Workhorse to Re-enter Class A Chassis Market

[ArchHoagland]

Welcome Back!!


Interesting news.

[Cloud_Dancer]

427435 wrote:
Rear engine gassers are more expensive to build than front engine gassers due to the cost of low volume drivetrains and cooling systems for a rear engine.

For a lot less cost, some good sound proofing (like in cars and pickups) takes away the main advantage of a rear engine gasser.

This explanation is simple and IMO correct.
Front-engine motorhomes were/are traditionally built on mass-produced affordable chassis platforms. And, that's the reason most of them "ride like a truck". I did a lot of research on this subject, back when I owned a Vectra which was built on a Ford truck chassis. After I learned that in order to improve the ride significantly(to my satisfaction) the corrective measures would be cost prohibited,......THAT'S when I decided to order a Dutch Star on a diesel-pusher Spartan chassis.
Consequently, I have become convinced that the best chassis choice for motorhomes is a rear engine, purpose built platform.

[KilroyGuy]

I'm not sure why there is so much excitement about this. Workhorse has never been a "strength" in the RV business. First the hidden brake problems that affected almost everything they built and probably caused accidents. Then they backed out of the business when things got bad, leaving parts availability an issue. I'm not necessarily a Ford guy, but at least we have been able to count on them for over 30 years.

[427435]

Rear engine gassers are more expensive to build than front engine gassers due to the cost of low volume drivetrains and cooling systems for a rear engine.

For a lot less cost, some good sound proofing (like in cars and pickups) takes away the main advantage of a rear engine gasser.

[tropical36]

LVJ58 wrote:
Wonder if they'll re-introduce the UFO rear engine gas chassis?:h

When the UFO first came out, I was convinced that it was the future and all front engine coaches would become a thing of the past.
Now, it seems very possible that this could still become a reality.

[JetAonly]

I think it is good for the diesel market also.

Regulatory compliance drove CAT out of the market and is making the case for large displacement gasoline/flex fuel engines. Single supplier markets allow Cummins to get lazy and costly with no perceived competition.

That said, in the near term, RV's aren't tied to a known fuel market/location. Gasoline and diesel will be the fuels of choice for a long time.

[tropical36]

ronfisherman wrote:

outofplace wrote:
I would assume the 6.0L is the GM Motor

PSI manufacture of the 8.8L also makes a 6.0L engine.

Yes and also 11 - 15 liter forth coming and can't imagine what a beast those will be. Not necessarily that they ever will be offered on a MH chassis, however.

[tropical36]

weathershak wrote:
Bring back the ole P32......NOT!!!!:(

I never will understand why the P32 chassis gets so much flak. There
s loads of them out there, going strong and mine with it's 23 grease fittings (maybe more) goes down the road straight and true and along with it's independent suspension, rides pretty nice for an old gas chassis. With better than 90K miles now, nothing is worn out in the suspension, but given, I did upgrade the coil springs and got rid of the air bags.

[spud1957]

ronfisherman wrote:

outofplace wrote:
I would assume the 6.0L is the GM Motor

PSI manufacture of the 8.8L also makes a 6.0L engine.

http://www.psiengines.com/whatwedo/on-highway-engines/

[wolfe10]

Since the Bosch brake recall has been around for years, why would anyone assume they would use pre-recall parts???

Said another way, if there have been no problems with brakes fit/upgraded on Workhorse chassis for many years, why assume that they would re-introduce ones with problems.

[Bird_Freak]

Think the brakes will work?

[wolfe10]

jolooote wrote:
NEVER buy the 1st two years of anything NEW! Wait till they fix the design problems.:E

Other than the engine, wonder how much of the chassis is "new". Suspect it is a continuation of the W chassis.

[jolooote]

NEVER buy the 1st two years of anything NEW! Wait till they fix the design problems.:E

[rgatijnet1]

st687 wrote:
PSI is using big block GM with a stroker crank.

Newly designed and produced. PSI engine

[st687]

PSI is using big block GM with a stroker crank.

[hipower]

mlts22 wrote:
I wouldn't mind a rear-engined gasser, but if the price is too high, it might not be worth it compared to a real DP.

Love the fact that a generator (wonder if it is a true APU) is built into the chassis.

I think the reference to an on board generator was in association with an electric propulsion system for the mid-weight truck chassis. I could have misunderstood, but that was my take on it.