18K vs 20.5K lb chassis

[two_travelers]

We are looking at replacing our 30 ft motor home with a similar size. Most have an 18K lb chassis, the Newmar has a 20.5 with a CCC of >3k lbs. Dealer claims the 20.5 chassis has a much better ride. Is that true? It might seem that way, since you're not loading the unit to near max on the 18K. Would appreciate any comments.

[Effy]

The CCC and tow capacity is the real question here. You have to pay careful attention to these numbers. Some squeeze so much out of a smaller chassis that it leaves you little to no room for cargo or towing. So the real answer is - it depends. Depends on the units you are looking at. As far as ride, it's probably less about the chassis and more about what house is built on that chassis. A heavy house on a light chassis might ride like a pig, a light house on a heavier chassis might feel loose. If all things were equal you probably wouldn't notice a difference in ride - the real difference is in capacity. I think the salesman is trying to "sell" you. If he really wanted to do his job he should talk about the capacity differences since there isn't much in the way of ride difference based on chassis alone.

[Dale_Traveling]

Presuming you're looking at a coaches built on the Ford F53 chassis there isn't much difference in ride quality between the two unless the 20.5K Lbs has the larger 22.5" tires. The larger tire can help some but the difference won't be extreme.

[2gypsies1]

willald wrote:
Floorplan is probably the more important deciding factor, anyway, much more than chassis weight rating/size.

Totally disagree. Choose a quality manufacturer first and THEN choose a floorplan from what they have to offer. What good is a floorplan if the mechanics of the RV doesn't work?

The wheelbase has a lot to do with the ride along with the suspension components. Our Newmar was excellent driving but it was a 40'. I'd suggest you test drive some for comparisons.

[willald]

Waaaaaay too many other variables involved, to say if the 18k vs 20.5 chassis would have a better ride. It all depends on the specific coaches in question and how they're built.

You just got to take both for a test drive, and decide for yourself. Floorplan is probably the more important deciding factor, anyway, much more than chassis weight rating/size.