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12-29-2017, 01:22 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Acworth, GA
Posts: 22
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Length of coach and driveability
Hello:
Just joined, but have been reading a lot over the last year or so.
Wife and I currently have a 41' fifth wheel that I pull with a F350. We have come to the realization that the combined length of this rig is more than we really want, and are being "cut out" of a number of campsites. Also, trying to maneuver through some campgrounds has been really "hairy" at times. Consequently, we are planning on moving to a motorcoach.
Being concerned about the size issue, we are sort of focusing in on something in the 34 to 36 foot range, possibly a Tiffin Allegro Red, Ventana LE, or similar. We do want to keep it under 40' in length.
Reading some on these boards, I have seen conversations that say that smaller coaches, while being easier to maneuver in a campground, tend to get "blown around" on the highway, while the longer coaches handle better on the road. I would love to get some thoughts and input on this, as we are starting to get serious, and will probably pull the trigger on something this January or February. We will be going to the Tampa RV Supershow to check out a wide variety of options.
We have decided that we wan a diesel pusher. Additionally, the only other "criteria" we may have is that my wife is a "rocker", an absolutely requires that the coach have some sort of a rocker/recliner!!
Any and all thoughts and advice will be greatly appreciated.
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12-29-2017, 01:31 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oroville, CA
Posts: 3,133
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Do a search on "wandering, sway bars, alignment, oh my" on this forum. Lotsa talk on handling.
We switched from a 5ver to a 40'MH w/tag axle. Yup, can't fit into some campgrounds, but there is always a way. A MH w/ a toad beats a 5ver and a truck any day, in my opinion.
Enjoy your search!
__________________
Bill, Kathi and Zorro; '05 Beaver Patriot Thunder
2012 Sunnybrook Harmony 21FBS (SQEZINN)
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
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12-29-2017, 01:57 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Rogers, AR
Posts: 2,874
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If I were you, the limit would be 40' or less. A 40' motorhome is much more like driving a car around the campground and easier to maneuver than a 40' 5th wheel with an F350. You unhook the toad so you just have the coach to operate plus you will have a lot more options to choose from to position that rocker/recliner in.
Bigger is usually better for handling but my experience is a correct alignment has the biggest affect on handling. I've had my last three coaches set up with my specifications, not within factory specs., and experienced excellent results. Usually a hassle with the alignment tech., but end results worth it.
Have fun with the looking.
__________________
2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40M w/2021 Equinox
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12-29-2017, 02:05 PM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: western NC mountains!
Posts: 4,106
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the 34' to 35' diesels are the sweet spot in the market right now - they drive smooth and easy, great fuel mileage at 10-12mpg, easy to maneuver due to their 17'-18' wheel base(distance between front and rear wheels), and even somewhat lower overall height. Our Palazzo is very easy to get into and around parks and campgrounds, regular fuel stations, and easy to back up, especially into back-in sites.
I've delivered many different gas and diesels to dealers from the factories, and the Palazzo and Fleetwood PaceArrow are the easiest and smoothest riding coaches of all, but the Fleetwood Discovery and LXE models are also nice, just not as mpg efficient. The ForestRiver Legacy is the twin to the Palazzo and PaceArrow, and all similar to the Red and Ventana, but probably a good bit more economical on the pocket book.
...this week in Florida, right on the beach : )
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12-29-2017, 02:26 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Foretravel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Home is Where WE PARK IT...
Posts: 6,159
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As a suggestion.. DO NOT focus on just one brand (or size)(OR PRICE!) at this point..
Go drive a 34',a 36',a 40' and even a 42 or 45' with and without a tag axle. steel spring ride and air ride... then narrow down what your wants & needs are vs the depth of your pocketbook. then look at floor plans in the size that "fits your perceptions"
For us a 34' was what we wanted, looked at several 36 & 38 footers...so spec'd out a 40' with a bigger engine & tag.(should have went with a 42' in hindsight)
__________________
Retired truck owner/driver,
Sign on this "Shack" says "Foretravel"
being pushed by an '06 Scion xB
SKP's of Livingston, TX
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12-29-2017, 02:42 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Rogers, AR
Posts: 2,874
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MisterT, hate your last comment  . I'm in Arkansas freezing my but off and wish I were there, although I've heard the temp. there isn't so good right now either.
__________________
2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40M w/2021 Equinox
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12-29-2017, 02:55 PM
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#7
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 56,011
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Hi !  Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!
We pulled a 36' 5er for 10 years before getting the MH. We decided that we wanted about the same amount of usable floor space, and that a 40' MH would give us that, minus the cockpit area. That has worked out great!
We've never had a smaller unit so can't comment on the handling comparison, but our Windsor drives like a dream!
I think you are very wise to go with a DP! It's so nice to be able to listen to music or carry on a normal conversation without that motor noise!
Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless! 
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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12-29-2017, 03:09 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 330
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We're noobs to driving a MH. We have a Newmar Canyon Star 40'. It is gas; I know you're looking at a DP.
We had zero experience driving anything and test drove the DPs and then the gas. We will eventually get a DP. For now, the Canyon Star is great! I can maneuver it (I'm the wife) and we've been in some really tight state parks.
DH drove it (GPS directions) on the local streets to our last park and had so many turns we thought we were lost! It handled like a champ! Considering the lack of experience he didn't touch a curb or anyone/anything! He backed in for the first time very smoothly into the CG spot and we were good to go!
We also have a rocker and a fireplace which we just L-O-V-E!! It's the 3914 model which is not being manufactured at the moment but it's a great floor plan.
BTW, the first MH we drove was the Ventana LE and we thought it was awesome! We are looking to FT sometime in the next few years and want to learn all the ins and outs of MHing before we do. This is our start.
Good luck on your search and happy hunting for your dream MH!
__________________
2021 Dutch Star 4081; Jeep JL Sport
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12-29-2017, 06:41 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers
Hi !  Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!
I think you are very wise to go with a DP! It's so nice to be able to listen to music or carry on a normal conversation without that motor noise!
Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!  
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Puleeezee !!!!! I would expect better than bringing up that old argument. Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
__________________
Pete and Sandy
2020 Ridgeline
2020 CRV
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12-29-2017, 06:52 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 698
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peteyboy
Puleeezee !!!!! I would expect better than bringing up that old argument. Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
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LOL! You’ve got to be kidding!
If you cannot hear the difference between a screaming Ford V-10 right at your feet and loafing Cummins diesel 40-feet behind you, you likely can’t hear much of anything. They’re all quiet for you.
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12-29-2017, 08:11 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Foretravel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Home is Where WE PARK IT...
Posts: 6,159
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peteyboy
Puleeezee !!!!! Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
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Really???
__________________
Retired truck owner/driver,
Sign on this "Shack" says "Foretravel"
being pushed by an '06 Scion xB
SKP's of Livingston, TX
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12-29-2017, 08:14 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Foretravel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Home is Where WE PARK IT...
Posts: 6,159
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peteyboy
Puleeezee !!!!! Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
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OK if you say so.......You "just" might go drive a Quality DP before you say much more.
__________________
Retired truck owner/driver,
Sign on this "Shack" says "Foretravel"
being pushed by an '06 Scion xB
SKP's of Livingston, TX
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12-29-2017, 08:18 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Forest River Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,394
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peteyboy
Puleeezee !!!!! I would expect better than bringing up that old argument. Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
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[emoji23][emoji23]
__________________
2023 Coachmen Encore 325SS
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12-29-2017, 08:19 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 6,546
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I bet my gasser is as quiet or quieter than your DP.
__________________
Wayne & Roberta
08 Winnebago Destination 39W Gas UFO Workhorse Chassis......It's really weird being the same age as old people. I thought getting old would take much longer.
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