Class A gas on the road safety

[Unicorn Driver]

Hi all,

Have not found an answer for this online.

Are newer gas coaches safer on the road than 10+ plus year old coaches. Also any difference in safety between entry level and more expensive units.

Let's assume the 10 year old coach has new tires and recently serviced and have a backup camera.

Thanks,

[Rockwood27]

As far as I know, not much has changed in the safety aspect of gas MH in the last 10 years. The only only significant change is the Workhorse chassis was stopped being used around 2010. I have a 10 year MH on the WH chassis and feel very comfortable and safe driving it anywhere.

[nothermark]

FWIW I think the chassis design is at least 10+ years old. There have been some minor changes in the engine and transmission but not a lot more. I use the word minor in terms of specifications. I am sure transmission development is non trivial. ;-)

One of the games builders play is chassis choice for the same house. Ford has at least 3 different weight ratings and wheel base configurations. Cheap builders use a lighter chassis with a shorter wheel base for the same size box as the high end folks. The longer the wheel base the better the handling for identical houses. At least that is the theory. Ditto for heavier the chassis. Translate that to pick a floor plan and then compare weight rating and wheel base specs.

[twogypsies]

There are many motorhomes on the road that are over 10 years old. They are perfectly safe if maintained properly. Why would you think they were unsafe?

[Kiawah]

When I think 'safe', I immediately think of coming down a long 6% grade, and having to keep the coach under control = brakes and tires.

If I were buying a 10 year old car, the first thing I'd do is to inspect the running gear, and rebuild whatever I had any questions about. Ten year old hydraulic fluid and seals can be pretty nasty. It would be no different with a coach.

[macnut]

Here's a few Thoughts that come to mind for safety features: 1) New gas coaches on an F53 chassis have 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking systems. Older coaches may not. 2) Winnebago coaches have 3-point seat-belts that are anchored into a metal structure. 3) Backup and side cameras are also a safety feature that may not be on older RVs. 4) The tow/haul feature on the F53 chassis is a great safety feature for going down steep grades.
Hope this helps!

[hillman]

My 04 Winnebago has excellent disc brakes,the most important safety factor is the driver. The fords after 05 has the five speed transmission with tow haul,great for going down hills.One thing with older MH change brake fluid to prevent brake fade. Ounce the moisture in brake fluid boils the brakes are gone.

[Unicorn Driver]

Thanks all for the replies, I really appreciate it.

I have a 12 year old class A myself on a F53 20,500 chassis, it is 34foot 9 inches with a 216.5inch wheelbase.

I am helping my buddy purchase a coach (he is looking at c's), it's not that I think older rigs are not safe, I am just gathering information for the questions I know my buddy will ask, he is looking at new ones, but I want him to look at some used also to see what he can get for his money.

[Unicorn Driver]

My coach does not have tow/haul. We live in Michigan where it's not that hilly. We do plan to tour the US (we are from Europe) in 3 or so years for 6-weeks, we may look at newer gasser or even a diesel, but it will be something in the 30ft range.

[jaywolf]

Some of the newer coaches have airbags and will give you a discount on your insurance.

[kimbo]

no!

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by 1stMH

My coach does not have tow/haul. We live in Michigan where it's not that hilly. We do plan to tour the US (we are from Europe) in 3 or so years for 6-weeks, we may look at newer gasser or even a diesel, but it will be something in the 30ft range.

You don't NEED Tow/Haul to drive in mountains. You push " OD Off " and move the shift handle to 2nd, when lower gears are needed.

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by jaywolf

Some of the newer coaches have airbags and will give you a discount on your insurance.

Thanks Jaywolf, is it class A's that have airbags?

[Unicorn Driver]

Originally Posted by twinboat

You don't NEED Tow/Haul to drive in mountains. You push " OD Off " and move the shift handle to 2nd, when lower gears are needed.

That's great to know Twinboat. Would I go downhill in 2nd also?