Diesel Pusher category

magicbus wrote:

dubdub07 wrote:

magicbus wrote:
Having owned both a gasser and a DP I would offer that other than the engine and the brakes they have pretty much the same class A issues and concerns. Maybe under the Tech Issues I could see a different category, but not sure I understand why under Class A.

Dave

I have only owned a DP, and I can tell you from reading all the posts it seems the two have quite different issues.

Maybe it would help me to understand if you could give me a few examples where a Class A DP would have different issues than a Class A gasser (other than engine or brakes).

Dave

Well Dave,
There are actually quite a few differences in the two. About 99.99% of the gassers utilize a CONVERTER/CHARGER for most 12v operations including but, not limited to, charging of the house batteries. Where as about 99.9999% of the diesels out there utilize an INVERTER/CHARGER for the same application. And, that inverter is normally considerably larger than any inverter in most gassers, as supplied from the factory and, being it's a larger inverter, it will normally power up many more outlets than what most factory supplied smaller inverters in gas coaches. That's something that may, or may not be of importance to some.

Second, since it's a diesel engine, there are considerable difference in engine wiring and control factors. The frames of diesel coaches are normally heavier and, yes, that means the brakes are usually larger and more efficient and, also, the lower end diesels might have an EXHAUST BRAKE whereas the more upper end ones, might have a multi-stage COMPRESSION BRAKE.

Most gassers might have what's called a "Tow-haul" mode in the trans which alters the way the trans is shifted vs the amount of power needed and the speed at which the vehicle is traveling at the time.

Most generators in diesels are larger than the ones in gas units. And I was going to say that, for years, most gassers used a 30A service while most diesels used a 50A service but, that's kind-a changed in the last few years. I think in that respect, they're both pretty equal now.

The fact that about 99.9% of the diesels have the engine in the rear is pretty important to many folks due to the low levels of noise in the cab area for driving where as, the gas engine up front, does provide with more Dbs for a louder atmosphere for driving, especially during hill climbs.

A good quality, higher end gas coach, with the heavy duty chassis i.e. 22.5 wheels, can be fairly close to most of the qualities of a lower end diesel, of the same year and length.
Scott