DP or Gas? DW vs DH
We're in a dilema. We have a 2002 Fleetwood Terra 32S w 145,000 miles. It's running well but getting a little long in the tooth.
Don't like -
Road noise
Wind noise
Handling (wind, trucks, etc)
HVAC AC noise
HVAC Furnace noise
Shower sucks! Needs a ledge or a seat
Design is outdated
Can't pull a hill worth beans (but pass a lot of 80,000# trucks on the long pulls)
Do like -
Paid for
LOVE the floor plan
Cloth upholstery (warm in winter, cool in summer)
New tires
Newish brakes
Don't feel too bad driving in a cow pasture
Has all those little mods you get used to over time
More nimble than a 39 ft DP
So we're thinking about upgrading. I'm not fond of another V10 because it's pretty much right under me. Even with insulation matting inside the dog house there's still going to be noise (just plywood between me & tires). I've also added 2x2 rubber backed carpet squares as sound and (somewhat) thermal insulation. It helps. And the handling . . . sway bushings look ok but seriously? they're 19 years old. Probably shot. I could replace 'em but it's just another thing to fix. Also not a fan of the cheap handling fix. I do some serious cow pasturing.
Considering a DP probably in the 15 yo category. DW doesn't want the added length but with a rear engine, bigger tires and air bag suspension I'm thinking it will ride nicely. Maybe even have a conversation while driving! And while parked a 'nicer' moho might have central HVAC. Might even be able to hear the TV without waking the neighbors. Thoughts?
Diesel gets better mileage but higher cost/gal . . . and DP's are heavier. How does overall fuel cost compare to Ford's V10? I average ~7.5mpg with the trailer. It seems to follow me where ever I go . . .
DW wants hard surface floor that can be kept clean. Those are less common than full or mostly carpet, and always carpet under the slides. She calls carpet a dirt magnet. Ok, I don't vacuum after every trip.
That reminds me, I need to run the vacuum . . . .
I take maybe 20 - 30 solo trips / year. 14,000 miles last year. She didn't go 1 mile last year and maybe one trip in 2019. She wants to go, but always something in the way. We have two 18# terriers. They travel ok but the planets have to align just right for everyone to travel.
Is it worth it to have a nicer motorhome? Does anyone have the same noise gripes I have or the tracking dirt gripes my DW has? Do they run quietly down the road or do they just "look" quiet?
And brands . . . . we're seeing higher end Winnebagos, Forest River and 1 or 2 other "value" brands before getting to the Monacos, Newmars, etc. Those are pretty much out of our price range, even used. But need to know what to stay away from.
All thoughts are welcome.
Best,
- bob & anita
Don't like -
Road noise
Wind noise
Handling (wind, trucks, etc)
HVAC AC noise
HVAC Furnace noise
Shower sucks! Needs a ledge or a seat
Design is outdated
Can't pull a hill worth beans (but pass a lot of 80,000# trucks on the long pulls)
Do like -
Paid for
LOVE the floor plan
Cloth upholstery (warm in winter, cool in summer)
New tires
Newish brakes
Don't feel too bad driving in a cow pasture
Has all those little mods you get used to over time
More nimble than a 39 ft DP
So we're thinking about upgrading. I'm not fond of another V10 because it's pretty much right under me. Even with insulation matting inside the dog house there's still going to be noise (just plywood between me & tires). I've also added 2x2 rubber backed carpet squares as sound and (somewhat) thermal insulation. It helps. And the handling . . . sway bushings look ok but seriously? they're 19 years old. Probably shot. I could replace 'em but it's just another thing to fix. Also not a fan of the cheap handling fix. I do some serious cow pasturing.
Considering a DP probably in the 15 yo category. DW doesn't want the added length but with a rear engine, bigger tires and air bag suspension I'm thinking it will ride nicely. Maybe even have a conversation while driving! And while parked a 'nicer' moho might have central HVAC. Might even be able to hear the TV without waking the neighbors. Thoughts?
Diesel gets better mileage but higher cost/gal . . . and DP's are heavier. How does overall fuel cost compare to Ford's V10? I average ~7.5mpg with the trailer. It seems to follow me where ever I go . . .
DW wants hard surface floor that can be kept clean. Those are less common than full or mostly carpet, and always carpet under the slides. She calls carpet a dirt magnet. Ok, I don't vacuum after every trip.
That reminds me, I need to run the vacuum . . . .
I take maybe 20 - 30 solo trips / year. 14,000 miles last year. She didn't go 1 mile last year and maybe one trip in 2019. She wants to go, but always something in the way. We have two 18# terriers. They travel ok but the planets have to align just right for everyone to travel.
Is it worth it to have a nicer motorhome? Does anyone have the same noise gripes I have or the tracking dirt gripes my DW has? Do they run quietly down the road or do they just "look" quiet?
And brands . . . . we're seeing higher end Winnebagos, Forest River and 1 or 2 other "value" brands before getting to the Monacos, Newmars, etc. Those are pretty much out of our price range, even used. But need to know what to stay away from.
All thoughts are welcome.
Best,
- bob & anita
