ron.dittmer wrote:
Hi Songbirds,
I understand where you are coming from because I think like you. Here are my thoughts and experience.
Being the hands-on guy that I am, I am most familiar with gasoline engines. The idea of owning a diesel at this point in my life (I turn 60 this year) doesn't interest me. I would not totally rule out every diesel, but it would have to offer something uniquely special for me to consider one.
For me, a Sprinter diesel does not cut it with regards to "Unique Offerings". They have limited service center issues, inflated maintenance & repair costs, and their track record does seem to be a bit tainted with weird issues popping up for some owners that require a costly service center visit to be made right.
A diesel pusher is it's own animal. If I were to consider a class-A, a diesel pusher with a domestic drive train would be my first pursuit, specifically a used Tiffin Allegro Breeze 28R, because it's uniquely small size.
A Ford E350 and E450 are going to be your best choice with regard to your inquiry. Parts are everywhere and so is service. Every mechanic is familiar with the Triton V10 engine and the E-series chassis. It's a very reliable chassis and drive train too.
Motor homes in-general have issues primarily because most of them sit outside and don't get driven often enough. Tires, brake rotors, brake calipers, and old gas, are primary contributors to issues, followed by things like rodent damage.
A bit of my own personal experience. We have a heated garage which our purchased new 2007 E350 chassis motor home stays inside when not being used. It is 11 years coming up this May with 35,000 miles, and to be honest with you, I have changed oil, oil filters, air filters, and one chassis battery. That is all as far as the Ford chassis is concerned. Being garage kept and heated in winter, this means there is no humidity during the off-seasons. I do plan to handle all types of maintenance myself, and dig into issues when they come up near home.
The trouble with RV issues in-general is that we are always using it when far from home. I am not going to change an alternator or water pump in a parking lot or campsite. So I will be relying heavily on the nearest mechanic. The E-series offers your best shot at getting a mechanic who is familiar with the task-at-hand. The Chevy 3500/4500 chassis is right there with the E-series. I can't say the same for the other class-C chassis choices out there.
Hey, Thanks for all your feedback. Which brings us down to just two models that very much fit our need Both are Winnebago Class B Era 70M and the Class C Fuse 23T as both have DRY-BATH with no wardrobe in same. Both will park in a normal parking space at 24-feet. I did, however, see the model very nice but not finding any dealerships in Florida area as yet.
This Model was nice, just not finding them in Florida area as yet
