Traction w/DP

Not just the Oil Pan ,but also beware of the bottom of a Side Mounted Radiator! No way would I go Off Pavement around here. even the Gravel Roads used by the Logging Companies have too many Dips and Rocks for safe travel .

I live 20 mi from Sanford on 42. The advice about the oil pan hitting is very true---the state had a ditch across the road and motioned me through in my DP and when the wheels went down in the ditch my oil pan hit and had to be replaced.....Snow----just don't get out of the tracks--I have twice a long time ago laid a class C on its side in the snow while skiing in WV and MD---twice! Not much damage but got out of the tracks and it just sucked me over into the ditch and laid over on its side. DP has most of the weight on the drive wheels but they aren't made for mud bogging.

when in doubt SCOUT it out....take your toad in 1st and determine if clearance or foundation are issues.
Ive seen people get stuck in wet grass when its rained a lot, gas or diesel doesnt matter you're still talking about a lot of weight.

Dale.Traveling wrote:
Also I really, really, really try to avoid getting into situations where I might be concerned about the traction of the drive axle.

I second this thought! It is highly unlikely that traction will ever be an issue in the types of places that you mentioned. They all have roads: some are paved, some are gravel, but all are packed by other motorhomes. The only time I have ever thought or consided traction as an issue is when I encountered snow on the Interstate Hwy.

Forget about traction as an issue: buy what floorplan and type of coach that fits your budget and travel, travel, travel.

A gas coach can have as much as 1/3 of the coach hanging out behind the rear axle with might include all the liquid load (gas, fresh and waste water). Last time I had my gas coach weight checked came in at 15.5K Lbs. 10K of that was on the rear. Front to rear weight distribution is going to vary between various models and manufactures but I think overall this might be a draw in the DP/Gasser battle. Also I really, really, really try to avoid getting into situations where I might be concerned about the traction of the drive axle.

Hope to use Forest Service campgrounds as much as possible, then COE and National Park campgrounds as much as possible. Would rather be in a state park or Federal campground than a private campground but will use Passport America if necessary. Can't see using commercial campgrounds with stuff we don't need. When we get used to using the MH we may use Walmart or others but right now we just need to get used to driving the MH and using its' systems. Any advise is helpful. Thanks.

If I was going down a slick muddy road, I would rather be in my 30' gas powered Bounder than my buddy's 40' Country Coach DP! It will have more weight on the drive axles, yet also can sink further into the mud.

Most campgrounds are visited by 35' to 40' trash collection trucks, and they do not get stuck. Most have great gravel interior roads, if they are not paved.

FreeCamprounds.com

Have fun camping!

Fred.

Traction may be a little better, but watch the oil pan and the transmission when the wheels go down into low dips on the back roads.

Bill