Gas or DP

Busskipper wrote:

Colo Native wrote:
I am looking to go back to a MH, I want spend $70K -100K. It appears I could get a 3-4 old gas or a 8-10 year DP. I like the idea of a DP but wonder if the life is used up on a 10 year old DP and I how much $$ to update on one. I have had a gas before and I know they are slow and noisy in the Rockies. Any thoughts.

Only you will Know the right unit for You - Floor plan and Level of Fit and finish will likely be the deciding factors.

IMHO, the older diesel will give you more of what you are looking for.

Comfort - Ride - Build level - just a better House.

Just a guess but I think you have a strong lean for the Diesel.

Have you narrowed down the list to a Manufacturer, or two? Think that will help.

In all honesty the size limit you have will tend to be very limited in the used market, and as you know there are just so many more 40' Coaches.

So, if I were you, figure out the Type - Diesel or Gas - ID your level of Finish (Not just on the surface) - Narrow down to couple of Manufacturers - Search till you drop.

Then run the heck out of it, see the rest of the Country,

Now ----- what will be the Toad?????????????? Be sure the selected Coach can pull it where you will travel.

A 400HP non DEF should be possible, and would be my preference

Keep us all in the Loop as this will be FUN to watch as it evolves.

Best of Luck,

ps. as I've read many or your posts over the last few years - you have a strong knowledge of your needs and what will work - my story is I had a gas unit that just could not handle Colorado so I had a Diesel Build - we selected a Hydro Hot because we use it in the winter - This is a BIG DEAL - so just keep that in mind - Insulation is also Critical if you use it in the Fall/Spring/Winter.

Colorado is hard on gassers going up the hills at 35MPH and 4500rpm slow and noisy Been there done that but then again I don't know if a 300-340 HP dp is much better

At the 34 ft range I would look at a newer gas MH. Look at the storage, CCC, FW grey and black capacities. At 36-38 ft it is kind of a toss up.

Colo Native wrote:
I am looking to go back to a MH, I want spend $70K -100K. It appears I could get a 3-4 old gas or a 8-10 year DP. I like the idea of a DP but wonder if the life is used up on a 10 year old DP and I how much $$ to update on one. I have had a gas before and I know they are slow and noisy in the Rockies. Any thoughts.

Only you will Know the right unit for You - Floor plan and Level of Fit and finish will likely be the deciding factors.

IMHO, the older diesel will give you more of what you are looking for.

Comfort - Ride - Build level - just a better House.

Just a guess but I think you have a strong lean for the Diesel.

Have you narrowed down the list to a Manufacturer, or two? Think that will help.

In all honesty the size limit you have will tend to be very limited in the used market, and as you know there are just so many more 40' Coaches.

So, if I were you, figure out the Type - Diesel or Gas - ID your level of Finish (Not just on the surface) - Narrow down to couple of Manufacturers - Search till you drop.

Then run the heck out of it, see the rest of the Country,

Now ----- what will be the Toad?????????????? Be sure the selected Coach can pull it where you will travel.

A 400HP non DEF should be possible, and would be my preference

Keep us all in the Loop as this will be FUN to watch as it evolves.

Best of Luck,

ps. as I've read many or your posts over the last few years - you have a strong knowledge of your needs and what will work - my story is I had a gas unit that just could not handle Colorado so I had a Diesel Build - we selected a Hydro Hot because we use it in the winter - This is a BIG DEAL - so just keep that in mind - Insulation is also Critical if you use it in the Fall/Spring/Winter.

We had a smaller gas Class A before we purchased the DP in our signature new. At 10 years, it really will vary depending upon the care the coach has received. It will be EASIER and less work to find a new Gas coach but not necessarily better or cheaper in the long run.

A 10 year old DP that has had no modifications or upgrades done to it over those 10 years will feel old and dated compared to a new gas coach. On the other hand, over the past 10 years, we have continually updated our coach with new MCD shades, residential fridge, new televisions throughout, new carpeting, new tile backsplashes, new faucets, new toilet, you get the idea. Folks are always surprised that the coach is 10 years old because it doesn't look or feel like it is.

I'm casually shopping with the intent of making the 5th wheel to class A jump someday. The question is a tough one and there really is not right answer. At this point I lean slightly towards new/newer gas. Repair costs and dated/used interior are the main factors.

There have been so many great creature comfort improvements over the years that I hate to go back in time. Old square TVs, dated furniture, fewer slides are all annoyances when looking at 10-15 year old DPs. The newer F53 chassis with the 6spd auto is getting some pretty nice reviews. The one thing I'd plan on putting some money into with a gasser is suspension upgrades. Many/most report the stock setup leaves a lot to be desired. A couple thousand dollars on bags or springs and sway bars and it drives like a whole other vehicle.

Of course, the DP has some great benefits too. It's just a tough decision.

i've had 23ft 32ft 31ft gas Rvs and the last 7yrs in a 34ft DP

this one has a better ride, but the repair expenses on a diesel are much greater when one is needed

my next coach will be GAS

the dW says no more diesel and i agree,

there are many things to consider, what can you do on your own, what do you prefer to do, what can you afford to pay in maintance and repair costs
how much storage do you need

we full time, and surprisingly are previous coach a Komfort class A on P30 chassis, actually had more storage than this DP

oh it has these big compartment doors, but there is a 100gal fresh water tank, the black and grey tanks, so only the middle compartment is full use

inside the dining table with wood chairs, like dining in the stick house, no storage, and in our case, raise the bed and there is the engine, no storage

great sectional sofa, really comfortable, no storage

after 7 yrs, we decided to go back to a gasser

if i won the lotto, i might buy a used DP

too much $$ spent on repairs, not enough spent on travel

it all varies by person, the RV, the floor plan, and finances

get the floor plan you like, in the coach you like the way it drives

The first poster provided links to great threads on this topic. It is an important decision when you are looking at a Class A. It is a personal decision based on many factors. Given X dollars, you can buy a newer gas coach or an older diesel coach. How handy are you? Can you financially handle unexpected expenses? For a shorter coach, you can get a gas coach that would work just fine. Our coach is 39 feet long and we love the diesel handling and ride. But we cannot compare a gas vs diesel because we have only had the diesel.

mines 10yrs old and in great condition some of you people must not do any maint. 10yrs is not a junker if it has some TLC.

I'm currently thinking about a 2000. Wouldn't touch a gasser because the components and interior are generally better on a higher-end unit.

Ivylog wrote:
13 years and 80K miles...plan on going another 13 years or until I age out with this rig.

OP, at that short a rig you don't need diesel but do not go that small because of NP, SP CGs as those are my favorite.

I am not going that small because of the parks it is what fits my needs