Motorhome Recommendations?

[Denis]

My wife and I are looking to sell our F350 dually truck w/ camper, and buy a motorhome instead. Not sure what size yet, maybe 30' max. It's really important that I be able to tow my 24' enclosed car trailer (with a car in it) cross-country if need be.

Any recommendations as to type or brand of motorhome to look for? Is a diesel pusher the best choice engine-wise? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I'll probably buy something used but it would be nice to narrow down the field by having a clue what to look for. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Thanks in advance.

-d

[JChlupsa]

Hey Denis

I have been keeping an eye out for one myself that will sleep 4-6 and check this site monthly

http://rvshoppingguide.com/id22.htm

[Denis]

There's a nice 34 footer near where we live for sale. Engine is "230HP 5.9L Cummins Diesel on Magnum Chassis (605 ft-lbs) with Allison MD3060 Transmission".

I know from previous postings that the Cummins diesel mated with an Allison trans makes an ideal towing rig but 230hp doesn't sound like a lot... assuming it's not a typo, does 230hp/605ft-lbs provide enough umph to pull an enclosed trailer?

[musclcar]

yes those cummins ISB's are a very good engine and so is that allison transmission. that engine is in alot of the medium duty trucks up to 35000lbs GVWR i've never heard of any problems with that engine at all http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[rsatz28]

You can't go wrong with any domestic diesel. Not only do they tow better than gassers, the mileage will be better. Peak horsepower and torque are down around 2000ish RPM.

[BUIZILLA]

I have a 36' Country Coach with a 350hp ISC Cummins, about 1050#'s on torque, 3060 Allison... pulling a loaded 24' trailer is a breeze, and towing my 12,000# 28' footer is okay as well, but you KNOW it's back there at 41,000# gross loaded weight... you need to decide gas or diesel... a 230 Cummins is a strain with a 24 trailer loaded, not enough reserve IMO.... i've been around this diesel/RV business for about 30 years, so i've basically seen it all as far as what people will do and tow.

Set a budget first, then see what's out there, it's a great RV buyers market right now... some stuff is real junk, even new... quite the shakeup in build/final/delivered quality the last 3-4 years especially..

Oregon has some really good dealers and Washington as well. Watch your total length, from state to state... I am over length and over weight in about 20 states but don't tell anybody okay..

I'd be glad to help you in your selection, no I don't sell RV's.. my dad was Monaco Owners President for awhile and me, him, and my brother all own different model coaches...

A LOT of parks now only allow Class A coaches to overnight, not B's or C's... think about that... I am 52 and one place I stopped at wouldn't allow anyone under 55 to overnight there, so I went to WalMart, opened the slide, and turned the genny on, and slept for free...

www.rv.net (http://www.rv.net)
www.rvsearch.com (http://www.rvsearch.com)
www.rvonline.com (http://www.rvonline.com)
www.rvtrader.com (http://www.rvtrader.com)

Jim

[GaryH]

I'm with Jim. I wouldn't recommend a B series Cummins in a motorhome. Especially if you are going to tow. There is just not enough torque there even if you turn it up. At the very least go with a C series or the electronic ISC. An M-11 is even better.

[Denis]

What's the difference between a B, C, electronic C, and M-11 Cummins?

[BUIZILLA]

About the same as a 350 to a 454 to a 496 to a 572... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[CamarosRus]

On a similar subject.....IF youre only going to tow a Camaro in the trailer, with little else......How Much would it help to lighten the towing load by ME buying a 20' 10,000GVW Trailer.....in terms of milage and strain on misc power plants and braking...????

[Stuart Adams]

I have a Haulmark Motorhome on a Freightliner chassis. Mercedes 450hp/1550torque diesel. Pull anything at 9-10 mpg. Comfortable and STABLE on the road. Doesn't get pushed around like the diesel pushers. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[GaryH]

[ QUOTE ]
What's the difference between a B, C, electronic C, and M-11 Cummins?

[/ QUOTE ]
Denis, the B is 5.9L, C is 8.3L and M-11 is an 11L engine. As the saying goes, there is no replacement for displacement. Bigger is better. Assuming it has the best codes in the ECM, the electronic engines will give better fuel mileage and more torque than it's non computerized brother. We have power upgrades for the above mentioned engines with the exception of the M-11. Just bite the bullet and buy one of those 40' RV's with the slide outs and equip it with a 500 Detroit. I can turn that up too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Denis]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a Haulmark Motorhome on a Freightliner chassis. Mercedes 450hp/1550torque diesel. Pull anything at 9-10 mpg. Comfortable and STABLE on the road. Doesn't get pushed around like the diesel pushers. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That's an awesome rig, a manly man's motorhome. Unfortunately, Wifey can't or won't imagine herself in the driver's seat.

Seeing as this is our first motorhome and there's just the 2 of us, I'd prefer "gently used" with either low mileage or very well maintained, hopefully within driving distance of Seattle but I'll buy a plane ticket to go pick up a killer deal. Sizewise, I was hoping to keep it under 30 feet and under $40K but it appears at first blush that I'll be lucky to find a turnkey Class A diesel coach for under $80K.

Sound about right?

PS: Buizilla et al, if you come across anything that might fit the bill, or can recommend a good local dealer, let me know. Would like to find something within 30-45 days at latest.

[BUIZILLA]

Denis, an 80k diesel budget is a tight one... if that's the case, you need to look for 95-98 American Eagle's, or 96-98 Country Coach Intrigue's... there are some damm nice one's out there right now.. you may not even get a single slide ... a 96-98 Monaco Dynasty might work. ALWAYS look for no pets, no smokers, and NO full timers coaches, preferably inside stored when not on the road... you WILL want the 8.3-325 Cummins engine in that year range if possible, we get 360-380 hp all the time out of them... dealers run away from non-slide buses now for trades, but that's your budget...... Oregon and Washington have some good dealers... check for them on RVTRADERONLINE under dealer search by state. Anything with 5 year old tires, WILL need new tires...

Jim

[Charley Lillard]

Ha !! Sounds like Mr Bubbles will just have to spend more dough. Don't they now make a motorhome with a space in the back for a car ?

[Enoch]

"Don't they make a motor home with a space in the back for a car?

Yea it's callled The Futureliner http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[JChlupsa]

http://images.animationfactory.com/imagedir/animations/sports/camping/rv_motorhome_pulling_car_trailer/rv_motorhome_pulling_car_trailer_lg_wm.gif

[JChlupsa]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't they now make a motorhome with a space in the back for a car ?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep but its for a small Mini type, dont think his Camaro will fit

[nova67]

One of my employees has a Fleetwood Discovery with a 275 hp and allison has 1 slide tows great. He paid 72 k for it has 32 k miles and immaculate. Bought it in sacramento 2 weeks ago a real steal.It's like new and was stored indoors.

[BUIZILLA]

[ QUOTE ]
Don't they now make a motorhome with a space in the back for a car ?

[/ QUOTE ]Travel Supreme makes a mid engine model now with a rear *carport*, which only 2 motorcycles can fit, but it IS cool none-the-less...

JH

[Denis]

I found one.

A local and dear family friend, who's restored collector cars for decades, has a 37' Class A 1996 Winnebago Luxor 300hp Cummins Turbo diesel pusher. Leather, corian counters, etc. Even better, he's already towed his enclosed trailer (with Duntov-certified 53 Corvette) around the country with great gas mileage and no effort whatsoever. So it's already all set up, everything this guy owns is over the top and perfect, no kids, no smokers, no pets, he's no longer driving due to a stroke last year and wants us to have the rig. Will go see tomorrow and discuss price but we'll be under budget.

Sometimes things work out. Thanks for all your help guys, especially Jim (BUIZILLA). Couldn't have done it without you.

Go Seahawks!

[Charley Lillard]

Go Bubbles....

[budnate]

[ QUOTE ]
Go Bubbles....

[/ QUOTE ]

http://67z28.com/images/Bubbles.gif

[Xplantdad]

Nice pic... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[BUIZILLA]

Denis, congrat's on the find..

remember, NO REAR RADIATOR coaches

Jim

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

[ QUOTE ]
remember, NO REAR RADIATOR coaches

[/ QUOTE ]

Why?

[BUIZILLA]

Marlin, rear rad's are *usually* on the cheaper pusher models to save manufacturing, and cheaper sales costs.... they use direct clutches, and suck in EVERYTHING, over, under, and around, the rear of the coach, this makes a HUGE and DIRTY engine room, and clogs the rad fins easily, of both the rad and intercoolers. Side rad's use hydraulic clutches, that are usually two speed, and solenoid controlled, and they stay light years cleaner, and run MUCH cooler over all..

Jim

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Thanks, learn sumpin new everyday http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif