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 about 10 years.I have my eye on 2 motorhomes, both of which would suit our needs well from a layout standpoint. One is a 2005 Pace Arrow 37ft (Workhorse chassis) and the other is a Holiday Rambler Ambassador 38Ft (Freightliner chassis with 330HP engine).I assume the Pace Arrow will drive and handle very similar to my Suncruiser, but I have never driven a Diesel Pusher so I'm curious what people with experience in both would pick. Selling price for the Ambassador is about $15K more which seems very reasonable.So the main questions I have:1.- Is the ride quality and noise significantly better in the Diesel given the rear engine and air bag suspension? Michigan roads are awful and the Suncruiser often feels like it will just implode on bad pavement.2.- Is maintenance cost a real concern? I have had no issues with the Ford chassis/engine on my Suncruiser and I do my own oil changes, so maintenance of the powertrain has been minimal cost.Appreciate any thoughts.

Subscribed! Very specific and I would think common question. Looking forward to responses.

I have a 98 Country Coach Diesel pusher. I never owned a gaser. I do like how quiet it is having the engine in the back. As for maintenance, my Cummins holds 7 gallons of oil, the oil filter is huge, I have 2 fuel filters, a large air filter and a coolant filter. So the basic maintenance is going to cost more but the longevity of the Engine and Tranny is well worth it. I have the Allison 3060 Tranny, I had the fluid and filters changed at an Allison Shop and when I was leaving they said see you in 300,000 miles. That tells a story right there. For the larger and heavier class A coaches you can't beat a diesel. They are built to run, built to work and built to last. Why is it you don't find gas engines in 18 wheelers.

Claus, the one thing about a diesel is that everything about the chassis is more robust. Usually, the fit and finish of the interior is a higher grade than a gas unit. Since you are the one looking, you may notice those upgrades.Our first motorhome was a 2008 Monaco Dynasty that we drove for 7.5 yrs. and almost 70,000 miles. You just can't beat the interior of a Monaco product, especially, as you move up the Monaco ladder (includes Beaver, Holiday Rambler and Safari). I would try and get a motorhome that has a fiberglass roof as I think they are easier maintenance. If your price point doesn't allow, surely try for the next one.In the years that you are looking, maintenance is very important, I would make sure to look at records. If no records, you will have to work in a deduction to 'zero-out' the coach. New belts, hoses, all fluid changes and possibly tires (check the date codes).The quietness while traveling in the front of the diesel unit will sell you immediately. If the unit that you pick has the Roadmaster chassis, I found that they ride rather stiff but it's a good chassis.Good luck,MM.

From my limited experience, a diesel pusher has a much better ride than a gas powered motor home. Much quieter too. Just make sure what chassis and suspension is under the unit you are thinking about purchasing. There are inexpensive diesel coaches out there which won't ride a whole lot better than a quality gas coach. Add to the fact that the diesel engine has much greater torque at very low RPM compared to a gas engine and it's just a more pleasant experience. Maintenance is definitely more expensive on a diesel than a gas engine. Everything from oil changes to major work will cost much more. On the other hand, you should be able to put a lot more miles on a diesel engine without any major maintenance due to failure. Having said that, having the guy at the shop tell you its unusual to have to replace an injector doesn't help much when your writing out that $3500 check! Tires are usually pretty expensive for a diesel coach--in the neighborhood of $400-500 each.

Schnabel wrote: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 about 10 years.I have my eye on 2 motorhomes, both of which would suit our needs well from a layout standpoint. One is a 2005 Pace Arrow 37ft (Workhorse chassis) and the other is a Holiday Rambler Ambassador 38Ft (Freightliner chassis with 330HP engine).I assume the Pace Arrow will drive and handle very similar to my Suncruiser, but I have never driven a Diesel Pusher so I'm curious what people with experience in both would pick. Selling price for the Ambassador is about $15K more which seems very reasonable.So the main questions I have:1.- Is the ride quality and noise significantly better in the Diesel given the rear engine and air bag suspension? Michigan roads are awful and the Suncruiser often feels like it will just implode on bad pavement.2.- Is maintenance cost a real concern? I have had no issues with the Ford chassis/engine on my Suncruiser and I do my own oil changes, so maintenance of the powertrain has been minimal cost.Appreciate any thoughts.One simple way to find out how a diesel drives take it for a test drive. You can get experience with other brands by going to dealers and test driving other makes.I wouldn't by one I haven't driven.Bill

Upgrade to Gas or Diesel Class A? | Good Sam Community

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Nov 04, 2015
All diesel coaches are not equal. There are many gas powered coaches that have a much better quality level than some DP's. The power plant has very little do do with the quality level. The power plant does make a difference in the cost however.
Some will say a Diesel engine can go a million miles, although no one here can verify that. There are some that will say that they had to pay $5000 for a radiator on a coach with 50,000 miles or so, depending on where it is driven and how it was maintained. I have seen used coaches that are spotless inside, and mechanically on their last legs. If you can tell the difference between one that looks pretty and one that is about to leave you stranded, then you have more knowledge than most.
A newer coach will have newer appliances, newer systems, newer furniture, etc. Get the coach that has a floor plan that you feel comfortable in and don't worry too much about the power plant.
xctraveler
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
We would still have our 2004 Southwind if had been diesel. As it is with 8 years and 110,000 miles on it it was getting a mite tired. The interior needed to be completely redone since we had lived in it more than 50% of the 8 years we owned it from new. I was not willing to put in the $$ for the refurb on the wonderful OLD WorkHorse chassis. Pulling my Jeep would have been out of the question as it would have put me over the GCWR and I was already crawling over the steepest grades under 30 MPH.

The Phaeton is wonderful in all respects and I doubt we will ever replace it.
dezolen
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
Some of the newer gas coaches can ride almost as quiet and smoothly as the DP's and have similar layouts. All depends where you spend the majority of your time whether driving or parked. As you know maintenance is a breeze and very cheap. If you need to tow over #5000 a DP is what you need. We had looked into a 2008 DP Charleston and ended up with a brand new gas coach for the same money. No regrets whatsoever. So far 3 oil changes in 3 years at 30$ a crack. Nothing more. Be sure to check out Tiffin and Newmar. Top choices IMHO
Schnabel
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
WILDEBILL308 wrote:
Schnabel wrote:
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 about 10 years.
I have my eye on 2 motorhomes, both of which would suit our needs well from a layout standpoint. One is a 2005 Pace Arrow 37ft (Workhorse chassis) and the other is a Holiday Rambler Ambassador 38Ft (Freightliner chassis with 330HP engine).
I assume the Pace Arrow will drive and handle very similar to my Suncruiser, but I have never driven a Diesel Pusher so I'm curious what people with experience in both would pick. Selling price for the Ambassador is about $15K more which seems very reasonable.
So the main questions I have:
1.- Is the ride quality and noise significantly better in the Diesel given the rear engine and air bag suspension? Michigan roads are awful and the Suncruiser often feels like it will just implode on bad pavement.
2.- Is maintenance cost a real concern? I have had no issues with the Ford chassis/engine on my Suncruiser and I do my own oil changes, so maintenance of the powertrain has been minimal cost.
Appreciate any thoughts.

One simple way to find out how a diesel drives take it for a test drive. You can get experience with other brands by going to dealers and test driving other makes.
I wouldn't by one I haven't driven.
Bill

This is clear. I would never purchase a vehicle without an extensive test drive. The DP is a few hours drive away, so I'm trying to decide if its worth the trip. Local dealer does not have used mid-level DPs and not sure if a new one would be quite representative of a used unit.
WILDEBILL308
Explorer II
Nov 04, 2015
Schnabel wrote:
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 about 10 years.
I have my eye on 2 motorhomes, both of which would suit our needs well from a layout standpoint. One is a 2005 Pace Arrow 37ft (Workhorse chassis) and the other is a Holiday Rambler Ambassador 38Ft (Freightliner chassis with 330HP engine).
I assume the Pace Arrow will drive and handle very similar to my Suncruiser, but I have never driven a Diesel Pusher so I'm curious what people with experience in both would pick. Selling price for the Ambassador is about $15K more which seems very reasonable.
So the main questions I have:
1.- Is the ride quality and noise significantly better in the Diesel given the rear engine and air bag suspension? Michigan roads are awful and the Suncruiser often feels like it will just implode on bad pavement.
2.- Is maintenance cost a real concern? I have had no issues with the Ford chassis/engine on my Suncruiser and I do my own oil changes, so maintenance of the powertrain has been minimal cost.
Appreciate any thoughts.

One simple way to find out how a diesel drives take it for a test drive. You can get experience with other brands by going to dealers and test driving other makes.
I wouldn't by one I haven't driven.
Bill
barmcd
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
From my limited experience, a diesel pusher has a much better ride than a gas powered motor home. Much quieter too. Just make sure what chassis and suspension is under the unit you are thinking about purchasing. There are inexpensive diesel coaches out there which won't ride a whole lot better than a quality gas coach.

Add to the fact that the diesel engine has much greater torque at very low RPM compared to a gas engine and it's just a more pleasant experience.

Maintenance is definitely more expensive on a diesel than a gas engine. Everything from oil changes to major work will cost much more. On the other hand, you should be able to put a lot more miles on a diesel engine without any major maintenance due to failure. Having said that, having the guy at the shop tell you its unusual to have to replace an injector doesn't help much when your writing out that $3500 check!

Tires are usually pretty expensive for a diesel coach--in the neighborhood of $400-500 each.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
Claus, the one thing about a diesel is that everything about the chassis is more robust. Usually, the fit and finish of the interior is a higher grade than a gas unit. Since you are the one looking, you may notice those upgrades.

Our first motorhome was a 2008 Monaco Dynasty that we drove for 7.5 yrs. and almost 70,000 miles. You just can't beat the interior of a Monaco product, especially, as you move up the Monaco ladder (includes Beaver, Holiday Rambler and Safari).

I would try and get a motorhome that has a fiberglass roof as I think they are easier maintenance. If your price point doesn't allow, surely try for the next one.

In the years that you are looking, maintenance is very important, I would make sure to look at records. If no records, you will have to work in a deduction to 'zero-out' the coach. New belts, hoses, all fluid changes and possibly tires (check the date codes).

The quietness while traveling in the front of the diesel unit will sell you immediately. If the unit that you pick has the Roadmaster chassis, I found that they ride rather stiff but it's a good chassis.

Good luck,
MM.
Sez_Hoo_
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
I have a 98 Country Coach Diesel pusher. I never owned a gaser. I do like how quiet it is having the engine in the back. As for maintenance, my Cummins holds 7 gallons of oil, the oil filter is huge, I have 2 fuel filters, a large air filter and a coolant filter. So the basic maintenance is going to cost more but the longevity of the Engine and Tranny is well worth it. I have the Allison 3060 Tranny, I had the fluid and filters changed at an Allison Shop and when I was leaving they said see you in 300,000 miles. That tells a story right there. For the larger and heavier class A coaches you can't beat a diesel. They are built to run, built to work and built to last. Why is it you don't find gas engines in 18 wheelers.
Ventureman
Explorer
Nov 04, 2015
Subscribed! Very specific and I would think common question. Looking forward to responses.

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