Forum Discussion

Explorer III

Jan 19, 2017

What I learned about new big DPs at the Tampa RV show.

It's been a while since I've been to a RV show. O M Goodness, I thought Prevost and Newell DPs were the only ones on the heavy side with 365/70/22.5 tires... NOT. There were even Newmar Dutch Stars with 365s, not just the Mountain Airs with 365s. 54,000 GVWR and 8K of CCC = 46,000 dry weight with a front axle pushing 20K lbs. The pressure needed for the 365s on the front was listed at 125 psi, the 315s on the drive at 85, and the tag at 115. At least Tiffin has moved the fuel tank to in front of the drive axle letting them use 305s all the way around.

The majority of the big rigs were bath and a half which I do not understand taking up that much area for something we do not use that much... different strokes for...... There were also too many with not only dark exteriors but dark interiors... not that I'm looking to buy plus the show prices were all $400K or more.

Class A

43 Replies

DSDP_Don
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
The bath and a half models are built out of necessity, not vanity. Most people now prefer a large rear bath. RV's went from all in one baths to split baths and now the trend is full rear baths. When you build a coach with a rear bath, the toilet can't be accessed while driving. Consequently, the need for the half bath.
two-niner
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017
No matter the chassis maker, the weakest link is always the tires.

It must be mind games that make the interiors so dark. That way, the super high gloss finish makes a person go "wow". I have never been in a home where all the rooms were so dark.
MetalGator
Nomad
Jan 19, 2017
The wife and I are going to the Tampa show on Saturday. Going to get there when they open because it usually fills up very fast. I love looking at all the Class A motorhomes (we are looking to purchase one) but then I get sticker shock and go home. Will probably buy used but I do like to kick the tires and see all the cool floorplans.