Which Diesel Pusher Would You Go With Today, & Why?

[Guysdigdirt]

I asked this question in 2014, and got some good answers.

If you were to buy a diesel pusher today, what would you buy, and why? Conversely, what would you avoid, and why.

We bought a 2016 Thor Tuscany, 42'. We loved and hated it. We loved the room, the bat and a half, the washer dryer and dishwasher, even the central vac. We drove it almost 100,000 miles in 3 years and change, spent 7 months in Alaska, and saw every other state but Hawaii.
The coach quality was crap. We were in service a number of times and stuck on the side of the road more times than I can count. Just stupid stuff which warranty all covered, but still- stuck on the side of the road is BS.

It would have been a mandatory lemon buyback in CA, but I took possession in Indiana. So I was SOL.

I do not think I want a Super C, for the noise up front, and the view from the back seats for the passengers is not the best.

Tell me what you would do, what options would be absolutely mandatory, and what you would like but could live without if it came to all else being right.
Thank you in advance.

[DarkSideJeep]

Originally Posted by Guysdigdirt

I asked this question in 2014, and got some good answers.

If you were to buy a diesel pusher today, what would you buy, and why? Conversely, what would you avoid, and why.

We bought a 2016 Thor Tuscany, 42'. We loved and hated it. We loved the room, the bat and a half, the washer dryer and dishwasher, even the central vac. We drove it almost 100,000 miles in 3 years and change, spent 7 months in Alaska, and saw every other state but Hawaii.
The coach quality was crap. We were in service a number of times and stuck on the side of the road more times than I can count. Just stupid stuff which warranty all covered, but still- stuck on the side of the road is BS.

It would have been a mandatory lemon buyback in CA, but I took possession in Indiana. So I was SOL.

I do not think I want a Super C, for the noise up front, and the view from the back seats for the passengers is not the best.

Tell me what you would do, what options would be absolutely mandatory, and what you would like but could live without if it came to all else being right.
Thank you in advance.

I assume you are shopping for new. I do not think you could go wrong with Entegra or Newmar Diesel pushers though I am partial to Entegra. With Entegra I would get at least an Aspire but if you can swing it get a Corner Stone, the 605hp engine is worth it. If you go for Newmar get at least a Dutch Star. Again, if you can swing it go for a higher end model with the 605hp engine. You will note that I suggested choices with at least the 450hp engine my preference is for a larger engine with the smallest engine I would consider being a Cummins 8.9L 450hp. If you are planning to order I would suggest attending the NIRVC Music City Motorhome Expo VIP Experience, near Nashville. It will give you a chance to kick the tires on many different models and floor plans and if you buy form NIRVC the event fee will be applied to your purchase. Here is a link.

https://musiccitymotorhomeexpo.com/?...eid=693472d54c

[W&L Dan]

My vote goes to Newmar I have owned both a Dutch Star & a Tiffin buss.

[Guysdigdirt]

Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep

I assume you are shopping for new. I do not think you could go wrong with Entegra or Newmar Diesel pushers though I am partial to Entegra. With Entegra I would get at least an Aspire but if you can swing it get a Corner Stone, the 605hp engine is worth it. If you go for Newmar get at least a Dutch Star. Again, if you can swing it go for a higher end model with the 605hp engine. EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_04_16_06_35_COPY_02&utm_medium =email&utm_term=0_-81a5c42f10-291899417&mc_cid=8d20ed0e2e&mc_eid=693472d54c[/url]

Thank you for the insight. Has Entegra suffered much since being bought by Thor?
I had the 450 in my Thor and it seemed like enough power, but you prefer the 605hp? Can you tell me more on those thoughts please?
Thank you again for your help.

[Guysdigdirt]

Yes, looking for a new coach. And ideally would like to stay under 40 feet, or right about there.
Bath and a half and washer dryer are essential.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by Guysdigdirt

I asked this question in 2014, and got some good answers.

If you were to buy a diesel pusher today, what would you buy, and why? Conversely, what would you avoid, and why.

We bought a 2016 Thor Tuscany, 42'. We loved and hated it. We loved the room, the bat and a half, the washer dryer and dishwasher, even the central vac. We drove it almost 100,000 miles in 3 years and change, spent 7 months in Alaska, and saw every other state but Hawaii.
The coach quality was crap. We were in service a number of times and stuck on the side of the road more times than I can count. Just stupid stuff which warranty all covered, but still- stuck on the side of the road is BS.

It would have been a mandatory lemon buyback in CA, but I took possession in Indiana. So I was SOL.

I do not think I want a Super C, for the noise up front, and the view from the back seats for the passengers is not the best.

Tell me what you would do, what options would be absolutely mandatory, and what you would like but could live without if it came to all else being right.
Thank you in advance.

Part of that answer has to include budget, size, required features such as slides, heating, AC, Generator, towing capacity etc. If looking at just build quality and durability the pecking order is as follows:
Most any of the Prevost Based conversions.
Newell.
Foretravel
Newmar, Entegra, Tiffin close competitors.
Holiday Rambler, Winnebago,
Thor based stuff.

While there are variations based on model, size, and options this my opinion.
Having recently done this exercise I moved from lower level Entegra-Tiffin to older outdated but appears to be built like tank Foretravel.
If there is a next upgrade based on this experience it will be Foretravel, Newell, or Prevost. If I do decide to older and better, I may consider Country Coach.
For the most part now for the standard coach there are few choices of chassis. Engine will be Cummins, and Transmission will be Allison. Prevost will be the engine exception. Some of the Super "C"s will also offer Detroit Diesels and non-Alison transmission. The Onan 10 and 12.5 will be the generator offering.

[DarkSideJeep]

Originally Posted by Guysdigdirt

Thank you for the insight. Has Entegra suffered much since being bought by Thor?
I had the 450 in my Thor and it seemed like enough power, but you prefer the 605hp? Can you tell me more on those thoughts please?
Thank you again for your help.

If you absolutely must stay under 40' you will have a bit of trouble finding one with a bath and 1/2. There are two 40' and under choices from Entegra 40' and under with the 450hp engine. the first is the Aspire 40P, it is a 1 and 1/2 bath coach the other is the Anthem 37k but it has only the only the one bath. I do really like the 37k floorplan because it has a bit more space around the bed in back and one side of the bed is located over the engine hatch which creates a natural step up that makes it easier for my wife to get into bed. If you are ok with stepping down to a less powerful engine you and go to the Reatta which is a propane heated coach and the Reatta XL which is an all-electric AquaHot heated coach both the Reatta and the Reatta XL have about 40' 1 and 1/2 bath floorplans.

If you go with Newmar you will have a little more choice staying around 40'. One choice under 40' the New Aire at around 36' But again only one bath. The New Aire also has the same step up found in the Entegra 37k floorplan. Some of the other Newmar models will have shorter 1 and 1/2 bath floorplans.

You also need to consider why you want to keep the length at or below 40'. Once you get over 40' will most likely also get a tag axle. By all accounts Tag axle coaches tend to be more stable on the highway. I do not know if that fact is specifically because of the Tag or if the longer wheelbase plays into that. I suspect it is probably a little of both. One thing for certain having the Tag will reduce the amount of angst about weight distribution.

As for getting the 605hp engine that is just me being a power junky. I really like the idea of having extra power. In my estimation having more power will translates into better fuel economy, as long as you are able to restrain any tendency to over-use the extra power, since the engine often does not need to work as hard.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep

If you absolutely must stay under 40' you will have a bit of trouble finding one with a bath and 1/2. There are two 40' and under choices from Entegra 40' and under with the 450hp engine. the first is the Aspire 40P, it is a 1 and 1/2 bath coach the other is the Anthem 37k but it has only the only the one bath. I do really like the 37k floorplan because it has a bit more space around the bed in back and one side of the bed is located over the engine hatch which creates a natural step up that makes it easier for my wife to get into bed. If you are ok with stepping down to a less powerful engine you and go to the Reatta which is a propane heated coach and the Reatta XL which is an all-electric AquaHot heated coach both the Reatta and the Reatta XL have about 40' 1 and 1/2 bath floorplans.

If you go with Newmar you will have a little more choice staying around 40'. One choice under 40' the New Aire at around 36' But again only one bath. The New Aire also has the same step up found in the Entegra 37k floorplan. Some of the other Newmar models will have shorter 1 and 1/2 bath floorplans.

You also need to consider why you want to keep the length at or below 40'. Once you get over 40' will most likely also get a tag axle. By all accounts Tag axle coaches tend to be more stable on the highway. I do not know if that fact is specifically because of the Tag or if the longer wheelbase plays into that. I suspect it is probably a little of both. One thing for certain having the Tag will reduce the amount of angst about weight distribution.

As for getting the 605hp engine that is just me being a power junky. I really like the idea of having extra power. In my estimation having more power will translates into better fuel economy, as long as you are able to restrain any tendency to over-use the extra power, since the engine often does not need to work as hard.

The L9, ISL and Allison 3000 is the mainstay of the current mid range motorhomes. It is the limit for that transmission. As for being a power junkie my opinion is that is the rig is heavy enough to "need" a tag axle and the plan includes towing anything of substance then more is better. The next step is the ISX series with Allison 4000 Transmission. This always includes the next step up in chassis and the rear axle. Few offer the ISX in 500HP trim. ~ 12 liter. The 605HP ISX is ~15 liter.
While 450 to 500 HP doesn't appear to be that much different, the way that HP is developed and applied makes a huge difference. The 450 HP ISL makes its peak torque, (1,250 ft. lbs.) at 1,800 rpm and peak HP at 2,200 rpm, (someone please confirm). The ISX peak torque is at 1,400 RPM and peak HP at 1,800 rpm. The ISX 605 is 1,950 ft. lbs.
I have the older ISM-500, 10.8 liter. 1,550 ft. lbs at 1,400 rpm. I hear that engine range is coming back.

[Guysdigdirt]

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

The L9, ISL and Allison 3000 is the mainstay of the current mid range motorhomes. It is the limit for that transmission. As for being a power junkie my opinion is that is the rig is heavy enough to "need" a tag axle and the plan includes towing anything of substance then more is better. The next step is the ISX series with Allison 4000 Transmission. This always includes the next step up in chassis and the rear axle. Few offer the ISX in 500HP trim. ~ 12 liter. The 605HP ISX is ~15 liter.
While 450 to 500 HP doesn't appear to be that much different, the way that HP is developed and applied makes a huge difference. The 450 HP ISL makes its peak torque, (1,250 ft. lbs.) at 1,800 rpm and peak HP at 2,200 rpm, (someone please confirm). The ISX peak torque is at 1,400 RPM and peak HP at 1,800 rpm. The ISX 605 is 1,950 ft. lbs.
I have the older ISM-500, 10.8 liter. 1,550 ft. lbs at 1,400 rpm. I hear that engine range is coming back.

Intelligent, articulate, and explained in a way I can not only easily understand, but also that I can use to relay the info to others so they can easily understand as well.
Thank you!!

[dsrtrider300]

No 605 Hp in 40 or under coaches. If you stick with an Entegra Tiffin or Newmar with side radiator you should be good.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by dsrtrider300

No 605 Hp in 40 or under coaches. If you stick with an Entegra Tiffin or Newmar with side radiator you should be good.

Very few 40 footers will have a Tag, or the ISM 10.8 or Cat C11 along with the Allison 4000 series. 2010 was the last official year for the ISM although there are some 2011 and 2012s that have them. No DEF or SCR on these.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by Guysdigdirt

Yes, looking for a new coach. And ideally would like to stay under 40 feet, or right about there.
Bath and a half and washer dryer are essential.

https://www.entegracoach.com/motorhomes/reatta-xl/

Spartan K2 chassis L9 in 380HP trim. No Propane Hydronic heat.
Just under 40 Ft.

[Leigh Tiffin]

Originally Posted by Guysdigdirt

I asked this question in 2014, and got some good answers.

If you were to buy a diesel pusher today, what would you buy, and why? Conversely, what would you avoid, and why.

We bought a 2016 Thor Tuscany, 42'. We loved and hated it. We loved the room, the bat and a half, the washer dryer and dishwasher, even the central vac. We drove it almost 100,000 miles in 3 years and change, spent 7 months in Alaska, and saw every other state but Hawaii.
The coach quality was crap. We were in service a number of times and stuck on the side of the road more times than I can count. Just stupid stuff which warranty all covered, but still- stuck on the side of the road is BS.

It would have been a mandatory lemon buyback in CA, but I took possession in Indiana. So I was SOL.

I do not think I want a Super C, for the noise up front, and the view from the back seats for the passengers is not the best.

Tell me what you would do, what options would be absolutely mandatory, and what you would like but could live without if it came to all else being right.
Thank you in advance.

Hi Guysdigdirt,

Thanks for starting such an interesting thread! A topic that definitely caught my eye!

I know many of you are weighing all the options out there, so I wanted to offer a perspective from Tiffin. Our team builds motorhomes with one goal in mind: delivering a premium, dependable experience for owners who want to go the distance.

If you’re shopping for a diesel pusher today, I’d humbly encourage you to take a close look at the Tiffin Phaeton, Allegro Bus, or Zephyr. Each model reflects our family’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and service.

The Phaeton continues to be one of the best-selling diesel pushers in the country, and for good reason. It’s versatile, well-appointed, and available in a 37' 11" floor plan with a bath-and-a-half—perfect for those wanting to stay just under 40 feet. We also offer a 440H tag floorplan, and Phaeton comes standard with the 450 HP L9 and Allison 3000 series transmission.

The Allegro Bus offers that next level of luxury and power, with a 450 HP Cummins engine and a PowerGlide chassis. It's a coach built for confidence on the road and comfort at every stop. We also have a 605 option for the Bus tag floorplan, our 45OPP.

The Zephyr is our flagship—605 HP, all-electric, and equipped with features you'd expect from a luxury condo on wheels. Lots of bells & whistles! If you want the absolute pinnacle of diesel motorhome engineering, the Zephyr delivers.

I also want to acknowledge the real-world frustrations many have faced with quality and service in the industry. At Tiffin, we take pride in being accessible and responsive. We’re still a family-led company, and our name is literally on the coach. That matters to us.

Thanks again for the great discussion. If you’re considering your next coach, we’d be honored to earn your trust.

All the best,

Leigh Tiffin

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by Leigh Tiffin

If you want the absolute pinnacle of diesel motorhome engineering, the Zephyr delivers.

Not knocking Tiffin, but I think that honor goes to Newell, Liberty, or another Prevost conversion. Of course they are in a whole different price category.