test drove a 2002 Winnebago Adventurer

[NY_travelers]

So today was our first time driving a class A or any RV for that matter, it was a 2002 Winnebago Adventurer 37B with a V-10. I have driven trucks off all kinds but i was not prepared for how much it would rock and sway going down the road.

Do they all ride like that? we were on a side road, one with many turns and dips so i contribute some to that but wow. I read a diesel on a frieghtliner chassis will ride much different, is this so ?

tomorrow we are going to test drive a 1999 WINNEBAGO CHIEFTIAN 36L with a 300 cummins, air ride suspension.

will the ride be much different ?

[bsinmich]

jwoodie wrote:

NY_travelers wrote:
So today was our first time driving a class A or any RV for that matter, it was a 2002 Winnebago Adventurer 37B with a V-10. I have driven trucks off all kinds but i was not prepared for how much it would rock and sway going down the road.

Do they all ride like that? we were on a side road, one with many turns and dips so i contribute some to that but wow. I read a diesel on a frieghtliner chassis will ride much different, is this so ?

tomorrow we are going to test drive a 1999 WINNEBAGO CHIEFTIAN 36L with a 300 cummins, air ride suspension.

will the ride be much different ?

Try a 37B on a V8 Workhorse chassis.

X2

[timmac]

Just do chassis improvements and you will be fine, gas chassis motorhomes do not have the sway control diesel motorhomes do, that's why they cost less and less to maintain, just learn the chassis improvements and you will be a happy camper..

[jwoodie]

NY_travelers wrote:
So today was our first time driving a class A or any RV for that matter, it was a 2002 Winnebago Adventurer 37B with a V-10. I have driven trucks off all kinds but i was not prepared for how much it would rock and sway going down the road.

Do they all ride like that? we were on a side road, one with many turns and dips so i contribute some to that but wow. I read a diesel on a frieghtliner chassis will ride much different, is this so ?

tomorrow we are going to test drive a 1999 WINNEBAGO CHIEFTIAN 36L with a 300 cummins, air ride suspension.

will the ride be much different ?

Try a 37B on a V8 Workhorse chassis.

[dirko]

Hi Ho: The biggest difference between the gasser and the diesel pusher is that the engine is in the rear so the noise level up front is very low. The diesel pusher is bigger and heavier, but actually easier to drive. The diesel will require more expensive upkeep, but half the fun of owning an RV is working on them (or?)

[glamisorbust]

A motorhome on a 2 ton truck chassis(gas motorhomes) handle much differently than DP's. The tires are narrower, suspension is not near as heavy duty as you will find under a DP. Also, none of the gassers have air ride suspension. To get that, you will be buying a diesel. The airbags ride smoother than a leaf spring could ever dream of. Also, the braking is completely different. Air brakes are priceless. If you go drive a DP, you'll want it bad. Just warning you!;)

[mike_brez]

After you take a few gassers out go and try a DP.

[J-Rooster]

JaBob wrote:
Better take it over same roads to get a fair comparison.

Bob

X-2, keep in mind that your driving a high profile vehicle that is top heavy! A truck frame with a house on it!

[rockhillmanor]

It's the nature of the beast with an A. High profile. Every one I have owned or friends that I have driven all handled the same irregardless of the make or model. DP buss's being the exception.
You won't get that with a Class C.

[fcooper]

Drive as many as possible and form your own opinion. Drive in a crosswind, or being passed by 18 wheelers at a fair speed difference to see how the chassis handles with wind. The Chieftan will be a on a Freightliner chassis, and should be similar to my coach on a Freightliner chassis. The Freightliner comes with front and rear track bars to keep the chassis aligned with the wheels. I think you'll be surprised at the improvement unless the Chieftan has some problems.

Some motorhomes on leaf springs allow some movement of the chassis over the wheels and handle poorly. The track bars eliminate this problem.

Koni FSD shocks help the Freightliner chassis be a smoother ride.

Freightliner has a free help desk that is very helpful in helping the owner solve problems.

Fred

[427435]

Vehicles of that age probably need new shocks. Mine rode a lot better after I changed the shocks to Koni FSD's.

[tjfogelberg]

I went with a Lazy Daze 27' Class C which I believe has a lower center of gravity and feels more stable on the road. I too had test driven other RVs and like the feel of the Lazy Daze on the road. I'm also more comfortable driving a 27' rig vs something bigger. Keep driving until you find something you feel comfortable driving. First impressions are valid.

[JaBob]

Better take it over same roads to get a fair comparison.

Bob