front vs rear diesel

[Vacationer04]

Looking at a FRED diesel Tiffin coach. What are the big negatives if any of the front vs rear versions? It is a Cummins while most of the rears are Freightliner. Does that also make a big difference? Have never owned one in the past as I wanted to do my own maintenance which is why I bought gas chassis instead.
THANKS!

[Vacationer04]

Thanks for all of the discussion. I didn't think it would involve so many issues. I'll probably just stay with a gasser because I can maintain it. Basement storage is something else I had not considered. The newer ones (2002-2007) in my price range should ride and handle better than my 1996. I appreciate all of the tips.

[wolfe10]

nevadanick wrote:
Lets confuse the issue even more and throw the mid engine motorhome in there also.

Only made by Spartan in very limited quantities and never used for what I had hoped-- a short diesel with good handling. They were only used to make "garage" models.

Sure would have been great to see a 30-32' diesel with good quality and excellent handling (very long wheelbase/OL).

[chuckftboy]

Noisier yes, but probably not terribly loud. I owned one, a 98' Newmar and unless the turbo kicked in, I really didn't notice it. As for the better ride with air bags, definitely, in a 45 foot coach, but a 36 foot coach, bags or springs, not so much difference.
I say go drive it and see if you like it. They wouldn't build the FRED if they couldn't sell them.

[nevadanick]

Lets confuse the issue even more and throw the mid engine motorhome in there also.

[time_to_go_now]

I have a Tiffin on a FRED. What everyone is saying for the most part is true. Louder than a rear engine. But, not too loud. I just pulled everything apart and reinsulated and sound proofed the engine bay. Made a huge difference.

Leaf springs, not air suspension. So, the ride is rougher. But, Koni shocks help.

Mileage is great. I can get 9 mpg towing a trailer.

It is a compromise. Slightly better than a Ford V-10. Not as nice as a DP. Perfect for what we were looking for.

My next rig will be a DP.

Good luck. Ask me any questions you want.

[tatest]

Usually, rear-engine diesel includes:

Air suspension
Air brakes
GVWR over 26,000 pounds, some as much as 10 tons over that point.

Freightliner's FRED was flat springs, solid axles, hydraulically boosted hydraulic brakes, GWVR 22,000 to 27,000 pounds. FRED was basically a heavy A gasser with a diesel engine installed.

I think the description also fits most other front-engine diesel bare chassis offerings, at least those finding their way into A motorhomes here. The Sprinter bare chassis might be a little more sophisticated in suspension, but the 11,030 GVWR limits it to very small type A motorhomes, e.g. Winnebago's 26-foot Via.

To further confuse the issue, there have also been, in the past 10 years, rear-engine diesel motorhome chassis using leaf springs and hydraulic brakes, under 26,000 pounds. Monaco's Roadmaster division built this chassis at about the same time FRED came out. I've seen the chassis under Holiday Rambler's Vacationer.

Workhorse also offered a "lightweight" rear engine chassis, gas or diesel optional. They called it UFO, GVWR was 26,000 but the gas UFO weighed about 2000 pounds less than the smallest Freightliner XC. I know Forest River and Winnebago used the gas version of the UFO, I don't know if Workhorse ever sold any with either of the two optional diesel engines (Cummins or International). Navistar may have shut Workhorse down before that happened.

[Kidoo]

FRED might have spring suspension like Allegro, not as smooth as air suspension. The allegro is noisier then a rear engine for sure.

[Cloud_Dancer]

Apparently, what's obvious to some of us is NOT to others.
I'm on my 5th or 6th motorhome, and I've known all along that a diesel engine was better-suited to power a large motorhome. And, I've known all along that the rear of the motorhome is the best location for the engine. Yet, it wasn't until my last motorhome that I could afford these features.

[mowermech]

Let's see...
engine in front, noise in front. No big thing.
engine in rear, DW wants to nap while we are on the road, noise under the bed. THAT would be a big thing!
I think I'll stick with my V10 in the front.
Besides, I kinda like being able to hear what the engine is doing!
Def'rent strokes, y'know...

[Goldencrazy]

I never thoght about that. I assume then the Super C does not have a dog house. Probably the reason I haven't heard about noise issues. Learn something everyday.

[wolfe10]

We may be talking about three different configurations:

Class A pusher
Class A puller (like Johnny G1 has)with engine in same locations as on gas chassis.

Super C with engine out front under hood.

[Goldencrazy]

I am confused. Years ago I nearly bought a Super C with front end diesel (I don't think they had a Super C that was gas). I see quite a few in campgrounds and people seem happy with them. They generally like the extra power. I haven't heard complaints about noise although I don't hear that from many gas owners either. I wonder which is louder in the front. I know for a brief period they put a gas in the rear but that fizzled. I spoke with a fellow who loved his rear gas. I have found that the gas motorhomes I have owned over the years have gotten smoother and less noise. I am awaiting a 2016 which has one more gear in the Ford tranny and is said to have less noise in the cab area which of course is a function of insulation. So many materials have changed so we can enjoy our "stuff". Hybrid technology does not seem to have hit the motorhome industry yet. I am speaking of the shut off when idling type of features. It will be a long time before electric RVing I suspect.

[Two_Jayhawks]

Front diesels are rare that would make me steer away from one.

[jplante4]

Odd that no one mentioned the hit you take in the basement space. Doesn't the drive shaft cut through the basement in a FRED? (Excuse my ignorance - I've never looked at one.)