We have been 5th Wheel campers for a few years now and are contemplating going to a Class A. I am wanting to know what to look for when inspecting a Class A DP or Gas unit. Also, what additional annual/periodic maintenance things should be done to the unit that might be different than a 5th Wheel (obviously drivetrain maintenance)?Furthermore, what kind of fuel mileage can I expect to get with either a V10 or DP that is loaded with water, fuel and supplies? With my current setup of Dodge 3500 Diesel and 14K 5th Wheel I get about 9-10 MPG depending on terrain.Thanks in advance.

The fuel mileage will depend on weight and and engine size. I would think it's safe to say that you will get a 2-3 more miles per gallon with a diesel of the same weight as a gasser. Generally, the diesel will be heavier anyway.Our 40,000 lb., 425 hp Cummins, 2008 Monaco Dynasty has averaged 7.8 mpg over 69,000 miles. Maintenance for us is about once a year with an oil change and generator service. I have the oil changed every 10,000 miles and the genny every 250 hrs. The Aqua-Hot I have done every two years. The front wheel bearing greased every 30,000 miles.House batteries lasted 6 yrs, I changed the tires at 57,000 miles that were 6.5 yrs. old. Chassis batteries lasted about 3 yrs., just bought two new ones.I have/had things repaired as needed along the way.MM.

You should look for exactly the same things as in a used 5TH wheel. The appliances, roof, exterior and age of tires. That is the end of your job. The rest should be left to an INDEPENDENT TRUCK REPAIR not an RV dealership. You are looking for a mechanic that does a LOT of truck work. Ask the repair shop how much to check the powertrain, suspension, brakes etc for you and pay them for their time. Make any offer contingent upon the rig passing the repair places inspection. If seller does not cooperate then that is telling also

Look out for water/leak damage. Tires more than 7years old. Play in front end, slop in suspension.Fuel mileage on my old workhorse and my new ford 7 mpg loaded, unloaded, pulling toad all the same. Less on uphill climbs and driving into wind.Hope this helps

Why not let the professionals inspect it for you? Contract a professional RV inspector to help you out. usedrvinspection.com

hanzfranz60 wrote:Why not let the professionals inspect it for you? Contract a professional RV inspector to help you out. usedrvinspection.comWhy would I want to pay someone with dubious credentials, issued by a non-binding entity, that seems to offer no warranty if they miss something?Seems to me you are just trading the uncertainty of you missing something to the uncertainty that the person you hired is competent, will not miss something and is as interested in your rig as you are.

What to Look for When Inspecting a Used DP/Gas Class A

darsben
Explorer II
Oct 02, 2014
You should look for exactly the same things as in a used 5TH wheel. The appliances, roof, exterior and age of tires. That is the end of your job. The rest should be left to an INDEPENDENT TRUCK REPAIR not an RV dealership. You are looking for a mechanic that does a LOT of truck work. Ask the repair shop how much to check the powertrain, suspension, brakes etc for you and pay them for their time. Make any offer contingent upon the rig passing the repair places inspection. If seller does not cooperate then that is telling also
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Oct 02, 2014
The fuel mileage will depend on weight and and engine size. I would think it's safe to say that you will get a 2-3 more miles per gallon with a diesel of the same weight as a gasser. Generally, the diesel will be heavier anyway.

Our 40,000 lb., 425 hp Cummins, 2008 Monaco Dynasty has averaged 7.8 mpg over 69,000 miles. Maintenance for us is about once a year with an oil change and generator service. I have the oil changed every 10,000 miles and the genny every 250 hrs. The Aqua-Hot I have done every two years. The front wheel bearing greased every 30,000 miles.

House batteries lasted 6 yrs, I changed the tires at 57,000 miles that were 6.5 yrs. old. Chassis batteries lasted about 3 yrs., just bought two new ones.

I have/had things repaired as needed along the way.

MM.

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What to Look for When Inspecting a Used DP/Gas Class A

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