Community Forums

Amikel0315 · 10-23-2019, 12:08 PM

When debating on DP or Gaser there is millions of threads that show you the pros and cons and mainly pros towards DP's.

My question is simple. Why would you always choose a Class A Gaser over a diesel pusher?

I have a gaser and I'm looking to upgrade but with adding sumo springs, steering stabilizer and the CHF, soon to add roadmaster front and rear sway bars, the drive of our Class A Gaser is enjoyable for the most part for me and passengers.
Length of trips:
2-8 days

Typical trips for our family:
Disney: 420mi
Gatlinburg: 525mi
Texas: 400-800mi
South FL:350mi-800mi
Anywhere:Within 300mi

Typical towing for us:
Golf Cart
Can Am Defender Max
Tandem Axle Motorcycle Trailer with 2 bikes
Ford Escape on a car hauler

PlanBee · 10-23-2019, 12:32 PM

I wouldn't?

ClassAboater · 10-23-2019, 12:40 PM

Like a lot of things... it depends.

For us, I can't see going the extra money for a coach that is 32 feet. The extra cost for this size rig to go to a DP is kind of foolish for OUR use. We use our rig much like the OP and our ONLY complaint is the F-53 chassis should have had better handling from the start without adding another $2500 worth of suspension items to make it stay in it's lane on the freeway.

winniman · 10-23-2019, 12:40 PM

There is nothing wrong with gas motorhomes. If you plan on doing lots of traveling, the difference becomes apparent really quickly. The difference in driving comfort and noise levels is considerably different. The ability to tow much more is another main difference. As far as camping in them, once set up, there is virtually no difference. I notice all your trips are around 4-500 miles. If your trips were 4-5000 miles, you probably would benefit from the differences that a DP provides. I owned a 37 gas rv for five years. I had great trips in it, and enjoyed owning it. Now that I have more time to travel, and take longer trips, Im glad I got the pusher. Once done long distance traveling, I might consider another gas rv. Diesels cost more to own, so if not doing much traveling, I might consider going back to a gasser or even a fifth wheel trailer.

Pmiller1 · 10-23-2019, 01:03 PM

It’s all about what you want.. I’ve worked on my diesel trucks close to 30 years .. a diesel needs to be driven a lot they don’t like setting .. I work on mine all the time ... tinker with it an enjoy doing most of it .. Gas rigs are nice might be just what you need .. Buy what you want and make it yours !!

marjoa · 10-23-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amikel0315

My question is simple. Why would you always choose a Class A Gaser over a diesel pusher?

Simple question, simple answer...Your Budget.

DP's are not for the faint of heart when stuff breaks. One of our friends—who are also FTers—just last week had to replace the rear axle and all new air bags. Their coach is a 2015 Thor. Their cost was a little over 5K. And they had an extended warranty that they paid 8K for. We love them and they have a lot more money than we do.

Teamfoxy · 10-23-2019, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClassAboater

Like a lot of things... it depends.

For us, I can't see going the extra money for a coach that is 32 feet. The extra cost for this size rig to go to a DP is kind of foolish for OUR use. We use our rig much like the OP and our ONLY complaint is the F-53 chassis should have had better handling from the start without adding another $2500 worth of suspension items to make it stay in it's lane on the freeway.

We have a stock F53 chassis and it drives just fine the way it came. My thought is that the handling problems are created by the coach builders and owners, not Ford. 1) The wheelbase should be at least 56% of the overall length. 2) The GAWR's need to be adhered to. 3) Weight should be as far forward in the coach as you can get it without overloading the front axle.

robertkathy · 10-23-2019, 01:54 PM

i wanted a dp but my wife only wanted the 38T floor plan so i found one with a w 24 chassis option 3 it comes with the 8.1 chevy v8 Quadrahaulic brake system (same as the w25.5) the allison 2100 series 6 speed trans. 5.86 gearing in dana s130 axle aluminum 22.5 wheels and a 30000 gcwr. then we added a full banks power system a safe T steering stabilizer and extra leafs in the leaf springs.

we full time and this set up is pretty good. we did need to do a custom dual anti sway weight dis hitch for the trailer 8.5 x 20 enclosed car hauler.

Filthy-Beast · 10-23-2019, 02:08 PM

I think it boils down to three main reasons.

1. You want a coach shorter than the smallest DP.
2. Budget, both purchase and ongoing maintenance would stress finances.
3. Comfort level, "I've been around gas for 40 years and don't want to learn diesel, air brakes, and all rest."

Yes, if you do your own maintenance and repairs, you can lower the cost. However, if you're going to DIY a DP, you'd do the same on gasser reducing its costs as well, so I consider this a wash.

When we retire, we're planning on an all-electric DP.

robertkathy · 10-23-2019, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filthy-Beast

I think it boils down to three main reasons.

1. You want a coach shorter than the smallest DP.
2. Budget, both purchase and ongoing maintenance would stress finances.
3. Comfort level, "I've been around gas for 40 years and don't want to learn diesel, air brakes, and all rest."

Yes, if you do your own maintenance and repairs, you can lower the cost. However, if you're going to DIY a DP, you'd do the same on gasser reducing its costs as well, so I consider this a wash.

When we retire, we're planning on an all-electric DP.

your reason 1 makes no since dp start at 31.5 ft (tiffen breeze) gas go up to 40 ft (mine is 39 ft).

Pmiller1 · 10-23-2019, 02:51 PM

Of course I love diesels it’s what I know ; I couldn’t make it without the diesel powered generator, I bought this rv it had a lp 6500 gen . I removed and installed a qd 7500 .. it’s running if we’re rolling or stopped.

CampDaven · 10-23-2019, 02:59 PM

Assuming that 4-500 miles with a gas A is a cake walk is absurd. That’s a long day of getting roughed up.

My 43 ft DP was 5 years old when I bought it. My price was less than a new 34 ft gas A.

Advice: don’t test drive a DP with 10 air bags and 10 shocks.

Rocky Larson · 10-23-2019, 03:39 PM

Give me a DP with a drivers side door and a rear bedroom window and I am in.

Waiter21 · 10-23-2019, 04:04 PM

For me, three items:

1) initial cost and maintenance is significantly cheaper with the Gasser.

2) I know the F53 and am comfortable working on it. I don't know anything about DPs.

3) When its sitting in the parking spot, all hooked up with power and water, there is no difference between a gasser and a DP.