Looking at new Gasser

[cochise49]

We've been looking at a new Winnebago Adventurer 38Q. Love the floor plan and features. Seems less expensive to operate due to lower maintenance costs. Currently have '05 DP with Cummins ISB. Pretty much have a handle of fuel/maintenance costs/trade-offs. Questions are:

Will I miss the air bags? Why?

Will the brakes need replacing more often?

Will the lower torque be noticible?

What advantages do a fiberglass roof have over TPO or EPDM?

[Les_Balty]

If we were to buy a NEW motorhome, it would be gas. The garbage forced on Diesels by the EPA is a pain. More expensive maintenance and $6 per gallon for bovine urine it totally a bummer. However, the V-10 is great. We've had them before and conquered most of the mountain passes in SW CO with them and diesels. Air ride is nice however.

[Roadglider09]

We did the same thing... moved from a 98 Dynasty w/8.3 Cummins to a 2012 Ford F53 gasser, and for the same reasons.
1. Do I miss the air bags? Not really. We only drive about 6k miles a year, and we actually were amazed at how it rides.

2. The new F53 engine compartment must be really well insulated. At an idle I can't even tell it's running. Of course, I hear it at speed, but I'm also only paying $70 for oil service and a multi-point inspection as opposed to $400+ for the Cummins.

3. Not only are the F53 brakes amazing, but the torque-shift tranny does an excellent job slowing the coach down.

As I said, we moved from a diesel to a gasser for the same reasons as you and are extremely happy with the move.

[phnguyk]

cochise49 wrote:
We've been looking at a new Winnebago Adventurer 38Q. Love the floor plan and features. Seems less expensive to operate due to lower maintenance costs. Currently have '05 DP with Cummins ISB. Pretty much have a handle of fuel/maintenance costs/trade-offs. Questions are:

Will I miss the air bags? Why?

Will the brakes need replacing more often?

Will the lower torque be noticible?

What advantages do a fiberglass roof have over TPO or EPDM?

Probably, smoother ride.

No.

Probably not, if you drive conservatively.

Both the same, many will argue fiberglass is better but unfortunately there is no real proof, just opinions.

[MeanderMan]

You can have an aftermarket airbag system installed (HWH makes one, I think), but personally I wouldn't spend the money. We've full timed in a 37' Gasser and a 40' DP and yes, the air bags make the ride smoother; however, you'll spend most of your time sitting and the floor plan is exceptional. Go for it!

[cKarlGo]

cochise49 wrote:
So far so good with the responses. The fireplace is actually one reason I prefer the 38Q over the 37F or 35P. We have a stand alone one in our DP that really helps. Lets us use the parks electricity instead of our propane when it isn't extremely cold. Counter space is also a plus. DW is impressed with the reclining sofa and inclining bed.

Anyone have an answer for the air bag question? Thanks to moderator who moved this from Tech Issues.

Most of the Sighseers and Adventurers that I've seen have heat pumps, so you'd be getting the same advantage.

[Pop-Pop_C]

cochise49 wrote:
We've been looking at a new Winnebago Adventurer 38Q. Love the floor plan and features. Seems less expensive to operate due to lower maintenance costs. Currently have '05 DP with Cummins ISB. Pretty much have a handle of fuel/maintenance costs/trade-offs. Questions are:

Will I miss the air bags? Why?

Will the brakes need replacing more often?

Will the lower torque be noticible?

What advantages do a fiberglass roof have over TPO or EPDM?

I would not leave the dealer without adding air bags,

[rvten]

Deleted

[mena661]

cochise49 wrote:
I agree that a test drive in a "dry" unit isn't the best way but the only way unless I find someone with the same chassis/length who would allow me to test it.....

I think you'll get a pretty good idea how it will drive with a test drive. If it drives like******empty, would you still buy it? I wouldn't. I'd spend more time looking around at how things are put together THEN go drive it around to see how it rides and handles.

[fredbon]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
They all have good points and bad points but in the long run, the floor plan is the most important. You will spend more time sitting in the coach than you will driving it.

X2, floor plans are supreme, after all you will spend most of your time standing still.

Fred

[jorbill2or]

The Air bags (suspension ) as you know provides a comfortable smooth ride .. You WILL notice a large difference in the sprung ride of what is essentially a converted "bread" truck Vs the Bus frame like ride of the DP. Its the first thing most people notice and like about a DP.
I differ on the Brakes .. The heavy Thick air brakes if cared for will go 150000. miles or more on the DP..not so the lighter truck crawl under and have a look The brakes are at their limit more than the DP. Not a bad thing ,just a difference There is a reason air brakes are used on very heavy vehicles .. semis etc.
I note I have limited time in a Gas Motorhome( lots of time.. 8 years... in a 26000lb delivery truck and am a Tractor trailer driver in real life so that is my perspective

[cochise49]

We looked at many new rigs at the Pomona RV show in October. Kept coming back to the 38Q. Didn't find another unit with all of the key features to us. The inclining king bed, extendable/reclining sofa/sectional, Pull out "L" kitchen counter, reclining passenger seat, outside entertainment center. Many units had many of the features and some other the 38Q didn't have. I agree that a test drive in a "dry" unit isn't the best way but the only way unless I find someone with the same chassis/length who would allow me to test it.....

[427435]

Are you sure you want/need a 38' MH?? There is lots of room in the newer 33-35' MH's with the multiple or full wall slides.

[rgatijnet1]

A test drive is not a bad idea, but from experience with several different coaches, DP and gas, an empty coach will not ride the same, won't handle the same, or will be as quiet, as a fully loaded coach. It also will not tell you anything about the handling with a toad.
The main thing a test drive will tell you is if the driver's position and controls are within easy reach, which is especially important if both of you will be driving.
Best wishes with your choice. I've had diesel and now have a gasser and do not regret the decision. They all have good points and bad points but in the long run, the floor plan is the most important. You will spend more time sitting in the coach than you will driving it.

[Bob___Ann]

Bev and Keith
It sounds like you know what you want but I would recommend a test drive before you buy it. That would quickly answer most of your questions first hand. We have had both and really love the diesel as we find a huge difference in the ride. Without the air bags we found the gas unit leaned out from the turn instead of into the turn. That always bothered me. The diesel is a silent smooth ride. The gas is noisy because the engine is up front with you. With springs you feel more rough spots in the road. We found the gas to have enough power but it is a different type of power. We had no problem taking it over the Rockies. It was not slow, it was just noisier which is not a big problem. The torque of the diesel; you know what that is like. Brakes, yes we did go through them on the gas burner. Mileage on the diesel is a little better but diesel costs more. The fiberglass roof is something that we love. Have never had a problem with it and it washes very easily and is not slippery to walk on. We did find that the wind had more of an effect when it hit our gas coach. Both are good and serve their own purpose. For comparison purposes our gas unit was a 2005 Allegro Bay which we really enjoyed. Like I say you know what the diesel is like. Do a test drive in a gas unit and even test it out on a good hill and then decide. Good luck with your decision.

[rvten]

Engine noise in the newer gasser is not as bad as it used to be. Even our C does not seam loud to me. Hearing the engine a little. I can still hear the DW.