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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Joined: 10/05/2018
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While we are happy with our current set-up, we find ourselves missing the advantages of a Class A - especially when travelling long distances. Our truck rides very well, especially when towing and our only experience with Class A's are the entry level gassers we had about 8 years ago. We had a Thor ACE which was great for weekends but it was exhausting to drive. Loud, rattly, wandering, and bone shattering on expansion joints. So while my focus is buying a used DP ($60-80k range) and possibly updating the interior, I don't want to rule out a decent gasser if it rode nice enough. My experience with gassers is jaded, but maybe there are some out there that are quiet and well mannered. I can get a newer Gas obviously but I don't want that to be the only advantage. I know nothing about diesel engines if it matters and that could be costly. I am only looking at Newmar, Tiffin and Winnie - unless a Fortravel or some other high end comes up in my filter criteria. I'd like to be in the 36' or less length. So, do I set my sights on a DP only, or are there gassers out there that are quiet and smooth for long days in the saddle?
BTW, I am not trying to start a Dp vs gasser debate. Really more about whether there are decent riding gassers out there that would rival a DP ride for less money.
* This post was
edited 09/21/22 01:52pm by way2roll *
2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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Mommalu
Mpls. MN
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Joined: 02/03/2007
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We had an 2014 Jayco Precept that I hated to drive. I have a CDL, drive coaches & school buses. We put upwards of 4k in steering/handling improvements but it still was a bear to keep on the road with wind or passing semi's, the v10 though a very capable engine is NOISY and thirsty, best mpg we saw was 8.5 mph.
We traded it in for an older 07 Coachman Pathfinder, not a Tiffin, Newmar or Winnie all superior rigs, however much pricier.
We head to state parks on weekends, we don't sweat the dirt roads or the trees rubbing along the side of the rig as we head to our campsite. We paid under 70k, and it's a camper with comforts, muddy dog, accident prone grandkids, don't phase us.
I wanted a pre DEF, and a 5.9 Cummins because it's one of the best engines out there, yes it's a bit under powered at times but it's proven itself in pick ups, box trucks, school buses, motorhomes and boats. It's simplistic and parts are available, no issues getting service or maintenance done.
My hubby was amazed at how quiet this motorhome is to ride in and no bang from the expansion joints. He works while I drive.
With older units often you are limited in financing, we paid cash. It's older so be prepared to upgrade. We replaced A/C's, refrige, driver & passenger seats, plastic sinks, old faucets, upgraded all lights to LED and a new bigger inverter. Another 20k BUT it fits our needs, drives like a dream and we get 10 mpg doing the speed limit.
Figure out your wants/needs and I'm certain there is an older unit out there for you. Best of luck!
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chuckftboy
Fleming Island, Florida
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Joined: 09/28/2010
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Longer, heavier motorhomes generally ride better than short, light coaches. It will be more difficult to find diesel coaches 36 feet and under but there are plenty of gassers in the size you are looking for. I once owned a 37 foot gas coach that road and handled very nice although the motor was a little loud at times.
2019 Horizon 42Q Maxum Chassis w/tag
Cummins L-9 450 HP / Allison 3000
2006 Jeep TJ and 2011 Chevy Traverse Tows
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craig7h
Branson MO area
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Joined: 03/23/2002
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We went from a 1ton dully pulling a 35' 5th wheel, to a 30ft Thor ACE. The ride was better in the ACE, the noise for us was bearable. We found that for weekends the ACE was ok but for long trips it just would not work.
We went to a 07 Itasca Meridian 37' with cummings engine. What a great choice for us. We have had it going on 4 years and almost 40,000 miles. The ride is better than the ACE however DW says that with the airbages its makes walking around while moving a little harder than in the ACE. I am not mechanically inclined so I have the unit serviced once a year. That way I know things are being looked after by folks who know.
Good Luck
Itasca Meridian SE 36g
Road Master Tow Dolly
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JaxDad
Greater Toronto Area
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Joined: 08/02/2011
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My A is an older (‘05) 34’ Itasca on the F53 chassis. It is very smooth & quiet, it’s like an enormous Lincoln.
I wouldn’t hesitate a moment to buy another one exactly the same if I was shopping for a newer m/h.
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IB853347201
Eastern Ontario
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Joined: 06/18/2018
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Our A is a 2010 Suncruiser gasser about 38 ft long. Drives very well and rides nice. Once on the interstate, with cruise on, i can drive all day without an issue.
2010 Suncruiser
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MetalGator
Florida
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We have a 2018 Miramar 35.3 with the Ford V10. It's right at 37' long. I have no complaints about how it drives. I don't get pushed around by semis. I have driven it in the smokey mountains and the V10 pulled just fine. The only thing I would change is it does have quite a bit of body roll. The first time I drove it it kinda freaked me out but now I am used to it.
2018 Miramar 35.3 Motorhome
3 fur kids (Monty, ZuZu and Pinto)
Rainbow bridge (Murphy, Petie, Lola)
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Thanks for all the replies so far. Sounds like the answer depends on the particular Rv which is what I expected. It does make sense that a heavier RV would handle better. Aside from floorplan which I think should always be the first priority, the 2 most important things are quality and ride comfort. I can deal with customizing the interior but really looking for the smoothest and quietest ride possible. We plan on touring the country soon for an undetermined amount of time as we search for our next place to grow a few roots as we have recently become empty nesters. We also like state parks so that was my consideration on a 36 ft length. I still have my tow bars and our CRV set up to tow. Probably need a washer dryer, but that's in the details and part of the floor plan. Everything for RV's is a concession - I get that, but ride comfort and quality is something I don't want to compromise on. Funny how your needs change. 10 years ago an entry level weekender was perfect, now it's all about quality and comfort.
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ppine
Northern Nevada
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Newer pick up and a travel trailer.
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Ed C
Cape Cod, MA
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I believe Newmar uses "hung-wall" construction on the smaller diesels like the Ventana. This makes for a very quiet drive. Entegra only uses it on the Aspire and up. We had 2 gassers, Winnebagos and 2 DPs. There is NO comparison the DP wins all the time. We enjoyed a Journey for 75,000 miles and had no complaints about the noise.
But a DP costs more to buy and more to maintain. You have to use it enough to justify the money.
Ed/Jeanie & Slade the GSD
2017 Entegra Aspire 42 RBQ/ Sierra Crew
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