Upgrade to Gas or Diesel Class A?
So we are currently on Motorhome #4, a 1999 Itasca Suncruiser purchsed used in 2006. Overall we have been happy with the RV, but looking to go a bit newer to bridge to the final "retirement" coach in...
Forum Discussion
We went from a 29' gas to a 32' DP in 2008, into a 2002 Horizon Itasca on a Freightliner chassis and Allison 6 speed trans.
I have Post Polio Syndrome and my legs fatigue easily. The DP is MUCH easier to drive esp long distances. The cruise control works so well with the exhaust brake I spend much less time braking and accelerating.
Air brakes are much more effective though take a bit of relearning. Take an air brake course even if not a requirement in your state.
Air brakes are much less prone to failure than hydraulic brakes and have a somewhat fail safe built in; Rear brakes are held ON with very strong springs and use air pressure to release them. Therefore a major air loss will apply the rear brakes. Air brakes usually fail through bad or no maintenance: badly adjusted slack adjusters and water in air tanks and lines. Both of these are largely automatic but do need some attention.
Much more comfortable to drive.
Parts can be expensive. The injector pump was $2500.00 though failure is fairly rare. One poster told me that the injector pump for his rig cost him twice that. Oil changes are usually once a year, though they hold a lot of oil.
My air intake (near the roof) is equipped with a vacuum gauge which shows restriction in the air filter. I had it changed this spring even though the gauge showed no restriction just because I had a spare, bought for an Alaska and round North America trip 6 years ago and never used. The mechanic said that the old filter showed very little obstruction.
Brakes will last for years.
Overall; DP probably cost more to maintain but are much more drivable. I would not want to give ours up.
I have Post Polio Syndrome and my legs fatigue easily. The DP is MUCH easier to drive esp long distances. The cruise control works so well with the exhaust brake I spend much less time braking and accelerating.
Air brakes are much more effective though take a bit of relearning. Take an air brake course even if not a requirement in your state.
Air brakes are much less prone to failure than hydraulic brakes and have a somewhat fail safe built in; Rear brakes are held ON with very strong springs and use air pressure to release them. Therefore a major air loss will apply the rear brakes. Air brakes usually fail through bad or no maintenance: badly adjusted slack adjusters and water in air tanks and lines. Both of these are largely automatic but do need some attention.
Much more comfortable to drive.
Parts can be expensive. The injector pump was $2500.00 though failure is fairly rare. One poster told me that the injector pump for his rig cost him twice that. Oil changes are usually once a year, though they hold a lot of oil.
My air intake (near the roof) is equipped with a vacuum gauge which shows restriction in the air filter. I had it changed this spring even though the gauge showed no restriction just because I had a spare, bought for an Alaska and round North America trip 6 years ago and never used. The mechanic said that the old filter showed very little obstruction.
Brakes will last for years.
Overall; DP probably cost more to maintain but are much more drivable. I would not want to give ours up.
