Community Forums

retmotor · 05-25-2012, 05:16 PM

For me it's mostly to do with a low back problem I have, but from the coach I find getting into the driver's seat anywhere from a bit aggravating to downright painful. Some makes and models are significantly worse than others. I'm curious, am I alone in this or have others had similar experiences?

(I posted this in the "General" section rather than the "Class A" section hoping to hear from other than just class A owners.)

4Knights · 05-25-2012, 07:45 PM

We've had three MH's over the last 20 years and I have to say I dislike the dog house but have yet to find one we want that didn't have it. We've always had a drivers side door so thats how I get in and out. If we ever decide to spend more money on a DP then I'm sure we won't buy one with a dog house as the engine will be in the back!

Norm Mac · 05-25-2012, 07:47 PM

The doghouse was a deal breaker for my wife and it certainly affected my thinking as well.

We really liked a lot of things about several new gas models but in the end we bought a used (2007) diesel pusher instead.

The DP's generally have better components and a better build quality, everything is heavier duty and hopefully will last longer

The downside is we have a 5 year old coach and it still cost a little more than a Brand New gasser would.

In this whole class A gas versus diesel debate, I am still on the fence. Ask me again in 3 to 5 years.

NOTE: The thing I like most about gas units is the mid-side door. I am really not a fan of the DP front passenger door.

Dunner · 05-25-2012, 07:56 PM

I don't like it when I'm working on my Breeze and getting in and out of the seat to test something, but for normal driving, it is a non-issue. Mine, along with many others, has a accessory tray on top of it.

4Knights · 05-25-2012, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

I don't like it when I'm working on my Breeze and getting in and out of the seat to test something, but for normal driving, it is a non-issue. Mine, along with many others, has a accessory tray on top of it.

That accessory tray is what really bugs me, it's great while driving but a PIA when working on the motor. It doesn't allow the hood to hinge all the way open.

Windy City · 05-25-2012, 08:06 PM

I have a Tiffen 2012 34 TGA built on a 24,000# chassis and in my opinion the "doghouse" is non existent.

Dunner · 05-25-2012, 08:09 PM

My DH is secured with 4 - 1/4" bolts. The accessory tray makes a great hand hold to pull it back and off.

Dogpatch · 05-25-2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Windy City

I have a Tiffen 2012 34 TGA built on a 24,000# chassis and in my opinion the "doghouse" is non existent.

It's really fairly small on the W22 chassis as well. Now the F53(Ford)....that was big.

TXiceman · 05-25-2012, 08:19 PM

If the front seats pivot, turn them to aid in getting in and out.

We had a 1989 Pace Arrow and while it had a driver side door, we never had an issue with the engine cover. The 1999 class C was more of a problem.

Ken

Alan_Hepburn · 05-25-2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpatch

It's really fairly small on the W22 chassis as well. Now the F53(Ford)....that was big.

Yup - our 2007 Bounder has a doghouse that's maybe 2" off the floor (I've never measured it, but it's pretty close to non-existent. That's one thing that Workhorse did a lot better than Ford - too bad it's no longer available!

Midniteoyl · 05-25-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Knights

That accessory tray is what really bugs me, it's great while driving but a PIA when working on the motor. It doesn't allow the hood to hinge all the way open.

Mine comes off..

TGR · 05-26-2012, 09:22 PM

I have a 2011 F-53, and I don't see this as that big of an issue. I guess there are positive and negatives with every RV. Select your floor plan, pay your money, and hopefully enjoy your RV for a long time.

demoon · 05-26-2012, 09:47 PM

Lots easier than getting to the living area in a class c, but I did like me front doors.

retmotor · 05-26-2012, 10:51 PM

^

See, that's what I used to think but I have almost no trouble getting into and out of the driver's seat from the coach area in all the class C's that I've looked at. Plop and spin. Of course I'm not a big guy -- that might make a difference. Although getting in and out of the passenger seat isn't a lot of fun. The doghouses really seem to encroach on the passenger's foot room. It doesn't bother my wife but then she'll stack five bags, 27 books and all her quilting stuff in the space of the passenger floorboard in the Jeep and it doesn't bother her a bit -- drives me nuts.