Motorhomes

[Alaska Butch]

We have a place in TV and are wanting to upgrade our motorhome to do some longer adventures. Any pros and cons in class A diesel pushers. We have a v10 Winnebago 36’ now but want to explore possible upgrades. Im familiar with the price differences. Looking for other pros and cons. Also anyone selling let us know!

[Denny6083]

Have a 2018 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40X with only 7,543 miles. 380 Cummins Diesel. Has stack washer/dryer,dishwasher,Residential refrigerator,etc.
Kept in undercover storage and with A/C on since new.
List new was $305,032.
Asking $178,500.

[John41]

any longer and some campgrounds won’t have sites for you
there is some issue with diesel fuel availability as seasons change in
different parts of the country
availability of repair shops limited

we had a 24’ gas motorhome and even then some of the better sites were a tight squeeze.

[dewilson58]

Diesel fuel supply issues = Fake News



Two million semi's on USA roads..............not too many of them running out of fuel.


Besides the 25,000 locomotives burning 6 gallons per mile.

[dewilson58]

There are operating benefits to diesel as well.

[John41]

Diesel fuel supply issues = Fake News



Two million semi's on USA roads..............not too many of them running out of fuel.


Besides the 25,000 locomotives burning 6 gallons per mile.

Look up diesel fuel gelling in cold weather.
Also blending for local weather conditions availability where’re you’re at and going to.

[John41]

There are operating benefits to diesel as well.

PRO. The main advantage of a diesel is the torque it delivers at various rpms. That is a big advantage for large motor homes climbing mountains.

CON. The price of diesel fuel has risen and repair costs are through the roof.

[dewilson58]

Look up diesel fuel gelling in cold weather.
Also blending for local weather conditions availability where’re you’re at and going to.


From the Midwest.....................know all about diesel fuel. There are not availability issues for winter mix diesel. Many truckers, RV owners, tractor users just keep the additive available to mix if necessary. The additive can be purchases online or at truckstops.


Again, Availability Issues = Fake News.

[tophcfa]

Whatever you do, if you buy a diesel, which I am a big fan of, buy an older vehicle that pre-dates all the new vehicle emission requirements. I have a few friends that are going through horror stories with newer diesel engines. All of the new emission crap added to the engines cause constant and very expensive problems. Good luck : )

[vintageogauge]

If you are buying new don't expect much of a discount as demand is outpacing supply. The last Class A I bought was at 70% of MSRP plus tax which is typical, I recently got a quote on a Class B that listed for $130,000 the discount was $1,500.00 on a cash deal with no trade. All the good ones are gone and they are making hay while the sun is shining. I've been buying new RV's since 1972 and have never seen anything like this before.

[Mrprez]

If you are buying new don't expect much of a discount as demand is outpacing supply. The last Class A I bought was at 70% of MSRP plus tax which is typical, I recently got a quote on a Class B that listed for $130,000 the discount was $1,500.00 on a cash deal with no trade. All the good ones are gone and they are making hay while the sun is shining. I've been buying new RV's since 1972 and have never seen anything like this before.

We were able to sell our Class B for more than we paid for it. The buyers had gotten skunked on another one and paid our asking price, no dickering. They didn’t even test drive it!

[vintageogauge]

We were able to sell our Class B for more than we paid for it. The buyers had gotten skunked on another one and paid our asking price, no dickering. They didn’t even test drive it!

It's amazing what you can get for them now. We had 5 Pleasure-way Class B's and sold 4 of them for what we paid for them new. We have a 24 foot 2019 Class C that we will be selling in a couple weeks as it's just too big for what we do now.

[John41]

From the Midwest.....................know all about diesel fuel. There are not availability issues for winter mix diesel. Many truckers, RV owners, tractor users just keep the additive available to mix if necessary. The additive can be purchases online or at truckstops.


Again, Availability Issues = Fake News.

This is not a Cousin Eddie style motorhome you are familiar with.
They are in a big diesel pusher fancy motorhome on vacation and they are going to stop to put in an additive ? Kinda like putting oil in the gasoline of 2 cycle engines in the good old days. LOL

what were you doing hanging out at all those truck stops?

[Back9]

Whatever you do, if you buy a diesel, which I am a big fan of, buy an older vehicle that pre-dates all the new vehicle emission requirements. I have a few friends that are going through horror stories with newer diesel engines. All of the new emission crap added to the engines cause constant and very expensive problems. Good luck : )

Yes - thank you for mentioning.

The EPA has essentially declared war on the diesel engine and it is horrible. (Same for the gas engine too. I have bunch of Scott Kilmer links on that if anyone's interested. )

[krisk49]

I have one. Its a 2004 Newmar Mountaineer Deisel. 66K miles. Great Shape ready to go. At Alhambra. Want 55K or offer.
Contact Kris @ krisk49@comcast.net or 352-430-3612

[Heytubes]

The newer v10 has a little more pulling power, plus easier to pay for maintenance or repairs. If you spend all your time driving up mountains, then diesel, but is it worth the higher price as well as higher fuel cost? I’ve had both but will stick with gas even though maneuvering into gas stations can be a pain at times.

[swalters54@aol.com]

We have a nice 41 ft bath and 1/2 Revolution LE For sale advertised in RV Trader. Kept undercover storage.

[Kgcetm]

This is not a Cousin Eddie style motorhome you are familiar with.
They are in a big diesel pusher fancy motorhome on vacation and they are going to stop to put in an additive ? Kinda like putting oil in the gasoline of 2 cycle engines in the good old days. LOL

what were you doing hanging out at all those truck stops?
We have our butler handle the additives at truck stops. Doesn’t everyone?

[dewilson58]

We have our butler handle the additives at truck stops. Doesn’t everyone?


Lurch is wonderful.

[dewilson58]

This is not a Cousin Eddie style motorhome you are familiar with.
They are in a big diesel pusher fancy motorhome on vacation and they are going to stop to put in an additive ? Kinda like putting oil in the gasoline of 2 cycle engines in the good old days. LOL

what were you doing hanging out at all those truck stops?


Clueless.


Owners/drivers of "big diesel fancy motorhomes" dump their own sh^t from their tanks. :ohdear:

[shirl10]

If you are buying new don't expect much of a discount as demand is outpacing supply. The last Class A I bought was at 70% of MSRP plus tax which is typical, I recently got a quote on a Class B that listed for $130,000 the discount was $1,500.00 on a cash deal with no trade. All the good ones are gone and they are making hay while the sun is shining. I've been buying new RV's since 1972 and have never seen anything like this before.

We have a 2018 Thor B+ with Ford 350 Diesel engine in that $130,000 range with about 6,500 miles on it and I would be excited to sell it for half that amount

[dewilson58]

We have a 2018 Thor B+ with Ford 350 Diesel engine in that $130,000 range with about 6,500 miles on it and I would be excited to sell it for half that amount


Sweet ride.



Is it listed some where??

[justjim]

We have a place in TV and are wanting to upgrade our motorhome to do some longer adventures. Any pros and cons in class A diesel pushers. We have a v10 Winnebago 36’ now but want to explore possible upgrades. Im familiar with the price differences. Looking for other pros and cons. Also anyone selling let us know!

Our Son just got back from a three week trip with the family Diesel RV and had no problems getting fuel. He put almost 5,000 miles on it and mostly west of The Mississippi. He said no problem in the Rockies. So many trucks on the road I can’t imagine any problem getting diesel fuel.

[Mikee1]

I'm not sure what most of these posts are based on, I do suspect not experience. I have had 45' diesel pusher motorhomes for over 30 years, the last 20 years have been Prevost. I average between 12 and 15,000 miles per year.
First, diesel is plentiful, no need for additives, if additives were needed trucking companies would be using them. In fact most engines discourage any additives.
Second, there are discount programs for diesel fuel. I routinely pay 35 to 1.30 less than street price for diesel, just like trucking companies.
Third. I have never had an issue getting into a campground. There are some state parks that are limited, but they are also limited in services, most have no electric, water or dump hookups on the sites, this causes me not to stay there anyway.
In alot of cases you are way ahead with a 20 year old Prevost than a new non Prevost. The pricing will also be less.
In February there is a Prevost Stuff show about 3 to 4 hours south of here, it is a good show ot go to to see what is available and learn.
What ever you do be sure to get it inspected by a qualified inspector as part of the purchase, it may save you a bunch of money.
Let me know if you would like any additional info. I will help you if I can.
Have a great day.

[shirl10]

No. It isn’t listed but I would be happy to sell it as we don’t use it

[shirl10]

Sweet ride.



Is it listed some where??

No it isn’t listed anywhere but I would be happy to sell it, as you can tell by the miles we don’t use it.

[vintageogauge]

We have a 2018 Thor B+ with Ford 350 Diesel engine in that $130,000 range with about 6,500 miles on it and I would be excited to sell it for half that amount

Thor builds thousands of units, Pleasure-way is a small family run business in Saskatchewan and there product is the very best, they hold their value and then some. You can still sell a 2005 unit for more than it cost new. It is very hard to find a dealer that has more than one or two in their inventory, most of them say in their advertising that they have them on order. By the way there is no such thing as a B+, there are A's, B's, and C's, what you have is a C as it was built on a cutaway chassis, a B is a modified camper van conversion that starts with a full cargo van. Several years ago the dealers came up with that B+ designation to justify asking a higher price than the class C's, just a sales gimmick to push small size class C's.

[Grumps1361]

any longer and some campgrounds won’t have sites for you
there is some issue with diesel fuel availability as seasons change in
different parts of the country
availability of repair shops limited

we had a 24’ gas motorhome and even then some of the better sites were a tight squeeze.
As far as class A motorhomes go if you can afford the price tag Tiffin is the way to go. Built in Alabama longest warranty in the industry.

[Grumps1361]

We have a place in TV and are wanting to upgrade our motorhome to do some longer adventures. Any pros and cons in class A diesel pushers. We have a v10 Winnebago 36’ now but want to explore possible upgrades. Im familiar with the price differences. Looking for other pros and cons. Also anyone selling let us know!
Tiffin there is no other to compare to. Little pricy but better built better warranty better ride. Check out website. Call Tiffin ask for Bob Tiffin

[edsan]

If you are buying new don't expect much of a discount as demand is outpacing supply. The last Class A I bought was at 70% of MSRP plus tax which is typical, I recently got a quote on a Class B that listed for $130,000 the discount was $1,500.00 on a cash deal with no trade. All the good ones are gone and they are making hay while the sun is shining. I've been buying new RV's since 1972 and have never seen anything like this before.

It's amazing what you can get for them now. We had 5 Pleasure-way Class B's and sold 4 of them for what we paid for them new. We have a 24 foot 2019 Class C that we will be selling in a couple weeks as it's just too big for what we do now.

May I ask what web site you used to sell your RVs?

[Harrison and Zuzana]

I’ve owned Motorhomes for 40 years. Including 45’ tag axle pusher. I find that the smaller the better. If you are staying in one location for several days then moving, that is one thing. But, I find that we usually move most days.

Everyone works they way up to the bigger is better Motorhome. Then back to simple and enjoyable or quits due to it is to much work. We use our smaller Motorhome much like a suv. The work of having to look far ahead for fuel stations, places Big enough to be able to stop for lunch/dinner. You will have to tow a car. You can’t back up with tow car.
I’m love driving. And can drive anything comfortably.

We have a Winnebago nation diesel. 24’ diesel now. Traded in 45’ It enjoy it more. Can climb mountains, and park in most restaurants parking lots.

[John41]

I’ve owned Motorhomes for 40 years. Including 45’ tag axle pusher. I find that the smaller the better. If you are staying in one location for several days then moving, that is one thing. But, I find that we usually move most days.

Everyone works they way up to the bigger is better Motorhome. Then back to simple and enjoyable or quits due to it is to much work. We use our smaller Motorhome much like a suv. The work of having to look far ahead for fuel stations, places Big enough to be able to stop for lunch/dinner. You will have to tow a car. You can’t back up with tow car.
I’m love driving. And can drive anything comfortably.

We have a Winnebago nation diesel. 24’ diesel now. Traded in 45’ It enjoy it more. Can climb mountains, and park in most restaurants parking lots.

Totally agree with you on the 24’ size and people trading down from very large units. Same thing happens with boats the longer a boat the more time it spends in the slip.

[John41]

OP asked for pros and cons of diesel motor homes and here is a con from the
experts at Good Sam Roadside

GOOD SAM ROADSIDE DIESEL FUEL GELLING

Roadside Tips > Diesel Fuel Gelling: Motorhome Tips for Protecting Your Engine
Unlike the Dr. Scholls’ “Are You Gellin” commercials, in diesel fuel gelling is actually a bad thing.

Gelling is a process that begins as temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius. This gelling affect is predetermined by the grade of diesel being utilized, and because there are numerous grades of diesel fuel there will inevitably be different freeze points and flash points. (Note: fuels vary from state to state dependent on climatic weather conditions; information can be found on the fuel pump or at your local fueling station service counter). Gelling occurs when diesel fuel reaches a certain temperature, and is not circulating properly, which causes the paraffin wax in the fuel to separate, and it is this wax that prevents the water in the fuel from forming ice crystals. Simply put, the paraffin wax separates and clogs the fuel filters.

It is common that different grades of diesel fuels will possess additives to help prevent the gelling process but cannot be guaranteed in extreme temperatures like 10 degrees and under. To manage a situation like this, do not shut the engine off and allow the fuel to circulate throughout a warm engine. However, once the gelling process has occurred and water crystals have formed it will consequentially lead to algae growth, which can promote numerous engine problems and be a continuous cause for fuel filter replacement.

A simple way to tell if the fuel has gelled is to take a flash light and shine it into the tank; it can be easily done as most diesel engines host a large opening and a shorter fuel neck. Another method is to look at the fuel filter which typically is a glass bowl with a clear bottom to easily monitor the amount of water in the fuel. The fuel will appear to be cloudy and often will produce small “islands” floating on top of the tank or in the fuel filter bowl.

There are a few preventative measures that can be implemented like purchasing additives at your local auto parts store, however be sure to follow the manufacturers’ specific requirements thoroughly. Some of these anti-gelling products contain combustibles such as kerosene, so it is critical to be aware of how much fuel you have and the grade of fuel being used. Electing the anti-gelling product will change the flash point of the fuel or the compression level to ignite the fuel in a safe and controlled manner. A few other good practices are to ensure the fuel filters are being replaced, the system is primed, and utilizing the same grade of fuel. Remember, the fuel must be circulated throughout the engine and restore the wax adherence to the water in the fuel which should only be done by a professional who can measure the quantity of fuel in the tanks and using the proper products to treat the condition.

Should an algae growth condition occur, be certain to have this treated at a service facility. The best approach in dealing with this issue is to have the motor home taken to a service facility where the fuel system can be thawed out, and so the fuel and tank can be both inspected and treated. The best course of action will be determined by the repair facility.

Brought to you by Sun RV ResortsSun RV Resorts

[vintageogauge]

May I ask what web site you used to sell your RVs?

I sold all of my RV's on eBay motors, well worth the small price, I believe it's $125.00 if it sells.

[Bill from NH]

We have a place in TV and are wanting to upgrade our motorhome to do some longer adventures. Any pros and cons in class A diesel pushers. We have a v10 Winnebago 36’ now but want to explore possible upgrades. Im familiar with the price differences. Looking for other pros and cons. Also anyone selling let us know!

We have a 42’ Beaver Contessa Class A. Call 603-387-5621 for info.

[Nucky]

I was out looking for either a Class C @31 ft and bigger or a small Class A with 2 or 3 bump-outs. My head is spinning. We looked at so many but am pretty sure we have it down to 3 finalists. I like the V8, not the V10 engines. I had a v10 in a Ford Excursion and didn't care for it. My son wants me to buy a 5th Wheel that has 4 bump outs but I'm not into towing a trailer that heavy anymore. Plus another $70k for a Pickup. I want to enjoy this not make a project out of it.

The Cold Weather additive for the Diesel is strictly optional. I had 30 Diesel Tractors on the road and let the driver decide. Of course, if they wanted the additive it came out of their money and few of them decided to use it unless it dropped into the high 20's. The other item that may be in question here is called DEF **Deisel Exhaust Fluid** The drivers call it Cow Urine. I cleaned that up. It is simple to add if your rig needs it but just another pain in the butt thing to remember. Units that run DEF are environmentally better but until the mechanics get a hold of the finer point of the difference between that newer kind of engine and a Deisel that's been around since forever it's a tough road when your engine has a problem.

We ended up buying Glider Kits and installing the engine and transmission of our choice to bypass all the electronics on those newer engines. I wouldn't want one if you gave it to me for free.