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mtofell · 07-16-2018, 09:38 PM

Does anyone even bother to read the OP's question or do you just read the words "gas" and "diesel" and launch into your rhetoric??????

Come one guys - go have your diesel V gas pissing match on the other thread.

gnlandrus · 07-16-2018, 10:22 PM

In the early 70s, FMC made a rear engine gas motor home, the FMC 2900R. It had a Dodge, industrial 440. It was, for the time, a very expensive and prestigious motor home. Quite a few celebs owned them. Here is a link that shows what they were and some other interesting information.

https://bangshift.com/bangshiftxl/ba...-in-the-1970s/
My parents owned one, I owned one in 1981, and my brother actually bought one that James Brolin had owned. Only 29’ long but drove like a dream..

UFO Pilot · 07-16-2018, 10:37 PM

A company named PSI took the 8.1 platform and made it an 8.8. They are using it in buses I believe. There was hope that the "new" Workhorse owners would use the motor and reintroduce the UFO Chassis.

It was speculated that Ford wants the entire gas chassis market and are willing to do all they can to keep the competition out of the market.

Snufy1 · 07-16-2018, 11:34 PM

I have a 1983 Revcon FWD. I love it handles great 10 to 12 mph
Revcon was made from 1965 or so until 1990 they were expensive list price for mine was $ 143k

Superburban · 07-17-2018, 12:09 AM

Look what the pickup truck makers are doing in the 1/2 ton market. Under 3 liter engine, twin turbos, and tow ratings never imagined in a 1/2 ton 10 years ago. And getting 15 plus MPG towing. Wait until that technology get applied to the motorhome/ school bus market, and it may give diesels a run for their money.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

And some of us just don't want diesel vehicles. The only thing missing (for me) on my UFO gasser is air ride.

That's just a matter of $$$$. I have looked into the same. The only benefit I see in a diesel pusher is an air system to operate heavier braking systems and operate a very smooth riding suspension. I come from the trucking world. I don't need to run with air brakes. I get plenty of that already. However, a smooth riding suspension I will not compromise. To me, that's one of the allure of a big motorhome. In fact, I will argue one of the smoothest riding coaches around doesn't even have air ride, a Silver Eagle bus. BTW, I love old buses and bus conversions. But before I get too off track....it is totally do-able to rip out the factory mechanical spring suspension and install a full air ride suspension. Complete with air compressor and all. It is a big install, probably best done by a professional unless you are personally good at that stuff. Sadly, I don't have the patience....lol....or rather sizable tooling.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothermark

All that could be done with a turbo'd gas engine. Horsepower is horsepower. The rest is gearing. The only reason there is the constant mantra of gas vs diesel is that there are no large block properly equipped gasoline engines thanks to the EPA and various marketing forces. Few RV's are run enough miles to make diesel longevity a big deal. OTOH most heavy trucks are so they do benefit. That translates to the only heavy chassis available any more are diesel. That, in turn, makes the whole argument pointless.

Torque is what gets you to the top. We had a saying regarding big block CATs..."The world is flat with a 600 CAT!!" That being said, gearing is important. You can draw alot of power from a gas engine (turbo-ed or not) with the right rear end get and wheel/tire setup. However, there always seems to many limitations on available transmission options as many, like myself, don't like other idea of spinning 3,000 rpms + cruising down the road at interstate speed. A 2 speed axle is great and a nice compromise but probably too complex for some, NOT ALL, to operate properly....and adds costs.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rayza

Didn't mean to start a debate! For me diesel vs gas doesn't matter, as said it is only a matter of HP. Would like to see gas engines in the back driving the rear wheels. The big thing I am missing from my gasser is that beautiful storage area underneath the coach. For the different in price between gas and diesel I can do all of the suspension upgrades I want - even if I put LiquidSprings on I still wouldn't come close to the price of a DP.

You can also install a full air ride. All mechanical springs stuff is taken off and a full air bag air ride put on.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DegoRed

One thing that has always made me ponder, why is Ford using these V10's and not their Powerstroke engines? I get that the V10 has been around forever, but the diesel in my F250 puts out over 450HP & over 900TQ(I don't know exact #'s off top of my head). Now this is more HP than my current rig @350HP, but the TQ is less than my current @1100TQ, but still seems using the Powerstroke would open up a lot of options, both in the terms of Front & Rear mounting.

Complex emissions bullcrap is the most likely reason. And cost. It keeps new chassis below $30K.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwaldow

Big block gas, could be be an option, turbo charged, etc. . .

All the excuses, EPA, cooling, are just R&D baloney - just saying for now, kinda like an old smoking diesel, G.E. fixed that in the locomotive division - now didn't they ?

Compared to a steam engine....YES.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nothermark

The EPA is not baloney. The rest may be. No idea what GE is doing with their diesels.

Do a bit of looking at what some folks who make the rules want and your big diesel's days may also be numbered. They can't meet the emissions/mile standards that are proposed by those folks.

The EPA is a drain on society.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:22 AM

Too bad no RV builder offers a glider kit motorhome....lol.

Charles27909 · 07-17-2018, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superburban

Look what the pickup truck makers are doing in the 1/2 ton market. Under 3 liter engine, twin turbos, and tow ratings never imagined in a 1/2 ton 10 years ago. And getting 15 plus MPG towing. Wait until that technology get applied to the motorhome/ school bus market, and it may give diesels a run for their money.

I would be interested to see the same also. In addition, to mid sized small block gas like 5.4, 5.3, etc gas engines with one or two turbos.

Tradition · 07-17-2018, 05:11 AM

Best motorhome I ever owned was a GMC, fast, economical, smooth ride, and excellent view of the road. Price killed the coach along with the gas shortage, I believe they built them 1973 - 1977, they were front wheel drive with a 455 or 402 Tornado engine and drive train

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