Diesel - front vs rear

[VestaDave]

Originally Posted by OSUTRIKERS

Looking to move from gas to diesel and noticed some makes are front rather than rear engines.

Is there really a difference?

There sure are more pushers out there so I'm guessing that there are advantages. Our front engine Vesta was not inexpensive. It features full air suspension, air brakes, and a Roadmaster Chassis. We have the Maxxforce 7. As others have suggested, this is considered a medium duty engine. We probably get better fuel economy because at 33k pounds we are much lighter than the typical pusher. We get about 11 mpg pulling our Hyundai Accent.
I don't think it is particularly loud when being driven but you will hear the engine when pulling a grade.( I actually find it pleasant)
One of the biggest problems I had after we bought it was heat from the engine. I complained to Monaco and they designed a fresh air vent kit that solved the engine heat problem. On the other hand, when it's cold outside the front engine is better because the heater is more efficient.
The Vesta generator is located in a side slide toward the front and does not interfere with sleep.
I recently had the unit in for service and when I went in to pick it up, the Mechanic sought me out to tell me how impressed he was with how it drove and handled. I didn't disagree. It's a pleasure to drive.

[Sweetbriar]

Probably, but not 100% sure, the last large coach builder with a full size (30+ foot) front diesel Class A was Tiffin with the Allegro Bay line. Freightliner chassis with a Cummins ISB engine. Good overall set up but the demand wasn't enough to support production and the last model year was 2010 for Tiffin. Cost more than a gas chassis but less than a full up diesel pusher. When you get past everything the coach was more or less a higher cost version of a gas chassis model. Generally the same chassis capabilities as a gas rig but with better fuel mileage. Granted the chassis was very well made and would probably out last a gas version with proper care and feeding but many potential owners never looked much further than the higher sale price.

[Wapa1]

I have a 2012 Thor Serrano FRED. It's a Maxxforce. Don't notice heat or noise. It isn't a real powerhouse, but the mileage is great. 11+ towing. Generator is in the front storage bay. All of my problems (very few) have been coach things, not mechanical. We love it.