Community Forums

RWDJR. · 10-30-2018, 11:03 AM

As open as this will be, I am looking for your opinions and your experience. Currently, I own a Jayco 31 and looking to upgrade. Keeping manufactures out of this and looking at the different chassis setups that are available. Like what can I expect going from what I have to a 38' F-53? Is the 6.7 cummins torque (700ftlbs) in a 38' plus RV enough or will I be disappointed and just move up to the 8.9L ? Any other differences and opinions would be appreciated.

jackreno · 10-30-2018, 12:47 PM

38 foot on the Ford chassis might be a little under powered if you plan on towing, it also depends on the weight and year of that F-53. stay 06 or newer when shopping for a used gas motorhome on the F-53 chassis.

As to a diesel motorhome you will have the torque but it will be at a high cost and repairs/maintenance will be higher.

My 2 cents on a gas motorhomes is to stay under 38 foot, they have some good floor plans in the 36 foot range.

paddler1954 · 10-30-2018, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWDJR.

As open as this will be, I am looking for your opinions and your experience. Currently, I own a Jayco 31 and looking to upgrade. Keeping manufactures out of this and looking at the different chassis setups that are available. Like what can I expect going from what I have to a 38' F-53? Is the 6.7 cummins torque (700ftlbs) in a 38' plus RV enough or will I be disappointed and just move up to the 8.9L ? Any other differences and opinions would be appreciated.

Our previous coach had the 6.7L Cummins in a 36 ft package. It had about the same performance as a 36 ft gasser weighing 10000 lbs less with the added benefit of 8.5 mpg vs 6.5 mpg for the gasser. The downside, yes maintenance and fuel cost more. Our current coach has the 8.9L Cummins...what a joy to drive. Good acceleration and it really flattens hills. The downside over the 6.7L, slightly less fuel economy. Happy shopping!

marjoa · 10-30-2018, 01:11 PM

IMO, to big of an open ended question or is this just an engine vs engine question? It seems to me you're looking for more info than that? Maybe I'm wrong.

You have a F53 now, so what exactly is it that you want to upgrade? Just looking for a bigger engine if so why, towing capacity, CCC - carry more stuff on board, boon docking ability, larger tanks, more inside living space.....?

If I'm on the right track, could you give a brief description of how your current rig is not meeting your needs (falling short) and then list the needs/upgrades your seeking to fill, that will allow us to cut to the chase and get the answers/opinions that will be meaningful.

AITG · 10-30-2018, 01:56 PM

Good luck with this one. You will get a lot of opinions but it's like asking"should I buy size eleven shoes?" If the gas engine fits your needs you'll save money. If you want to be the first one to the top of the hill, buy diesel.

MSHappyCampers · 10-30-2018, 02:29 PM

Hi !

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

I can't advise you on that but noticed that you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Americanrascal · 10-30-2018, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWDJR.

... Currently, I own a Jayco 31 and looking to upgrade. Keeping manufactures out of this and looking at the different chassis setups that are available. Like what can I expect going from what I have to a 38' F-53? Any other differences and opinions would be appreciated.

Not real sure I am on your point of questioning but will give it a shot. We went from a 31 foot Itasca (2014) to an Adventurer 38Q (2016) Both used the V-10 F53. The 2014 was on 19.5" wheels with a light chassis as compared to the 22.5 inch on the 2016 and the largest F53 chassis.

We've run coast to coast , Gulf to Canadian border multiple trips and to Alaska. Both rigs were more than adequately powered for crossing the Rockies and Appalachians and running to Alaska with a toad on the back. Never had a bit of problem. The 38Q rides better with the larger wheel and longer wheel base. A hair better gas mileage (maybe .3 mpg) on the 2014 31 footer. The 2016 with the new tranny shifts and is powered so much better and rides much quieter. Simply put the 38 footer with the F53 gets the job done very well for us.

I considered going to a DP but after looking I am so happy I went the way I did. Regardless I don't think you'll make a wrong decision whichever way you go on power/chassis. Enjoy having all that extra room!!

Domo · 10-30-2018, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWDJR.

As open as this will be, I am looking for your opinions and your experience. Currently, I own a Jayco 31 and looking to upgrade. Keeping manufactures out of this and looking at the different chassis setups that are available. Like what can I expect going from what I have to a 38' F-53? Is the 6.7 cummins torque (700ftlbs) in a 38' plus RV enough or will I be disappointed and just move up to the 8.9L ? Any other differences and opinions would be appreciated.

You are not buying a racing car.
You will go up steep hills in the right hand lane with your flashers on following all the other trucks.
You will drive at the rig's sweet spot (probably 62 to 65) so you can acheive your best mileage.
You will enjoy the scenery and the trip - and realized the destination will be there when you show up a little later.

Personally, I think floorplan has to be your primary concern. Secondary, for me was diesel pusher to get the noise out of the front. The rest follows along.

ThePowells · 10-31-2018, 01:26 AM

Welcome to the forum!

RWDJR. · 10-31-2018, 01:30 PM

TY for the welcomes and the responses. I guess its time for some test rides.

Ernie. · 10-31-2018, 04:13 PM

You MIGHT be making good time a decent grade passing the semis. And then it happens.
A car will swing out from the right lane going two miles an hour faster than the truck. Now you are going the same speed as the truck. You have lost your momentum and unless you have a 650 horse engine pushing you all you can do is swing into the right lane with all the other trucks. Has happened more times than I care to remember...

Mr_D · 10-31-2018, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie.

You MIGHT be making good time a decent grade passing the semis. And then it happens.
A car will swing out from the right lane going two miles an hour faster than the truck. Now you are going the same speed as the truck. You have lost your momentum and unless you have a 650 horse engine pushing you all you can do is swing into the right lane with all the other trucks. Has happened more times than I care to remember...

Yep, I love my 650 hp/1950 lbs ft torque in the hills.

**NLOVNIT** · 10-31-2018, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Domo

You are not buying a racing car.
You will go up steep hills in the right hand lane with your flashers on following all the other trucks.
You will drive at the rig's sweet spot (probably 62 to 65) so you can acheive your best mileage.
You will enjoy the scenery and the trip - and realized the destination will be there when you show up a little later.

Personally, I think floorplan has to be your primary concern. Secondary, for me was diesel pusher to get the noise out of the front. The rest follows along.

This is my philosophy. Never understood the need to beat every vehicle on the road up a hill. When I drive, I'm in that "sweet spot" getting passed like I'm standing still. But I always get where I'm going.

I'm spending WAY more time inside the coach than I am driving up hills or accelerating on an on ramp. Floorplan & livability is #1 on my list of things to look for when RV shopping.

However, if you're really concerned about not having enough "oomph" when you want it, then go for the larger engine. That's something you have to decide.

Lori-

GEM1N1 · 10-31-2018, 08:24 PM

I am going to a diesel pusher for 3 reasons.

1) air ride. I hated the ride and handling of my gasser even after doing every suspension upgrade available.

2) weight. I got pushed all over the road in my gasser when a truck would pass or a decent cross wind.

3) power. I took a trip in the hills and hated having to carry such high revs to make it to the top at a snails pace.