Looking to upgrade to a class A

[usmc616]

I have just recently been looking to upgrade to a Class A in a few years. We are a family of 6 on our 3rd TT since 2006. I looked at Camping World and saw different units I liked some had bunks, some had a fireplace and some had a bath and a half. Now I am wondering if anyone knows of a model that has everything I am looking for in a coach. I want 2 bunks, a hide a bed, a loft over the cockpit, a fireplace, a king bed and if possible a bath and 1/2. Dose anyone know of a model that has this all? Or am I dreaming.
I have spent plenty of hours on the internet searching different manufacturers and have come close but have not found one with all the features. I hesitate to start shopping at dealerships because I am not committed to buy now, but in fact want to do my homework so when the time comes i am informed.
I did see a Thor gasser that had everything but the 1/2 bath and fireplace that was going for $129,000. When I looked at a similar diesel unit the price was doubled. I know some DP's are loaded and have nicer ammenities but does that account for double the gasser cost?
Any helpful input is appreciated. Thanks, Joe

[10forty2]

Two more things to consider is your travel style and the availability of diesel mechanics in your area. If the majority of your trips will be short-range, you may be better off getting a gasser. They are lesser expensive to purchase and lesser expensive to operate and maintain. Gasoline engines have gasoline mechanics pretty much everywhere; however, diesel mechanics are not that plentiful. Diesel is definitely the way to go if you plan to do higher mile trips including mountainous terrain and/or towing. Diesels like mileage and they have better torque for towing. But for a few 500 mile trips per year with a moderate toad, IMHO, I think you'd be better served by a gasser.

As far as amenities, the sky's the limit for both gas and diesel units. BUT...for the most part, the more expensive amenities are put in diesel units for yard stock. Marble and granite counter-tops, tile or hardwood floors, solid wood cabinetry and high-end furniture, chandeliers all weigh a lot, so they are usually reserved for diesels with more power to spare. Plus, the clientele that usually go for all those higher-end things may be planning on full-timing so they are willing to pay the extra money for the luxuries.

And, although you might get a couple extra miles per gallon of fuel on the diesel unit, you will pay extra for the diesel fuel at the pump so the difference is lost anyway. Lots to consider, but as many have said before me...pick out a floor plan you like first, and then choose what type of pusher you want. You'll spend a lot more time inside the coach while it's parked than you will driving down the road. Gas engines will get you there the same as a diesel... regardless of the trip, but you might not win the race up the hill.... 😉

[usmc616]

Just saw this one for sale http://www.ebay.com/itm/351161730057 It is a Diesel. I will look at the manufacturers website and see the specs. If anyone looks at it let me know what you think, just looking for other opinions on this coach. Thanks, Joe

[usmc616]

I see I have some homework to do. Thanks for your input.

[Mr_Mark1]

usmc616 wrote:

JimM68 wrote:
you also need to look at a more apples to apples approach.
Good high quality gassers from Fleetwood, tiffin, Monaco, and newmar will be much nicer and cost much more than units from Thor, Forest River, and Damon. That's just how it is, there is demand for entry level machines, but don't compare them to even low end DP's

A Fleetwood southwind or pace arrow, or a tiffen allegro would be much closer in build quality and features.

Thats another thing I need to consider- I don't know the entry level Class A from the top of the line ones.

usmc616, it will take a little time to learn the different brands. Jim has the line-up listed just about right. Go to each manufacturer and look at their line-up. It should show which gas models are available and their starting prices before options. Then, you can compare apples to apple from each manufacturer.

Good luck,
MM.

[usmc616]

JimM68 wrote:
you also need to look at a more apples to apples approach.
Good high quality gassers from Fleetwood, tiffin, Monaco, and newmar will be much nicer and cost much more than units from Thor, Forest River, and Damon. That's just how it is, there is demand for entry level machines, but don't compare them to even low end DP's

A Fleetwood southwind or pace arrow, or a tiffen allegro would be much closer in build quality and features.

Thats another thing I need to consider- I don't know the entry level Class A from the top of the line ones.

[lawrosa]

Whoa yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Watch this vid...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7XGRTU6Yt4

[lawrosa]

The jayco seneca yes... Not two bath but all you are looking for... Has massive diesal and bunks...

Its the 37 fs...

http://www.jayco.com/products/class-c-motorhomes/2014-seneca/37fs/

Tell us what you think..

And how much you want to spend...

[JimM68]

you also need to look at a more apples to apples approach.
Good high quality gassers from Fleetwood, tiffin, Monaco, and newmar will be much nicer and cost much more than units from Thor, Forest River, and Damon. That's just how it is, there is demand for entry level machines, but don't compare them to even low end DP's

A Fleetwood southwind or pace arrow, or a tiffen allegro would be much closer in build quality and features.

[azdryheat]

One rig you might look at is the Jayco Seneca 37RB Super C. It looks like it fits what you're looking for but it's not a Class A.

Link: SENECA

[azdryheat]

Torque. DP's are all about torque. If you plan to climb a mountain then a DP is for you. The small DP's have the truck-size Cummins Diesel, for example, that puts out 660 pounds, or so, of torque. Then you move up to the bigger Cummins that put out 1050 pounds of torque and the biggest at 1200? pounds of torque. Your gasser engine will never be able to touch those numbers. More torque = more pulling power.

[usmc616]

gbopp wrote:
Look at the PPL Motorhomes website.
They show the floor plans of the units being sold. Maybe that will help with your search.
And, if you don't want to go to dealers, go to RV shows and see what is available.
Have fun with your search.

Thanks.

[usmc616]

I do realize the DP is built on a heavy duty frame verse a medium duty frame for the gasser but I was just surprised to see how much more they cost. Just wondering about MPG's. I get 8 now while towing and some of the gassers had the same V-10 I have in my Excursion. What should I expect froma DP? 12-15?

[Mr_Mark1]

Joe, you can't compare a gasser with a DP directly. The DP will have a stronger chassis, larger holding tanks, air suspension, probably tile floors vs. vinyl, corian tops vs. laminate, etc. The cost of a diesel engine is more right from the start and will have more torque. There is a reason why the DP is double in price.

MM.

[gbopp]

Look at the PPL Motorhomes website.
They show the floor plans of the units being sold. Maybe that will help with your search.
And, if you don't want to go to dealers, go to RV shows and see what is available.
Have fun with your search.