Community Forums

peterson · 06-27-2016, 10:24 AM

Why are ninety-nine percent of diesel pushers built with a front door? We really love a side door but can't afford a Newell.

MSHappyCampers · 06-27-2016, 10:33 AM

I think a side door would really mess up the living area! I can't imagine our coach with a side door! Either the couch or the reclining loveseat would have to go!

Also, many, as ours, have slide-outs on both sides that would not be possible with a side door!

RVLola · 06-27-2016, 10:39 AM

I'm told the reason is that the mid-entry door takes up valuable wall space.

We have a Winnebago Forza 34 with a mid-entry door and are very happy with our floor plan. The reason we chose that model is that we wanted a drop down bunk in a DP and there were not not many to choose from in the lower prices models. We also like that there is not a dedicated dinette which for us would not be used very much.

I'm curious to know why the mid-entry door appeals to you.

**Lt Dan** · 06-27-2016, 11:10 AM

Our friends have a 2014 Fleetwood Excursion 34' DP and it has a mid entry door. I thought I preferred a mid entry when we were shopping for diesel, but have gotten used to the front entry. Now I would recommend that you choose the floor plan you like and don't worry about the door position. The front door seems to lose less useable floor and wall space than the mid entry. I will say that some models seem to have less entry space between the co-pilot's seat and the dash than others.

jharrell · 06-27-2016, 11:22 AM

I really like the fold out workstation with usb/12v/120v power on my gasser. In fact I am typing on it going down the road right now in nowhere Kansas. Even when parked I usually don't swing the front seat around and leave it forward because it like a little den/office.

The front entry diesels don't seem to have good solution for that, I have seen a few with a tiny fold out table of the co-pilot.

I also like the mid door for awning position over it, rather than a second tiny awing over the front door that many time sticks out over the front cap, yuck. Also the overhead bunk as was mentioned.

Every time I look at diesel I wish more did mid entry, it's either a low end Palazzo/Excursion or ultra high end Newell.

Guess I would get used to it but the mid entry seem like more logical use of space if you have the workstation area.

peterson · 06-27-2016, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVLola

I'm told the reason is that the mid-entry door takes up valuable wall space.

We have a Winnebago Forza 34 with a mid-entry door and are very happy with our floor plan. The reason we chose that model is that we wanted a drop down bunk in a DP and there were not not many to choose from in the lower prices models. We also like that there is not a dedicated dinette which for us would not be used very much.

I'm curious to know why the mid-entry door appeals to you.

A mid-door would be under the main awning instead of having a small awning over a front door. A mid-door lets the front seat have a better workstation and the DH would prefer to have that as her space.

The front also allows the drop down bunk as in the Winnebago Solei/Forza 34.

And, there are several coaches with two slides on one side anyway. So, with a mid-door there seems to be no great issue with having a slide on each side.

So, vote for me for King. Then I can have everything MY way.

Mr_D · 06-27-2016, 12:08 PM

AS others have said: Better usage of space. But I do like a side door better even after three DP's with front doors.

Kiawah · 06-27-2016, 01:09 PM

Thor makes a Palazzio, which has a mid-door.

Not necessarily suggesting you get it, just know it exists from when we were shopping.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-27-2016, 04:42 PM

As others have explained, a front entry maximizes the available floor space. A far-forward entry door isn't practical on a front engine chassis, so they often have mid entry, but most diesel pusher floor plans take advantage of the front entry design. There are, however, a few current mid entry models and there have been others in the past.

mrfix · 06-27-2016, 06:57 PM

The holiday rambler 36dbt gasser and the Ambassador diesel are mid door coaches, I have the 36dbt and like it. the living area is not a hall way when someone enters the coach, the other advantage is safety, it is the same distance to the door from the front or back of the coach for exit in case of emergency. I'm old and feel I would get injured worst trying to get out the emergency exit window than running for the door.
Mrfix

Koop · 06-27-2016, 07:26 PM

Our Alpine Coach is a mid-door 40' diesel. As mentioned already, the mid-door might cost a few square feet of usable space and complicates basement space, but it makes the front passenger seating comparable to the drivers space. My wife also prefers the entry to the kitchen/dining area instead of stepping up into a bus (front entry). The big awning over the entry door is also a plus for us.

Mr_D · 06-27-2016, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

As others have explained, a front entry maximizes the available floor space. A far-forward entry door isn't practical on a front engine chassis, so they often have mid entry, but most diesel pusher floor plans take advantage of the front entry design. There are, however, a few current mid entry models and there have been others in the past.

Newmar had mid entries in their London Aire models in the '07 era. Found two in Fl but they sold the one I really liked before I could get the DW onboard and the other one was an all white interior that I really didn't like.

Jscott1000 · 11-01-2016, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVLola

I'm told the reason is that the mid-entry door takes up valuable wall space.

We have a Winnebago Forza 34 with a mid-entry door and are very happy with our floor plan. The reason we chose that model is that we wanted a drop down bunk in a DP and there were not not many to choose from in the lower prices models. We also like that there is not a dedicated dinette which for us would not be used very much.

I'm curious to know why the mid-entry door appeals to you.

I have a class C and I absolutely LOVE the fact that I have three doors. When I stop I exit through my driver's door like a normal vehicle. If upgrading to a class A I despise the idea of a single door and even moreso if I have to climb over my passenger and retract the floor to be able to exit the vehicle. For this reason a Super C appeals more to me than a class A.

Coma · 11-02-2016, 07:05 AM

We have a side door on ours. The fuel tank is side to side with a left side fill. We have two full width storage compartments. The door, naturally, is under the awning. Lots of leg room for DW, power leg rest, and storage while parked. No traffic in living room while parked. Living room slide is on drivers side, computer desk right side. I've only heard of one other Monaco model like ours. Nobody complains about the wasted space on a Newell and no step well cover to malfunction.