Community Forums

Bubba55 · 04-24-2016, 11:46 AM

Hey there,
I am certainly a new member as I joined only yesterday, I was asking about gas or DP's and the general consensus' opinion. Several asked about my intentions and the usage I am planning so I thought I'd answer here. and maybe copy and paste directly to those who inquired.

My husband and I are retiring and plan on leaving our home and traveling for at least a year without coming back. Originally we thought, we'd buy a nice suburban and just hit the road but after a week in a condo in FL we were "jonesing" for our own space and our own stuff. That's when we started talking about maybe a "condo" on wheels and take our stuff with us.

We are looking for anywhere from 35 to 40 feet, and we found a beautiful one in Vegas but it's a gasser and we are concerned if we are going to tow our Ford Expedition that it wouldn't be powerful enough. We talked to some friends of friends and they suggested this site as everyone here is experienced and has no vested interest in what we decide to do.

So the search is on and any and all information is appreciated.

Thanks for listening,
Bubba

**Petro** · 04-24-2016, 12:42 PM

I believe you have found the friendliest site on the Internet. There is a wealth of information on here just by asking. I suggest you browse the forums that interest you and ask away. Our members like to help when they can.

My previous MH was a 2003 Chieftain on a Workhorse W22 Chassis. I pulled a Buick LeSabre all over the country with no problems Enjoy the forums.

Don

Bruce C · 04-24-2016, 04:32 PM

I doubt that you would have any problems, many have towed heavy toads without issues. Good luck on your choice.

beamisl · 04-24-2016, 04:49 PM

Bubba,

Welcome to the Forum! This really is a great place for information about anything RVing.

I have a gasser but only for a year and have not yet towed a toad with it. There seems to be a varied opinion of which is best. Those with gassers seem to like theirs, and those with a DP tend to like theirs. I would say test drive both and see what you think.

I have seen it posted here that if you intend to do a lot of mountain driving you will want a DP and they tend to do best when being driven a lot and going long distances. If your plan is to go to a CG and park for two to six months then perhaps a gasser is best.

A DP will cost 3 x's as much for oil changes and if you cannot do the repairs yourself, then the repairs are also more expensive.

Budget is another thing that factors in. If you have deep pockets, then a DP won't be out of your income bracket. IF you have a bit tighter budget, then a gasser will do just fine.

It really is a use, budget, personal thing. Decide what you are going to do with it and then what your budget is and go from there. Look at PPL Motorhomes out of Texas. They show floor plans for both gasser's and DP's.

Good Luck with your choice, this is a wonderful way to travel and live. Lynne

**TonyDi** · 04-24-2016, 06:09 PM

Hi Bubba

Glad you joined us.

If you're going to tow a Ford Expedition and are considering a gasser. Make sure the tow hitch is rated for it. The curb weight of an Expedition is around 5800 lbs and most gas rigs only have a 5000 lb hitch capacity.

The best way to compare gas/diesel is to drive both. Then you'll know which one is best for you..

Arch Hoagland · 04-24-2016, 06:24 PM

I'd suggest a diesel if you are going to pull an Expedition. I pull a 4,000lb car with a 8.1 gas engine and I wouldn't want to be pulling any more than that.

How do you know you can pull your Expedition 4 down? I looked on Remco's site and some need a pump for the transmission.

Here is their site...enter your information and see what it says:

Store : Remco

vsheetz · 04-24-2016, 07:06 PM

My response remains the same as in the original thread. It's not only a question of how powerful the engine is. What is the wet and loaded for travel weight of the Expedition? I think you will find it way over the safe limits of a gas coach. Also over the safe limits of DP units with ISB and 2500 transmission.

Chiefly1 · 04-24-2016, 07:25 PM

It sounds like you will be moving around a lot so I would suggest a DP for the improved ride, less road noise, engine brake, air brakes and towing capacity. If your parking for months at a time then it doesn't matter as much. We made the DP choice about 2 years ago and couldn't be happier.

Bill & Christine
40 ft Revolution LE Diesel Pusher & Honda Fit Sport
Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

Bubba55 · 04-25-2016, 09:57 AM

Thank you everyone for your input! You have really given us a lot to think about. The gassers are so much easier on the budget but my husband is not in a position to be doing maintenance himself, nor is he in a position to be messing too much with our tow car. It looks like we will be rethinking our tow car and checking out a few more coaches before we decide.
You have all really helped with your comments and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!