National did, indeed, make great coaches! The Tropical was a gas coach up until 2002 or 2003, when they became the entry level diesel for National.
I have several friends who own older model gas Tropicals and they love them. I had a 1998 Dolphin before moving up to our current Sea Breeze. Dolphi was an the F53 Ford V-8 chassis. Solid coach, ran well. I added a Banks Powerpack Exhaust system and got greatly increaased power and torque.
There are Natiional Owners FMCA Chapters all over the country. Lots of expertise available along with really nice folks.
Happy Trails! :W
Darryl
Darryl & Carole
2005 Sea Breeze LX 8375 37' w/3 slides
"The Grand Hotel West"
2008 Saturn VUE, Towed
GS-25512187 FMCA-355241 Dolphin-1901