Strongly considering an RV sooner than we thought

[ie2special]

We've been actively looking for a future purchase and love the Entegra and the American Coach but we aren't ready to plunk that much coin down since it would only be a weekend or two a month.

We are back and forth and want to stay near 100K for this purchase. Admittedly we are snobby with fit and finish so we would like a lot of bang for our buck. Hubby is scared of used, I want more for my money and love used

Regardless there is a model that has peaked my interest. A FRED Bounder classic with Bunks.

What are the advantages of the diesel over the gas? I am familiar with DP and gassers but I don't know how to decide between these two options.

Any help appreciated, it is one of the decisions we are trying to make

[ie2special]

I have seen that there is a different chassis on the diesel and transmission.

Everything else is the same.

The diesel has less horsepower, but more torque AND that torque is available at only 1250 RPM versus 3000 some for the Gas.

[bobandshaz]

Front Engine Diesel (FRED) - Type A motorhomes - FMCA Motorhome Forums

RV Tech Library - The FRED Chassis

http://www.rvtechlibrary.com/chassis/fred.htmhttp://www.rvtechlibrary.com/chassis/fred.htm

Some info on FRED

[ie2special]

Reading them now

[abbottfamily]

We just purchased a 2015 Discovery 40G which is the bunkhouse model. The main reason we chose diesel over gas is simply longevity. A gasoline engine will last literally 1/3 of the life of a DP. Not to mention the power and towing capability, and Cummins makes one of the best diesel engines on the market. We have yet to take delivery of our coach so I cant yet speak of how the ride is. Good luck and as my brother said to me when we decided to move up from our fifth wheel to a DP....... ENJOY THE PROCESS!

[ie2special]

Being that this would be in the running against 75K price gas models I am really lost :(

I like the torque at low RPM. It will be a weekender and a a used a couple full weeks a year.

Mostly, to drive to Florida pulling a toad and going to nearby state/national parks.

[abbottfamily]

Have you all thought of a fifth wheel? That is what we did for the first couple of years. We had a Dutchman Voltage 43' pulled behind our F350. You get all of the benefits of a diesel and the comforts of a large rig, plus you have a truck to drive when you unhitch at the campground.

[Tha_Rooster]

It sounds in part you are tring to justify the expense,don't try. We are also weekend and vacation use MH owners first one used the last 2 new. My best advise is to test drive different chassis for power,ride and interior noise.

[ie2special]

Originally Posted by abbottfamily

Have you all thought of a fifth wheel? That is what we did for the first couple of years. We had a Dutchman Voltage 43' pulled behind our F350. You get all of the benefits of a diesel and the comforts of a large rig, plus you have a truck to drive when you unhitch at the campground.

We considered it but we don't want a large truck, as we live in a city.

[ie2special]

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

It sounds in part you are tring to justify the expense,don't try. We are also weekend and vacation use MH owners first one used the last 2 new. My best advise is to test drive different chassis for power,ride and interior noise.

We have come to the conclusion that it is not able to be justified.



We just do not want to overspend since we will be getting a fancier model in a few years.

[The General]

Originally Posted by ie2special

We have come to the conclusion that it is not able to be justified.



We just do not want to overspend since we will be getting a fancier model in a few years.

I can tell you from our 2008 Bounder 35E (36') Gasser with a 362 HP 30 valve V10 Ford engine, that it has an excellent tow gear which is very similar to the diesel brake. Power to spare going uphill in CA. with all the mountainous terrain and control going down in TOW gear with a car behind.
Buy a slightly used gasser, get used to driving a big rig and, in the future,
purchase a diesel as we are ready to do.

[ie2special]

Thanks so much so far. Frankly I want an Entegra, and hubby LOVES their front seats. He wants those seats bad! I found them in a Jayco Seneca (class Cplus) but I've not been able to discern the best gas models as far as build quality. I assume Newmar and Tiffin are the top...thoughts?

[Clayobx]

Buy a DP! Not that a gas coach is unsuitable. Your looking new or used? My pecking order excluding Newell, Prevost and Foretravel. Newmar, AC, Entegra, all very close depending on model. This order is new, high end. If looking used, CC, Travel Supreme, would also be a fine high end choice. JMHO.

[Craig N Deb]

I have to agree with Clay!

Diesel Pusher all the way!!!
I have a large storage facility and watched my customer trade every year or every other year and to be honest....I watched them all through many thousands of dollars away trading up! All they end up doing is wasting their money.
Also, Being from the automotive industry for over 30 years.....try to buy late model, low mileage, low use, great condition Used Coaches! You always get more for your money and someone else already went through the break-in period where we all know there are always alot of issues that turn into punch lists of issues to be resolved!
There are thousands of used coaches that got very little use for one reason or another and you win! Let them take the depreciation and the hassles not to mention crazy taxes they paid for new!!!
A wise man once said..... "Buy your last coach first!!"

Look hard enough and you will find your dream coach like we did!!
Good Luck!
Craig