First Time Buyer...Updated 03/06/2006
This post is intended to be helpful to the first time buyer of a motor home. For those of you who don't fall into that category or believe this post is incomplete or off the mark, do us all a favor, a...
Forum Discussion
I am considering upgrading from a travel trailer to a Class A and I have a few beginner questions for the masses. Any input from any level of experience is appreciated in advance!
1) Tag Axles - (Necessity or Frivolity?) Most of my driving will be on US Interstates and most of my camping is done on paved level surfaces where traction is not a problem. Are the benefits of a tag axle so numerous that I should consider getting one as opposed to a single rear drive axle? Are safety (stopping ability) and stability (anti-porpoising) huge factors? I am under the impression that the extra axle is primarily so the payload can be increased. Is this true or am I misinformed?
2) Pusher, Mid or Puller - (Does it matter?) First off, are there even that many mid-engines out there? Are there any significant benefits? What are some pros and cons of pushers vs. pullers? Which has easier access for preventative maintenance? Does the close proximity of the drive axle to the engine on a pusher mean lower maintenance costs in the long run? That actually brings up another question...Do pullers utilize a front drive axle or are they still rear wheel drive? This could eliminate the previous question...haha
3) Diesel or Gas - (Idle time vs. Generator time) Besides the price difference...If I plan to do more dry camping/boondocking would a diesel allow more versatility in the event of a generator failure? I.E. Can I idle for hours on end in a diesel just like in an 18 wheeler without decreasing the longevity of my engine? Is this practice discouraged? If so, why?
Thanks in advance for your pros & cons!
Jeff
1) Tag Axles - (Necessity or Frivolity?) Most of my driving will be on US Interstates and most of my camping is done on paved level surfaces where traction is not a problem. Are the benefits of a tag axle so numerous that I should consider getting one as opposed to a single rear drive axle? Are safety (stopping ability) and stability (anti-porpoising) huge factors? I am under the impression that the extra axle is primarily so the payload can be increased. Is this true or am I misinformed?
2) Pusher, Mid or Puller - (Does it matter?) First off, are there even that many mid-engines out there? Are there any significant benefits? What are some pros and cons of pushers vs. pullers? Which has easier access for preventative maintenance? Does the close proximity of the drive axle to the engine on a pusher mean lower maintenance costs in the long run? That actually brings up another question...Do pullers utilize a front drive axle or are they still rear wheel drive? This could eliminate the previous question...haha
3) Diesel or Gas - (Idle time vs. Generator time) Besides the price difference...If I plan to do more dry camping/boondocking would a diesel allow more versatility in the event of a generator failure? I.E. Can I idle for hours on end in a diesel just like in an 18 wheeler without decreasing the longevity of my engine? Is this practice discouraged? If so, why?
Thanks in advance for your pros & cons!
Jeff
