bkirkpatrick wrote:
msturtz wrote:
My wife didn't want a pusher either but there are no units based on the F53 gasser chassis that have more than 5K tow / 500# of tongue weight. I took my wife in a MH with a V10 gas engine and we couldn't hear each other without shouting. This is especially true on hills. I took her on a ride in a DP and there was no noise to speak of other than cabinets and the microwave. All of those can be dealt with easily. Dealing with the engine din is very expensive unless the manufacturer built it with special heat and sound insulation (Hush mat or Dynamat or similar). Take her on a test drive in a short class a DP such as a Thor Palazzo or other version that is short (34' or so) and then take her on a test drive in an F53 gasser. Make sure you go up a few hills if possible at full throttle in both. There is simply no comparison in noise levels. Most modern DP units have 10K hitches on them so towing isn't a problem either. BTW I have been where you are. Wife didn't want a DP because it has the image of grandpa and grandma full timing. We don't do that. We have two small children and a 10 year old. But we ended up with an entry level DP that was about the same cost of a high end gasser. With your requirements you should have no problem finding a shorter used DP at a reasonable cost. There are a ton of used DP units on the market that are in really good shape. Ours was a bit more difficult because we needed 3 bunks which is very hard to find in a short DP.
Good info. Thanks.
I like you started with a TH. Then moved to a 39' DP towing a 20' enclosed trailer. Last year I sold the DP and got a gas 32' A and couldn't be happier. Now everything has its trade offs things I miss about the DP are the lack of engine noise and it drives better in the wind. The gasser is way easier to drive/maneuver off the freeway, brakes better, funny thing it tows at the same speed up grades as the DP but it does get about 2 MPG less.
I think the choice you are looking at will serve you well.
