Community Forums

IMDiesel · 07-26-2022, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Touring Tom

DW and I have a 2004 Winnebago Journey 32T, which we’ve owned since 2014. It is just shy of 33 ft., approx 28,000 lbs GW, and we love the floor plan and how it handles. Spec-wise: Freightliner Chassis, Cummins ISB 5.9L turbo-diesel, 300-hp, Allison 5-speed 2,500 MH trans, NeWay® front & rear air suspension, 160-amp. alt, 4-wheel ABS, and 2 slides. We’ve put about 24000 of its 50,xxx miles. About half of our miles included a 3,500 lb toad, with no problems. Personally, I like the feel, the economy, the maneuverability, and tight turning radius. For what it’s worth, I spent over 20 years as a group tour operator using MCIs and Prevosts, but this is my preference for us. Good luck in your search.

Our coach handles great. The stories of too short of a wheelbase are just not what we have experienced while traveling. It is a smooth and solid ride. I've never been pushed around by another truck or experienced any of the negative handling " issues " people claim about "short" DP.

Now I do feel a 30mph crosswind, but I think that can be expected in this size range.

Good luck

spike james · 07-26-2022, 08:26 PM

I have a 1999 35 ft Newmar Dutch Star with a 300 HP, (now 360 hp) Cummins 8.3 ISC and a caps fuel system, Spartan Chassis. It is very quiet and has a great ride. I know some don't like the caps fuel system for reliability and I had a few issues. But I put in +60 hp injectors from BKdiesel and have had no issues since. I believe it is because the new injectors help relieve some of the extremely high pressure put on the pump and stock injectors. It also helped with MPG.

rviking · 07-27-2022, 01:18 AM

I think you are driving to fast if you say a shorter dp is unstable!😯
They are not made for speeds around 80-90 mph
I always cruises around 55-60 mph and have never experienced any instability!😀
Discovery 35’ 2004

garyb1st · 07-27-2022, 09:56 AM

Lots to think about. The tag axle is off the list. I'll have to do more research on the RoadMaster 8 airbag chassis. Monaco Dynastys and the like were high on the list. Also handling issues of short wheelbase diesels. I've just assumed they were all a challenge to drive.

Didn't mention anything about our travel style. We avoid the Interstates if we can. We also like to boondock. So rougher terrains and lots of dust. I do 99% of the driving. The wife is uncomfortable driving on the highway.

While I'm a senior senior at 79, the DW just turned 58. I'm in good health and still relatively physically strong, but I know time is not on my side. Ideally the wife takes over the majority of the driving and I do what I do best, sightsee. That's going to require an RV that drives like a dream. Personally I think the Pace drives very well. She doesn't like driving it. That brings me to another challenge. Perception.

I'm very comfortable driving. Always have been and almost always drive with one hand on the wheel. It's not that I don't feel sidewinds or passing semi's, it's just that it doesn't bother me. I expect them and when necessary drive with both hands on the wheel. The wife on the other hand tends to get excited when the Pace doesn't drive straight down the road. So we need something that drives like a dream. I've seen those comments, but are they possibly more a matter of perception.

Some folks will claim their coach drives like a dream. Others driving the same coach think it's less than ideal. Is that based on some mechanical difference, weight distribution, tire inflation, maintenance, etc. For me, that's going to be the challenge. I'll need something that is going to drive like a dream. I know what affects handling and to a degree can work around that.

Crazy Brit · 07-28-2022, 05:31 AM

Gary; I think most RV’s will handle fine on rural roads, it’s the freeway (higher speeds) along with the close proximity of the 18-wheelers + hi side winds that cause affect upon the manors of your coach.

As mentioned previously, having raced cars and worked for (building the race cars & being a race engineer) for the Andretti family, setting up a car (or RV in this case) to perform safely & predictably was a top priority……..simply put, stay with the freightliner chassis, and both you and your wife will thank me one-day.

Be safe & enjoy, best of luck to you both.