to make them ride better and handle better it makes me think that they should have tried out more coaches. The diesels usually ride better,are quieter,they have an exhaust brake, better towing capacity, more storage. I suggest that you take a good test drive,not just around the block, but several miles in multiple coaches both gas and diesel. That way you both can be the judge. Diesel is readily available every where. Good luck in your search.
2000 H.R. Imperial 38wds rr8r roadmaster, isc 350 cummins
2007 Chevy Trailblazer, Blue ox towbar
Ready Brake with breakaway.
If you are going to use the coach a lot I suggest you get a diesel. They are built better, better ride, engine lasts three times longer then gasoline engines.
The only draw back on diesel coaches is that diesel costs more. And really that should not be the case because diesel fuel is not a refined fuel like gasoline, but the oil companies have us right where they want us to be. It is call monopoly! But yes diesel is the way to go.
2002 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser
330 HP Caterpillar
3000 Allison Transmission
Neway Freightliner chassis
2013 Honda CR-V EX
Aventa II
FMCA member
I wouldlike a DP myself but am also tight with the money. I do not have much engine noise on my Newmar gasser. We noticed the extra insulation and quiet of this compared to the previous Pace Arrow. We drive around 5000 miles per year and that just fits with one oil change per year with Mobil 1. On a DP most are good for 15K miles and cost much more than my gasser. I go to Walmart for my oil change and the same man (Gaspar) has been doing it for the last 8 years. Pretty good for Walmart! I pay around $58. for the oil change each year. Gaspar also gets all of the grease fitting underneath. The oil change onthe DPis a couple hundred dollars and stillneeds to be done annually, even if the mileage is not there yet.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
Don't get hung up on the fuel choice, diesel is available. Noise level, chassis ride, load capacity to carry your stuff, furnace/hotwater, generator, water capacity, towing capacity are a few of the reasons to pick one over the other. You can buy a used DP for less than the price of a new C.
..As already said, concentrate on the other factors, especially floor plan, more so than gas or diesel. Diesel fuel is pretty easy to find, that will not be an issue for you. Your choice should come down to all the other factors already mentioned.
For me personally, I have no use/desire for a diesel pusher for several reasons, that have very little to do with the type of engine:
1. Absolutley hate the floorplan arrangment with most DPs where door is in front of passenger seat. Makes it feel like you're driving a big greyhound or school bus, hahahahaha!
2. Again, floorplan: I like our bedroom in the back having a window on the back wall. I've yet to see any DP that has that.
3. Due to the places we go, I don't want anything longer than 36-38', max. That pretty much rules out 90% of the DPs, since most are at least 39' long.
4. I know its louder, but I still like having the engine up front where I can hear it humm and pur. Every vehicle I've ever owned has had the engine up front, and I prefer it that way.
5. Price - I may be old-fashioned and/or cheap, but I have serious issues with the idea of sinking six figures into what amounts to a depreciating asset. I know you can get DPs for much less than that by going used, but I really don't want a 5 year old coach when I can have a brand-spanking new (gas) one for same or less $$ that has floorplans much more to my liking, anyway.
6. Licensing - I really do not want a rig that requires me to get special drivers license endorsement/classification. In NC, anything over 26,000 GCWR requires such. There again, that rules out most DPs.
Anyway, good luck whatever you decide. There are much more important factors to consider in this, than just fuel availability.
* This post was
edited 04/24/12 11:00am by willald *
Will & Angela
2 children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2012 FR Georgetown 351DS on F53 (V10) Chassis Our Rig
bsinmich wrote: I wouldlike a DP myself but am also tight with the money. I do not have much engine noise on my Newmar gasser. We noticed the extra insulation and quiet of this compared to the previous Pace Arrow. We drive around 5000 miles per year and that just fits with one oil change per year with Mobil 1. On a DP most are good for 15K miles and cost much more than my gasser. I go to Walmart for my oil change and the same man (Gaspar) has been doing it for the last 8 years. Pretty good for Walmart! I pay around $58. for the oil change each year. Gaspar also gets all of the grease fitting underneath. The oil change onthe DPis a couple hundred dollars and stillneeds to be done annually, even if the mileage is not there yet.
LOL! By reading your post I can tell you just talked yourself out of buying a DP. That is just fine, gasoline coaches are very nice also.
There are a lot of things on our minds, and I thank all of you for your responses and opinions. I have been reading them to Bob. The general consensus is that we will find what meets our requirements, the floorplan we like, and we will go from there...oh and the price, I may be a bit old fashion/cheap myself...lol. It is all about what we fall in love with and can afford. It is the adventure, the life style that we are looking forward to, as we retire in comfort. Thanks again
Burwoods wrote: If we go Diesel I just realized I will have to think about Air brakes. Most do have them do they not? That means a licence change right? So many things to think about.
In Ontario you will need a class Z on your driver,s license for air brakes
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