Community Forums

Curtis and Donna · 06-28-2008, 03:19 PM

Wow, we thought we knew that we wanted a 5ver and now have moved towards a MH / TOAD. Now we are out today just browsing and familiarizing ourselves with this new world. Which is the best diesel, Pushers or FRED? I was not even aware that there were two methods push or pull. Is one better or just a preference. The common thought is it is easier to pull than push.

We now need some input on which ones we want to look at and which we want to probably stay away from. We looked at a Damon Tuscany. I read some reviews here and also some internet RV ratings and sounds as if they had some issues, but may be improving. I do know there are some biases, but not near as much as on the sales lot.

Curtis and Donna · 06-28-2008, 03:19 PM

Wow, we thought we knew that we wanted a 5ver and now have moved towards a MH / TOAD. Now we are out today just browsing and familiarizing ourselves with this new world. Which is the best diesel, Pushers or FRED? I was not even aware that there were two methods push or pull. Is one better or just a preference. The common thought is it is easier to pull than push.

We now need some input on which ones we want to look at and which we want to probably stay away from. We looked at a Damon Tuscany. I read some reviews here and also some internet RV ratings and sounds as if they had some issues, but may be improving. I do know there are some biases, but not near as much as on the sales lot.

David K · 06-28-2008, 04:22 PM

I think you will find as many different answers for this question as there are owners out here. I have a 2002 Winnebago Ultimate Advantage, Cummins 350 HP diesel pusher. I am very happy with it and its configuration. I think that is the main thing --- you find a configuration that fits what you are looking for and can live with. On mine, the radiator is a side mounted radiator -- IMO it has less problems with fouling from engine exhaust, oil over flow, etc. The one thing about a rear mounted engine is that the noise from the engine is in the back instead of the front also.

Again, I think the decision will be based on what floorplan you want.

historyljc · 06-28-2008, 05:34 PM

Curtis, some of the basic differences between the Fred and the DPs. Your pushers will be on a heavier chassis and can carry more weight. This translates as a practical matter into more fuel, water, bigger black & grey water tanks is you plan on doing some boondocking where these items will really come into play. It also usually means that you can carry more of your "stuff", whatever that means in your situation. The DPs will normally have one or two pass thru storage bays where the Freds will have compartment storage in the slides and other non-pass-thru sites which limits their capacity and the size of items they will carry. DPs will have air ride and brakes resulting in most cases a better ride. The DPs will have a greater towing capacity.

You can get more and higher quality amenities in DPs (depending greatly on price). Bigger refrigerators (up to residential size), bigger beds (I don't believe you can get a king size in the Fred), hydro hot heating with unlimited hot water and engine preheat, and many other items.

DPs will normally cost more than Freds. However, some high end Freds and cost as much as some entry level DPs. The top selling DPs in 2007 were 1) Tiffin Phaeton, 2) Fleetwood Discovery, & 3) Tiffin Allegro Bus.

The key is to find the floor plan and storage arraignment that works for you within your price range. There are great coaches by many manufacturers in gas, Fred, or DP models. Take your time, look them over very closely, and you'll find the one that's right for you. That will be a Happy Day

MtManLee · 06-29-2008, 02:18 PM

I have a gas hog and I am very happy with it and the price I pay for fuel. Yea I cannot carry as much of a payload as I could with a diesel but heck I did not need all that additional junk in my storage boxes any way.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-29-2008, 03:34 PM

It's a misnomer to call a FRED a "puller" anyway - it is a rear wheel drive just like the rear engine chassis, so both of them "push" the RV down the road by driving the rear wheels.

Historyljc gave you an excellent summary of the differences. Let me add that any front engine, as or diesel, will be noisier in the driving area than a rear engine. Not unacceptably noisy, but noisiER.

You should also be aware that there are rear engine gas chassis around. Check out the Winnebago Destination, for example.

John66 · 07-01-2008, 01:24 PM

On a pusher, the engine is in the rear, far away from where you are when you are driving. Plus there is no 'doghouse' next to the driver. And the generator is generally in the front, far away from where you sleep.

But what it really comes down to is what layout you like.