Newbie Question on Class A Type and Fuel

[JuJubee68]

I'm not sure if this is correct forum for my questions but here goes. We are a few months away from starting our adventure and have figured out we want a Class A MH preferably diesel pusher and about 38 to 40 ft as we will full-time. There is such a range of makes, models etc that it is confusing. I've been told the top two are Tiffin and Newmar but don't know if this fits our budget. Is it better to go with one of those two even if we have to buy very used (like 2000) or a newer one of a different make? Fuel costs are another concern for us. Looks like it takes a lot of fuel for these things. I know we won't be travelling long distances each month but is there any rhyme or reason as to budgeting for fuel consumption overall? Any weigh-ins from you full-timers who have experience under your belt would be helpful. It's beginning to be mind boggling just trying to figure it out to get started! Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I would much rather have a higher-end older coach than a lower quality new coach. That way hopefully the previous owners have taken care of most of the problems and I don't take the huge depreciation hit when driving off the dealer lot! JMHO


Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Winterbagoal]

There's an old saying that goes,"if you have to ask about the price, you probably can't afford it". The same, or similar, can be said about fuel economy.
In this case, I agree with MSHappyCampers about age and depreciation versus newer build quality and price. It can go both ways, but an older coach that's seen good care is probably a better option, if money is an issue. How you determine the care level of an older coach, then becomes the issue.
You don't necessarily need a large diesel coach to full time, either. Lot's of people do it in all shapes and sizes of motorhomes.
Not intended to discourage, just food for thought.
Good luck with it.

[Cousin Ed]

If you are not planning to drive much you might want to consider a higher end gas motor home. Once you turn that key off the diesel advantage ends!

[scbwr]

You can find tons of info in forums, youtube videos etc. re diesel pusher versus gas motorhome. If we were going to be full timers, I'd want to have a diesel pusher and would buy an older upper end model. Based on our experience thus far with our Newmar, I'd certainly be looking for Newmar, Tiffen or other top end model. Another option is to consider full timing with a fifth wheel trailer and a diesel pick-up. As long as you don't mind the truck being your full time vehicle, I think it can be a very attractive option and suggest that you at least consider it and look at all your options.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Cousin Ed

If you are not planning to drive much you might want to consider a higher end gas motor home. Once you turn that key off the diesel advantage ends!

True... unless there is a diesel fired AquaHot/Oasis heat/continuous hot water system involved or..you need more weight/towing/storage/water tank capacities than a gasser light weight chassis coach can provide...

[Tha_Rooster]

Fuel cost should be concern, say roughly a 300 mile each way trip at 6mpg equals 100 gallons depending on where you live that’s over $300.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Fuel cost should be concern, say roughly a 300 mile each way trip at 6mpg equals 100 gallons depending on where you live that’s over $300.

NOTE !!!!
That is for the "round trip" and would be more or less the same for gas or diesel..Don't get "fixated" on fuel mileage.. the more you travel, the more fuel you will use.. No Matter What your RV is... & GO Burn a marshmallow & Weenies....HAVE FUN...Don't Sweat the small stuff..

[NC25T]

To me the floor plan is more important then the manufacturer of the coach. I am also looking for a used DP & for my price, the floor plans I seem to prefer the most are from Fleetwood (Revolution, Revolution LE, American coach Eagle/Traditiom)

If I had the money for new or I guess newER, I would considered a Newmar coach. Took a 2017 40.. for a spin two weeks ago and really liked it, it was $100k more then I can afford, then drove a 2013 Fleetwood discovery.

Yes there are some that are known to be better then others however I would bet most of those statement are in regards to newer RV’s?

For some of us yes fuel is a concern, seems like DP’s can get 6-12+ MPG while gas class A is usually 6-8 mpg. Speed plays a huge role in fuel economy especially with a gas coach. My gas A (38ft) would get 6-8 mpg depending on speed. 55-60 mph with a tail wind and I could do 8 mpg. Headwind and/or traveling 70 mph I would go below 6 mpg.

X in-laws would get 8-9 mpg in their 40ft discovery. Some state 42+ ft DP’s can get under 7 mpg while sub 40ft can get 9+

[funmoneypit]

I guess if you are truly concerned with fuel cost, budget an amount per month. That makes it really easy to know how far you can travel each month.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I would much rather have a higher-end older coach than a lower quality new coach. That way hopefully the previous owners have taken care of most of the problems and I don't take the huge depreciation hit when driving off the dealer lot! JMHO


Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[docj]

This summer we took a >6,000 mile/65 day vacation. We traveled "in spurts" and then stayed at several locations for a couple of weeks each. That broke the large diesel expenditures into segments that could be managed within our budget. While at each of our several "destinations" we did lots of day trips with our toad, but those used little fuel by comparison with moving the MH.

All in all at ~8 mpg the trip consumed ~$2500 of diesel fuel, but that was only one aspect of the total cost and was spread over 2 months.

[richardgood]

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

Fuel cost should be concern, say roughly a 300 mile each way trip at 6mpg equals 100 gallons depending on where you live that’s over $300.

I have a 98 Beaver 38' diesel pusher. I average 10mpg not towing and 9.8 mpg with the toad. Getting somewhere might chew up some fuel, but out West for instance, 100 miles gets you a whole new scenery and a whole new set of places and things to see and do, so you wont necessarily be doing a lot of mileage.

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

....I would much rather have a higher-end older coach than a lower quality new coach. That way hopefully the previous owners have taken care of most of the problems and I don't take the huge depreciation hit when driving off the dealer lot! JMHO...

Me too.