Class A: Smallest Diesel Pusher by Holiday Rambler, and other assorted questions..
X-Addict
We stopped by Camping World in San Marcos over the weekend and when
done, my wife wanted to stop in next door at Beaudry RV to get an idea
on the pricing of a smallish RV (we've currently got a 22ft 5-er).
Anyway, the sales guy showed us several of the new & used RV's they have
(<35 ft). All were very nice, but the biggest drawback is that many of
them are gas, and I'm a bit concerned about their ability to traverse
mountain passes and other sorts of steep grades. Any comments?
Also, we ended up looking at (and driving) a 30ft Diesel pusher made by
Holiday Rambler. It was very nice and could make a better turn than my
'96 Chevy P/U (long bed+extended cab). The sales guy mentioned that
many of the diesel pushers are only available in the longer
configurations (>35 ft) by most manufacturers. Is this true? He
specifically mentioned that Bounders are only available in the 39ft in
the diesel configuration. Anyway, they of course were trying to get us
interested in buying one in the not-so-distant future. Their claim was
that now is a great time to buy since the interest rate is 2.99% for a
20yr loan. The price of the 30ft Diesel pusher was $129k.. That's about
double what I was thinking of in my head for our next "step" in RV'ing.
I do realize that I could get a gas model of similar size, etc for <$80k
that's perhaps a year or two old and has one or two slide-outs. Anyway,
does this sound like typical BS that sales guys are pushing these days?
I'm not sure if the 2.99% APR is one of those once in a life deals
(probably not), but it does sound low when compared with my credit union
rates (last I looked).
Anyway, the main reason that we are considering jumping into an RV from
a trailer is that my parents wrecked their rig last year and my mom is
leary of getting another to replace their totalled 5-er and truck (they
both fell asleep while driving in eastern Oregon). My wife & I were
thinking that if we got something a bit larger than our current setup,
that we could just go and pick them up and take them out for a week at a
time tooling around here and there as we all seeing the sights, etc.
Anyway, thanks in advance for any insights you can provide..
JEB
"X-Addict" <bit...@not-here.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.17a5dc7c1...@news.centrilink.net...
> Hi all..
<snip>
>
> Anyway, thanks in advance for any insights you can provide..
I purchased a 31 foot Fleetwood Terra in 2001. It was a gas (Ford V10)
chassis. It seemed to do pretty well on the road and wasn’t a bad coach (I
thought). We towed a 1993 Jeep Cherokee behind it and got about 9 mpg. Not
bad considering the towed vehicle and that I ran it at about 65 mph. We put
6K miles on it mostly on the east coast. We then had a business trip that
would take us from Baltimore to Albuquerque, Salt Lake city and then back to
Baltimore. A long trip to say the least. Anyway, going out west we
discovered that going up the mountains we would get down to about 40 mph and
going down the other side we had to be careful since the class A would lean
considerably on the curves. It didn’t become noticeable until we were in
the mountains and you could see over the side! I never went faster than 65
since the motor seemed to be working hard to hold that speed. We got in a
head wind at one point and could barley hold 50 mph.
When we got to SLC, we looked at, haggled, and then bought an Airstream Land
Yacht. It’s 36 feet with a slide and all the amenities. It has a 300hp CAT
and a Freightliner chassis on air ride. The Terra cost 49K and the list on
this Land Yacht was 176K. The difference (aside from the price) is
astounding. I had no idea how cheaply the Terra was made compared to this
Airstream. Going up and down the mountains was nothing for that CAT. We
pushed a headwind all the way across NE, and WY but it made little
difference to the CAT. Going down the mountains with a JAKE brake was
effortless. The JAKE would slow the rig almost to a stand still if I let
it. I seldom touched the brake going down. The quick release air ride is
outstanding. When you go around curves it remains level and when you have
to stop it sends air to the front bags to keep the coach level. Truly a
smooth ride. The Terra rode like a meat wagon compared to this one. I
averaged about 9 mpg at 75 mph. The diesel generator is very quiet, and the
power plant being in the rear makes the driver and passenger area quiet as
well.
You’ll get a ton of opinions here, so you’ll have to make up your own mind.
Personally, I wouldn’t buy anything but a diesel. I’ve read people talking
about the availability of diesel fuel and that’s just ridiculous. First, if
I am in a 36 foot class A I am not going to look for a 7-11 to fuel up in.
I use truck stops and with 700 miles between fuel-ups finding a truck isn’t
a big task.
YMMV!
Lgbabbs
We purchased a '98 HR Vacationer, 31.5', gas. It's our first motorhome, and we
have had it less than one year... within that time, we've traversed, climbed
and descended at the Grand Canyon, as well as the Smoky Mountains! We've had a
blast - MUCH more fun than we ever dreamed it would be! The coach has done
very well - we've not had a problem at all (knock on wood). We learned how to
handle the steep grades (both up and down) and feel that there is very little
power sacraficed. Granted, we have never been the fastest motorhome on the
road (wouldn't want that title!), but we're not the slowest, either. The
Vacationer has been terrific and we'd recommend it to anyone looking for a new
or used coach. We also considered the HR Neptune, but didn't want to spend
that much money. Nice, though! Good luck on your search and happy traveling!
one@home.com Wade
> them are gas, and I'm a bit concerned about their ability to traverse
> mountain passes and other sorts of steep grades. Any comments?
>
Gas versus diesel is no longer the issue as it used to be before the V-10
engines, and gas units usually are much lighter in weight as well
> Also, we ended up looking at (and driving) a 30ft Diesel pusher made by
> Holiday Rambler. It was very nice and could make a better turn than my
> '96 Chevy P/U (long bed+extended cab). The sales guy mentioned that
> many of the diesel pushers are only available in the longer
> configurations (>35 ft) by most manufacturers. Is this true? He
> specifically mentioned that Bounders are only available in the 39ft in
> the diesel configuration. Anyway, they of course were trying to get us
> interested in buying one in the not-so-distant future. Their claim was
> that now is a great time to buy since the interest rate is 2.99% for a
> 20yr loan. The price of the 30ft Diesel pusher was $129k.. That's about
> double what I was thinking of in my head for our next "step" in RV'ing.
> I do realize that I could get a gas model of similar size, etc for <$80k
> that's perhaps a year or two old and has one or two slide-outs. Anyway,
> does this sound like typical BS that sales guys are pushing these days?
> I'm not sure if the 2.99% APR is one of those once in a life deals
> (probably not), but it does sound low when compared with my credit union
> rates (last I looked).
>
The standard diesel chassis start at 36' and will go up in 2' increments up
to 45' there are some manufactures that will make custom chassis, and
considering that manufacturers like freightliner, Spartan and Prevost spend
millions developing this chassis, I would not trust any chassis developed by
RV manufacturers that lack the funds and resources for good quality control.
BTW 2.99% financing is likely to be as low as it gets, however I would
seriously question the 20 year term.
Wade
Jim Walker
30' diesel. Maybe their web site will clarify. I recommend a diesel for
several reasons. They include, fuel economy, long term reliability, air
brakes, and exhaust brakes. A pusher will be quieter than a front engine
class A.
--
Jim Walker
Northern Virginia
X-Addict <bit...@not-here.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.17a5dc7c1...@news.centrilink.net...
Tom G
Retail is $100,000 very good value!
http://www.rexhall.com/Motorhomes/Clipper/clipper_dies_floorplan.htm
http://www.rexhall.com/Motorhomes/Vision/VISION.htm
"X-Addict" <bit...@not-here.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.17a5dc7c1...@news.centrilink.net...
Bob Hatch
> done, my wife wanted to stop in next door at Beaudry RV to get an idea
> on the pricing of a smallish RV (we've currently got a 22ft 5-er).
> Anyway, the sales guy showed us several of the new & used RV's they have
> (<35 ft). All were very nice, but the biggest drawback is that many of
> them are gas, and I'm a bit concerned about their ability to traverse
> mountain passes and other sorts of steep grades. Any comments?
Yes, we have a '99 Winnebago Adventure 37G and tow a Honda Accord, 4 down.
We have been over the Rockies and back 3 times. Yellowstone, Northern and
Southern Idaho and Denver to Utah on I-70. Yes we slow down a bit, but we
realize we're in a 37 MH, not a sports car. We get an average of 7.25 MPG.
The V10 does a very good job and we can maintain a solid 65 (maybe more
sometimes) on most roads.
>
> Also, we ended up looking at (and driving) a 30ft Diesel pusher made by
> Holiday Rambler.
> The price of the 30ft Diesel pusher was $129k.. That's about
> double what I was thinking of in my head for our next "step" in RV'ing.
> I do realize that I could get a gas model of similar size, etc for <$80k
> that's perhaps a year or two old and has one or two slide-outs.
I've always said that the Lotto is designed for those who don't understand
math. So is the hype of the diesel pusher.
Yur gonna hear all kinds of rationalizing about how the diesel gets better
mileage. True, maybe 2 more MPG. How much fuel can you buy for $30,0000,
$40,000 or $50,000. You do that math. You will never own it long enough or
drive it far enough to pay for the additional cost of the diesel.
You'll also hear that the diesel will last a million miles. That means that
over the 20 year life of your loan you'll have to drive it 50,000 miles a
year to reach that milestone. That means 4166 miles a month. Doesn't leave
much time to camp. The average MH is driven *less than* 8,000 miles a year.
One of the worst things you can do to a diesel engine is not use it.
The cost of maintenance on the diesel will be more than double that of a gas
V10.
The gas and diesel units will have about the same NCC (if chosen carefully)
and about the same towing capacity. Why? The diesel engine, frame, tranny
all weigh more than a gas unit. In addition to make the cost of the diesel
look like a better value the mfrs add a lot of heavy stuff to the coach.
Tile floors, corian counters etc. and in the end have no more carrying
capacity than a gas unit.
It's your money, you can spend it any way you want, but don't be fooled by
fluff and invalid arguments in favor of the diesel unit.
If, in the long run what you want to be able to do is piss higher up the
brag tree than the guy with a gas unit, admit it and spend the $.
All of the above is IMO
--
http://home.attbi.com/~bigtent
Our web site about RVs, and a work in progress.
Jim Steele
good ole US of A in a Allegro 31DA gas MH, (18k lbs) with the 8.1 GM engine.
Only checked mileage once after a total of around 4k miles over all types of
terrain, flat land, rolling hills, mountains, (including that darn Powder
River pass where we learned quickly to keep it in low gear!). We were
pulling a Tracker and the mileage averaged 7.9 mpg for those 4k miles. The
8.1 GM runs very well for us, much better then a 460 Ford in a previous MH,
and as well as a 230 HP diesel in another. We had bought the diesel because
at the time I needed to pea higher up the tree and just had to have one, but
the MH we could afford was used and we became burdened with lots of extra
cost's because of the prior owners lack of upkeep. The 8.1 doesn't lack in
the power department, climbs and accelerates fine, it didn't leave use
wishing for more power / torque etc. Does this mean were not going to look
at diesel's in the future? Nope, but the gas suit's us fine now, but I keep
having delusions of retiring and traveling in a Prevost and I don't think
they come with gas engines. I guess it all boils down to the fact that we
all have choices to make and we should be glad we do have the opportunity to
consider RV'ing as one of them, weather it is in a shiny new MH or a hand me
down van with a sleeping bag in the back, just enjoy what you have, and make
the choices that's right for you.
Jim and Mona Steele
JEB
"Wade" <No o...@home.com> wrote in message
news:oSX_8.27695$Ag2.1...@news2.calgary.shaw.ca...
>
>
> Gas versus diesel is no longer the issue as it used to be before the V-10
> engines, and gas units usually are much lighter in weight as well
>
at 65mph is a real hoot in a "much lighter" gas rig. We nearly got blown
off the road more than once. Didn't come close to happening in our pusher.
The gas rig weighed 14K the diesel weighs 25K (and gets a bit better mpg).
JEB
"Bob Hatch" <bobh...@go.com> wrote in message
news:ahi028$tcmnb$1...@ID-85448.news.dfncis.de...
>
> Yes, we have a '99 Winnebago Adventure 37G and tow a Honda Accord, 4 down.
> We have been over the Rockies and back 3 times. Yellowstone, Northern and
> Southern Idaho and Denver to Utah on I-70. Yes we slow down a bit, but we
> realize we're in a 37 MH, not a sports car. We get an average of 7.25 MPG.
>
> The V10 does a very good job and we can maintain a solid 65 (maybe more
> sometimes) on most roads.
You slowed "down a bit"... my V10 2001 Ford went from 65 to 40 going up the
hill. And, I'll wager that my 31' Terra weighed a lot less than your 37G.
In fact it weighed 14K (-/+). You must be burning alcohol (or drinking it).
>
> I've always said that the Lotto is designed for those who don't understand
> math.
Original comment, I always wondered who started that! But let's be
realistic here, ANY RV is a horrible "investment". You put BIG dollars into
something that just loses money every year. Sounds like the stock market,
but worse.
> Yur gonna hear all kinds of rationalizing about how the diesel gets better
> mileage. True, maybe 2 more MPG. How much fuel can you buy for $30,0000,
> $40,000 or $50,000.
a bunch, I guess.
> You'll also hear that the diesel will last a million miles.
Go to http://www3.nadaguides.com/ and do a value on your gas rig. When it
asks you for the mileage it has a statement next to it that states:
"optional - NOT for Diesel Engines". You want to know why? See the above
statement.
>
> The cost of maintenance on the diesel will be more than double that of a
gas
> V10.
You only have to do it 1/2 as often. "You do the math..."
>
> The gas and diesel units will have about the same NCC (if chosen
carefully)
> and about the same towing capacity.
That's a joke, right?
>
> It's your money, you can spend it any way you want, but don't be fooled by
> fluff and invalid arguments in favor of the diesel unit.
>
> If, in the long run what you want to be able to do is piss higher up the
> brag tree than the guy with a gas unit, admit it and spend the $.
>
Actually, this guy left out a lot of important information. The frames
built by Freightliner, air ride, air brakes, engine brakes, torque, etc etc
etc... but the BEST part of all is the AIR HORNS!
You'll never regret buying a diesel pusher - if you can afford it.
Bob Hatch
> > The V10 does a very good job and we can maintain a solid 65 (maybe more
> > sometimes) on most roads.
>
> You slowed "down a bit"... my V10 2001 Ford went from 65 to 40 going up
the
> hill. And, I'll wager that my 31' Terra weighed a lot less than your 37G.
> In fact it weighed 14K (-/+). You must be burning alcohol (or drinking
it).
>
Yup I call that a bit. If I slow down from 65 to 40 for 50 miles of a 3800
mile trip, it's insignificant. There are trucks going slower than me and I'm
OK with that. As I said, it's not a sports car and I'm not in a race to get
there.
> >
> > I've always said that the Lotto is designed for those who don't
understand
> > math.
>
> Original comment, I always wondered who started that! But let's be
> realistic here, ANY RV is a horrible "investment". You put BIG dollars
into
> something that just loses money every year. Sounds like the stock market,
> but worse.
I would not for a second refer to an RV as an investment. It's pleasure and
we spend a lot of money on it.
>
> > Yur gonna hear all kinds of rationalizing about how the diesel gets
better
> > mileage. True, maybe 2 more MPG. How much fuel can you buy for $30,0000,
> > $40,000 or $50,000.
>
> a bunch, I guess.
Ya, at the $40,000 level about 29,000 gallons.
>
> > You'll also hear that the diesel will last a million miles.
>
> Go to http://www3.nadaguides.com/ and do a value on your gas rig. When it
> asks you for the mileage it has a statement next to it that states:
> "optional - NOT for Diesel Engines". You want to know why? See the above
> statement.
I still say that the huge cost difference will never, ever be recovered.
Can't happen.
>
> >
> > The cost of maintenance on the diesel will be more than double that of a
> gas
> > V10.
>
> You only have to do it 1/2 as often. "You do the math..."
It costs me $43.00 for an oil change. I've compared with my brother who owns
a diesel. I'm way, way ahead on maintenance cost.
>
> >
> > The gas and diesel units will have about the same NCC (if chosen
> carefully)
> > and about the same towing capacity.
>
> That's a joke, right?
Nope, not a joke. Take a look at most of the mid line rigs. Not talking
Prevost. NCC ranges from 1,800 to around 4,500.
My Adventure has a NCC of 3,900 lbs.
>
> >
>
> Actually, this guy left out a lot of important information. The frames
> built by Freightliner, air ride, air brakes, engine brakes, torque, etc
etc
> etc... but the BEST part of all is the AIR HORNS!
>
> You'll never regret buying a diesel pusher - if you can afford it.
>
Probably not. But he and you will lose more in the long run than the gas
guys. If the RV mfrs make, lets say for the sake of argument 10% on a rig,
which do you think they want you to buy. The $150,000 one or the $80,000
one.
Don Bradner
> Safari Trek is about 30' and it is diesel. I haven't heard about the HR
>30' diesel. Maybe their web site will clarify. I recommend a diesel for
>several reasons. They include, fuel economy, long term reliability, air
>brakes, and exhaust brakes. A pusher will be quieter than a front engine
>class A.
Things are changing. Did the Safari factory tour today, and all of the
Treks in process were gas. Asked the tour guide and she said she
thought they hadn't made more than 6 Trek diesels this year.
--
Don Bradner
Posting today by satellite from
Ol Jo RV Park in Cave Junction, OR
Travelogue: www.arcatapet.net/travel.cfm
Mark
>brag tree than the guy with a gas unit, admit it and spend the $.
>
>All of the above is IMO
>--
>http://home.attbi.com/~bigtent
>Our web site about RVs, and a work in progress.
Gotta' agree with all that you said.. but for speaking an unspoken truth, I'm
sending you another couple of sandbags for the roof of your bunker... you might
want to don the asbetstos and kevlar undies also..<G>
Mark
one@home.com Wade
"John" <nospam...@blazenet.net> wrote in message
news:8j6pjucbvs86pm1u1...@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 22 Jul 2002 23:27:50 GMT, "JEB"
<ber...@YOUKNOWWHATTODO.berndtmd.com> wrote:
> >Oh, that reminds me. On a two lane road meeting a semi going the other
way
> >at 65mph is a real hoot in a "much lighter" gas rig. We nearly got blown
> >off the road more than once. Didn't come close to happening in our
pusher.
> >The gas rig weighed 14K the diesel weighs 25K (and gets a bit better
mpg).
> weight distribution. With the engine, transmission, and differential all
in the
> back, I would think there is not a lot of weight on the front axle.
> John
>
On the contrary I have had diesel pushers now for 10 years the weight
distribution is very good, you see just forward of your axel is a 2000 plus
lbs generator, the rear axel is as far back as it will allow, resulting in
wheelbases of 21' or more.
Wade
one@home.com Wade
"John" <nospam...@blazenet.net> wrote in message
news:8j6pjucbvs86pm1u1...@4ax.com...
> On Mon, 22 Jul 2002 23:27:50 GMT, "JEB"
<ber...@YOUKNOWWHATTODO.berndtmd.com> wrote:
way
> >at 65mph is a real hoot in a "much lighter" gas rig. We nearly got blown
> >off the road more than once. Didn't come close to happening in our
pusher.
> >The gas rig weighed 14K the diesel weighs 25K (and gets a bit better
mpg).
> weight distribution. With the engine, transmission, and differential all
in the
> back, I would think there is not a lot of weight on the front axle.
> John
>
build on better chassis then years past perhaps Bob Hatch could enlighten
us. I know that gas units in the past where very unstable mainly because
they really where not mach more as Will likes to call them bread trucks,
manufacturers would take whatever chassis was available weld on extra floor
length and if need be add a tag axle so they could add up to 15' to the
chassis platform, and of course extend the 6' with to 8', not surprising you
would have what you describe as shity handling.
Wade
JEB
>
> >
> I don't know the type oh MH you have had, however today's gas coaches are
> build on better chassis then years past perhaps Bob Hatch could enlighten
> us. I know that gas units in the past where very unstable mainly because
> they really where not mach more as Will likes to call them bread trucks,
> manufacturers would take whatever chassis was available weld on extra
floor
> length and if need be add a tag axle so they could add up to 15' to the
> chassis platform, and of course extend the 6' with to 8', not surprising
you
> would have what you describe as shity handling.
> Wade
>
>
I had a 2001 Fleetwood Terra. It would scare you when you met a truck going
the opposite direction, going down a mountain, or even when a truck passed
you on the interstate. Haven't had that feeling since I got this diesel
pusher...
jack
Bob Hatch
going
> the opposite direction, going down a mountain, or even when a truck passed
> you on the interstate. Haven't had that feeling since I got this diesel
> pusher...
>
has been in all kinds of traffic and weather. We have never felt unstable in
any of the conditions you describe. We have been out the East entrance of
Yellowstone twice, in the same entrance twice. In the West twice, and out
the North twice, and 2 of our trips we were in the snow. We've been over the
passes in Idaho/Montana on I-90 both ways twice. Also driven the route from
Cody, WY to Gillette, WY using HWY 16, twice. Been all the way across ND and
SD in the cross winds. Took the route from Denver to Grand Junction and then
down to Hatch, Utah and back up through Salt Lake, Twin Falls and back to
Portland via I-84. We've been up and down Immigrant Hill out side of
Pendleton several times.
So it's not that we haven't been in the hills and on the highways. My wife
drives the rig about 1/2 the time and she has no problems.
Maybe your problem was that you had such a small coach with a lighter
frame/body. But our experience has been nothing like yours.
Barrie Brozenske
says...
> Jeb, don't know what to tell you. Maybe it's just the Fleetwood, but our rig
> has been in all kinds of traffic and weather. We have never felt unstable in
> any of the conditions you describe.
>
chassis with a gas V-10; the front-rear axle weight distribution respects
the individual axle weight limits. I have never felt unstable passing
trucks either. We do have the wider front wheel spacing, and when
comparing it to a similar older Seabreeze on a GM P-30 chassis with
narrower spacing that we test drove, we found the one we bought to be
MUCH superior in its handling characteristics.
Just one opinion,
Barrie B
Telestar
equipped with all the bells and whistles list was $151,000.00 actual price
they wanted was 121,000.00 including paint protection etc.
This was at Shipp's RV in Chattanooga, Tn. I think you could get the price
of the 30' down a lot more.
"X-Addict" <bit...@not-here.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.17a5dc7c1...@news.centrilink.net...
X-Addict
dow...@bellsouth.net says...
> We looked at a 2002 36' Holiday Rambler with 330 hp Cummins pusher nicely
> equipped with all the bells and whistles list was $151,000.00 actual price
> they wanted was 121,000.00 including paint protection etc.
> This was at Shipp's RV in Chattanooga, Tn. I think you could get the price
> of the 30' down a lot more.
Hmm.. I checked out their site (http://www.shippsrv.com) and they are
selling the 36' version of the SAME RV that we looked at (the Ambassador
series) and if you were able to get it for just over $120k, then the
$129 price is way too high for the 6ft smaller version.. Perhaps Shipps
would sell it for closer to $100?
BTW: Anyone know the difference between the Holiday Rambler Neptune
series and the Ambassador series? Shipps has a 32PBD (32') with two
slides (enty level so they claim) for just over $118k.. Which means
that you should be able to get it under $100 based on the above
figures..? As for Shipps, did you need to haggle quite a bit to get
that price? Thanks for any info you can provide!
rmccl...@worldnet.att.net
are in the interior furnishings and a few of the options for the
Neptune are standard on the Ambassador. Exterior graphics on the
Ambassador are more elaborate then on the Neptune. Other examples are
19" color TV forward on the Neptune and 25" on the Ambassador. The
base price on the 34PBD Neptune is $114,429. The base price on the
32PBD Ambassador is $121,730. The Neptune has 49 items under standard
equipment while the Ambassador has 75.
The relationship is similar to the Cayman and the Knight on the Monaco
models.
Hope that helps.
Ron
On Tue, 23 Jul 2002 15:32:36 -0700, X-Addict <bit...@not-here.com>
wrote:
Ken G
diesel pusher as well. I currently have a Winnebago 27’ class a on a
Chevrolet p-30 chassis with a 454 4 speed auto I purchased new in 1994 and
have had no problems. Prior to that I had a 1977 Itasca 24’ for 11 trouble
free years.
The rig I dream of at the moment is another Winnebago. A Journey DL diesel
pusher, which comes in 32, 34, 36 and 39-foot lengths. Their standard
engine is a 330 HP CAT with an Allison 6 speed transmission on a
freightliner chassis. I drove one and really liked it, and felt extremely
safe. Their asking price starts around $150,000, but you can no doubt get
it for less. I have had good luck with the resale value of Winnebago brand
(insert standard investment disclaimer here). There are choices in smaller
Diesel pushers. Monaco also builds a 33.
Tom G in CA
Vision) diesel pusher. It has a Cummins 260 hp engine with Allison 5 speed.
I've logged 8000 miles, many of those miles towing my car. I've found the
rig to be reliable and that the engine is adequate to handle the varied
driving conditions that I encounter. I've driven in the Sierra Nevada
mountains and other hilly terrain. On seven percent grades, I'll slow to
35-40 mph. I can see a 330 HP engine would have advantages handling the
mountains, but I'm satisfied with my 260. My average mpg has been 9.
Best of all, the rig cost new $89,000. Can't beat the price, and the
quality is there. I'd suggest you give one a try before buying. I've put
another 10K in it for such things as inverter, solar panels, towing system
etc. I'm not too concerned about resale value, because this is my first and
last RV. It will be my retirement home, and hell, I may decide to get
buried in it. That story might hit the six o'clock news!
Ed Myers
"Tom G in CA" <nospam4me@donteventry> wrote in message
news:ukakjod...@corp.supernews.com...
> Last October I purchased a 36 foot Rexhall American Clipper (twin to the
> Vision) diesel pusher. It has a Cummins 260 hp engine with Allison 5
speed.
> I've logged 8000 miles, many of those miles towing my car. I've found the
> rig to be reliable and that the engine is adequate to handle the varied
> driving conditions that I encounter. I've driven in the Sierra Nevada
> mountains and other hilly terrain. On seven percent grades, I'll slow to
> 35-40 mph. I can see a 330 HP engine would have advantages handling the
> mountains, but I'm satisfied with my 260. My average mpg has been 9.
clip
Check with a dealer to see if this engine HP could be increased via
software. Some of them can. My RV service man said that he knew the 275
can be increased up to about 325 via software.
Ed