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05-22-2014, 08:41 PM
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#85
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Marquette, Mi.on the shore of Superior
Posts: 644
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What I now am considering is a newer coach, but with at lest 450 hp. While looking around I have to wonder how much the bigger engine effects the overall handling? For an example I have been looking at the Tiffin Zephyr , it's 43 ft. And without a pusher, yet also the 450 Cummins M11,, looks at first glance to be a case of the tail waging the dog.! Anyone have any experience with an older Zephyr set up this way ? The prices are tempting, but I think the problem out weights the bargain
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05-23-2014, 05:41 AM
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#86
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Emerald Coast
Posts: 1,759
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I am in the pick the chassis first camp, too. Tile and cabinets hold up long term better with a stiffer chassis. Air leveling solves the chassis twist issues, too. From an engineering POV I also like the outboard airbag arrangement. It allows a more finite approach to the handling solution.
My Dynasty has a 20k rating on the rear axle and weighs 20.7k with full fuel and water. The axle itself is a 34k by its manufacturing tag. I have never had a problem with Ohio and the turnpike, I use it regularly. However, I have only owned the MH since 2010. I do however want a tag axle chassis. DP chassis are dynamically unstable because of the weight in the rear. Like an arrow flying backwards. Careful design of the shocks and spring rates on the front end can negate much of that, however, the tag axle is the solution.
Another part of the travel experience is the sound level. I like to converse with my wife and it is easy to do in a quiet environment. This is where the chassis tire combination is important, another place that Michelin brand excels at. Unidentified noises are safety issues for me. While we get noise from expansion joints and rough pavement the squeaks and rattles that others complain about don't exist. Even with the TOYO's we currently have.
As was mentioned before, some of this is personal preference. None of them are what I would call agile.
__________________
Jim and Jennie, Cats=Bittles and Potter, 2000 Dynasty 350 ISC
2013 Silverado 4x4 Towed with R1200GS in bed.
PROV23:4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
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05-23-2014, 09:39 AM
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#87
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,451
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Darstar - I assume when you use the word "pusher" you mean tag. If you do, yes 43' seems a bit log for a coach without a tag. I suppose it would depend somewhat on the weight of the Cummins M11. I can tell you that when we were looking for our coach 5 years ago I found the ratings of the RVCG group to be helpful. They have a handling rating that is based on the chassis length ratio and the unused weight compared to the max ratings. There seemed to be a real difference in driving the coaches that were highly rated in this area. When I test drove the coach we bought it was obvious that it was a good handler. We have a 42' and it has a tag.
__________________
B Bob
Currently Coachless
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
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05-23-2014, 09:46 AM
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#88
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Registered User
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Varies Depending on The Weather
Posts: 8,517
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I think once you go over 40 foot they have to include the tag.
My 36 foot Airstream Land-Yacht gasser had a tag.
Dr4Film ----- Richard
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05-23-2014, 09:58 AM
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#89
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 1,380
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I like my old XC Freightliner Chassis. No idea which mfgr is the best.
I have access to accessfreightliner.com which give all your parts and shop manuals by vin number. I want to go to Camp Freightliner in SC someday because I heard that it was a great affordable school for people on a budget. I am a DIY type person and so far I have done my own maintenance. Freightliner seems to support do it yourself people.
But I still receive excellent support and assistance from Monaco even though I have an older chassis. Wait time was minimal.
__________________
98 Endeavor DP, ISB275
RX300, Falcon II hitch, BB Vantage Select
VMSpc, 2002 Grey Ford Powerstroke
TST 507 w/ 10 Sensors
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05-23-2014, 04:02 PM
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#90
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,061
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If it hasn't already been stated, Prevost chassis is hard to beat. There's no question they have far more over the roads miles then all others, probably all others combined. I had a 2008 10 bag 43-foot tag Roadmaster chassis before my 98 Prevost chassis. As good as the RM chassis is, the Prevost is far better. BTW, older Prevost conversions are as affordable as late model high end traditional coaches.
__________________
Gil
03 Prevost H3-45
Hoffman Conversion
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