Can anyone speak to traveling in the mountains with a gas Class A? My husband and I are ready to purchase a new or almost new motorhome to carry us through our retirement years. I am also afraid that a gas motor will leave us stranded in places where we can't find rental cars and I understand it is not good to tow with a gas engine. We are not sure we can afford a diesel right now so just trying to be well informed before we make a big decision. We are national and state park campers for the most part but long to see the Black Hills and places like Yosemite and Glacier National Forest. Thank you for your comments!

you certainly have been misinformed. many of us tow toads behind gas motorhomes. "stranded", don't understand that comment. my first big trip out west coming east towards the eisenhower tunnel I did unhook the toad and we drove up the mountain separately. found out that was certainly not necessary. just get in the right lane, pass the semis, and you will be OK.bumpy

We have a 2011 Newmar Canyon Star on a Workhorse W22 chassis, 8.1L gas engine. We've traveled throughout the west towing a 2007 Saturn Vue. Never had a problem going up (or down) steep grades in the Rockies, although we wouldn't win any speed contests. I believe a Ford V-10 would give similar performance. For us, the gasser has been ideal--much lower initial cost, cheaper (and easier, if you do your own) maintenance. If I were full-timing, I might consider a diesel, given it's higher Cargo Carrying Capacity. Go for the gasser!

I've never had any problems in the mountains and have passed many DP's on the way to the top. Anyone that says that the current crop of gas powered motor homes cannot navigate the mountain passes is either lying or ignorant of the facts. Perhaps it is a salesman trying to get you to spend more money for a DP when a gas coach will serve your needs just fine. If you find a floor plan that will suit your needs, do not worry about mountain travel. They will all make it to the top and down the other side safely.

rgatijnet1 wrote:I've never had any problems in the mountains and have passed many DP's on the way to the top. Anyone that says that the current crop of gas powered motor homes cannot navigate the mountain passes is either lying or ignorant of the facts. Perhaps it is a salesman trying to get you to spend more money for a DP when a gas coach will serve your needs just fine. If you find a floor plan that will suit your needs, do not worry about mountain travel. They will all make it to the top and down the other side safely.^^^^^truth^^^^^

WE have done Chicago to Yuma AZ and many many grades out west. Their has been two places in nine years that slowed us down but made it with no problems. First place was because the brakes over heated and the second we slowed to about 15 miles an hour. Both places they told us we shouldn't be there with the MH. (0 degree turns at 5 moh and 50 degree up hill. Gasser are not a problem

Limitations to gas Class A | Good Sam Community

43 Replies

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2014
I've never had any problems in the mountains and have passed many DP's on the way to the top. Anyone that says that the current crop of gas powered motor homes cannot navigate the mountain passes is either lying or ignorant of the facts. Perhaps it is a salesman trying to get you to spend more money for a DP when a gas coach will serve your needs just fine.
If you find a floor plan that will suit your needs, do not worry about mountain travel. They will all make it to the top and down the other side safely.
RetiredBob
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
We have a 2011 Newmar Canyon Star on a Workhorse W22 chassis, 8.1L gas engine. We've traveled throughout the west towing a 2007 Saturn Vue. Never had a problem going up (or down) steep grades in the Rockies, although we wouldn't win any speed contests. I believe a Ford V-10 would give similar performance. For us, the gasser has been ideal--much lower initial cost, cheaper (and easier, if you do your own) maintenance. If I were full-timing, I might consider a diesel, given it's higher Cargo Carrying Capacity. Go for the gasser!
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
you certainly have been misinformed. many of us tow toads behind gas motorhomes. "stranded", don't understand that comment. my first big trip out west coming east towards the eisenhower tunnel I did unhook the toad and we drove up the mountain separately. found out that was certainly not necessary. just get in the right lane, pass the semis, and you will be OK.
bumpy

Forum Discussion

Limitations to gas Class A

43 Replies

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Gas Class A

Speed limits

Turnbuckle blocks gas cap

Unbraked trailer, towing limitations

GAS CLASS A. Vs. Dually