I realize this is an older thread. But, after another year has gone by, wanted to see if some of the original posters would provide and update.
And an observation from 'Three RV's of Ownership' - as well as driven many, many other RV's as I helped others either buy, and or relocate a coach. I wanted to share one observation when comparing 'Four corner LS' to a 'Stock DP with Air'.
Stock DP's with air, as mentioned in this thread (And other posts about LS.) - are a 'Set' amount of 'Air Chassis'. Set amount? Well, DP's have both varying quantity of air bags, as well as volume of air in those systems. They also usually have 'conventional' shocks. These Air DP's will have different levels of both 'handling/poise', as well as 'comfort'. Tyically higher up the food chain you go - the better both handling/poise and comfort are.
Stay on DP's with Air. Very few come OEM with 'Active Air'. And HWH, which were doing Active Air Modifications for several years. Had to stop doing so, during Covid. (I believe they will still do so for a few Manufacturer's as an Option during purchase(?). But very low volume. (And, I also believe a few other companies provide Active Air assistance options, again to a low volume of coaches being sold.
Contrast that to LS's Four Corner 'Active' installs...And you can see why many feel the $20K is a bargain in the overall costs of RV'ing, to reach both improved 'Handling' (To me, a safety edge!), and also improvement in 'Comfort'.
Lots of factors. And a $500-$1M+ DP, even with out some form of Active Air - will typically yield a comfortable and secure ride. (Probably much quiter too, vs front engine Gas Class A's 'Engine Sound'. Toss in better insualtion, and floor dampening, and that also adds to the reason Mid to High End DP's, still have an 'overall edge' of owner's satrisfaction.
THAT BEING SAID. For way below the price of a Mid Level DP... A higher end Gas Class A, with LS's Four Corner Active Handling, IMO - really does provide quite a bit of value, and safety, to Class A Gas Ownership.
We went from a 98 T28 Bounder, with a 99 F53 first year 2 valve V10 18K Chassis (With all that Super Steer, and Koni, and other's suppliers could provide from a 'Handling and Comfort' perspective.), to an 04 Country Coach 04 Allure, with Road King Shocks, Source Engineering Comfort Control (Check) Air Valves. And then to an 07 Magna 45' with Road Kings, Source Engineering Comfort Control Valves. And when we both the Magna, we had budgeted to add HWH Active Air, but Covid knocked that out of our upgrade path.
Each owner prioritizes what is important to them. After having 3 close calls in our early years, followed by a few more opportunities to 'pucker up' in our later coaches... We always prioritized the combination of good handling, reserve power, and solid braking capability - in the purchase path and upgrades of suspension to our coaches.
To me. LS's Four Corner Active System, provides these upgrade paths that will in many ways surpass many of the entry to Mid, even high end, DP's - that DO NOT have Active Air. And at a fraction of the overall costs of ownership. (And yes. Mid to Higher end DP's, bring much more to the overall RV'ing experience then Handling and Safety... But, again to us - we give those Handling and Safety - BONUS POINTS, as well - they can save a life.
Rambling's off
! (My nature!)...
Best to all,
Smitty
(Currently on a 'pause' from RV'ing...)