Community Forums

FPengineer · 05-31-2021, 09:16 AM

With the cost to jump from gas to diesel drivetrains, diesel’s present challenges with emission system’s control reliability/longevity (mainly DEF heads). and gasoline’s cheaper cost (compared to diesel) in the marketplace, why don’t manufactures offer mid line class A coaches with gasoline drive trains in the rear of the coach? Wound give owners the quietness of a diesel pusher at a lower cost.

becks · 05-31-2021, 09:20 AM

Was tried one time and did not go over well.

Jim_HiTek · 05-31-2021, 09:21 AM

They have in the past, perhaps one of them is now, I haven't checked. Dunno why they aren't very popular but that's why manufacturers aren't offering them most likely. Because they aren't very popular.

If there were more demand, someone would produce it.

swampdog2 · 05-31-2021, 09:21 AM

They used to offer a gas pusher but they were prone to run hot ! Seems like Holiday Rambler built the last ones

wolfe10 · 05-31-2021, 09:25 AM

Been done at least two different times that I know of.

Have seen old Foretravels that were OREG (Oshkosh Rear Engine Gas) and then more recently Workhorse UFO.

edgray · 05-31-2021, 01:36 PM

The last of the most recent rear gas chassis was the R-26 "UFO" which was used by 5 different coach builders. Most were made as WBGO Destination and Itasca Latitude models in 3 different floor plans. WBGO used up the last of their UFO allotment by producing the same floor plans branded as Adventurer Limited. Forest River, Georgie Boy, Monaco/HR, and Rexhall were the other brands, I think.

Sadly, they didn't survive the FALSE claims that they would run hot and the market downturn in 2009. Most of us who test drove them were amazed at how well they handled and braked, not to mention the lack of noise from having gas power in the rear.

SKP Kirk · 05-31-2021, 01:58 PM

Back in the 1970's the chassis division of John Deere built a gasoline pusher. It was powered by a 460 Ford engine. I know that the FMC motorhome was available on them. The only motorhome that I know for sure was built on that chassis was from FMC who built a luxury coach between 1973 & 76. I suspect that there were some others, but do not know who they were. I believe that Vogue also built some units on that chassis. They were well known for problems with overheating.

wolfe10 · 05-31-2021, 02:03 PM

Add the Foretravel OREG to the list of high end, rear engine gas coaches. Same Ford 460, overheating issues and poor fuel MPG.

Lash · 05-31-2021, 02:56 PM

Not to rain on your parade in regards to overheating on the rear engine gas MH's but I have put 93,000 miles on a 2008 HR UFO and have been across the Mojave multiple times in trips from Houston to Sacramento and have never had any issues in regards to overheating on the UFO. Have owned other Class A gas MH's with engine in front and would never go back to one after having the chassis I have.

Seems that another reason for the demise of the rear engine gas is the GM quit building the 8.1 L engine due to Federal Government and some trade off on medium duty truck line.

With respect to the Oskosh setup, I have had conversations with chassis engineers who have looked at that design and it was the way air was drawn thru the chassis that created the problem. The UFO airflow is 180 out from the Oskosh design

Have a good Memorial Day and I can't wait to put another 93,000 miles on this UFO and change oil for around $40.00 in my driveway

Regards

Cousin Ed · 05-31-2021, 03:31 PM

When the UFO chassis came out, I tried one and liked it but the price was too close to a DP for me to consider it. It cost way more than a regular gasser and not too much less that a DP. Then Workhorse, who developed the chassis went away!

wolfe10 · 05-31-2021, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lash

Not to rain on your parade in regards to overheating on the rear engine gas MH's but I have put 93,000 miles on a 2008 HR UFO and have been across the Mojave multiple times in trips from Houston to Sacramento and have never had any issues in regards to overheating on the UFO.

Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.

My overheating comments were on the old John Deere/Oshkosh OREG chassis with Ford 460.

Yes, based on first hand experience in working on them.

I have no information on the newer generation Workhorse UFO. Everyone who has one speaks very highly of it.

Crasher · 05-31-2021, 04:11 PM

From what I have read over the years is that the cost increase of the gas pusher over the standard gas puller was more than the average MH buyer wanted to pay. They could upgrade to a better coach with more bells and whistles for the same cost. Plus, it wasn't much more to get into a low end DP that offered better ride and economy. It's too bad, as it would have been a good fit for the buyer that still wanted the benefit of a rear engine and could still do their own servicing with a lower annual cost it own.

Donskiman · 05-31-2021, 04:13 PM

Well Newmar brought back a front engine diesel so maybe someone else will bring back a gas pusher.

Why not have air suspension and/or air brakes on gassers too?

Keith55 · 05-31-2021, 04:22 PM

Well if I was Ford I would make my Box Van chassis's so they shared as many parts and assembly processes as possible with the F53.

A box van with an engine hump in the cargo compartment isn't going to sell well. Although it would get quite a few laughs!