Have you Downgraded to a Class A Gasser?

[Hoof-hearted]

Has anyone downgraded from a DP to a gasser? I have a '99 discovery and like how stable it is, specially through mountains. The Exhaust brake is priceless (even just in traffic). I like what I see for layout and such in the newer V-10 models and such, most have the same specs as my old 275HP pusher. Has anyone made that switch and been happy with it, mechanically / drivability? There are aspects of it I know I would miss, but Gasser's are sooo much cheaper to buy. Not sure if I'd be happy.

Jim

[d23haynes57]

Gassers are both cheaper to buy and maintain. You not only have to look at the chassis-driving part but also some of the equipment. Generator, battery capacity, heat, AC, etc. All a part of it. Having an older lower end Diesel pusher the differences may not be as bad. The newer gassers will out accelerate what you have and until you reach altitudes that derate the gas engine you may be surprised how well they can move and take hills. You just have get used to some noise and heat up front and hearing the engine work above 4,000 rpm.

[Galvanizd]

Yes. 2003 Monaco Diplomat diesel to a 2016 Tiffin Open road gasser. Decision was based upon mode of travel. During the 13 years with Monaco, we traveled long distances. Alaska, east coast Mexico. Now travel has changed. Longer stays, shorter travel distances. Diesel worked back then. Gasser works for us now. Gasser has a good ride. It won't ride as good as my diesel but thats ok. But thats just me.

[TechWriter]

Yes. 2001 41' Newmar Mountain Aire to a 2001 31' National RV SeaView. We can fit in more spaces now, cheaper, and ride is very good.

[NXR]

Originally Posted by Hoof-hearted

Has anyone downgraded from a DP to a gasser? I have a '99 discovery and like how stable it is, specially through mountains. The Exhaust brake is priceless (even just in traffic). I like what I see for layout and such in the newer V-10 models and such, most have the same specs as my old 275HP pusher.

The newest V10 will be on the 2019 F53 chassis. The "Godzilla" V8 was introduced with the 2020 F53 chassis. We have a 38' on the 2019 V10 chassis but have never owned a DP.

Major pain point is refueling. You need to shoehorn yourself into regular gas stations. Some down south are easy-peasy because those areas are used to fueling up boats and trailers. Up north, not so much.

You really need to list the year, make, and model of what you're looking at. There are several F53 chassis weight versions with varying capabilities. There also are three V10 versions: the 2-valve and 4-speed used until 2006, the 3-valve and 5-speed used from 2006 until 2016, and the 3-valve and 6-speed used through 2019.

The 5-speed and 6-speed have a "Tow/Haul Mode" that works like an engine brake and we have it engaged 100% of the time. It holds the transmission in lower gears longer for better acceleration and does downshifts to help hold your speed on the downhills. We find it quite effective.

So if you can give an example of exactly what you're looking at it will help people give you focused answers.

Some models are known to have specific limitations that may impact your choice. For example, I've seen an OCCC on Class A's between just under 900 lbs to over 4,000 lbs. One manufacturer loves to install 8,000 lb rated hitches on Class A's that could never tow 8,000 lbs even if they were empty and being pulled by a tow truck.

Etc.

As usual, the correct answer is "It depends."

Ray

[NCC-1701A]

Back in early 2009 we went from a 40' Winnie Journey to a 32' Newmar Baystar. We used the Baystar 8 years. As side note, we had a 34' Bounder before the Winnie. Downside of the gassers was ride and handling of the Ford Chassis and engine noise and heat. Also tow capacity. Upsides were less normal maintenance cost, lower insurance, size allowed us in almost anywhere. We went back to a DP after the Baystar and have stayed with DPs currently in a Newmar New Aire 36'. We love the ride of DPs, the quietness on the road, and the ability to easily tow our Silverado 1500 4 door 4WD.

[DarkSideJeep]

Originally Posted by Hoof-hearted

Has anyone downgraded from a DP to a gasser? I have a '99 discovery and like how stable it is, specially through mountains. The Exhaust brake is priceless (even just in traffic). I like what I see for layout and such in the newer V-10 models and such, most have the same specs as my old 275HP pusher. Has anyone made that switch and been happy with it, mechanically / drivability? There are aspects of it I know I would miss, but Gasser's are sooo much cheaper to buy. Not sure if I'd be happy.

Jim

I actually went the other way. From a 31' 2018 Thor ACE F53 V10 to a 45' 2022 Entegra Aspire DP. The thing you need to compare is the torque. The Aspire weighs in at more than twice the weight of the ACE and has only 75hp than the ACE but has 3 times the torque. With the 18,000# ACE towing a 5000# Jeep I would lose ground to trucks going uphill. With the 42,000# Aspire, I can often pass trucks going uphill towing the same 5000# Jeep. If you plan to make long trips, I would steer clear of anything on an F53 chassis. There is no comparison for the handling between the F53 on the ACE and the Spartan K2 chassis. To put it simply I got tired of the unplanned lane changes caused by crosswinds. An F53 Chassis motorhome would be fine for relatively short trips but if you plan on cross country trips. A Diesel Pusher will by much easier on the drivers.

[Dodge Guy]

If you buy one with or have the Liquid Springs installed it will handle just as good if not better than your current DP’er.

[Jabber Jaw]

Can't find the post, but someone that had "DP's" for may years, switched to a new "gas" coach. Maybe you could search for it.
However, here's the gist of it. He bought a Newmar, believe it was a '22 or '23 Baystar, and added "Liquid Spring" suspension. His claim was that it the ride/drive/comfort/hsndling was equal to or better than his "DP", which had a solid front axle, just like the Ford F-53 chassis!
He liked it just as much as the older "DP"!
Hope this story may help you.

Me, I ordered a 2020 Newmar Canyon Star "3710", 38', bath & 1/2, loads of storage inside & out. Has over 4,000# OCC. Installed "Liquid Spring" suspension, and the ride/drive/handling is like driving a big "SUV"!
If you want the best of both worlds, a gas chassis, 26,000 GVWR, 36'-38', LS suspension will give it to you.

Best of Luck in your search, & hope you find what you want!

Allan

[d23haynes57]

Part of the consideration for gas vs. Diesel is the available utilities at your destination. For me the Diesel liquid cooled generator is huge plus when you want power for extended periods and with my present coach having the Deisel fired heating system.

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by Hoof-hearted

Has anyone downgraded from a DP to a gasser?
Jim

.
😂 “Downgraded”? We simply changed platforms from 3 previous DP’s (a country coach, 2 Foretravels), to a Class C, Lazy Daze. Not as large but infinitely more maneuverable and much easier to maintain.


IMHO…

[doc]

We had 3 DPs but illness caused us to go to a gasser. Could not find a DP handicap model for the price we found the Newmar. Our first gasser. Do I wish I had kept searching? Now that we are older, and don't go all summer like the old days, I think we made the right choice, Newmar 3911 Canyon Star. Since we no longer run hard and long it works fine for our needs. We miss the ride and the quietness of the cabin of the diesel.
I miss the mental comfort of finding fuel/gas pumps we can actually get up beside. If I could get the nose of the pusher even fairly close, either side, we could fuel. Now with most gas station lanes toward the building, we have trouble finding an approachable pump

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

.
😂 “Downgraded”? We simply changed platforms from 3 previous DP’s (a country coach, 2 Foretravels), to a Class C, Lazy Daze. Not as large but infinitely more maneuverable and much easier to maintain.


IMHO…

A Lazy Daze!
Very nice classic!

[GPrade]

We went from a Tiffin DP to a Enterga Odessey Class C. We have had larger coaches for the last 20 years but, for age reasons, decided driving 20 tons and 60 feet of vehicle probably wasn't the best choice anymore. We miss the ride, the power and the engine braking (we live in the Rockies) but we have gained a much easier coach to maneuver and the ability to go to many more state and forest parks. We still boondock, we still drive the mountains and we still take multiple week trips, but the C is much easier to drive and we really don't miss all the 'junk' we used to carry - just because we could. We actually have no regrets - it just takes a re-evaluation of what's really important.