Engine noise - DP vs gasser

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

Can you point me to the reports that a 2016 gasser is quiter. I'de like to read them

There are a number of threads discussing the topic in various forms. Some say it is because of the new 6 speed transmission.

[530ktm]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

I would never consider a class A gasser! When we are cruising down the road we can barely hear the engine!

When we are cruising down the road we too can barely hear the engine. Perhaps going up a steep hill is when we do hear it working but cruising on the highways engine noise is negligible. I bet everyone listens to the wind noise in any of these things regardless of where your power plant is located.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by 530ktm

When we are cruising down the road we too can barely hear the engine. Perhaps going up a steep hill is when we do hear it working but cruising on the highways engine noise is negligible. I bet everyone listens to the wind noise in any of these things regardless of where your power plant is located.

I guess we're lucky! We have almost no wind noise!

[JCGibson]

We purchased a 2016 Tiffin Allegro 36LA gasser in June 2015. It was great and noise wasn't a real concern for us. It would get a little noisy on ascents, but I installed 5 Star tuning and it helped with the shift points which helped with the engine noise. Our issues with it was lack of good engine/exhaust braking for descending grades that we were used to in our 3500 diesel dually/5er setup. So we test drove a DP and it was a lot better than the gasser and not just for noise levels (or lack there of). Ride was better, handling was better, brakes were better...overall comfort was better. From my point of view, you usually get what you pay for so with that traded our gasser and ordered a 2016 Newmar Ventana 3709 that we will be picking up from the dealer 23 April.

[Cooperhawk]

The answer is you get what you pay for.

[Dutch Star Don]

We've had all three. Both our CLass C and our CLass A gasser were relatively reasonable until you started climbing a grade. During those times, the Class A was louder. We've had two DP's and you don't know they're running at 60 mph unless you walk to the rear of the coach.

I know many will defend their CLass A gassers, but you aren't going to have a NORMAL conversation while climbing a grade, I don't care who makes it. I double insulated my Class A gasser doghouse, but it was still loud.

With that said, you probably spend less than 5% of your driving, climbing large grades. You get use to the noise and then it goes away.

[UFO Pilot]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

I know many will defend their CLass A gassers, but you aren't going to have a NORMAL conversation while climbing a grade, I don't care who makes it.

You want to go for a ride in my gasser? We have normal conversations all the time.

Of course you can't buy the Workhorse UFO new anymore but used ones are out there.

[Rich-n-Linda]

Originally Posted by znt1186

Another advantage is not having the extra heat at your feet in the summer. I added insulation in the doghouse of our gasser that helped a lot, but the dp has all of the heat at the back. I will say; however, the dp is colder to drive in winter because the heated coolant has so far to go to get to the front heater.

I don't agree with the idea that a DP is colder to drive in the winter. We often drive ours in cold weather. Between the dash heat and the two furnaces, it is always a comfortable 72 degrees in the coach. The coldest I've driven in cold weather so far is 16 degrees and we were quite comfortable.

Where sound level comes into play, there is no comparison. A diesel is much quieter inside than a gas coach, especially in the mountains. The difference? 2,000 RPM 35 feet behind you or 5,000 RPM 12 inches from your feet!

[z3406]

I will state this again. The 2016 Bounder 30th Anniversary Edition with the 6 speed has virtually no engine or wind noise cruising at 65mph. Climbing noise levels allow "NORMAL" conversation between those sitting in the front seats. If your in the market and your wallet can stand the strain test drive both types of coaches and decide for yourself.
There are a lot of statements in this thread from the diesel crowd that tells me they have not been in one of the newer 6 speed F53 coaches. There are certainly some upgrades involved by going to a diesel but the noise level is not as big a factor as it used to be. My statements about noise do not apply to either of my prior 5 speed F53 coaches both were significantly louder.
I'll also say that my 36ft gas coach is about the maximum size I would consider with this power train, if I wanted to go any bigger I would be looking at a diesel.

[Dutch Star Don]

No problem, we'll meet at the base of the Grapevine and climb the east side with your foot in it....I had a Workhorse with the 8.1, and you'll never convince me it's quiet enough at WOT to have a NORMAL conversation.

[z3406]

I have no earthly idea what or where Grapevine is. If your going to call me a liar I'ld prefer you did that face to face. You did see me suggest that taking a test drive is the best way to see how much quieter the new 6 speeds can be. BTW WOT on a 16 6 speed is 4100 rpm.
There is a thing called progress and frankly using an older workhorse as your basis for comparison is making anything you are saying laughable.

[stepside454]

I don't think he was trying to say his 2016 Ford V10 powered motorhome was as powerful or quite as your DP.
I believe he was merely suggesting that it's more powerful & less noisy than previous gassers , & not to rule them out .

[Mr.Geritol]

I am not going to worry about the noise cutting out conversation, 60% of the time I can look over and the co-pilot is asleep.

[jondrew55]

A good long test drive is the only answer. Come back a week later and take another one.

I was very disappointed in our 2014 Excursion from a cabin quietness point of view. Our Discovery is much, much quieter. Both are DPs