Forum Discussion

way2roll's avatar
way2roll
Navigator II
Jul 19, 2019

To DP or not DP

We are in the preliminary stages of prepping for full time in the next year and a half. I work remote and our son will be going off to college, so we thought we would see a lot more of this great country. We've always had gassers because that's all we needed - mostly weekend trips etc. I am fully versed in the shortcomings of the F53 and I am also fairly convinced that if I am going to Full time - a bigger, nicer, quieter, better handling MH is in order. That said, while I have been in some DP's I have never driven one and I know next to nothing about their mechanics - and frankly it's a little intimidating. Even getting fuel is different. I am sure I would get the hang of driving and "how stuff works". I will say that although we've always had gassers, most engine stuff I always left to the pros. I am more handy when it comes to the house stuff. But I'd hate to trade luxury for being in over my head in terms of handing things when they go wrong and general understanding. I know all of us at one time never did anything we do now- I get it, but am I overthinking this too much? Part of me is thinking a nicer gasser to stay in my comfort zone, but the other part of me is thinking - this is a dream we've talked about for years and want to do it right and in the best MH we can afford with the most comfort.
  • NOTE that folks here who say that maintenance on a dp is not expensive,will confess to doing their own work on them.
    buy what you need, not what you are "talked into".
    bumpy
  • way2roll,

    I'll be watching this thread closely as I've had similar thoughts. I have similar plans upon retiring, though for me that's probably 3-5 years away (I hope). So far, I've done all of the maintenance on our gasser, including chassis work, except for the 2 recall issues on the W-22.

    I'd like a DP once I retire. While it's several years off, I have pretty much decided that I will be looking for a high-end rig, probably around 15-20 years old which is in the $60-$100k range. Rigs that probably cost $500k & up when new. I want them old enough to 1.) be in my price range and 2.) NOT have tons of wifi/bluetooth/touch panel controlled/monitored appliances on board. I like physical knobs & switches!!! LOL I also want to make sure I have at least $10k in reserve should I run into a major issue while on the road.

    So far, the searching has been fun and doesn't cost anything. :)

    Are you thinking about getting a brand new rig or a newer used unit?

    Good Luck,

    ~Rick
  • You should just go shopping & get what fits your needs best. Of course you NEED to test drive a pusher so you don't have to take anyone's word on the differences. Since you are not doing the maintenance anyway I don't see where there is much difference between a diesel/gas coach. Both just require a credit card. Happy shopping!
  • Our coach was the first diesel powered vehicle we ever owned.

    While it is a simple mechanical diesel, it has been trouble free except for replacing belts, belt tensioner and the alternator.

    Pleasure to drive...and that sounds like it would be important to your planned change in lifestyle.

    A DP will usually give your more CCC...that is nice to have as well.