Limitations to gas Class A

[Kwalsh]

Can anyone speak to traveling in the mountains with a gas Class A? My husband and I are ready to purchase a new or almost new motorhome to carry us through our retirement years. I am also afraid that a gas motor will leave us stranded in places where we can't find rental cars and I understand it is not good to tow with a gas engine. We are not sure we can afford a diesel right now so just trying to be well informed before we make a big decision. We are national and state park campers for the most part but long to see the Black Hills and places like Yosemite and Glacier National Forest. Thank you for your comments!

[Frank_39]

Just returned from a Western trip that took 6 weeks lots of hills and off Interstate travel no problem I am towing a Rav 4 on a tow dolly mpg for the entire trip 7.85 I thought that was great 2012 Allegro 34 TGA

Regards
Frank

[J-Rooster]

I've been to every place that you mentioned in a gas RV (36' Winnebago Adventurer) and I've towed a car behind our RV when going to these places. My engine is a Chevy Big Block 496 CI, 8.1 Vortec and if I choose too I can go up any mountain pass 55 MPH plus towing my car. There are also gas engine kits ( Gale Banks) that you can have installed to give you extra horsepower if desired at a cost around $2,000.00. Ford also makes a gas V-10 Triton that is just as good as a Chevy (I know this because I've owned both) I don't know where you got your information from on gas coaches, but IMHO I feel that you have been misinformed!

[turbojimmy]

Johno02 wrote:
Only thing we miss on a gasser over a DP is the air horns, and the neat "PSttt" of the brakes and air bags.

I was fortunate in that someone had installed air bags in my Allegro (1984 era gasser). They tapped into the pump/tank system for a pair of real air horns, too. No air brakes, though 🙂

[Bumpyroad]

Rodz wrote:
If anyone wants to know about a gasser they shouldn't listen to a dp owner.:C

yep, I think ego sells a whole lot of DPs, rather than need.
bumpy

[jsmart]

Well KWalsh, you've seen what all these folks posted. We drive a 32' Itasca gasser with a Jeep Wrangler toad. Been all over the western US with no problems. Pulled an 8% grade out of Lake Powell (So. Utah/No. Ariz) with no problems. So get the rig and start camping! See ya out there.

[moparmaga2]

I have had a 2000 37 foot gas class a with v10 and 40000 miles, a 2009 43 foot diesel pusher with 40000 miles and now a gas 2015 class c. I have also had a small travel trailer towed behind a 2001 gas truck I drove for 20000 miles together

I have been broken down a total of 0 times with the gas class a, 6 times with the diesel class a, 0 times with the new class c, and zero times with the gas powered truck with trailer.

Take this info and do what you want to with it. I have never even been in the shop with any of my gas vehicles beyond normal maintenence. My diesel lived in the shop and racked up $40000 in warranty work in 4.5 years.

[Rodz]

Carm wrote:
I drive a 1994 Bounder with the Ford 460 motor and 4 speed transmission and have no problem pulling a toad. We traveled 5500 miles in September in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, crossed the Rocky Mountains 3 times, did the Ice Fields Parkway from Jasper to Banff... It was my first time towing with the Bounder and the big surprise was that I really couldn't tell the difference between towing and not towing.

I'm sure that the newer gas powered rigs will do much better.

I had the same chassis under a Coachman at one time and pulled a 32' enclosed race car trailer all over the country with no problem. If anyone wants to know about a gasser they shouldn't listen to a dp owner.:C

[darsben]

Johno02 wrote:
Only thing we miss on a gasser over a DP is the air horns, and the neat "PSttt" of the brakes and air bags.

Try this sound and then enjoy the gasser

[Carm]

I drive a 1994 Bounder with the Ford 460 motor and 4 speed transmission and have no problem pulling a toad. We traveled 5500 miles in September in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan, crossed the Rocky Mountains 3 times, did the Ice Fields Parkway from Jasper to Banff... It was my first time towing with the Bounder and the big surprise was that I really couldn't tell the difference between towing and not towing.

I'm sure that the newer gas powered rigs will do much better.

[-Gramps-]

I fly up the mountains pulling my Vue and I pass a lot of Diesel Pushers.

[Rodz]

Johno02 wrote:
Only thing we miss on a gasser over a DP is the air horns, and the neat "PSttt" of the brakes and air bags.

That's funny. I miss my air horns too. I rarely used them but the grand kids thought it was cool. :B

[crasster]

I have a 4 cylinder Class C, and it goes up the mountains... It even goes faster on the way down the mountains! My Class A bounder on the other hand, performs much like the 4 cylinder, it's slow going, but usually passes semis.

[Ramair]

We have a 2012 GeorgeTown 378XL and tow a 2012 Chevy Cruze and have never had an issue. Been from Texas to Idaho and had all the power I need. As others have stated find the floor plan that fits you the best and go for it. See you down the road...Safe Travels

[Johno02]

Only thing we miss on a gasser over a DP is the air horns, and the neat "PSttt" of the brakes and air bags.

[Johno02]

Also went across Big Horn with no trouble. Stopped at top and detatched toad for DW to lead with. I had a brake overheating problem once before, and didn't want to worry about it again. V10 with HHR toad, have done Smokies, Osarks, ( into Branson), and Yellowstone with no problems. We started the thing of detaching the toad going way up into the mts in West Virgina on steep, twisty, narrow roads. DW in front with radio to check road ahead for traffic and other nasties. Another is the campground at Norris Dam above Knoxville, TN. Can check taillights on toad on some of the hairpins. So, no problem with 30' gasser going anywhere.