Community Forums

TCayer · 07-15-2007, 05:10 AM

I'm new to the diesel scene- Could someone tell me what the optional Heat Pumps do? How about the optional Energy Management System?

Obviously they are options, so not required. Your patience with my dumb questions is appreciated...

TCayer · 07-15-2007, 05:10 AM

I'm new to the diesel scene- Could someone tell me what the optional Heat Pumps do? How about the optional Energy Management System?

Obviously they are options, so not required. Your patience with my dumb questions is appreciated...

TXiceman · 07-15-2007, 07:07 AM

The heat pump is a reverse cycle air conditioner to put some heat into the coach during cool weather. These put out a warn air...not hot as a furnace and can only operate down to 35 or 40 df at which time they shut down and bring on the auxiliary heat such as electric strip heaters or the propane furnace.

The energy management system is a nice thing to have. It will start shedding some of the electrical users in the coach if you have a limited power input. Say you are running both A/C units and want to run the microwave now. It will shed one A/C unit while the MW runs. When the MW shuts down, it will allow the MW to run. Same thing for a washer-dryer if you have one. It primarily operates if you have a 50 amp coach and trying to run on 30 amps or even 20 amps.

Ken

TCayer · 07-15-2007, 09:33 AM

Thanks for a quick answer. I'll probably skip the heat pumps and go for the energy management...

The Woodieboys · 07-15-2007, 05:55 PM

Curious as to which Tuscany model you are looking at.

We've got a 4055 and love it...

TCayer · 07-18-2007, 03:55 AM

Sean- since I e-mailed you about your MH, I went to a local dealer who had a 4055. I was very impressed, but since I saw the 4076, I'm leaning towards that floorplan. It's not as nice as the "zoned living" design, but may suit us better on the road. I'm still unsure if I'll spring for the diesel over the gas at this point. The advantages are many, but I'm nervous about spending that much on a vehicle. (I paid less than that for my HOUSE!)

ear-doc2 · 07-18-2007, 05:02 AM

Diesel vs gas?
This debate is a frequent one. I had never had any type of RV before I bought my 05 V-10 gasser and at first I had a lot of remorse wishing I had got a diesel but then I took a 7700 mile trip through the west and the coach performed well, rough roads, mountains and all. I then determined that the majority of the time when you are in the coach you are sitting still and there is no difference between gas and diesel when your parked. A diesel will probably last 3-4 hundred thousand miles but most motor homes have low mileage because they are not driven that much. Having said all that I would rather have a diesel but the price difference has not beem justified to me.

lionel_046 · 07-18-2007, 05:12 AM

I agree with ear-doc 2. We bought a used 03 Intruder. W22 with an 8.1 Vortec. We drove from Ohio to Arizona last winter - spent 8 weeks and 4500 miles. The w22 is really quiet and can keep up with most everything on the road. And once you're parked the coach is the same. I too, would probably like a diesel but the $$ just aren't there. My 2 cents worth.

Harry

jdtimi · 07-19-2007, 06:59 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TCayer:
Sean- since I e-mailed you about your MH, I went to a local dealer who had a 4055. I was very impressed, but since I saw the 4076, I'm leaning towards that floorplan. It's not as </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I used to really lust after the 4076... but we sat in an '08 4072 last weekend and OMG. The quad floorplan is mostly the same as the 4076 up front, which I love, but the extra slide in back really makes the bathroom/bedroom much more accessible. That was the only thing I didn't like about the 4076. If you haven't seen the 4072, check it out. I'm converted! Now if I could just save my pennies faster for that down payment ;^)

The Woodieboys · 07-19-2007, 05:26 PM

We had a gas before the diesel and the difference is night and day. Once oyu take a long trip in the diesel and experience the ride difference you'll be hooked.

Also, I have a 6500 Avalanche I just bought so we had to have the diesel to pull it.

But ultimately it comes down to your floor plan. We fell in love with the 4055 and it was over. Just like real estate is location, location, location a motor home is floor plan, floor plan, floor plan...

TCayer · 08-06-2007, 07:58 PM

We just went to the dealer yesterday and test drove a Tuscany 4055 (all they had in stock) and a Challenger 377 with the Ford Chassis (I'd probably spring for the Workhorse). The diesel was a dream to drive! You'd never know you were driving a 40 ft bus! I loved the jake brake, the side cameras, it was all good! The family wasn't crazy about the layout in the 4055 with the slides closed. Also- my son went in the bedroom while we were moving and said it was kind of loud.

Then we got in the 377- that rode really nice too! I liked driving the diesel better, but there wasn't much engine noise, and the ride was great! The one thing that bugged me was the handle for the window blinds banging while under way. I'd have to remedy that in a hurry. My wife and kids LOVED riding in the 377! When we were done they all told me they want that one over the 4055. I told them they have to wait and see the 4076 before making any decisions. Whichever one we go with is going to make us happy!