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Roadfreedom · 05-16-2015, 05:53 PM

We are looking at a 2002 HR Vacationer, Model 36PDB with 2 slides. It is on the Workhorse Chassis with a
8.1L with a 5 speed Allison.
Anyone with any information on this combination would be helpful. Thanks

Bfmorgan · 05-16-2015, 06:36 PM

I have a 2007 Monaco LaPalma with the 8.1 and Allison transmission. It is a good combination. Lots of power and so far very dependable.

Brad and Bonnie Morgan
2007 Monaco LaPalma
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DancinCampers · 05-17-2015, 10:06 AM

We put 80k on our 03 Adventurer with no chassis issues after warranty period.

markmiiler · 05-17-2015, 10:14 AM

We had an 2007 38' gulfstream with this set up and had no issues. I did add air bags to the rear to stabilize the rear end and side sway. The motor I put a tuner in it and a K&N air filter and was able to squeeze 7.5 mpg. I did put 40,000 miles on it before trading to pusher. Plenty of power even pulling 20 foot trailer with Toyota and gulf cart.
Hills will take a toll on forward motion.

Skip426 · 05-17-2015, 10:30 AM

Check the manufacturers weight sticker, usually in the back of a cupboard or closet . Look for the CCC, figure ( Cargo Carrying Capacity )
For a coach of that length , you will want to see a CCC # of 2,000 lbs. or more; or you won't be able to take much with you.
B-in-L, had a 2005 , 35' Tiffin on the W-22 ( Workhorse chassis , with a 22,000 lb. GVW ) that had a CCC of only 1,400 lbs. for passengers and cargo , and always struggled to keep the weight within axle limits.
He found out that, the coach handled very poorly , when he loaded the front axle to the max FAWR , which was easy to do on his with a full tank of fuel. 75 gal. fuel tank , isn't much use if you can't fill it without over loading the coach.
Weight sticker looks like this, photo.

EDIT: Thanks mfire1339, Correction !! B-in-L's problem was the rear ( RAWR) he had to chose between , carrying water and filling the fuel tank, but when he tried shifting cargo forward to lighten the rear, he ran over weight on the front axle.
Sorry , been dealing with pushers for too long.

mfire1339 · 05-17-2015, 10:40 AM

The fuel tank is in the REAR!

Mike

Skip426 · 05-17-2015, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfire1339

The fuel tank is in the REAR!
Mike

And you are correct sir,

I've edited my post , his problem, was front and rear , not enough capacity to carry all the basics.

mfire1339 · 05-17-2015, 11:09 AM

Just playin

Mike

Skip426 · 05-17-2015, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfire1339

Just playin

Mike

Rightly so; but correcting a mistake , like I have made this AM, is important .

edgray · 05-17-2015, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadfreedom

We are looking at a 2002 HR Vacationer, Model 36PDB with 2 slides. It is on the Workhorse Chassis with a
8.1L with a 5 speed Allison.
Anyone with any information on this combination would be helpful. Thanks

Assuming the chassis vin has a "6" in the sixth position, you will want to verify that the Bosch Brake Recall campaign was completed before buying it. Other than that, the combo of the 8.1L and Allison is great. IMO, you can expect 7 MPG, or slightly better at 60-65 MPH.

DD788Snipe · 05-18-2015, 12:19 AM

I had a W-20 on a 2005 Winnebago Voyage for 10 years. Put 42,000 miles on it before selling and buying a DP. Great coach and chassis. I love the Allison/GM big block combo. Lots of quiet dependable power for a gas rig. Check to see if all the recalls have been completed. It's only problem was it had the "tail wags the dog" issue. That can be solved by installing a trac bar on the rear axle and I installed a Safe "T" Plus steering stabilizer on the the front. Made a world of difference in handling. Fuel mileage is 7 to 7.5 MPG. Came with Bilstein shocks. Ride was a little stiff but not bad. If I would have kept it I would have put Koni shocks and SumoSprings all around. I use to camp with a couple of guys that had Ford F53 chassis with a V10 and I could run off and leave them climbing grades and my coach didn't break a sweat. Too bad they don't make them anymore. You can't go wrong with the the chassis. Happy Motorhoming.

TexasTom · 05-19-2015, 08:43 AM

Have the 2005 chassis with that combination and so far we have been satisfied with it. I get 8mpg when not going in to a good head wind. And it will get you up the mountains, you just have to be patient.

Arch Hoagland · 05-19-2015, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasTom

Have the 2005 chassis with that combination and so far we have been satisfied with it. I get 8mpg when not going in to a good head wind. And it will get you up the mountains, you just have to be patient.

Do you pull a toad?

I get 7.1 with toad and 8.1 without a toad so I'm curious.