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Old 12-29-2017, 01:22 PM   #1
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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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Old 12-29-2017, 01:31 PM   #2
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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!
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Old 12-29-2017, 01:57 PM   #3
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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.
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Old 12-29-2017, 02:05 PM   #4
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Arrow

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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Old 12-29-2017, 02:26 PM   #5
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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)
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Old 12-29-2017, 02:42 PM   #6
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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.
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Old 12-29-2017, 02:55 PM   #7
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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!
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Old 12-29-2017, 03:09 PM   #8
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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!
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Old 12-29-2017, 06:41 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers View Post
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!
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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Old 12-29-2017, 06:52 PM   #10
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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.

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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Old 12-29-2017, 08:11 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peteyboy View Post
Puleeezee !!!!! Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
Really???
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Old 12-29-2017, 08:14 PM   #12
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Puleeezee !!!!! Going down a level road practically no difference between your DP and a gasser.
OK if you say so.......You "just" might go drive a Quality DP before you say much more.
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Old 12-29-2017, 08:18 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peteyboy View Post
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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Old 12-29-2017, 08:19 PM   #14
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I bet my gasser is as quiet or quieter than your DP.
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