Are large gas motor Rv's underpower?

[invmartyc]

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?

[Bird_Freak]

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.

[Mr_Mark1]

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.

[rgatijnet1]

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.

[AllegroD]

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]

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.

[bhivetravels]

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!

[rgatijnet1]

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.