Forum Discussion

daugen's avatar
daugen
Explorer
Sep 06, 2020

Advantages of diesel pushers

I'm considering going larger than my current Dynamax Isata 3 built on MB chassis in order to get a larger bathroom/shower and a built in washer dryer. I want to do some snowbirding during winter and have realized that as wonderfully nimble as my current 25 footer is, the compromises aren't worth it. I have had a Class A gasser before, small 27 footer with Ford V10 and also a TT, and both had lots more room inside.

Have been looking at Super C's (Renegade, Newmar, Dynamax) and wonder what you all think of relative comfort of those rv's vs diesel pushers. At issue is noise, safety, space utilization, ride, handling and overall comfort. Seems the go to for the most of everything was a diesel pusher in past, but maybe not any more, and wonder if I intend to stay on East Coast and out of mountains, would a gasser with new Ford V8 be a reasonable option?
I can't afford a new diesel pusher, would be looking at something 5-10 years old to keep price down below 150k.

I sold my farm a few months back and simply have no use for a truck any more. So a big fifth wheel and diesel F250 variant means owning a large truck I would rarely use otherwise.

I am a senior, single and no pets. I have pulled a car on a dolly and with my arthritis that was very hard on me to hook it up and unhook, so know I need a better solution for toad. Seems the ideal would be a 400hp+ diesel pusher. Newmar would be my first choice particularly since I'm focusing on used rigs. For those of you who have owned big Class A's and gone to a Super C, could you describe your experience? Or known someone who has? Thanks very much. Drew
Class A
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2020
    The advantages of a DP are many..
    The engine being "Way back there" it's a much quieter ride (For you at least)

    More towing capacity (Typically 10,000 pound hitch may be able to pull it

    More cargo carrying capacity

    More power at low RPM

    Diesel engines tend to be very long life

    BUT expensive to service. And COST is the major negative. .
  • JRscooby's avatar
    JRscooby
    Explorer II
    Sep 06, 2020
    I have never owned a MH. But if you need repairs in the engine compartment of a pusher, the tech must get to it from behind, below, or walk thru your house.
    OTOH, a Super C, all the vehicle parts are outside the living area, and just like thousands of trucks on the road.
    Might mean house spends less time in shop.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2020
    Anyone building a gas pusher using a Ford 7.3 V8 flex fuel engine yet?
  • js218's avatar
    js218
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2020
    Had a 45' Hallmark put 167,000 miles on it trouble free and drove like a dream. Could drive for 10 hours without any stress.
  • js218's avatar
    js218
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2020
    Easy to have engine maintenance performed on it, just flip the hood and total engine access.
  • RetiredRealtorR's avatar
    RetiredRealtorR
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2020
    js218 wrote:
    Easy to have engine maintenance performed on it, just flip the hood and total engine access.


    I assume you're referring to a "Super C" as they like to call them.

    The same time we had our Winnebago Journey DP we had a friend with a Super C.

    Yes, the Super C engine access was great -- but how often do you have to access it? Once a year for an oil change?

    The drawbacks, as we observed, were that his cockpit was just that - a cockpit - and didn't become a very usable living area, nor did it have the panoramic windshield of the DP.

    The noise of the diesel engine was in front of you, and not behind you (so was a certain degree of heat from it, but not unbearable).

    It really and truly rode much more like a truck than our DP. I guess because it was, for all practical purposes, a medium-duty truck.

    And (this is just me) I used to tease him that his motorhome looked like a U-Haul truck with full body paint. I know, not very nice of me, but it was true . . . and believe it or not, we're still best of friends.

    Conclusion: you make the choice that's best for YOU. Happy travels.
  • js218's avatar
    js218
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2020
    Yep super c maintenance twice a year or more put 167,000 miles on it in three and half years purchased it to travel been to the southern tip of Baja Mexico all 49 states an the Artic circle. Different strokes for different folks. Purchase what fits your needs.
  • daugen's avatar
    daugen
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2020
    I appreciate the feedback.
    "It really and truly rode much more like a truck than our DP."
    that's what worries me...I want the smooth airbag ride.
    My 27' Itasca Sunstar was basically a UPS truck with a nice paint job too...and boy did wind throw it around.
    I test drove a used DP before I bought my current rig and found the driving position a bit challenging. Sure you can see well but have to make very wide turns. I'm wondering if Super C is more maneuverable.
    The DP turned me off because it was not in good shape and was a real slug, I think a 300-330hp model and had very poor acceleration. Probably should have driven others but then decided to get an rv I didn't always have to pull a toad with.
  • js218's avatar
    js218
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2020
    Air ride an a air ride seat,600 hp it was a pleasure to drive, wife drove too before she passed.

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