Community Forums

SuperDad · 03-10-2020, 06:56 PM

Sold our 34ft GeorgieBoy 4 years ago. Looking to get back into RVing again. Thinking about a older 34'-38' Diesel Pusher. Something in the 50-60K range. 2000 and newer models. Looking for advise any years of good vs. bad motors or tranamission problems or whatever. RV will need to be able to tow a 5K Toad.

TonyMac · 03-11-2020, 07:17 AM

I really like my 2006 with its CAT C7. The 350 hp will easily pull my 3750# 2-door 2000 Chevy Blazer ZR2. My DP is rated to pull 10k without a tag, my GV is 32K, GC is 42K, ready to camp weight is under 29k. I believe tag equipped coaches can pull 15k. My 2006 is pre-DEF, I would shy away from early DEF coaches because I'm a big scardy-cat.

TonyMac · 03-11-2020, 07:18 AM

...oh, and the door is midship, which I really like.

SuperDad · 03-11-2020, 11:33 AM

what is DEF?

TonyMac · 03-11-2020, 11:38 AM

DEF = Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Newer diesels have a catalytic converter type of device in the exhaust to filter the particulate matter out of the exhaust. When this filter begins to clog, DEF is injected into the exhaust to burn the particulate away. All this requires a few new systems added to the basic diesel engine, and these new systems can be problematic.

vito.a · 03-11-2020, 03:37 PM

Depending on the year and EPA mandates, newer diesel engines can have DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and/or DPF (diesel particulate filter).
If you stay older than 2007 (a 2007 model RV engine was probably built in 2006) you can generally avoid these. So, I would recommend you look from 2000-2007.

I prefer side radiator chassis coaches as they have fewer compromises and little things like changing a fan belt or adding oil are easy.
Think engine torque rating, not horsepower and look for 1000 ft lbs minimum to tow another vehicle.
Look at Monaco Camelot, Windsor, or Dynasty in the 2000-2007 models.
2000-2007 Newmar coaches are popular. Dutch Star and Mountain Aire are very nice but you may pay a premium for these.
2000-2007 Country Coach models are very high quality.
A sleeper is the Travel Supreme motor home lineup. They are very nice coaches built on a Spartan chassis. Travel Supreme went under in 2008 but continues today as Entegra Coach.
Some early American Coach (Eagle and Dream) are very nice.
Take your time. There are some nice ones out there and you will learn from everyone you look at. Take a note book and camera with you.
I recommend you not get caught up in the short diesel pusher demand. Many of them do not handle well. 40' long is a nice driving coach. A tag axle coach (Dynasty) will drive like a dream.
Make sure you do your homework on pricing as it's all over the map.
Do not be afraid to travel. You can save $20-30k by searching nation wide.
Best of luck!

SuperDad · 03-12-2020, 05:09 AM

I like the Travel Supreme Coaches too. Been looking at this one

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/200...-38-5011586290

I honestly won't mind another gas motorhome but it would have to be able to tow a 5K toad

SuperDad · 03-13-2020, 05:42 AM

After looking at several DP's in my area we just can't find a floor plan that is going to work for us. Seems like all of the DP's are really only setup to sleep 2 people without using the fold out sofa's. We really need an RV with a bunkbed area or a pulldown sleeper over the front seats. Going to start looking at Class A bunkhouses now.

SuperDad · 03-13-2020, 06:32 AM

Just found something interesting. A Front End Diesel motorhome! It'a 2010 TIFFIN MOTORHOMES ALLEGRO 35QBA which is a bunkhouse model. Anybody running a front end diesel?