I’m just starting to investigate replacing my current coach, a 1999 Freightliner XC/ISB DP. I like the 34 – 36 foot length; I can squeeze it into some state park sites. One key upgrade I’m looking for is a king size bed. My dilemma is the trade offs in a coach that length.
The DP’s have short wheel bases, with WB/Length ratios under 50 percent. Gas coaches have nice floor plans in that size, with .53 to .55 ratios, but I’ve gotten used to air suspension and a torquey engine that I can barely hear. FRED’s came in that length a couple years ago. I’ve not driven one. They seem like a good design for that length, but I haven’t seen one with a king bed and I doubt the spring suspension would compare to air suspension.
So, has anyone spent some time behind the wheel of a 35' DP, gas, and FRED coach and can compare the overall driving experiences? E.g. does the short WB on the DP make it's handling worse than a gas or Fred coach in this size?
When/if I start serious selling & shopping, I’d be looking at a 5 - 6 year old coach. Pusher examples would be Tiffin RED 33 or Winnebago Journey 34 (both 35’ DP’s with king bed options, but with WB/length ratios less than .50). Gas examples would be Winnebago Sightseer 33, Winnebago Adventurer 35, or a Tiffin Allegro 32SA. FRED would be Tiffin Allegro Bay (if I could find one with a King Bed).
Cliff
1999 Itasca 34V DP
2000 Jeep Wrangler
2014 Honda CRV