Two motorhome questions that have been bugging me

[TLGPE]

Funny, our '94 Dolphin DP had the generator up front (propane powered), and a mid entry. Kind of liked it, really. Of course, they used the exact floor plan in their gassers, too, so that made their choices more limited. I had been contemplating how to put in a step cover over the hole in the middle there. Solved all those problems when we traded for our KSDP.


I know this really didn't help any, but that's life.....................


Tom

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by cwsqbm

The next question is why aren't there front-engined diesel motorhomes? It seems like it would be an easy upgrade for Ford to swap out the V-10 for a Powerstroke, and would be far cheaper than any of the current diesel pushers. I'd love a sub-30' diesel motorhome.

Yes, I know there have been front-engined diesels in the past, from early Bluebirds up through Freightliner FRED chassis. This entire post is rhetorical.

Rhetorical question to answer yours.

If I don't want a loud gas engine under my feet, why would I want a louder diesel engine under there?

[Glenn and Kathy]

Originally Posted by TLGPE

Funny, our '94 Dolphin DP had the generator up front (propane powered), and a mid entry. Kind of liked it, really. Of course, they used the exact floor plan in their gassers, too, so that made their choices more limited. I had been contemplating how to put in a step cover over the hole in the middle there. Solved all those problems when we traded for our KSDP.


I know this really didn't help any, but that's life.....................


Tom

Both of my National RVs, Sea View and Sea breeze LX came with step covers. Have never used them because with mid entry there is really not much of a hazard uncovered and not much advantage to cover to add floor space.

Glenn

[barmcd]

This is an Alpine on RV trader. That hole looks pretty dangerous without the step cover on it. I don't know if this is just a poor design, but it looks like something you just have to walk around all the time.

[rollingslow]

Rexhall has rear engine gas on some years

[TonyMac]

Originally Posted by southernlady

Do the ones that have a mid entry door have a step cover for it? Or is it wide open all the time?

Our 06 Safari Cheetah has a motorized cover over the mid entry step well. Our boxer/burgler alarm sits on the cover and looks out the window as we drive.

[asuperheat]

My DP has a mid entry door mostly because it has a queen bed lift over the front. Basically the reason I bought it because I have kids and was not crazy about bunk houses.

Personally I do not full time and I spend a lot of time outside when using it so I don't like a slide under my awning. I like not having to walk through the entire coach to get to the refrigerator or bathroom. My seats are even in the front and swivel 180 for extra seating in the living area if needed so it becomes functional when set up.

I don't think I give up anything not having the front door except noise from the door while im traveling.

The overhead bed works great for the kids. They wake up hit a button and the bed lifts out of the way. The floor plan works great for me but every one has their preference, Mine is the mid entry because I would not give up the extra queen bed it is a great option and I don't think I loose anything with the door being mid coach

[Libero]

Have owned many RV's including DP's. Have seen DP's with a door in behind the Nav seat - pic of the Newmar is an example. Many times when I had the DP's I wished I had a door where I did not have to disturb my co-pilot when I had to leave the coach. I also prefer an entry that is close to the kitchen. Now that we have downsized, we not only have a midway door, we have the 2 front doors again. I find this to be a much better way to go. Well this is obviously a personal choice, but I did not really like only having 1 door and having to disturb the navigator everytime I wanted to leave the coach. Not likely to get another DP, but if I did, my preference would be for a door aft of the Navigator's seat.

[RodK]

Originally Posted by southernlady

Do the ones that have a mid entry door have a step cover for it? Or is it wide open all the time?.

I built one for my 1999 gasser. It was quite easy

[flaggship1]

The number of times "walk the length of the coach" is mentioned is surprising. We went with 38' but may need to move up to 45' so we can experience this grueling exercise. Would first need to get one of those wrist monitors to ensure we don't over do it. I've been wanting to get one of those!

[docj]

The only time I find the front entry issue a nuisance is when we're unloading groceries from the car to the MH. We try to not wear shoes inside the MH to minimize dirt concerns so I usually deposit the grocery bags in the front seats and on the floor near them so my wife can carry them back to the kitchen. That way I can keep my shoes on until I've unloaded all the bags from the car. A mid-entry would make it possible to deliver bags directly to the kitchen area. IMO it's not a real big deal.

[nothermark]

Originally Posted by flaggship1

The number of times "walk the length of the coach" is mentioned is surprising. We went with 38' but may need to move up to 45' so we can experience this grueling exercise. Would first need to get one of those wrist monitors to ensure we don't over do it. I've been wanting to get one of those!

Tain't funny McGee. I'm sitting here recovering from knee surgery. Between hip and knee problem walking has been a bad option for me for several years. Watching the other folks in the various places we have been I see signs that I have a lot of company.

FWIW when we are younger and healthy is it easy to make fun of folks who would benefit from getting out of their chair to get some exercise. As we age one of the issues is joint breakdown. As that happens the more we walk the more damage we incur. The surgery to help that has it's own limitations so putting it off for a while is a common choice.

[Luckiest Dreamer]

Originally Posted by nothermark

FWIW One of the reasons why I am not interested in a DP is that she refuses to sit over the steps. ;-) Yes, I know there are floor plans with other locations and good reasons to want them. I also see the point of a mid entry.

All current vehicles are built on multi use chassis. DP's are built on Bus chassis so they need the door up front so the driver can collect the fare.

Most steps have a sliding cover that dose not leave them open while sitting there. The cover puts a floor where she can keep her feet or stand at will.

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by nothermark

Tain't funny McGee. I'm sitting here recovering from knee surgery. Between hip and knee problem walking has been a bad option for me for several years. Watching the other folks in the various places we have been I see signs that I have a lot of company.

FWIW when we are younger and healthy is it easy to make fun of folks who would benefit from getting out of their chair to get some exercise. As we age one of the issues is joint breakdown. As that happens the more we walk the more damage we incur. The surgery to help that has it's own limitations so putting it off for a while is a common choice.

Lighten up nothermark! I am sure Steve's post was in jest and not a serious one to take to heart.

Besides there have been medical advances in devices available to people who have challenges with mobility to make it easier for them to get around so they can enjoy a good quality of life.

You may want to investigate some of them.

I also have bad knees and hips and at least one shoulder that needs replacement but I am determined to have the best quality of life by using some of these devices and medicines.

I remember seeing an episode on TV where a lady in a wheelchair was presented a modified RV that allowed her to easily get in and out and drive her RV.

Anything is possible!

Dr4Film ----- Richard