2003 Fleetwood Discovery

[SArving]

Looking at purchasing a used 2003 Fleetwood Discovery 35 foot DP. Have never had a DP. Should I sell my 2010 Hurricane 32A with a V10 and buy the DP?

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Don't know about that particular rig but you will love a DP compared to a gasser! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Bahamaniac]

Only you can answer that question. Is the costs involved worth it for what you will gain? What will you gain if you do it?

[sawmillman]

I can only tell you my experience with the same situation. Had a Winnebago Sightseer with the V10 at about the same size as yours. We put several thousand miles on it and enjoyed everyone of them. What I didn't like was the way it drove, rode, and the V10 down shifting on every small incline. Now I know that may not apply to all the gas units in that category but it did mine even after putting all the handling accessories on it I could. You'll like the way the DP drives and rides but the maintenance on a diesel is quite a bit more expensive. As for me I don't regret it at all.

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[SArving]

Thanks for the info. I too enjoy my Hurricane with the V10 but even after adding an extra spring to the front end and adding air bags I find driving in southern Alberta with our winds to difficult and scary at times. to the point of not travelling on windy days especially at 35 mph and higher. Will the DP eliminate this fear?

[SArving]

One other option I am looking at a 40 ft. Encore as well as this 36 ft. Fleetwood. Both are 330 Hp Cat DP. Is 40 ft too much for a 330Hp DP.

[JCM]

You should be looking at 10hp per foot or 40 foot = 400 hp.
I could set the cruse from Vancouver to Palm Springs. Also look for a Jake brake - 2 speed if available.
I loved mine but had to sell it after 8 years due to health. I have gone back to a 32 foot gasser (W22). so that the wife can drive it if necessary.
Now we don't go south but drift around BC and Alberta.

[mrbap]

Likewise, only speaking from experience. Our first Class A RV was a gas model. Our last two have been a ‘98 Discovery (34’ 275hp) and now a ‘03 Discovery (39L 330hp). Neither DP was underpowered for us. Both DP units have been from AZ to R.I. on our yearly AZ Heat escape! That’s 6,000 miles round trip! If your not driving those distances, gas is just fine.

We loved our gas model (Flair), but can’t image driving that distance without DP features and comforts. I do most of the maintenance on our DP and I’m 65. What I can’t do or fix I bring to CAT or Frieghtliner. Intimidating places to visit for the first time alone, but I’ve established relationships with both facilities. And they have been helpful.

With regard to expensive maintenance; that’s a relative term. Trust me we are NOT rich. We view the RV expenses as vacation expenses. We aren’t looking for a return on this “investment.” Plus I get to take the dog with us!

Best of luck on your decision

[NC25T]

Best bet is to drive the various size DP’s and see how they compare to each other as well as vs your present RV.

Many do state there is a certain amount of HP per foot however for me that’s only part of the story. The torque is what really matters, the same HP rating does not always equal the same TQ rating.

My x in-laws had a 350 HP 40ft discovery, they never had power issues... it was always set cruise and go for them while I was in my workhorse powered Bounder... any incline was a PITA.....

Some state the smaller DP’s can experience porpoising similar to driving a older 2dr wrangler. Thus taking the RV’s for a spin would be ideal to help sway your decision one way or another.