MartyW wrote:
Hi Frank, and thanks for that info. I wasn't aware of this and it is much appreciated.
Based on the input I've received on this thread (great input!) my wife and I are going tomorrow to look at a 1995 DP that is for sale by owner and close to where we live. My only experience with diesels has been farm tractors, so I've gotta figure out if I believe myself to be qualified to be a diesel rig owner (which would mean that I would need to do some of the routine maintenance).
If we don't do a DP (tomorrow's DP or some other DP), then my next question to the forum would be asking which is preferred between the older Ford 460 chassis and the older Chevy 454 chassis. There has already been quite a bit of negative comments on the GM P30, so I will be asking about the Ford chassis that carried the 460 engine. I had a 460 in a 3/4 ton truck and I know that one to be a rugged and dependable engine. I need to stay away from the early V-10's due to the possible plug issue and my lack of understanding of them, but I'd have a 460 any day, as I would a 454.
Many thanks again.
I have an old P-30{454 Chevy TBI} with the auto park and it can be problematic. Replaced the pressure switch 3 times. Once you understand the shortcomings of the system you carry extra switches. Both 460's and 454 would prone to exhaust manifold cracking and leaking both were fixed with headers which added about 80 hp and a cooler running engine. I would stay away from these older engines unless they were modified with headers, FF exhaust and a CAI. Workhorse fixed the autopark I think by 2006. The solid front end of the workhorse would require less front end replacement over the IFS of the P-30. Your budget of $30k may get you to a 2006 Workhorse or Ford which would be better because of the 6 speed Allison transmission in the Chevy and 5 speed in the Ford and higher HP 340 and 362 respectively. Also determine what size MH you what to drive and camp in. If over 36 ft or more I would look at a DP. From 30 - 36 ft it gets harder to decide. I would be careful about DP's for $30k in this size because of less hp(275-300 HP) and 25-30k lbs to push up a hill. Its HP/wt that is important. A gasser in this size might weight 16-18k lbs and will have 340 or 362 hp and would have much better performance. Good luck on your search.
