Newb Class A Question about performance

[ducksquasher]

Hi,

Looking at our first Class A. Can’t afford a diesel at this point so we are between Georgetown G3 30D and Georgetown G5 36b5. Question...I know the 36b5 is on the larger frame and wheels and obviously longer. Both have the same engine and trans. Anyone have any observations on the difference in performance, power and ability to make it up a hill?

I guess I am a little concerned with a unit too large for that motor. Am I being overly cautious and stupid?

We just want to get into something where we can load up and head out over the Rockies or wherever else we want to go without worrying about lack power, overheating in the summer, etc.

Thanks!

[frankdamp]

We had an '02 Georgetown 32-footer - a step up from an '85 26' Class C. The "C" had a Ford 460 V-8 with a carburator. That gave us 7 mpg at sea level and about 4.5 at altitude.

The Class A got a reliable 8 mpg everywhere, and no deterioration with altitude. I haven't had anything bigger than the 32-footer, but there was no problems with performance anywhere we went - including the four Cascade mountain passes from the wet side to the dry side of Washington. State Route 2 gets to near 5000 ft, but our rig climbed it quite easily.

[ducksquasher]

Thanks everyone!

[STBRetired]

I have a similar coach to MountainAir05 and I pull 4100 pounds of Ford Edge behind me. I have been through the mountains in Tennessee and the Carolinas with no issues. Had one climb that slowed me down to 52 mph. Was faster than some of the semis but had a couple of DPs leave me in the dust. Yes it gets loud, but it is over in a few minutes.

Go with the one that has the best floor plan for your needs.

[MountainAir05]

We have a 99 at 37.5 V10 and live near the mountains. So far I have climb all that we have have visited. The bigger one get a different Gearing so that is where the difference is. I manually down shift going up and also coming down in the same gear coming down. Enjoy which ever you one that you want.

[DrewE]

You will be able to go up and down any hill you encounter (or at least would at all care to encounter). It may not be the fastest or quietest process in the world, but the Ford chassis will get the job done, without a doubt. The V10 is a well-proven, reliable engine, and rarely has major problems.

That's not to suggest that diesel pushers don't have their advantages--they do, particularly in terms of quietness and overall comfort--but the gas powered motorhome will perform entirely adequately. If you compare the power to weight ratios, you may find that the gas motorhomes are better than many diesels, at least at lower elevations. Neither one will have the acceleration and zippiness of even a basic modern car, of course. Both ought to outperform many heavily loaded semi trucks, however.