How does a super C drive?

[fijiaaron]

We're a family thinking about buying either a Super C or a Diesel Pusher.

There is a 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Ultra that has bunk beds for the kids that looks really appealing, but we've heard that a diesel pusher with a stronger chassis and air suspension will be the best drive.

We're new to RVing and haven't driven either. A test drive is obviously in order, but likely won't reveal everything to our inexperienced hands.

I'd like to hear from people experienced with Super Cs what their thoughts are on how they drive especially if you've also driven a DP.

Do they rock & sway, how do they handle up and down hills, how do they tow a mid-sized vehicle, etc.

Thanks,
Aaron & Kelsey

[Sooboy]

fijiaaron wrote:
I'd be interested in hearing about carrying 4 bikes too...

Fijiaaron, we use a Yakima SwingDaddy on the back of the toad. We've had it for 4 summers now and have had no issues. Quality is good and I like the ability to get into the hatch without unloading the rack.

If I had it to do over again, I might consider a tray-style rack like the new Yakima Fourtimer. I think it would protect the bikes better from getting scratched-up by contacting each other.

Cheers,
Tom

[fijiaaron]

I'd be interested in hearing about carrying 4 bikes too...

[Sooboy]

Hi Aaron;

We bought our Embark in late 2011 and at the time I was comparing between a Ventana, Seneca and Embark. Bunks were one of our primary requirements.

Last trip over the scales towing our CRV, front axle was 9,720lb and rear was 16,140lb with a toad weight of 3,960 with 4 bikes on the back. That's fully loaded for travel with full fresh water (100Gal)and fuel (100Gal).

It tows very well and I don't really feel the toad at all. No issues passing nor being passed by trucks, uphill nor down. I normally drive between 65 and 70. Very happy with the Freightliner M2 Chassis, although Jayco's build quality could be a bit better.

Last weekend I set up my F-150 to be towed, however, I've not yet towed it far enough to form an opinion. I'm bound to notice the extra 2,000lb.

Tom

[fijiaaron]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback so far! What a great welcome to the forum & RV community.

[rskrbina]

Hello Aaron and welcome to the forum. Fully loaded, our 35SK weighs in at 18,500. I have no power issues at all. When I tow my CRV, I can honestly say I don't even know it's behind me. Towing my F-150, I still have plenty of power, however I do notice a difference in the handling especially in high cross winds. Not white knuckled, but I do keep both hands on the wheel. We just returned from a 1,600 mile trip to Michigan towing the F-150 and averaged 9.8 mpg. The ride was very comfortable. I hope this helps.

[GENECOP]

FWIW, when I think about a Super C or Class 8 TC I am taliking about Renegade, Showhauler, Silver Crown or equal, not the more mass produced large manufactureres trying to get on board...

[carringb]

I'm not a fan of the way the Kodiak/TopKick drive. Power is fine, but the steering and handling is pretty sloppy, at least in stock form. It has a pretty nice exhaust brake though.

[dsteinman]

I should add a couple of more thoughts.

Both motorhomes are bunk models.

After the handling improvements on the Four Winds it did not sway and rock as much as our Fleetwood does.

And we usually towed a Dodge Durango (5200lbs). No problem, although you could feel it pull on rutted freeways. Currently we have a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited which we traded in before buying the Fleetwood. I don't remember the weight when I weighed it (4500lbs. ??, including a boat on top). But it is not noticeable at all.

Also, gas mileage wise we got about 8.3mpg with the Four Winds and about 8.5mpg with the Fleetwood.

And the one problem we had with the Four Winds was with the exhaust pipe breaking in different places. I think this was a Four Winds problem because I think they added there own hangers (cheap) and might not have gotten everything lined up correctly.


David

[Ivylog]

Welcome to the forums: The more info you give us the better answers you will get. Looks like a 2008 Culf Stream Conquest Ultra Super C could be on two different chassis so hard to answer your question. If it's on a IH truck chassis with 22.5 tires it will probably be OK. If on the Chevy 5500 Duramax with 19.5 tires as dsteinman posted above... probably needs a bunch of help. Test driving a empty rig (not full fuel, no water, and none of your stuff) may not tell you the truth on how it's going to handle loaded up.
Not many DP's with bunks but most DPs handle well without having to add things to help the handling.

[dsteinman]

We had a 2007 Four Winds 34H which was also the Chevy 5500 with the Duramax diesel. And we currently have a Fleetwood Discovery 40G diesel pusher. Some of these differences are going to be because the of the difference of weight and size. The Four Winds was 35ft and 19,500lbs GVWR, and the Discovery is 41ft and 32,000lbs GVWR. We weighed the Four Winds at 19,300 and the Discovery I think was 31,000lbs.

I did replace the shocks, the front sway bar, and added track bars to get the handling on the Chevy 5500 chassis to handle a lot better.

I have not done anything to the Discovery. Better shocks might be nice.

The Discovery rides much better than the Four Winds did. Much smoother and more controlled. Driving 75mph is not a big deal. That was just for a short period to test with, usually I drive at 63mph. The Fours Winds did not feel secure above 72mph.

We live in the mountains in New Mexico, so a lot of driving is here and in Colorado.

The Four Winds handled the curves much better and could consistently drive about 5mph above the curve advisory signs. If I started the turn a little early and gave it a little gas (diesel), I could get the weight transferred to the inside and it would go around a curve pretty well. In the Fleetwood, I don't dare go above the advisory speeds.

Also, the Four Winds would keep it's speed up climbs much better than the Fleetwood does.


And I still like the driving position in the Four Winds better. But overall the Fleetwood is much nicer but a lot of that is due to the extra space and better amenities. Of course it cost a lot more also.

David

[ronfisherman]

We are happy with our 2004 Gulf Stream Endura. Lots of power and good handling.
Be sure to check tires on a 2008. Even if they look good it may be time to change them after 7 years. Cost is about $400+ each tire.
Will a Class A diesel pusher ride better. Maybe, depending on how it was maintained. Same with the Super C.

[GENECOP]

They drive like a dream, no sway, the most stable ride I ever had, and power to spare.....we love ours....