Winnebago Adventurer Gasser

Recently traded in an Adventurer 35U (gas) on a Forza 34T (DP). Both coaches are about the same size, the Forza is about 2k heavier. Both have about the same horsepower. Have pulled the same toad over the same roads. I can tell you I definately prefer the DP. I feel much safer, smoother ride, better brakes in the Forza. In Colorado, its 30 mph at 4000 RPM(gas) vs 45 mph at 2000 RPM(DP). Also 6 mpg (gas) vs 10 mpg (DP).

We live in ours 9 mo/yr so floorplan is important too. Keep looking, maybe you will find both; your floorplan in a DP.

Good Luck

Took delivery on our 38Q on March 1. We actually traded a single slide DP for it. After 2000 miles, my fear that I wouldn't like the torque or the lack of air ride were relaxed. Have driven over some major mountain passes. Similar floor plan in a DP was 100K more. We figured that we would "live" in it more than we would travel in it. Minor issues with a slide and levelers like you might expect with a new rig. Very satisfied. It look alike the 2015 models are almost identical to the 2014. 26000 lb chassis is pretty robust. Somewhat noisy when climbing hills but it doesn't hesitate. Model has many nice features.

sloman2001 wrote:
So our concern is power going through the mountains, noise up front, and the life expectancy of the engine.

Hi Tom. I agree about that Winnie. The 38Q was the best floorplan I have ever seen, especially with a family. There is a Fleetwood bounder with almost the exact floorplan as well but I liked the Winnebago a little better over all. As others have said, it really is 90% about the floorplan.

Your questions:

Going through the mountains : The modern V10 has around 360 hp and that is more than enough to get a 26,000 lbs coach up the hills. The newer 5 speed transmission is a beautifull thing and will downshift automatically for you when you hit the brake in tow mode. There are people with DPs that weigh more than that coach with less HP that make it over the mountains just fine. The engine and fan noise will be noticeable however, not as bad as some may say but you know it's there.

Noise up front : When it's putting out full power, you will definitely hear it. Cruiseing down the highway will never be as quiet as a rear engine diesel or gas but it is NOT bad. Not even in our old bounder.

Life expectancy : The V10 is easily a 200-250k Mile engine with just routine maintenance. The entire chassis should be good for 100,000 with just routine maintenance. Ours has tipped over 100,00 and starts on the first crank and runs strong.

I don't think you would have any regrets in buying that 38q.

I have a 36' MH on the workhorse frame with a gasser. I pull a Jeep unlimited Wangler with it. I will say the engine does get loud when climbing. But it is doable. As long as I don't let the the RPM drop before I start hill climbing it is fair on the hills. The MPG fully loaded and towing during my trips is about 6.5MPG. We travel about 8,000 miles a year, spend 6 months in TX. for the winter. To me it is more about the layout when stopped. That is where you spend your time the most. I could not justify the extra cost of a diesel MH.

Mine works fine with 8.1 workhorse and Allison 1000 trans. We have a 38 R in 2004 Adventurer. Towing 2013 equinox 4 wheels on the ground. Most mtns pulled at 45 to 50 in NC and va. 6.5 to 7.5 towing

As a full timer you need to make sure the coach has enough OCCC/CCC. Most/many full timers find that they need at least 1500 pounds of CCC per adult.
A gasser that long will be heavier than most and may have a low CCC.

To get CCC subtract the weight of water you will carry and the weight of the people you will carry from the OCCC.