Explain Floorplans

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by cedarman2

Hi All,
I am new to this forum and as soon as I started to read I had to join. My wife and I are retired and have dreamed of being on the road for a few years before we are placed in an old folks home.
We have been looking at 40ft-45ft diesel pushers. We have found the Winnebago Tour meets about 90% of our needs and that is all we could ask for in a MH.
My question is about most of the floor plans we have seen. Why is the main TV not part of the LR? Most plans we have seen have the TV on the other side of the coach, where you have the dinette between the LR and the TV.
One of the reasons the Tour GD floor plan works best for us is that my wife has medical issues that require her to be able to get out of bed easily and into the bathroom. In the Tour GD the Jack and Jill bathroom gives her easy and quick access. In many MH there is such a small space between the bed and wall it can be hard to negotiate. If anyone has seen other coaches that have easy access to the bathroom from the bed and has the TV as part of the LR, we are open to suggestions.
Thanks for reading this novel, it's my first post and had a lot to ask.

Please notice that many of the posts above are simply examples of the Gas vs. Diesel feud that seeps into many threads. Owners are typically a loyal bunch, so it comes with the territory.

I can't tell you why they put the TV where it is. So often it is over the front seats(?)

I would suggest that you shop around as much as you can, focused on floor plans that suit you and the Mrs. needs. The decision about the power plant will become obvious in short order looking at the sticker price.

Typically the 40'-45' rigs will be Diesel...and the engine is usually in the rear. These BIG RV's are great!
BTW, 45" is the MAX legal length under Federal highway laws and anything over 40' in yours and my home state of CA, requires an upgraded license to drive it. These RV's have commercial grade chassis and engines that can run for many 100's of thousands of miles, and have a price to match.

There is only a small segment of gas powered RV's that offer floor plans like the big Diesel Pushers...

...Like one newer group of Class A's that kinda' bridge the gap between with size, features, and price is the new Thor Challenger's.
2014 Challenger Motorhomes: Class A RV by Thor Motor Coach
They have models with 2 bathroom sinks, room for a washer/dryer, fireplaces, and there is even one with a wrap around U-shaped kitchen...and all of them have the TV in the living room!

Best of luck!

[bdickson]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

...Like one newer group of Class A's that kinda' bridge the gap between with size, features, and price is the new Thor Challenger's.
2014 Challenger Motorhomes: Class A RV by Thor Motor Coach
They have models with 2 bathroom sinks, room for a washer/dryer, fireplaces, and there is even one with a wrap around U-shaped kitchen...and all of them have the TV in the living room! Best of luck!

We have a Challenger 37GT and we are very happy with it. The queen bed has plenty of space on one side and the bathroom is literally 2 steps away. The island kitchen is very spacious and the living area is very comfortable. Oh, the TV is directly opposite the couch.

I agree with previous comments that diesel coaches are generally better appointed and finished than gas coaches, at the pain of being more expensive. Properly maintained diesel engines last forever. They are rock solid and reliable. Go for what you can afford and what appeals to both of you. And have fun doing it!

[joecpayne]

I would go to PPL and look at their coaches, they show a floor plan for each coach for sale.

[MN_Traveler]

I just recently had a chance to walk through the new 2014 Itasca Meridian (42'). TV Is right opposite the couch (though I could do without the faux fireplace...). Rear bathroom I'd steps away from the queen bed. Half- bath steps away from the kitchen. Nice unit..,

Also maybe take a look at the Fleetwood Bounder (classic???). They fit a surprising number if amenities into that shorter gas unit .

In general I agree with previous posters that there are a wide variety of floor plans out there, with many having the TV in the living area (for example my 36' Expedition has the tv opposite the couch and on the end of the kitchen counter. Really nice: you can relax on the couch (or dinette) and watch TV, OR watch it while cooking (cool!).

Agreed also to not get sucked into the gas/diesel debate. They both have their pros and cons. Good luck with your search!

[Cari Z]

Don't know if you have your heart set on diesel pusher, but after shopping for a new RV this year we found that 5ers have larger bedrooms with lots of space around the bed (it's a pet peeve of mine too) and lots of choices on open floor plans where the tv is more the center of the room rather than shoved to the side behind the dinette. Of course you'd need to purchase a truck but the cost of a truck and 5er can be close to the cost of a diesel pusher... and then you have a vehicle to drive.

Our favorite was the Eagle Premier 361REQS because it has all of the above AND a nearly full shower. If your wife has mobility issues, a larger bathroom might be preferable to the usual tiny showers... I spent a lot of time looking on line for the things we wanted (like beside tables...sometimes difficult to find!) then looked for nearby dealers that had those models. We finally found what we wanted but it took some looking!

Hope this helps - good luck!

[spritz]

Originally Posted by MN_Traveler

I just recently had a chance to walk through the new 2014 Itasca Meridian (42'). TV Is right opposite the couch (though I could do without the faux fireplace...). Rear bathroom I'd steps away from the queen bed. Half- bath steps away from the kitchen. Nice unit..,

Also maybe take a look at the Fleetwood Bounder (classic???). They fit a surprising number if amenities into that shorter gas unit .

In general I agree with previous posters that there are a wide variety of floor plans out there, with many having the TV in the living area (for example my 36' Expedition has the tv opposite the couch and on the end of the kitchen counter. Really nice: you can relax on the couch (or dinette) and watch TV, OR watch it while cooking (cool!).

Agreed also to not get sucked into the gas/diesel debate. They both have their pros and cons. Good luck with your search!

Ours is a set up take down option maybe 5 minutes, Tv's didn't come with ours. It's really almost like the set up @ the S&B two nice 1/2 swivel barrel chairs and a couch, can watch @ the rear @ the pottie & kitchen and living room. No sore necks either .

[cimplexsound]

Originally Posted by so47

Seems someone has a bad case of diesel envy.

While I do love Diesal motors. There is the issue of fuel pump being mounted right on the motor. I have had the unfortunate experience of being in one of these
Diesal pushers where the fuel pump failed. The motor caught fire, and the engine got so hot, the carbourater melted. Since you cannot put the fuel pump in a tank of Diesal motor this is a risk owners of Diesal pushers have always had to take. I was fortunate to get out alive. The motorhome wasn't very old either.

I've also seen others take a loss too. Their motor just suddenly dies and the motorhome burns up. I'm sticking with a regular gas motorhome. Because you can mount the fuel pump in the rear with safety shutoff switch. The reason you have to put the pump directly on the motor with a Diesal is because Diesal fuel is much thicker than regular gasoline. Regular gas being thinner than air, can be pumped from any part of the motorhome.

I've also been on long stretches when there wasn't a gas station that offered Diesal fuel around for hundreds of miles, glad I had a gas motor or I'd still be in no mans land. I don't Diesal motors are bad. I just think gas motors have the upper advantage.

[BlueOvalMan]

Diesal motors don't have carbouraters!
His spelling, not mine.
You must go to some far corners of the earth if you cannot find diesel fuel.

[Maladjusted]

Originally Posted by cimplexsound

While I do love Diesal motors. There is the issue of fuel pump being mounted right on the motor. I have had the unfortunate experience of being in one of these
Diesal pushers where the fuel pump failed. The motor caught fire, and the engine got so hot, the carbourater melted. Since you cannot put the fuel pump in a tank of Diesal motor this is a risk owners of Diesal pushers have always had to take. I was fortunate to get out alive. The motorhome wasn't very old either.

I've also seen others take a loss too. Their motor just suddenly dies and the motorhome burns up. I'm sticking with a regular gas motorhome. Because you can mount the fuel pump in the rear with safety shutoff switch. The reason you have to put the pump directly on the motor with a Diesal is because Diesal fuel is much thicker than regular gasoline. Regular gas being thinner than air, can be pumped from any part of the motorhome.

I've also been on long stretches when there wasn't a gas station that offered Diesal fuel around for hundreds of miles, glad I had a gas motor or I'd still be in no mans land. I don't Diesal motors are bad. I just think gas motors have the upper advantage.

Diesels don't have carburetors.

The viscosity of diesel fuel has nothing to do with where the lift pump is mounted.

I've never heard, in 35 years around diesel motors (albeit mostly marine engines), of a spontaneous combustion of a diesel motor after it "dies".

[Bobb.25]

Two Points:
1) With regard to the TV I agree with you, and there are quite a few RV's out there with the TV in the living area across from the couch ( My 2003 Rexhall is one ) 2) Every time I try to fit my 35 ft. RV with a toad attached into the area by the gas islands, and then be able to get back out again, I wish I had a diesel pusher that would fuel up where the 18 wheelers go. Next time you are getting gas in your 4 wheeler, look around and think about that.
Bob

[Tom-NC]

Hi Cedarman,

I don't have a problem with you choosing gas or diesel coach but I do have a problem if you haven't driven an RV before of any length.

My recommendation would be for you to rent a unit such as a 30' Class A and try it out before you hop into a 40-45 footer. There are a lot of things to consider besides where the TV is.

Number one would be maneverability with all that length like cornering for example. Next would be campgrounds as most have 35' restriction. Are you going to tow a car? Have you ever backed up a RV that long?

You see there are a few things to consider like are you familiar with air brakes? Do you know not to use jake brake on slippery roads?

I suggest you to more research and don't worry where the tv is.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by cimplexsound

While I do love Diesal motors. There is the issue of fuel pump being mounted right on the motor. I have had the unfortunate experience of being in one of these Diesal pushers where the fuel pump failed. The motor caught fire, and the engine got so hot, the carbourater melted. Since you cannot put the fuel pump in a tank of Diesal motor this is a risk owners of Diesal pushers have always had to take. I was fortunate to get out alive. The motorhome wasn't very old either.

I've also seen others take a loss too. Their motor just suddenly dies and the motorhome burns up. I'm sticking with a regular gas motorhome. Because you can mount the fuel pump in the rear with safety shutoff switch. The reason you have to put the pump directly on the motor with a Diesal is because Diesal fuel is much thicker than regular gasoline. Regular gas being thinner than air, can be pumped from any part of the motorhome.

I've also been on long stretches when there wasn't a gas station that offered Diesal fuel around for hundreds of miles, glad I had a gas motor or I'd still be in no mans land. I don't Diesal motors are bad. I just think gas motors have the upper advantage.

I HAVE to step-up for this poster...there area some true points here, just because there's some wrong terminology doesn't make the post false:

Diesels must have high pressure pumps to feed the injectors. The injector/pump will usually be very near the cylinders...and if it leaks - the engine will stop - then the fuel sprayed from the pump at very high pressure is a great fire risk. A fuel fire could melt the intake manifold. This was more common in engines with mechanical pumps and metal plumbing...I have seen it fail too.

Unlike gassers, the high pressure Diesel fuel pump is never located in the tank...low pressure/high volume fuel lines will run from the tank to the high pressure pump at the engine. So, there usually will be no cut-off at the tank. Leaking fuel lines are another risk for fire.

Finally, I have had a Diesel pick-up since the late 80's...and it is TRUE that there are MANY more GAS Stations in America compaired to those with Diesel. I have had to drive more than 40 miles to find Diesel fuel, while passing DOZENS to GAS Stations. There is just no arguing this fact. This has a side impact of restricting where you can look for better prices.

I love my Diesel (yes it is capitalized because it is a proper noun being named after the inventor Rudolph Diesel). And I love my BIG 'OL 496 c.i. (8.1L) Chevy Gasser.

I really hope Spartan starts making the Class A chassis they teased last Fall that had a 8.2L Gas engine. That would really heat-up the gas vs. Diesel fued!

Safe travels to all

[cimplexsound]

Don I couldn't agree with you more. The best years of my life have been spent in an RV.

Originally Posted by Grimesy

Some of the best bargains in used motorhomes are those where the owners did not do their home work. Bought too small, bought too big, bought floor plan that did not work and primarily a lifestyle that made one partner,or both, unhappy. Your investment is very substatial so I can assume financially you are okay as this lifestyle can be quite expensive.

The arguement about diesel/gas is as old as Ford/Chevy, John Deere/ Farmall, Clydesdale/Percheron, I have had both and each has plusses and minuses, so my advice look at a lot of rigs don't get blinded by the glitz, sit in each, make sure your favorite dish fits into the micro, walk around, sit some more and believe half of what the dealer says and none of what the salesman says, keep your hands on your wallet and if you buy expect problems. If you have an RVing friends take them along with orders to be honest and/or brutal with your choice. Above all don't invest your life savings and house equity into a depreciating product unless you are positive.

When all works out it is a great and I mean great lifestyle.

Don G.

[cimplexsound]

I still say I'm happy with my old Chevy 454. I don't have to panic when the gas tank gets low because relief is as close as the next gas station. Any gas station.


QUOTE=Bobb.25;1671645]Two Points:
1) With regard to the TV I agree with you, and there are quite a few RV's out there with the TV in the living area across from the couch ( My 2003 Rexhall is one ) 2) Every time I try to fit my 35 ft. RV with a toad attached into the area by the gas islands, and then be able to get back out again, I wish I had a diesel pusher that would fuel up where the 18 wheelers go. Next time you are getting gas in your 4 wheeler, look around and think about that.
Bob[/QUOTE]