New Gas Class A vs. Older DP

I am in NC and watch the adds pretty close--there are plenty of used higher end DPs for sale here now and then for less than $100,000. And that is what I would buy. You won't regret it Nice 2003 American Eagle on there right now asking$115 but $100 would probably take it....forget that 36ft thing, get as much as you can. You won't be sorry.

Why so short? I would take a five year old DP over a new gasser any day. Agree with ThenderM that it makes more sense if you can use it 100+ day/year, if not, keep what you have.
Another advantage of a DP is a turbo that gives you full power up to 10,000'.

My two cents worth... We've been to a number of RV shows in the past couple of years. We have not been impressed with the build quality of most gassers until you get into the higher end models. Some seemed just downright flimsy inside including low end furniture.

Gas is cheaper than diesel. Oil changes and periodic maintenance are less expensive with a gasser. Tires are more expensive for a DP. Most gassers seem underpowered especially in the mountains. I pass them continually. As you stated your towing capacity is limited with a gasser as is the gross carrying capacity. DP chassis and running gear are much more robust than gassers.

One deciding factor that you didn't mention was the number of days per year you would use the RV and how long you plan to keep it. If you are planning on using it say 120+ nights per year and keeping it for 5+ years, you probably should look at a DP.

There are a lot of really nice and well maintained DPs out there. If you can find one with all the maintenance records and pay for an inspection, you really shouldn't have a lot of upfront expenses.

I would far rather have a DP. Several reasons have been mentioned, but since you live in the Ozarks. The DPs have "jake" brake. That alone is worth buying a DP for in the mountains. Plus the Ozarks get hot/cold. A DP you can hit fast idle and it can run for hours while getting interior temps more attractive. Not to mention if you are ever caught in a traffic. FINALLY resale value. Ease to drive, ETC. Go with diesel. Look at St Louis RV. I think we have a few DPs for the $100k range.

I ended up with a 2001 Diesel after looking at new gas coaches and what they wanted for them. Non in the range I looked at were very well made(under $100G).
I paid in the $60's but did a lot of upgrades and replaced a lot of things myself for about $15G...but now I have a like new DP that's better than some of the newer ones, and I know whats been done and when now!

"deandec" pretty much hit the nail on the head. I would only add, you need to determine how you will use the coach.....short trips (gasser) or long hauls (DP).

stockmarket says gas under $2.for a long time. diesel here in ohio still$3.54gal gas in texas under 2,bucks

There's not very many DPs that are 36' or less. Most are much longer than that. If you need one that size and have a budget around $100k like you said.....I can see why you're having a tough time finding many DP options that aren't several years old.

Yes, there are indeed a lot of very nice (new) gasser units available to choose from for that $$ or quite a bit less. When it comes to RVs, I too prefer new, so thats what I'd be looking more at, if I was in your situation.

As to things a DP has (besides more pulling power), that you don't get in a gasser:

1. Full air brakes, and air suspension

2. Somewhat easier leveling, since you can dump air and drop entire coach down some before you start leveling

3. Much better ride when on the road, due to afore mentioned air suspension, the chassis its built on, and engine being in the back making it much quieter.


..However, as I'm sure you've seen, these 'pros' come at a very, VERY high price, compared to similar gasser models. I'd love to have a rear engine unit with full air suspension and air brakes. However, like many, I don't want those things bad enough to part with nearly $100k MORE up front for the initial purchase, and several thousand more over the years in extra maintenance costs the DP will incur.

If you pay someone to fix your vehicles, buy a new one.

If you are a DIY type of person and have time and place to work on a vehicle, buy used.

A DP will have engine in the rear and generator near the front. It will likely have air suspension and brakes, both of which are superior. It will carry more stuff including heavier materials used in finishing the house due to a stronger chassis. The towing capacity will likely be much bigger.

Buying new, you get the current electronics and state of the art engines.

Furniture, appliances, electronics, tires, flooring, and cabinets can all be replaced.

Engines, transmissions, slide-outs, floor plans, and length are pretty much static.


You will need to make the decision for your family's needs and wants.

Really it depends a lot on how far up the chain you want to go. You can look at a midline diesel, such as a Neumar, Allegro, or Winnie and while they are solid units, its a whole different ball game to go back a few years older yet and look at something like a Foretravel. Right around year 2000, you see them with slideouts. Price wise, you would need to do some tough negotiation to get below 100K, but if you are patient, you should be able to get one.