Forum Discussion

dmctlc's avatar
dmctlc
Explorer
Apr 18, 2017

Looking at Class A's

So getting ready to retire and trade in my TT for a Class A. Looking at several so I'd like anyone with this units to provide any feedback to help me make a decision.
2017/18 Jayco Alante 31V
2017/18 Forest River FR3 29DC and the 30DS also the Georgetown Series 30X3
Liked the FR more bc of the King size real mattress in there but like the Alante bc it had a lot larger black/grey tanks. Layout on both roughly the same. Although the dealers are confused on FRs options. I wondering if anyone can explain why two exact 31Vs have two different size engines.... on has 320 HP while another has 362 HP?
Any input would greatly be appreciated.
Thxs
Dana
Class A
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Apr 20, 2017
    If you plan on just weekend camping trips at an FHU park the models you mentioned would be fine. If you are planning on extended trips to NP's, SP's or more remote dry camp site I think you will find they don't have much FW capacity or basement storage.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2017
    wildtoad wrote:
    362hp coupled with a 5spd tranny and is an older chassis. 320hp is coupled to a 6spd and newer. Both do a great job.


    I agree with the post above, however if I was buying new I would go with the 6th speed, OR try to get a lower price on the 5 speed and throw that back at the dealer, than install the 5 Star Program and it will perform like the 6 speed.

    2016 Ford F-53 chassis has the 5 speed and 2017 Ford F-53 chassis has the 6 speed, its normal for many motorhomes to have a chassis a year older, my 08 Bounder sits on a 07 Ford chassis.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2017
    362hp coupled with a 5spd tranny and is an older chassis. 320hp is coupled to a 6spd and newer. Both do a great job.
  • janstey58's avatar
    janstey58
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2017
    My MIL has owned the FR3 30DS for over a year and loves it. It has much more room in the lounge area than some other small Class As. Very little warranty issues and it has a king size bed.
  • RLHAMILTON's avatar
    RLHAMILTON
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2017
    It all depends on your taste/desires for floorplan. Our current coach is a FR Berkshire, and we love it. Depending upon where you want to travel (Rockies, east coast, south, etc) will dictate size of engine. Ours is 360 and I wouldn't want a smaller engine to travel the US. Good luck!
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2017
    The different engine ratings would reflect different chassis years. Ford re-rated the V10 (or, perhaps more accurately, specified the ratings at a different RPM), I think for regulatory compliance reasons as emissions or noise testing or something is done at the rated power. The engine itself is physically unchanged, though there may be some associated tweaks to the ECU programming. I would not give the difference any real thought.

    I think there is a significant change at the same time from the 5 speed to the 6 speed transmission, and the latter is an actual improvement.

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