Let me have it folks. Assuming the paperwork all clears, my wife and I will be trading in our Forest River 32.7 foot DP for a 40 foot gasoline Class-A Toy Hauler. Specifically a Newmar Canyon Star Toy Hauler.Our DP is a 2000 and is starting to show it's age and become a bit of a maintenance issue, AND our lifestyle lends itself more to a toy hauler. However, we don't want a class-C and we don't want a trailer. We looked at the Outlaw, but that loft bed...I don't think that's going to work. If I was single, I might think about it, but with two people (and two dogs) up there that's 40 feet of NOPE right there.We found the Newmar Canyon Star down near Orlando last week and the floor plan seems to work for us. My wife is a triathlete and I like to race bikes (the pedal kind). We also enjoy kayaking and all that sort of stuff as well. So, this seems to fit. Here's the concern. It's a 26,000lb chassis with a V10 gas engine. This freaks us out a little. We'll be towing a car more often then not, so we're concerned about the power/performance/GPH etc... Can anyone testify on behalf of the Ford V10 with a full load?ThanksBrian

Doesn't that have a 6.2 axle ratio? Shorter units have a 5.2 axle ratio. You just won't zip over mountain grades at 75. My gasser does just fine.

V10 has plenty of power. It will rev up to get it though so expect the cockpit to be more noisy than your are used to on climbs. It's made to rev so no problems with that. I had a 2000 V-10 - 210 hp - and with toad was at 25,500 for 130k miles. Went over most every pass in the Rockies with no power problems; just down to about 25mph in 2nd gear at 11,000 feet. If you're in the mountains you're probably there for the scenery and speed isn't the objective. Just remember that "the journey is the destination" and enjoy the journey.FYI, had to tear the V-10 down at 127k due to a spit plug. No measurable wear on the engine. Polished the valves and compression was at new readings.

Just be very careful to not exceed your GCWR with your toad. It is very easy to do. The F53 26000 # chassis usually has only 4000# tow rating and sometimes not at max GVWR. Newmar may have done a good job of insulation for the heat and noise. Also keep in mind that the F53 has truck springs so the ride will be noisy and harsh compared to an airbag DP.

Have you taken it for a test drive yet? How much traveling are you going to do? I would also be concerned about lack of power with that much weight.

WyoTraveler wrote:Doesn't that have a 6.2 axle ratio? Shorter units have a 5.2 axle ratio. You just won't zip over mountain grades at 75. My gasser does just fine.Ok. Thats good to know.Thanks,Brian

Trading in the DP for a Gas....uh oh | Good Sam Community

46 Replies

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jan 03, 2016
You won't have any problems and like most gasser owners have found out you will be passing some DP's on the mountains also. It will do just fine as long as you watch your weights.
prepilot_3ck
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
WyoTraveler wrote:
Doesn't that have a 6.2 axle ratio? Shorter units have a 5.2 axle ratio. You just won't zip over mountain grades at 75. My gasser does just fine.

Ok. Thats good to know.

Thanks,
Brian
Bionic_Man
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
Have you taken it for a test drive yet? How much traveling are you going to do? I would also be concerned about lack of power with that much weight.
msturtz
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
Just be very careful to not exceed your GCWR with your toad. It is very easy to do. The F53 26000 # chassis usually has only 4000# tow rating and sometimes not at max GVWR. Newmar may have done a good job of insulation for the heat and noise. Also keep in mind that the F53 has truck springs so the ride will be noisy and harsh compared to an airbag DP.
fortytwo
Explorer
Jan 03, 2016
V10 has plenty of power. It will rev up to get it though so expect the cockpit to be more noisy than your are used to on climbs. It's made to rev so no problems with that.

I had a 2000 V-10 - 210 hp - and with toad was at 25,500 for 130k miles. Went over most every pass in the Rockies with no power problems; just down to about 25mph in 2nd gear at 11,000 feet. If you're in the mountains you're probably there for the scenery and speed isn't the objective. Just remember that "the journey is the destination" and enjoy the journey.

FYI, had to tear the V-10 down at 127k due to a spit plug. No measurable wear on the engine. Polished the valves and compression was at new readings.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Jan 02, 2016
Doesn't that have a 6.2 axle ratio? Shorter units have a 5.2 axle ratio. You just won't zip over mountain grades at 75. My gasser does just fine.

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Trading in the DP for a Gas....uh oh

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