First trip in new RV

[jjson775]

We just got back from the first trip in our new Pleasure Way Pursuit. All our previous experience was in a PW Excel, a true Class B. The Pursuit is really a B+ but at 22' - 9" it is no longer than many Class B's, especially the Sprinter conversions. The Excel was a fine RV, very well made, trouble free and very comfortable to camp in. Our style of travel is very much in the Class B mode, we don't tow anything and like to pull off the road anywhere we want. I was hesitant to get a bigger RV but the Pursuit is going to be fine. With dual wheels, it is more stable on the road and the standup shower is very nice. Quality of construction is excellent, which we expect from Pleasure Way. Sleeping arrangements in our old Excel with twin beds were better, our Pursuit has the dinette that makes into a queen size bed that takes a few minutes to set up but is good to sleep on. The dinette is nice to have if you have company for dinner, such as grandchildren.

The Ford van with a V-10 gas engine runs and drives great. Our Excel had a V-8 and was flawless over 8 years. We expect to get about 10 or 11 mpg vs. 13 - 15 with our old rig. Both exterior and interior storage are adequate, as was the case with our Excel. We look forward to leaving again next week on a longer trip.

[jjson775]

The Pursuit is built on a 158" wheelbase vs. 138" on the Excel, I think that makes a difference. Rear overhang is about the same for both. Also, the rear wheels of the Excel were spaced closer together than the front wheels so grooves in the pavement made it swerve. I solved that by putting wheel spacers so the rear wheels would track directly behind the front wheels. A non-issue with the duals on the Pursuit.

[Fastpaddler]

Glad you two are enjoying your Pursuit RV. I have included it on my short list. I like that it has the PW quality cabinetry I now have but a bigger 'rear end'--excuse the expression which gives a bigger bed and very good bathroom setup. MPG isnt a big factor as the diesel engines are pricey. Wind deflection issues might be a factor as I had 2 rvs with E350 Ford chassis and they were like dancing rabbits on the road. Maybe Ford has improved front end geometry?
AL

[gerrym51]

rvit wrote:
I'm curious if you think it drives better than the Excel? Did you have any issues with the wind? We parked our Pursuit for a while, we're afraid we will wear it out the first year.

wear it out in what sense? i don't understand.

[jjson775]

Yes, I do think it drives better than the Excel on the open highway, I haven't driven it in high winds so far but expect it will be more stable than the Excel, but also realize this is a high profile RV that will be affected by the wind. Of course, the Excel handled better in town and even on winding roads. Some people did fine with the Excel in terms of handling, I had to do some things to mine to improve the way it handled at high speed on the freeway. The main improvement was switching out the OEM Hankook tires when they wore out for Michelin LT tires. The Pursuit comes new with Michelins.

[rvit]

I'm curious if you think it drives better than the Excel? Did you have any issues with the wind? We parked our Pursuit for a while, we're afraid we will wear it out the first year.

[Fastpaddler]

jjson75
Congratulations. Good summary of your needs and i can understand the extra benefits of the Pursuit 22ft model. It should be fine for small shopping plazas.
Happy camping.
AL

[charles]

We are on our third Excel, our second V-8. I prefer the V-10, why I don't know I guess it just seemed a little more responsive to the pedal, gas mileage was about the same. We never had the handling issues that have been posted on here from time to time, all three of our Excels handled very well without any modifications. We don't camp much any more, just use it for traveling and running around. I'm anxious to see what Pleasure-way is going to do with the Ford Transit when it becomes available to them. Good luck with your Pursuit it's a very nice unit.

Nick