Forty Foot Gasser

houtrz wrote:
We are looking at buying a Class-A in a few months and like the Forest River Georgetown 36k7. Its a 40'1" long gas coach. Some
are built on the old chassis with a V-10 and some are on the new chassis with a V-8.

That seems like a long coach for a gas model. Anyone have experience with a forty foot gasser? Since they have been built on both the old and new chassis, should I buy one over the other?

we have a '16 Suncruiser 38Q gasser that actually measures to a bit longer than 39', and nearly 55' and 3800-lbs more weightin tow when our toad is hitched up. the rig is powered by the ford v10. the difference in length (minus the toad' is miniscule. we haven't been in the rockies but have done some respectable climbs in AZ. the rig doesn't climb at 55 nor does it pass most vehicles on the climb but it gets to the top without breaking a sweat.

I'm assuming if a gasser, it has the front engine. This will mean more heat right next to you while driving, more noise and for me, it's very hard to get over the engine hump getting in and out of the driver's seat.

With the engine up front I'm not sure where it will put your generator? I like my generator up front if I have to run it at night to keep my DP cool for sleeping.

Bill

We had a 35' gasser, it was fine.

As to the V10 vs new V8, from everything I've read I know which one I'd go with. I'm hearing a lot of good reports on the new V8. I'm actually considering one for my next truck.

Bruce Brown wrote:
We had a 35' gasser, it was fine.

As to the V10 vs new V8, from everything I've read I know which one I'd go with. I'm hearing a lot of good reports on the new V8. I'm actually considering one for my next truck.

With the exception if mileage. Mileage on the new v8 even in the truck not pulling is really low. That was a consideration in my new truck. I ended up with the 6.7 turbo diesel and getting about 20-21 not pulling, and 14 pulling the FW. I know I got off on a tangent, but the point is, while the new Godzilla is a great engine with lots of lower end torque and quieter, the mileage will probably be less than the V10.

Ford's heaviest gas motorhome chassis has a GVWR (total weight limit of coach) of 26,000 pounds and a GCWR (total weight limit and coach and what it is towing) of 30,000 pounds. Depending on your needs a 40 footer might put you in a bind with regards to payload and the vehicle you can pull behind it. Not necessarily but possibly, it's something to be aware of.

Now Forest River is building that 40 footer you like on the 24,000 pound chassis and I'd be leery of that. I'd be leery of the 252" wheelbase too; that's pretty short and will result in a long overhang behind the rear wheels; that means wide ass tail swing and possibly poor straight line stability.

Mine is a 38' (37'7") with the Old Chevy 8.1L V-8 (No longer made from what I understand but they may have a replacement out) the FORD-V-10 is still made.

Both have nearly the same HP though the CHevy does a better job at low RPM

Plenty of power.

The only caution is the cargo carrying capacity and towing capacity.

999 pounds and 4,000 pounds respectively.

Heat and noise would steer me away from a 40 foot gasser if you move often.

We had a 2010 Mirada on the F53 chassis with V10 for 5 years and liked it very much. It was right at 37 ft. The V10 is a high rev engine and it took a while to get used to it winding up past 4,000 rpm when it downshifted on hills. But it’s generally regarded as being pretty much bullet proof. We never had issues and would still be in it if we hadn’t stumbled into a Country Coach diesel. That being said, I would hope that the new platform they abandoned the F53 for would offer some advantages

I once owned a 2009 37' class A with the V-10, loved that coach and a friend still owns it. Had plenty of power and had the smoothest running engine I ever owned. The only issue I ever had was the range with the smallish fuel tank. If it had a 150 gallon tank, I might still own it and I think the V-10 is well suited for a 40 footer just don't expect more than 350 miles between fuel stops.

Modern gas coaches will perform well enough to travel anywhere in the U.S. They may not be the first to the top of the hill, but will get there.

As others have noted, check the load carrying capacity and the gross combined weight as that may limit what you can tow.