At the risk of getting someone angry for me asking the same question they don't want to see again, that no doubt some people feel has been discussed enough. Are gas Class A's underpowered to tow a toad in any area with mountains or large hills.I have read people with gassers say that they are powerful enough for them to tow a toad anywhere. And I have read that no gas motor Class A has the power and that you need a diesel motor.What is the truth, not opinion on this?

Any gas powered coach, pulling a vehicle up to the maximum rated towing capacity, will make it up to the top of any highway hill in the North, South, East, or West. The large gas powered coaches will pass some DP's on the way up and will also be passed by others. If you find a coach with the floor plan you like, don't worry about the engine. I have had both diesel and gas and have never NOT made it up any hill I've tried. I've never read on this forum where anyone else did not make it up to the top of the hills with their coach.

x2 rgatijnet1 !! I'm pulling a Honda Element probably over the rated towing capacity both toad and coach and have no issues -- but it is all about the floor plan. Wife has to have bath and a half - king size bed - nothing else matters! We love the floor plan and we are looking for a newer model now does not matter gas/diesel/foot powered just as long as it has this type of floor plan!

Gas vs diesel power boils down to torque.The same sized basic gas engine will have less torque than the same sized basic diesel engine.Torque equals pulling power.My 300hp Duramax Diesel provides over 600lbs of torque. It's a lot smaller than the old gas 7.4L (454 cu inch) I had before. The 7.4L Gasser put out about 390lbs of torque.The diesel pulls a 6% grade at nearly 20MPH faster than the old 7.4L gasser. RVs are identical in weight and size.

invmartyc wrote:At the risk of getting someone angry for me asking the same question they don't want to see again, that no doubt some people feel has been discussed enough. Not irritatated, but yes. It has been asked and answered many times.Are gas Class A's underpowered to tow a toad in any area with mountains or large hills.No. See my sig. We go from WA to IL and LA regularly, with toad and do well.I have read people with gassers say that they are powerful enough for them to tow a toad anywhere. And I have read that no gas motor Class A has the power and that you need a diesel motor.Sounds like unfounded opinion and contrary to what we do regularly.What is the truth, not opinion on this?This is my truth. You have to decide what is not true or what is unfounded opinion, for yourself.

the bear II wrote:Gas vs diesel power boils down to torque.The same sized basic gas engine will have less torque than the same sized basic diesel engine.Torque equals pulling power.My 300hp Duramax Diesel provides over 600lbs of torque. It's a lot smaller than the old gas 7.4L (454 cu inch) I had before. The 7.4L Gasser put out about 390lbs of torque.The diesel pulls a 6% grade at nearly 20MPH faster than the old 7.4L gasser. RVs are identical in weight and size.I don't believe your 5th trailer and pick-ups are a good comparison since the OP asked about Class A coaches. In any case, both pick-ups DID make it up the hill.

Are large gas motor Rv's underpower? | Good Sam Community

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2014
Any gas powered coach, pulling a vehicle up to the maximum rated towing capacity, will make it up to the top of any highway hill in the North, South, East, or West. The large gas powered coaches will pass some DP's on the way up and will also be passed by others.
If you find a coach with the floor plan you like, don't worry about the engine. I have had both diesel and gas and have never NOT made it up any hill I've tried. I've never read on this forum where anyone else did not make it up to the top of the hills with their coach.
bhivetravels
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
x2 rgatijnet1 !! I'm pulling a Honda Element probably over the rated towing capacity both toad and coach and have no issues -- but it is all about the floor plan. Wife has to have bath and a half - king size bed - nothing else matters! We love the floor plan and we are looking for a newer model now does not matter gas/diesel/foot powered just as long as it has this type of floor plan!
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
Gas vs diesel power boils down to torque.

The same sized basic gas engine will have less torque than the same sized basic diesel engine.

Torque equals pulling power.

My 300hp Duramax Diesel provides over 600lbs of torque. It's a lot smaller than the old gas 7.4L (454 cu inch) I had before. The 7.4L Gasser put out about 390lbs of torque.

The diesel pulls a 6% grade at nearly 20MPH faster than the old 7.4L gasser. RVs are identical in weight and size.
AllegroD
Nomad
Jul 22, 2014
invmartyc wrote:
At the risk of getting someone angry for me asking the same question they don't want to see again, that no doubt some people feel has been discussed enough.

Not irritatated, but yes. It has been asked and answered many times.

Are gas Class A's underpowered to tow a toad in any area with mountains or large hills.

No. See my sig. We go from WA to IL and LA regularly, with toad and do well.

I have read people with gassers say that they are powerful enough for them to tow a toad anywhere. And I have read that no gas motor Class A has the power and that you need a diesel motor.

Sounds like unfounded opinion and contrary to what we do regularly.

What is the truth, not opinion on this?

This is my truth. You have to decide what is not true or what is unfounded opinion, for yourself.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2014
the bear II wrote:
Gas vs diesel power boils down to torque.

The same sized basic gas engine will have less torque than the same sized basic diesel engine.

Torque equals pulling power.

My 300hp Duramax Diesel provides over 600lbs of torque. It's a lot smaller than the old gas 7.4L (454 cu inch) I had before. The 7.4L Gasser put out about 390lbs of torque.

The diesel pulls a 6% grade at nearly 20MPH faster than the old 7.4L gasser. RVs are identical in weight and size.

I don't believe your 5th trailer and pick-ups are a good comparison since the OP asked about Class A coaches. In any case, both pick-ups DID make it up the hill.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
Invmartyc, it's all about weight, horse-power and torque. So, to answer your question, the answer is yes and no. I all depends on the above combo.

MM.
Bird_Freak
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2014
I had a 37 ft triple slide with a 8.1 gas engine and passed many dp's climbing hills pulling my toad. Never had a under powered problem.
Community Alumni
Jul 22, 2014
"I have had both diesel and gas and have never NOT made it up any hill I've tried."

X3
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2014
It seems I get passed by gasser's more often than other DPs. At some point I'll pass them as they will be in the shop with serious engine problems. The more HP you get/cu in the shorter the life of the engine (both gas and diesel). With proper maintenance and some luck a gas MH is probably good for 200K trouble free miles while a diesel is probably 400+K miles. Both more than enough for most although those that pass me will not get 200K trouble free miles. Yes, I have a fairly heavy right foot and to pass me you will be working your gas engine at 90% while I'm at 50%.
Tom_N
Explorer
Jul 22, 2014
Diesels are preferred at altitudes >10,000'. Because of the turbocharger/blower.

-Tom, W3TLN

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