Choice: Entry Level DP or High End Gas

[JCGibson]

As noted in another post, we looked at a few new Class A's this weekend. I am wanting to get input in regards to choosing either an entry level DP or high end gas unit.

We looked at Itasca Suncruiser (gas) and Itasca Solei (DP). Both were similar in price (Solei slightly more), finishes (Suncruiser slightly better), GVWR (24K gas, 26K DP), GCWR (30K for both) and towing cap is 5K for both.

We liked the floorplans about the same so what advantages would I have in a DP over the gas especially since most specs are the same. I know the ride might be better in the DP since it has air suspension and not as noisy driving since engine in rear, but is there anything else that I should consider that would make the DP worth the extra $$$?

Since we currently have a diesel truck (can be noisy and no air suspension) and fifth wheel, not sure having upfront engine and no air ride would bother us that much.

Thanks as always.

John

[JCGibson]

Thanks to everyone for your valuable input. I appreciate it greatly.

John

[bsinmich]

I was faced with the same choice 12 years ago when I bought my Mountain Aire gasser. I have never regretted that decision. I have all the comfort of the large coach and the lower maintenance costs of a gasser.

[univmd]

Our current coach is our first RV of any kind. We bought it brand new 7 seasons ago. We decided to go with a low end diesel pusher. We figured that if we bought gas, we would have wanted to upgrade to a diesel soon. We are happy with a low end diesel instead of high end gas.

[AllegroD]

JCGibson wrote:

AllegroD wrote:
For me, your situation would do very well with a gasser.

Will this be something you will try out and then move up when you both retire? Will this likely be the only MH you buy? Will you full time soon or intend this to be the full time MH when you do?

This will be our next step in our progression we have made since we started camping when we lived in Alaska. We started with tenting while stationed in Anchorage and did that for two years. Then on to a pop up for a couple of years. Next was a travel trailer toy hauler for a few more years. Got a Big Horn fifth wheel for the last couple years we were in Alaska and it was great. Should have stayed with that one for longer, but got disillusioned into wanting a Fiver toy hauler. Big mistake with that and didn't have it long. So went back to our current Bay Hill Fifth Wheel. Really nice, however, we are ready to make the jump into motorized RVing. It will most likely just be another step before we move up to something bigger and better in about 5-7 years.

We are both 45 so the wife won't be retiring anytime soon plus she enjoys teaching so can't blame her if she loves what she is doing.

Then I would go with a gasser. DP is great, but I look for bang for the buck. You get a larger chassis in DP which allows for larger/heavier ammenities, like tile floors, but for the way you use it, you may be fine in a gasser. Less into the coach with plenty of basic comforts. If I were to go DP in your situation, I would go used at least 5 but not more than 8 years old. Reason: good coach with some amenities with out going to far out of date and requiring a lot of maintenance and upgrades. Older and you will be putting a lot of upgrade into it. if you are a DIYer and want that than get it for the fun because there is not a lot of return in your upgrades.

p.s. We have a 2013 36LA. Great coach. Have enjoyed it from WA to IL and back as well as many local (200-250 miles).

Good luck.

[kab449]

dezolen wrote:
Have a look at a new Tiffin 36 LA. take 25-30% off list price and there you have it.

I'll second that! When you go make sure to do a road test. You will be surprised at the ride. I drove an Allegro RED and didn't think the difference was significant.

[Mr_Mark1]

JCG, Tiffin's service has been stellar. My brother had an issue with a slide (bad switch) and he got a call from Bob Tiffin to try and correct the problem. The dealer had to install a new switch and all was good with the world.

Are Tiffin's made better, no, not really, but their service is outstanding which is a lifesaver compared to other brands.

Good luck,
MM.
ON EDIT: My brother has the Allegro RED.

[JCGibson]

Mr.Mark wrote:
JCG, my brother and his wife bought a Tiffin Allegro, 36 ft. (same length restrictions as you) with four slides, residential fridge, tile floors, leather furniture... very nice and they love it. It does not have Aqua-Hot but has more TV's than anyone would ever need.

The four slides really open it up!

Good luck,
MM.

Will be looking at those within the next few weeks. Our closest dealer is about 3 hours away so will make a nice day trip.

John

[Mr_Mark1]

JCG, my brother and his wife bought a Tiffin Allegro, 36 ft. (same length restrictions as you) with four slides, residential fridge, tile floors, leather furniture... very nice and they love it. It does not have Aqua-Hot but has more TV's than anyone would ever need.

The four slides really open it up!

Good luck,
MM.

[smacdiesel]

Go diesel, some really nice used one out there.

[JCGibson]

Mr.Mark wrote:
JCGibson, just to mention that our previous '08 Dynasty had the new TV's..... put on the production line in January of 2007, took delivery in April 2007. New owners got a sweet diesel pusher with a like-new interior and maintained to the max.

If you decide to go used, an upper-end used unit that listed for upwards of $500K would go for the price range that you are looking for. It will have Aqua-Hot, 3 or 4 slides, tile floors, leather furniture, possible washer and dryer, etc.

Good luck,
MM.

My challenge is the length. Have to be under 38' so will fit inside our garage.

[JCGibson]

dezolen wrote:
Have a look at a new Tiffin 36 LA. take 25-30% off list price and there you have it.

We plan on looking at Tiffin Allegro (along with Newmar and Fleetwood), but our closest dealer is about 3 hours away. We like what they have to offer at least based on their Website. That floor plan is nice and we like 32 SA as well since it has a king bed. If the Allegro Breeze had nicer floor plans we would look at those as well since it is a DP, even though it has a Maxxforce engine and not Cummins.

Wasn't sure how dealing with their dealers was. None on the web show a discounted price or just very little. 25-30% or more is usually what we have gotten on our previous units.

[dezolen]

Have a look at a new Tiffin 36 LA. take 25-30% off list price and there you have it.
Bath and half, w/d combo, second to none outside storage, vented supply and return air ducts, electrical outlets located on wall of kitchen where needed, no slides to hit your head on patio side or obstructions, visible water tank(amazing how much I like this feature)No guessing. Rides amazingly in stock form.

[Mr_Mark1]

JCGibson, just to mention that our previous '08 Dynasty had the new TV's..... put on the production line in January of 2007, took delivery in April 2007. New owners got a sweet diesel pusher with a like-new interior and maintained to the max.

If you decide to go used, an upper-end used unit that listed for upwards of $500K would go for the price range that you are looking for. It will have Aqua-Hot, 3 or 4 slides, tile floors, leather furniture, possible washer and dryer, etc.

Good luck,
MM.

[JCGibson]

AllegroD wrote:
For me, your situation would do very well with a gasser.

Will this be something you will try out and then move up when you both retire? Will this likely be the only MH you buy? Will you full time soon or intend this to be the full time MH when you do?

This will be our next step in our progression we have made since we started camping when we lived in Alaska. We started with tenting while stationed in Anchorage and did that for two years. Then on to a pop up for a couple of years. Next was a travel trailer toy hauler for a few more years. Got a Big Horn fifth wheel for the last couple years we were in Alaska and it was great. Should have stayed with that one for longer, but got disillusioned into wanting a Fiver toy hauler. Big mistake with that and didn't have it long. So went back to our current Bay Hill Fifth Wheel. Really nice, however, we are ready to make the jump into motorized RVing. It will most likely just be another step before we move up to something bigger and better in about 5-7 years.

We are both 45 so the wife won't be retiring anytime soon plus she enjoys teaching so can't blame her if she loves what she is doing.