Need some input on Pre Owned Class A

[groswald]

Originally Posted by Ludmilla

You can expect that your RV will be close to its GVWR when you are loaded up for a trip. There are exceptions, but generally you are very close. Therefore, when purchasing an RV, you should expect that and use the math I had in my post to determine what you can pull.

This really depends on the coach, the chassis, and what you choose to take with you. On our last trip, loaded for a typical 2 week trip, we were 2,040 pounds under our GVWR.

Details:

• 2016 Tiffin 32SA on 24K lb chassis
• full tank of gas
• 1/2 tank of fresh water
• empty grey and black tanks
• normal (for us) load out
• 2 adults
• towing a stock 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU (4dr)

Tiffin installs a 5000 lb hitch, even though the chassis is rated at 6000, leaving 1000 pounds of tow capacity unusable. No, you can't use it to carry stuff in the coach.

Our toad came to 4560 leaving us 440 pounds for toys (in/on the Jeep), if we wanted.

Had our coach been on the 22K chassis we'd have been within 540 lbs of GCWR (the 22K chassis is 500lbs lighter than the 24k) so still decent, if not excessive headroom.

It is true that way too many coaches are built on a too-light chassis. It's definitely something more people should pay attention to.

Regards,

Randy

[groswald]

BTW,

You can't always count on GCWR - GVWR to come up with tow capacity. Some coach manufacturers will add a frame extension to get a longer overhang. These extensions aren't always terribly robust, and the coach manufacturer will state a lower tow capacity than does the chassis manufacturer. This is most common in class C's, but can turn up anywhere, even in class A DPs.

Regards,

Randy

[harleyjt]

This really depends on the coach, the chassis, and what you choose to take with you. On our last trip, loaded for a typical 2 week trip, we were 2,040 pounds under our GVWR.


Same here. I had my coach weighed fully loaded with 1/2 tank fresh water and about 10 gal in black tank. Grey tank was empty. We were at about 3/4 tank fuel. I came in a bit over 22k on my 24k chassis.
jt

[Roadmiester]

Originally Posted by hattitude

Interesting reply from a Cummins Dealer.... an engine can be past spec for a rebuild, or have issues not readily obvious... man things that would take more than a visual inspection...

In the marine world, when you buy a large and/or expensive used boat... you do several things prior to handing over any money..

Along with a Boat "Survey", which is an 8 hour ordeal, including a haul out, to ascertain the condition of the vessel...

You also do an Engine survey... A diesel shop will inspect both main engines, both main gears, and the generator... it too is about an 8-10 hour ordeal, that includes running it during a sea trial to insure it is performing within specs... There are oil samples taken, compression checks, borescope of cylinders, and a host of other stuff...

Back in 2000, the engine survey on my twin screw 46' Hatteras cost me $800.00. It was a comprehensive report. After owning & maintaining that boat for 16 years... it turns out their assessment was dead on...!

I am surprised that most dealers don't offer an "Engine Survey" on large diesel motorhomes... A Cummins Dealer has the knowledge, technology, and ability to do a comprehensive inspection... Seems to me, it would be a money maker..

Perhaps you could ask them specifically, if they do "engine surveys"....???

I'll check. I am having them put it on the dyno and take an oil sample after the dyno run. The time on the dyno should stir up anything that is a problem. The only problem we have had is an oil leak at the hydraulic pump, poor design on mounting flange and the gasket was too thin. Had it fixed at an independent shop and no problems since. Sometimes the Cummins parts are not up to it, as in the case of the gasket.

[groswald]

Sorry, a correction to my last post:

"You can't always count on GCWR - GVWR..."

should read

You can't always count on the chassis manufacturer's stated GCWR - GVWR ...

The coach manufacturer should provide updated numbers if they've done anything that would affect the chassis' tow rating.

Sorry for the error,

Regards,

Randy

[trx430ex]

Originally Posted by JosephA

We are looking at Class A in the 34 foot range.
Looking at pre owned 3-4 years old. We are looking at Tiffin, Newmar, and Winnebago.

What others should we look at ?

With the F53 Chassis V10 will I be able to flat tow our Jeep 4 door on the hills will I be happy with the performance ? I see a lot of 2 doors being flat towed.

Thank u

Yea, no problem, the key is that beautiful 6 speed transmission. Try to find at least 24k chassis if not the 26k chassis, that is real nice.

Have a 06 Bounder 35E, Ford F53 22k chassis, and it is heading into the truck shop next week. Upgrading all springs to 26k {max chassis design} also Sumo springs all the way around. Already has "safety steer", Bilstein's, & rear Roadmaster sway bar, from privies owner.

Had custom 10,k hitch put on at welding shop, and tow 8k Ford E450 work truck. with Stay and Play active brakes, 10k Blue-Oxe.

22k chassis has
2 leaf springs in front
3 leaf springs in rear

24k chassis has
3 leaf springs in front
3 leaf springs in rear

26k chassis has [max F53 design]
3 leaf springs front
4 leaf springs rear

ad Sumo Springs for ride not much for weight
front sumo Springs is 3000 lb of help
rear Sumo Springs are 6000 lbs of help

[groswald]

Couple things...

1. Upgrading suspension components doesn’t change a chassis’ weight and tow ratings unless the mod’s are made by a NHTSA approved “alterer” following NHTSA’s process. When done following the process a second capacity label will be added to the vehicle specifying the new ratings. There’s a decent article here. Although the author does get one thing wrong - all 50 states have penalties for operating a vehicle over it’s rated weight limits.

2. In addition to more and heavier suspension components, Ford uses stronger steel in the 24 and 26K chassis to achieve their higher ratings.

Regards,

Randy

[trx430ex]

Randy is correct, don't know many who pick apart all the way down to 30k or 50k psi frame rails.
Hitch is certed.
For some reason I have the rear of a 26k, don't understand that, Taking everything to the max.

What is nice,,, is everything is paid for.

[JosephA]

Hi Everyone Just wanted to say Thank You for all the suggestions and replies