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Our Experience & Tips for Driving a Gas RV - performance, brakes, mileage, noise etc
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2015
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ℹ️ About this Video:
We're often asked how we like our gas coach, how it performs, the power and what mileage we get. We were impressed by the latest video by Gone With the Wynns on their experience with their "Gas RV - Performance, Ride and Noise".... and having owned our Tiffin gas coach for almost 18 months, we had some additional comments and thoughts we wanted to share on this topic, along with some suggestions and tips to improve ride, safety and fuel economy in a gas coach.
If you missed the Wynn's video we mentioned above, you can watch it here:
• Our Gas RV Experience ...
We aren't affiliated in any way with Gone With the Wynns or Tiffin Motorhomes - we simply wanted to share our experience to round out the conversation and highlight some other points we feel are important to consider in the bigger picture when weighing up the pros and cons. There's no right or wrong coach, no better or worse, just different RVs to suit different people, your needs, travel styles and budget. Which probably explains why there are so many choices out there!
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I own a 40' Fleetwood Discovery diesel pusher. The thing that most influenced my choice to go with diesel is the relative life span of a diesel engine vs. gasoline. Engine noise, suspension and all the other points you discussed were factors as well - but the idea that there are so many truckers out there with over a million miles on their rigs was a huge selling point!
+TwoBoldlyGo Yes if you are planning to own your coach for a long time, diesels can make a lot of sense as they are build to last so much longer. Our friend we mentioned with the DP who increased his fuel economy owns the same coach as you, loves it! For now, the gasser suits our needs perfectly, but who knows, one day down the road we may end up with a DP! All depends on our needs/circumstances at the time.
I have an 2005 Winnebago and we are second owner. It has less than 50k onit. The coach has a bunch of wear on it. I doubt the V10 will wear out before the coach. Some times I worry about the Transmission because I am no ford fan. But so far its fine. We Tow a Samurai with contents weighs in about 3k.
How many motorhomes have a million miles on them? I doubt very many. I think diesels are the way to go, even though I've never owned one, but I also think the life of the engine in an RV doesn't really matter in the Gas Vs Diesel Argument. Both are very reliable these days, especially considering the relative low miles of most RV's.
My thoughts were like yours when I started thinking about motorhomes. However, most people seem to change rigs every 3-10 years. Unless you're the type of person who kept their cars until they fell apart and not just a few years, the longevity of the engine probably isn't going to make a big deal unless you're buying a high mileage used one. To me it was initial cost and cost of maintenance. Just for an oil change, you're looking at a 50% markup for diesel. And heaven help you if a fuel pump or injector goes out on a diesel. Yes, the diesel will likely pull you up mountains faster, but if you treat the journey as part of the destination, then going slower up a mountain isn't going to be a big deal. When the price difference in used 35' motorhome is somewhere around $10-20k, I'll go with the gasser, I think.
I won't own another diesel for several reasons; when something breaks and something always does, it is very expensive to get them fixed and there are far fewer places that will work on diesel engines. Pretty much anyone will work on the gas V10. There's pros and cons to everything. I'd also rather spend my money on a newer and much nicer gas coach than spend that same money on a diesel pusher that's 20 years old with outdated interior and electronics.
yep, i usually travel 5 MPH below the speed limit ---- of course in the slow lane or in the trucker lane. i've also followed garbage trucks at 45 MPH just so i could look around at the new area i'm traveling in. slow and steady makes me happy. happy travels.
+SKPjoe Coursegold :)
Nice video guys! You make great points. We also love our gas coach. Sure it isn't perfect at first, but we love the floor plan and the price point was right for us.
We have the same V10 in our 32 ft Thor class C. Over the years I have made suspension upgrades (anti sway bars and shocks) to solve all of the stability issues that the Wynns and many other Ford chassis owners experience. It is definitely worth the money and time to do. Our RV is extremely flat on turns and stable now and is no longer affected by wind and semi-trucks blowing by. No more white knuckles. Unfortunately, the Ford E-450 chassis is not built to put a house it. So it is up to the RV manufacturer to retrofit it as necessary for their consumers. I wish they did more to make our rigs safer and easier to drive but, instead, it is all about keeping the price point down. So it's on us. I shouldn't be that way, but then we too want an affordable price.
We regularly have to go up and over mountains and do not experience a significant lack of power. A fully loaded class A is a little heavier than me though. Like you said Marc, just slow down and enjoy the ride..."what's the rush?" So what if you max out at 45 mph on a steep incline and get passed by the diesel pushers. What goes up must come down, which is when tow mode is your friend.
Thanks for chiming in on this issue. My suggestion for folks is to negotiate a low price and bank on having to spend a few more thousand bucks to get your RV setup the way you want it.
Cheers! ~Brian
+RVwithTito Great comments and advice Brian. Thanks for chiming in! We have heard from other folks that the suspension upgrades (anti sway bars and shocks) are an excellent upgrade and we may consider that. Good to know it makes such a positive difference. There really is no rush and we suggest folks think about how they plan to travel before deciding to drop the big bucks on a diesel, for many while nice, it may be overkill (that comes at a much higher price). Cheers!
I forgot to mention that we get around 7 mpg fully loaded and towing which I think is good considering the alternative. When asked "what kind of mileage does that thing get?" I usually answer "better than a 727". The same folks who say "RVs are gas hogs" don't consider that a Boeing 727 carries between 8-10,000 gallons of fuel. Airports, hotels and restaurants also burn a ton of energy and resources. Yup, I think we're doing pretty well with the RV style of travel :)
Enjoy your cool campsite!
+RVwithTito Which is why the 727 platform is effectively obsolete and no longer flown...
I'm a year behind on this one. I've never had a Class A, but Tiffin has surely built a good reputation, and would be on my list as a first choice. Technomadia has the great diesel bus, and I heard them say it gets 7 mpg. I've had diesel cars and loved them, but now with all the EPA mess added on diesels, I kind of lean to gasoline now. That Triton V10 has proven itself. Thanks a lot for sharing Marc and Julie! I binge watch every day, Jason and Nikki, Love Your RV, Nomadic Fanatic, Justin Credible, Xplorer Steve, Drivin n Vibin, oh, I'll stop naming them, but I watch them ALL! And love them! Keep'er between the ditches.
Haha thanks! Yes the newer gas coaches are vastly improved on the older ones and we've heard a lot of folks share similar concerns about diesel and the EPA laws etc complicating things a bit. Glad there is lots of great content out there for you to watch and enjoy and that we're one of them. Cheers!
We're planning to go full time in the next year or two, no need to rush into a purchase we may regret. When we began shopping, we began with a list of things we would be insisting on - ceiling height for two guys at 6'4", floor space for two Greyhound, a washer/dryer, a dishwasher, an easy to clean floor surface, colors to suit our tastes, fuel economy and our 'budget number' for a cash purchase - and let the search proceed and point us where we needed to be.
The first thing we've learned from watching YT RVers is that we want new, neither of us are mechanical and there's too many things to go wrong. We also learned standard colors to suit our taste do not exist. We have a friend that's a seamstress, we know how to paint and as a kitchen and bathroom designer I know the people that can replace the ugly counter tops. We've learned we'll have to spend money to redecorate a new house before we even leave the factory!
The video posted by "Gone with the Wynns" [and others] regarding gas powered RVs led us to think a Diesel Pusher is the best way to go. This is our forever house and once we write the check, we're stuck. Along the way, we've decided a pusher with a tag axle is the way to go for safety, control and ride and TYG for AAA!!
Right now we're looking at a tuscanyrv.com/tag/?_ga=1.118407305.122694547.1442773918
+46619TAB Awesome you are putting so much time and effort into your research! It really does pay off. You sound very clear on your needs, must haves, which is so important. That's what we did too and that is a big factor why we got the 'right' coach for us. Coverings and decor are an easy fix, such a shame most RVs decor is less than desirable! Ours is among the least offensive we could find LOL but would still like to change it... If this is going to be your 'forever home" a DP is an excellent choice as it will last for many years and miles. Tags are beautiful, safe and solid coaches and obviously in your budget so great choice. We love them too. Just one thing we would say is... don't rule out a good quality, near new "pre-owned" coach. We were originally leaning toward buying new as well, but then, overwhelmingly, we kept getting advice from people - including the Wynns who we had dinner with in October 2013 - and one of the guys in service at Camping World, plus MANY others... NOT to buy new. Just TOO many bugs that need to be worked out which is very frustrating and can require multiple trips back to the dealer to fix. You often may be able to buy a used coach (even a year old or less!) where the original owner has already worked out 'the bugs' (their time/hassle, not yours) AND may already have an extended service warranty (like ours does until 2018). OR you can also buy an extended service warranty when you buy a used coach for peace of mind... and still save on the initial depreciation hit, first year registration/taxes much higher etc.... We had our furnace replaced under the extended service warranty in December and we only had to pay the deductible. Typically the manufacturer will only cover you for the first year anyway (longer for engine/body) and you will still need an extended warranty to cover you after that. I can recommend someone for you to speak with for advice and to obtain a quote - great guy, very trustworthy, competitive prices and above all, a high payout rating and customer service (very important when making claims!) His name is David Scott of Wholesale Warranties and his number is 800-939-2806. We have gotten to know David this year and are VERY impressed by him, his service and integrity- a rarity in any industry these days. If you contact him, please tell him RVLove referred you and please say hello from us - he and his team will take good care of you.
+46619TAB Oh one more thing - looks like a nice coach! Also consider the Tiffin (Phaeton/Allegro Bus), the Entegra brand of coach (friends have one - very nice), Newmar... all excellent quality and very reliable.
I have a 1990 Safari Serengeti 34' diesel pusher and the entire coach is quiet. No noise at all! They built these things! I hear Monaco was the parent company. Great video, I shared it to a friend that is in the market for a rig.
Great! Yes that is our understanding too - that Monaco built Safari for a while -a friend of ours just bought an older Safari Trek and she loves it!
We toured the US and Canada in a Thor Hurricane Class A gas for two years, the upgrades we made were a Banks Power System upgrade, and front and rear Sway Bars, made all the difference. The engine noise is something you get used to and really isn’t an issue, the cost difference between a diesel pusher means that we can add the power and suspension upgrades and still be 100k less expensive in up front costs vs a diesel pusher. The only downsides are the shorter range and the smaller tires and wheels. When we had a blow out, the smaller wheels and tires meant we couldn’t just change the tire at a truck stop, we had to get a specific RV tire, which isn’t as convenient. The floor plans and general living experience is the same between diesel and gas, so to us, it wasn’t worth the extra money to go with diesel.
We were very happy with our gas coach for years, but are also happy with our diesel. Yes, floorplans are similar, but better insulation and more residential feel to the diesels. They are generally much more expensive, but also will be worth more money when trying to sell. We still recommend gas coaches to many folks. You mentioned the extra range. That is definitely a benefit. Extra power is nice too. But the biggest difference for me is the extra safety provided by the better engine braking and especially the power of the air brakes. -M
My slogan, "get in where you fit in. You can always upgrade as time goes on".
Yep, easy to change RVs.
I have a 2007 Damon Daybreak V10 Ford. I had all the same complaints then I ordered a tuner from @t what an awesome difference in made. I can now use my cruise control with out having to turn it off on hills and it made huge difference in the gear changing pattern very smooth now. Best 500.00 I have spent to improve the driving. I have only had for a short period and waiting to see if mileage improves on my next long trip which I believe will improve as well. Very simple to install the tune yourself only took about 10 minutes and if you have any problems very good costumers service with this company would advise anyone if they have a v10 buy it now.
Thanks for sharing. We have heard similar reports from folks installing the Banks power upgrade too.
Thanks so much for this video. We are purchasing a Tiffin Allegro 36LA and after watching the Wynn's video, we were wondering if we made the right choice. Now we know we did. Ours is a purchase based on floor plan more than anything else. Listening to what you both had to say and hearing the noise or lack thereof, we very happy with what we have chosen.
+1disneynut2 We are so happy to read this! After watching the Wynns video, which (as we said) we thought was very well done, we also felt as though they were definitely leaning more in the diesel camp (understandably, they have had 3 and are used to that kind of ride and performance) but that is also why we really wanted to post this video ASAP to give our perspective. We felt those considering gas may be scared off, and there really is no reason to be scared off by gas at all. The newer gas coaches perform very well - for a substantially lower pricepoint! Many dealers we have spoken to are actually steering more people to gassers for that reason. Like you said, floorplan is very important - the 36LA is a beautiful coach and floorplan and we seriously considered it. The reason the bunkhouse won out was so we could have a separate office - so yep, floorplan was the ultimate decider! Tiffin is a quality product. You won't regret it and their after sales service is excellent. Enjoy your new coach!
Diesel or Gas? It's an easy decision for most. If you have the money to buy the diesel and all the extras and including servicing costs it has you do. If you can't afford the $50,000 and up extra cost or at least double the maintenance costs you buy a gas. It doesn't matter if the gas is noisy or has less extras, the price determines what you buy. I've have a 34ft. gas unit for a long time and never had anyone tell me that they could afford a diesel unit without straining the budget but bought a gas coach instead. An observation over the years, most high cost diesel units can almost always be found only in rv parks, gas units are more often seen boondocking, walmarts and lower or no cost camping. Money determines everything.
Very good points YES
'Mountains'... Uh, I used to live in Colorado where there are actual mountains. The reason I bring that up is air density is a huge factor. Travelling in 'mountains' of 8 - 10, 000' altitude vs. those of ~5,000' is a huge difference, especially on primary roads that rarely exceed 6%. The amount of air you have to force out of your way is the real issue. Altitude, and the speed you try to drive through it, is the real factor. I would routinely hit 14.8 mpg going over Wolf Creek Pass (Conifer to Durango, ~7-10,000') in my 30' Class C Ford 460 but it would struggle to do better than 9 mpg, @ 60mph on I-70 in Kansas. Hitting 80+ through South Park on 285 wasn't even noticeable without looking at the speedo.
I know that this video has been out for a while, but I just watched it, so for what is worth, late or not, here is my comment. One thing I always see when anyone is discussing fuel economy, noise, and ride problems, is that they never, ever talk about the tires. As you know, or should realize, tires are them most important component in any motor vehicle, but is often the most overlooked/ignored. Noise? Your tires make a lot of noise if they are not the right ones. Fuel economy? Tires rolling resistance/inflation pressure is a big determining factor. Handling? Tires again will determine the ability to turn or stop or roll. Ride comfort? Yes, tires again and their inflation and type of tire. Safety? Stopping, avoidance of hazards, rain performance, etc., are all functions of your tires. Those small patches where the "rubber meets the road" should never be overlooked. What kind of tires do the authors of this video have on their coach? I would like to know.
Thank you for your comment. Agreed that tires are a very big component in all aspects of ride quality. At the time of putting that video together we still had the original Michellin tires that came on the coach. Always super diligent about tire pressures. We later replaced them with Bridgstone Ecopia. Here is a link to the blog post and related video about our tire switch. We loved the replacement tires. rvlove.com/2018/02/22/replacing-rv-tires-for-improved-safety-and-performance/ -M
Thanks so much. Now I'll check out the Wynn's video that you've mentioned. It's great to have this resource of "Done That" when putting facts together. Safe travels to you guys. Rick
+Richard Cheatham Yes the more folks you can learn from and get different perspectives on all the options and scenarios the better equipped you will be to make the right choice for YOU and your specific needs. There is certainly no best way or one size fits all!
Good point about staying around 60mph for good fuel economy. Now I need to lighten up this heavy foot of mine :)
+Z Shark It really makes a HUGE difference!
Thanks for confirming my driving impressions of my new to me 2014 class c e450 . Mostly noise & engine abilities good. Steering & ride still a weak area. Just did some mountains in Virginia and engine got loud and hit some Revs but made it over Afton mountain and 64 to West VA. Gas mileage took a hit in mountains but so far average about 9 mpg . Mostly around 60 with tow dolly& Camry. On flat lands no problems.
Glad to have been able to confirm similarities for you. Yes, hills will hit mpg, and flats are usually totally fine with a gas coach. And most of the country is pretty flat.
My wife and I have a Tiffin 36la and I agree with your assessment 100%. Ours is very quiet running down the road and it has all the power we need. I think that if you are the type of people who drive tens of thousands of miles annually then the diesel starts making more sense, but when you put 5000 or 6000 miles a year on your coach like most folks do then gas shines. Don't get me wrong, if I hit the lotto I will probably go buy a new diesel pusher because they are sweet, but until then I love my gasser. Keep up with the videos. We enjoy seeing the things you do, especially in a coach similar to ours.
+Larry Hobbs Thanks Larry. Excellent point you make there. When traveling slower, say 5-6K miles per year gas makes a lot of sense. But for those doing bigger longer drives more often, like the Wynns and many others, diesel may make more sense, especially if it's in their price range. We also love DPs, we are not against diesel at all! We appreciate the ride, safety, comfort... but we also like not having to fork out an extra 50-100K for a similar quality/age coach :) Meeting our lifestyle/working needs without over extending ourselves finally was high value for us. And as you saw, we're still extremely happy with our coach. Enjoy that 36LA - it's a beautiful coach and excellent floorplan for sure. Cheers!
+RVLove Not overextending ourselves financially that was meant to say!
I don't know if you have noticed, but if you want to see the pure difference in price between gas and diesel, take a look at the Allegro RED series. They are identical to our coaches except they are rear engine diesel.
+Larry Hobbs Yes we looked at those too as the RED has a bunkhouse model (and 38', ours is 36') and that is a BIG price jump! Plus, one of the things we really love about our coach (and yours) is the front passenger area with pullout laptop tray makes a GREAT office space that doesn't impede on the living area at all. In DPs the entry door and steps are at the front, you need to enter the coach from in front of the passenger seat which kind of makes that area less effective - at least for our needs! We love having two separate office spaces. Works great.
Great Video with good pointers. We also have a Gas RV and it rides like a Dream even thought it is a 2003 Fleetwood Southwind 35R on a W22 Workhorse chassis.
Just returned from a 4000 mile trip and it performed like a champ. The 8.1L GM Vortech Engine runs smoothly and quitely at 55 -60 m/ph. Agree with comment on video concerning slower speed for better gas mileage. I added front Air Bags and Steering Stabilizer and Billstein Shocks which made a big difference in handling especially cross winds. Am taking a little break before heading out again soon. Just one more thing concerning DP vs Gas Rv's. Pumping Gasoline when towing with our Gas RV has been challenging for us at times do to our combined lenght of 55". DP's can use truck lanes which are not so congested with Cars, Vans, Pickups, etc. Other than that we LOVE our Gas RV. Happy and Safe travels to all. Cheers :>)
Thank you for sharing your experience. Also agreed on the fuel stations. Filling can be a challenge with towing a car with a gas coach in some areas. Definitely a bit easier for diesels in that they can use the truck lanes at truck stops.
Thanks so much for this video. I've been hoping to upgrade from a Winnebago View (diesel) to a Tiffin Allegro (gas) and panicked when I saw the Wynn's video. Watching this video really eased my mind.
+Carey Aydelotte Glad it was helpful. We would have panicked too (remembering our own Gas vs Diesel dilemma in the early days) and in fact that was our reaction upon seeing the video, hence our reason for making this one. We didn't want other folks like us assuming all gassers were a poor choice. We certainly do appreciate and respect the quality and performance of diesel coaches but that also comes at a much higher price financially. Would we love the Air ride suspension and planted driving etc of a diesel? Yes. Do we like having a much lower payment on a much less expensive rig (100K less expensive) with the ideal floorplan for us? YES!! Just got to weight up all of your priorities and values and for us, livability and affordability are key. Good luck!
Nice video. Interestingly, I was searching for tips related to class C and your video amount others popped up. Watched the entire video and thought, wow, the class c is much nicer than I thought, only to realize at the end that while gas, it is a class A. I'm new to all of this so my mistake but was encouraged until the end, lol.
HI David, oh that is funny! Yes a bit bigger than a Class C - ours is 36' but there are some very nice Class Cs out there as well. Because ours is a gas coach, on a Ford V10 engine, much of our content (like safe driving on steep grades) will also be useful for you and your Class C. Good luck on your journey!
David E just got a class c and was looking for driving tips on it like you. I watched it also and agree that the tips will help a lot. Especially the tip on driving in Tow/Haul mode in hilly areas.
Great video. Another note to add - Diesel pushers need to be ran a lot to keep in good condition. We have a gas class a and use it recreational. We considered diesel, but were told not to buy if we don't plan on putting ALOT of miles on it.
That is interesting feedback and good to know! Thanks Jonathan!
In 2015 we bought a new Tiffin Open Road which we thought was going to be the finale purchase. But as we began our trip from our home in California to the East coast about 1/4 of the way there it was terrible, as you said the constant up and down shifting of the cruise control drove me nuts, Ford needs to address that problem. Still we were plagued with constant noise which came from the terrible condition of the highways traveled. One thing that we added was the steering stabilizer in the front allowing less effort when passing trucks rolled by or high cross winds. From that point on I cursed the Tiffin till I got we got back home. The Ford chassis is meant for trucks and nothing more, it was the trip from hell. Once we got back home we sold the Tiffin and bought a Country Coach with tag axle being pushed with 400hp and 1275lbs torque which is a huge difference between the two. We are now in the process of having all new upgrades to the coach should be done in 2 months, then we hit the road again for 5 or 6 months. I'm glad you had a better experience that we did, Bob Tiffin is a standup guy he helped us directly with an other issue.
HI there, sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with your Tiffin Open Road! Yes you really can't compare a Ford V10 with a 400hp DP with 1275 of torque - but that's one of the many extra things you are paying for with a diesel coach, especially a quality high end one like a Country Coach. Our gasser has worked out great for us, but we definitely appreciate the upgrades of a DP, maybe one day when we have more in the budget :) All the best on your next trip and hope it goes smoothly for you - enjoy the ride!
Thank you for your video, very helpful and informative. My wife and I are a couple years retired and are currently considering a Class A. We will most likely go with DP which means we may have to study our options a while longer. Anyway, nice video.
Hi Albert, glad you found it helpful. Yes it's good to consider the pros and cons of both, but if you have the budget for a DP that's a great choice. All the best to you!
5starttuning will fix your cruise control and shifting issue with the V10
Thank you for the review....I appreciate your honesty.....the wife and I have been leaning pretty yard toward a diesel and you helped sway us that way.
You are very welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video. Fyi... we have switched to diesel since posting this video. We don't regret buying our gas coach, but do love our diesel. and did a complete renovation on it. Here is a link to check it out. www.rvlove.com/rv-makeover -M
my friends Excursion with a cummins diesel goes just as slow up Monarch pass ( colorado) as I do in my 35 ft Sea Breeze with a V-10. If you get a big diesel engine then yes there is a difference.
+Ray J good to know!
Hi Marc and Julie, I know its an older video but thanks, very informative!Been subscribed for long while but you are a lovely couple!
Hi there, yes this one is about 9 months old but still relevant info so glad you found it helpful. Glad to have you with us and thanks for your lovely words! :)
I agree with you via the noise level in class a gassers. That said this clip actually seems to say the opposite, it quite loud.
When driving on relatively flat roads, which is most of the time, our gas coach was pretty quiet. But, it was definitely louder on hills. And our coach was well insulated. We fully expect that some gas coaches would be quite loud if not well insulated from the noise. Rear engine diesels are definitely quieter in the cockpit in general.
Thanks. This makes me feel better about a gas puller. Of course if someone were to give me a Prevost, well then I would have to take it. It would be rude not to.
+Bill Long Yes agreed, that would be rude! LOL. Yep this isn't trying to say gassers are better than DPs but simply put it in perspective. Glad you feel better about a gasser now :)
For our v8 Chev powered gas fleetwood 32 65 mph was optimal for fuel economy. Also never short of power
Sounds like yours out performed many others.
Great video, we are getting a Tiffen Open Road Gas, that fits our needs for our future plans!!
+Steven Carvotta Great coach and brand....excellent service too. We're sure you will love it!
Thank you, this video was really helpful to me. I am looking specifically at Tiffin’s...I was leaning towards the Red but now I might double check my decision.
Glad you found it helpful!
Great video. Thanks so much for posting it. We like to say smiles per mile instead of miles per gallon. :)
+Life In Serenity Oh I like that a LOT! LOL Might borrow it... smiles per mile! :)
I have had a 40' Cummins 8.3 DP, now a ford 6.8 V10. I like the V10 better. I never paid much attention to mileage, but diesels smell terrible, and cost far more to maintain and purchase. The 2 valve V10 is generally good for the life of the coach if properly maintained. I don't think I would own a 3 valve V10 with the cam phaser and breaking spark plug issues.
Our 1977 Dodge Travco (antique registered) gets 8mpg and is solid and quiet at 60mph. My wife and I are preparing to go full time however and don't wish to live in it at only 27 feet long with no slides. We are considering a Newmar or Thor class A toy hauler or a diesel pusher with a trailer for our motorcycles. I like diesel pushers but really don't want to pull anything. Oh the dilemma... Thanks for your input!
+Lenny Jonas Oh wow that is awesome! Yes a bigger RV and slides definitely makes full-time living a LOT more comfortable. Newmars are great coaches, we didn't spend a lot of time investigating Thor, but we know people who have them and are happy. A DP is awesome for towing and gives you extra weight capacity. Good luck!
funny...kept looking at the window behind him and made it look like he was driving backwards the whole time lol
Yep, that is definitely a funny illusion created by the slide window behind the driver seat.
We decided on a gas model after looking at everything for about five years even fifth wheels and even something smaller we come upon a couple not far from our home with selling a class A at a decent price a few things wrong with it but outside that it's 20 years old and it doesn't look at at all and kept it up very well we have drove it a quiet distance from the house would not trade it for nothing
Gas powered motorhomes are a great fit for a big percentage of RVers. We enjoyed ours full time for years. We have had diesel coach too, and understand benefits, but still regularly recommend gas coaches to many RVers. All depends on how you plan to use it. So great to hear that you have enjoyed yours so much. Safe travels. -M
Great information!! I guess I will have to keep my new 5 mo old Redwood 5th wheel and the 2015 F350 for awhile.. Maybe one day get a class A.. Thanks for sharing!!
Great video
Thank you.
I also think that talking any coach on the road that goes to Alaska will most likely take a toll on any coach's fittings...
+Kevin Rummelhart Absolutely agree with you there, we aren't sure we would even want to take our coach up there, might do a cruise instead! We hear it's pretty rough on any coach.
Not to mention rock scratch the hell out of the driver side of your rig.
Thanks for the video and great rv information. Love the Tiffin, Newmar and Fleetwood products. Of course Fleetwood is the value maker. Ever time I getting aa Tiffin it just feels right.
+VANSLAM Glad it helped. All good products but yes, you'll know the right coach for you when you find it - you do "feel it". Marc felt it the moment he stepped inside our coach (I wasn't there the first time)
Great video. A lot of good tips and advice. Thank you very much!
+gajitable You're welcome, glad you found it helpful!
Nice fair opinions. Your Tiffen Class A rig sounds a little quieter than our 27-foot 2004 Tioga 26Q Class C. If I drove an RV many thousands of miles per year, a pusher diesel might seem more worth the extra money especially with air ride suspension, etc. Using cruse control in hilly country seems more bother than manual downshifting and throttle control .
+gary gullikson Yes that's how we look at it too - we actually don't do that many miles really to justify a diesel, at this point, we travel more miles in our MINI!
Great video! Have you guys considered the 5 Star Tuning X4 for the Ford F53 6.8L? Apparently, it alters the fuel map and the shift points to significantly improve power and eliminate the odd shifting patterns in the motorhome chassis. I finally pulled the trigger and look forward to upgrading my 2015 Jayco Precept 29UM. You are right about the Tiffin: It is obviously very high quality and considerably quieter than my gas coach. But the price was really good for the features on the Jayco and I've had very good fortune with mine after nearly 2 years and 19K miles.
Great to hear! And yes we have been recommended the 5 star tune by a few people, it's on our wish list! Maybe in 2017 :)
I enjoyed your video. Nice to get some real world feedback. You must have a mirror behind the driver's seat, as in some angles, it looked like you were driving backwards. Took me a few minutes to figure that one out...
+Ron Dufel Haha yes someone else commented on that too! It's the reflection from the slide side window behind Marc's seat. Glad you liked the video :)
As usual another top notch video with valuable information. I agree with Marks comment about focusing on safety. Why be in a big hurry. Enjoy the trip.
+william lugg Exactly, thanks Vin! Drive safe :)
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩y’all coach 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you
Can't hear you over the engine noise! Good reason to go pusher.
i am a diesel mechanic since 1986 and i don't recommend this new diesel engine ....this new engine are not the same has this old ones.... the maintenance cost is ridiculous....thanx for the tips
Thanks for sharing.
We recently looked at a Tiffin Phaeton and loved it ! But out of our price range
Yes same for us- could have picked up a used one maybe a 2007-08 at the time in our price range but we love our gas coach. Highly recommend whichever way you go, gas or diesel, buy a well loved used one and not new. Common advice from every fulltimer and blogger/vlogger we know too!
Great video. Definitely "sounds" like the Tiffin rides nice and quiet. Compared to other brands. What about heat around driver and passenger seat? Not heat from sun in windshield, but heat from the engine? Our 1997 Airstream Land Yacht rides very solid and quiet like your Tiffin, but the heat coming from the engine area really heats us up. We are in the market for our next coach to upgrade and trying to decide if gas or diesel. Thanks for great video. The Wynns was also great. Good to hear about differences of different coaches.
+Mark c Hmm interesting, we have not noticed any additional heat from the engine while driving. Maybe as Tiffin coaches are so well insulated? Gad you enjoyed the video, yes it's important to weight up all the considerations. Diesels are great... but so are many gas... all depends on your needs, values, usage, budget etc. We appreciate the quality of diesels, we just don't want people overcommitting financially for something that may supersede their actual needs... or being afraid of making a mistake buying a gas coach. We had the gas/diesel debate too, took a while for Marc to talk me around to the gasser, but almost 18 months later, we are super happy with our decision FOR US and at THIS TIME. of course, who knows how things may change down the road... We are just glad we spent as much time researching as we did as we have never once regretted our decision. For others, when we understand their priorities and needs, we often recommend a diesel... it really all depends on personal priorities,
Great video Julie and Marc!! I have been undergoing the (seemingly never ending) debate. Would like to have your input also as to the wind and tractor-trailer issue as somebody has also asked. I like the idea of having a window on the slide behind Marc. was that a consideration when buying the coach? It seems to open up the coach while underway. Thanks in advance. Later...Terry
+RxMixer Hi Terry just just answered that one below... we try to avoid driving in high winds where possible but not always possible.... so Marc just has to focus and take it easy and hold that steering wheel tight, paying attention to the truckers and staying in the lane. Diesel coaches will definitely be more solid and planted in such a situation than a gas coach. But really it comes down to mainly a) your budget and b) how/where/how often you will be using your coach... like we said in the video, we drive so few hours compared to the hundred of hours we will be parked in one spot... and we wanted to save the extra cost of a diesel. Would we ever get a diesel? Sure, maybe one day... but for now this gas coach suits our needs perfectly. Truly it's such a personal decision... we are the first to admit that diesel coaches are generally superior to gas (like a Lexus is superior to a Kia) but the larger investment of a diesel may not be necessary for some folks... for us this Tiffin gas coach hit the sweet spot of meeting our needs, travel style and budget. The slide window wasn't especially on our wish list but it is nice to have!
I found a RV that I like that is gas and cost about 140k no for a similar layout I'm looking at 220k for a diesel pusher.
Yup!
Get the diesel !!!!!!!!!!!
I had a 38 ft gas motorhome towing and had problems finding gas stations to fit in. any suggestions?
We mostly go to larger travel stations like Love's, Pilot, Maverick, Buccees, etc. It also helps to do route planning to estimate when you will need fuel, then use Google Maps satelite view to check the entry and exit. -M
Is it just me or is the scenery behind you moving backwards?
+Joe Carroll ?
Looks that was to me when julie is talking, bu8t not mark....
Hight speed reverse....
+KRZYVOLFAN Bizarre!
+Joe Carroll There is glass behind Marc that is reflecting Marc's side window. So yes, it appears to go backwards due to the reflection.
LOL OMG! I was thinking the same thing when you look out of the side windows!!! :)
Ouch! I don't remember what the average price of gas was in 2015 but right now it's $2.91 a gallon so $232 every 550 miles. To rich for my blood.
Actually, when we hit the road in 2014, we remember seeing fuel at $4.50 per gallon. That was far more expensive than now. There is always ebbs and flows. Some chose to travel slower, meaning moving less often. But it all depends on priorities. Others may chose to spend less on other expenses, to leave more money for fuel and travel. Either way, we sure are glad the prices came down from where they were when we first hit the road.
thank you for the information
Thank you . Glad you valued the information.
thanks for the video is very important to making decision-at the time to buy of purchase diesel x gas I will buy my first RV now and after 3 months we will opt for gas as between a thor Windsport 32n x excursion 33 d The difference is $ 80,000.00 and how many miles we need to road for to recover the diferrence?? its crazy
+TAVINHO MEROLA Yes it'a a lot of money... Diesels do drive beautifully, no question, but it comes at a price... all a matter of priorities for the buyer and what is most important - it really isn't a 'one size fits all' . Glad you found the vid helpful. Happy Trails!
I understand that choice of coach depends on personal desires, needs and what would be functional for you. Also what fits into your budget. My question is have you driven or owned a DP or is your opinion of DP's based on conversations with DP owners. oh BTW, I just bought a 43' Newmar Mountain Aire.
Hi Rory, that's a good question! We have not owned a DP ourselves but Marc has driven a number of them and has had conversations with other DP owners - probably 100 or more. So that's what the opinions are based on. Beautiful choice of coach by the way! Am sure it's beautiful both to live in and to drive.
Thanks for the reply, and I'm loving it, this is my second class "a", first DP. So far i have had no problems and everyday I learn something new, that just make me love it more.....
Awesome! What was your other coach - a gasser? And did you buy the Mountain Aire new or used?
1st coach was a Fleetwood bounder bought used and my Mountain Aire is New. I couldn't afford a new coach (gas or DP) @ the time or at least I didn't think I could. I kept the bounder for 2 years, started looking @ new coaches both gas and DP and decided the floorplan I wanted, and the extra features was a DP, so I figured why not?
Are you comfortable at 60 with the highway speeds 70 or more?
Yes, comfortable staying at 60 when speed limit is 70, but tend to avoid the areas with 80mph speed limits because we don't like being that far below the speed limit. -M
Nice video! How difficult is it to fuel up at a gas station? Thanks
Funny that you ask. We actually did a short video about that. Here is a link.
ua-cam.com/video/000ZsNgXRs0/v-deo.html
But the answer is that it definitely depends on where you try to fill. -M
How does it handle in the wind and when 18 wheelers whiz on by? Do you find that it drives better when you have a certain amount of fresh water on board?
+Thomas Katayama It's definitely floaty when driving in wind and when 18 wheelers whiz by... strong gusts of wind or even the wind created by trucks can push us to the side... it takes a LOT of concentration, focus and care. We try to avoid driving on high wind days whenever possible. In super strong winds can be holding the steering wheel at ninety degrees just to keep driving straight! Fortunately that rarely happens, but it does happen. We only drive with enough water on board to tide us over to our next destination, don't like carrying too much unnecessary extra weight.
Thanks
Welcome
I was wondering how the 36 foot RV is working out for the two of you. Do you think it's the right size for full timing? If you had the opportunity to do it over would you have gotten something a little bigger and perhaps a diesel?
+Jeffrey DeRoche Jeffrey, for us our 36' gas coach has worked out to be 100% ideal for our needs. It is right size for US full-timing, but that may not be the case for others. It really is so very important to get clear on your own needs and features first, how you will be traveling, BEFORE narrowing down to size or gas vs diesel. So in answer to your question, no we don't wish we had anything bigger, nor do we wish we had chosen a diesel. We simply did not want to spend that amount more, what we save on payments, we are able to spend on other experiences and we love having a much lower financial commitment, it's very freeing. But, like we said, everyone's needs are different. Maybe bigger and diesel are better for you? But without knowing your needs and specifications and values, it would impossible for us to say. We are working on an eBook to help people narrow down their choice of coach, gain clarity... one of these days we will get it finished :)
Do you guys wish you had the new 6 speed? Any upgrade plans? Are you still happy with the Tiffin or would you consider a different brand? Cheers!
If I don't have a button that says tow mode are you talking about overdrive "📴"?
If you don't have a button for tow mode, turning off overdrive is at least a start. But you may need to make more manual adjustments to your gears while driving. -M
Thank you so much for this video - the decision of gas vs diesel has weighed heavy with us as we prepare to purchase our first Class A motor-coach .. we found this video extremely informative and well documented - any thoughts/comments on the Thor Challenger 37TB with respect to the noise levels?
Try 61 o 62 miles per hours. To me is a bigger economy than 55
Depends on the RV and terrain a bit. But for us.. in general, once we get over 55, mileage starts dropping. great that you can do better at a bit higher speed. -M
Mines has the 454 th400 trans
Those were popular for a while. Last few years, hard to find gas coaches not on the Ford chassis with V10. -M
Yea alot of gas coaches are v10 fords chassis
Great video thank you
+Have gas will Travel You're welcome, glad you found it helpful!
Actually a lot are Chevy chasis and Chevy motor. I have one. Fleetwood bounder
Yes, we know that Chevy Chassis and engines were popular for a while, but in last few years, most all gas class A coaches are on the Ford chassis
Especially since Chevy/Workhorse got out of the RV chassis business several years ago. Basically your class A gas choice is Ford or Ford. :)
good video!
+New Beginnings with Budhi and Cyndi Thank you!
At about 7:41 you can see the scenery moving backwards behind Marc's head. Is there a mirror there?
+Joe Carroll oh wow that's wild! Hmm no but a window...? beats me! but maybe I'm just tired after editing all day and it's time for zzzz :)
+Joe Carroll Thats a reflection off the slide out window.
+RCRV Mystery solved!LOL
Where in Australia is Julie from?
She was living in Sydney before moving to America -M
do you anything about the Jayco Precept class A? I'm looking closely into buying one.
Hi Jimmy, sorry no we don't know enough about this particular rig to share an opinion on it. How are you planning to use it - vacation / seasonal / full-time? And are you looking at new or used?
Julie do you ever drive your coach to give Marc a break from being behind the wheel for long distances ?
Hi Bob, I did drive the coach for the first time in March in Texas, but it wasn't exactly a break for Marc as he was supervising diligently! He loves driving big vehicles... while I catch up on blog posts, videos and social media, take photos while driving etc I would like to get some more driving experience at some point though.
Hi Julie
It's imperative for you to get real experienced driving the coach and being able to do all the things it takes to operate the coach & hook up your tow vehicle god for bid Marc is not able to do it you can then jump in & take over for him. Hope you don't mind me telling you this.
Bob Shaw A
Don't the ford motors have a problem with the plug blowing out of the motor. Seem like I seen some thing on that.
Not sure what you are referring too. I haven't heard of that problem, and definitely did not experience it.
Only the Pre 2006 models.
that lady's adorable
Aw thanks... blushing!
Do gas coaches ever have the engine in the rear like diesel pusher does? Does your coach have an Onan generator
Hi Bob, Actually we have seen ONE on our travels - a Winnebago - I think it was 2008-09 they made them but they don't anymore - here's a mention on a forum www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php?topic=30823.0. We suspect with the shakeout of the economy during that time only the strongest performers came through and the GM Workhorse chassis/rear gas coach engine wasn't one of them. Ours has a 7K Onan generator.
We have one. 2008 Winnebago Adventurer Limited. Love the rig. Quiet, plenty of power and good braking. Apparently it uses a diesel chassis. The ride is smooth and stable. We think we have the best of both worlds.
Great video. We have a diesel pusher but before we bought it a Tiffin was our gas coach choice. Curious where were you in Maine?
+Monika McGillicuddy Nice! We spent time in Wells mostly and a week in Bar Harbor! Loved Maine! Could spend a whole season there :)
Awesome. We spend a lot of time in Maine. Bar Harbor is one of our favorite spots. We spend 10 days camping there every August. Boothbay Harbor is awesome too.
Sorry if you covered this already, but I recently drove my 2017 Jayco Precept 31 foot RV halfway across the United States. Through Indiana, I hit 20-30 mph winds that felt like I was on ice and had little control. I had to slow down under 50 mph and even that was sketchy! Do diesel motorhomes with better suspensions and chassis perform better in high winds than the typical gas RV with a Ford chassis and V10? I don't think I could handle the stress of a 9 hour, wind-filled drive. Steering felt sloppy and out of control - even when winds were around 15 mph. Thoughts?
Hi Tom, yes driving an RV in windy conditions is never fun, and especially worse in a gas, the big diesels are definitely more planted. We generally try to avoid driving on very windy days as much as possible and keep an eye on the weather... Not always possible, but we will adapt our travel plans as needed to get a headstart on windy days. Hope that helps.
Are you guys driving in reverse ?
hahaha. You are probably looking at the reflection in the slide out window behind the driver seat that is reflecting the image through the windshield. It through me the first time I saw that footage too. -M
Thanks for the video. Has anyone gone to a Ford dealer to have the transmission reprogrammed?
Got a programer bought an aftermarket map but was not happy with it. I have the complete Banks Kit and program on and love it but still shifts bad. I can explain what the reasons are. When in normal mode for economy the Trans skips gears going up and down I hate hearing that v10 at 4k on a hill. In Tow mode it uses all the gears 1 to 5 so in hills of the blue ridge I use Tow up hills and down hill I go back and forth tow to normal as when in tow it will downshift when you apply breaks for more than a few seconds not bad but I try to keep the engine 4k or below. The banks kit is just as quiet and liberates a lot of extra Torque and Hp. No problem on short ramps. No noticed loss or increase in mileage. Ford linits the Torque to the transmission so it will last. Thats why it will downshift when you get near the to the torque peek .
To much engine noise by diesel I can not hear mine run since it is in the rear. I like the air breaks on mine. Plus mine will still be running at over 1 million mile you will be lucky to get 100 thousand total. Plus I have a 400 hp.
Can u share what other coaches (brand & model) you tested/considered?
The only other serious contender when we were RV shopping was the 2013-14 Winnebago Sightseer 33C. We also drove an older diesel but decided early on we wanted a later model coach. We talk more about how we chose our RV in this blog post which you may find useful on your search rvlove.com/2014/05/22/how-we-chose-our-rv/
They won't tell you how noisy it is with that gas engine under the floor between the front seats !
A diesel is in the REAR under the bed, and you don't hear it !
The engine noise in our gas coach was not offensive at all 90% of the time. However, we have been in other gas coaches, and seen video of other gas coaches where the noise was much worse. Not all gas coaches are created equal. That said, our diesel pusher engine noise is unquestionably quieter.
Gas engines are quieter than Diesel engines. The noise would be louder than a family car.
Do you find the steering to loose?
The steering on that coach was light, but not loose. That said, it certainly is a more 'fluid' experience than driving a car.
I have a 24' class C RV. I drove from Tucson, Arizona to Daytona Beach, FL. It cost me $600 in gas and $200 for RV campgrounds. I definitely would not recommend anyone do RVing full time. Boondocking is not an option because you still have to worry about carrying alot of fresh water, refilling propane frequently at $3 a gallon, buying a solar panel to connect to your RV batteries, and carrying a TOAD just so you can get around. Plus sitting in the middle of a desert or forest gets extremely boring after a while.
There are many factors to consider before RVing full time, and many ways to live the life. It isn't for everyone, but for some, there is nothing better. It is very possible to spend less than in a traditional home. Seems a lot of fuel for a Class C driving that distance. Speed is a huge factor with fuel economy and will drop dramatically over 60mph.
Then certainly don't buy a boat; their costs are even higher. I'm looking at getting an airplane in a few years. They cost more than boats. No one would do any of these things to save money. They are simply a means of getting to where you want to go in a manner you enjoy. When your income affords any of these you might as well enjoy them. Right now I don't even have a house. I'm in my 60s so I'm running out of time to get into anything other than a nursing home.
Safe trips
At Europa you see more Diesel rv,Gas rv to expensive.
+Michel Brouwer Yes we have heard that! Will have to remember that for when we come do this in Europe and then we'll need to get your tips! :) Also Europe probably has a lot more elevation I expect overall.
Some segments in the video are stamped not adjacent to each other
not sure what you mean by stamped. But we did edit down some of the time between words to make the video shorter, if that is what you are saying. -M
the video image is too poor, you need to fix it more
It is an old video, before we upgraded equipment. Just the way it is. Won't be changing it. Thanks. -M
Pusher diesel....?
Sorry not understanding your question? Ours is a gas motorhome
The Diesel engine is in the back of the RV. Gassers typically have the engine up front so it is “pulling” the coach.
I must b high lol but they were going backwards
It is a funny illusion created by the reflection in the window behind the driver seat. We were actually driving forward. Glad it gave you a laugh.
You mean petrol coach. LOL.
+Ray Sater haha YES!
cars are passing him like he's standing still!!!!!...I guess my 14 bounder would be better if i drove at 45mph