way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Joined: 10/05/2018
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ppine wrote:Newer pick up and a travel trailer.
Our new truck and FW rides just fine. What we miss are the advantages of a Class A while travelling. As we travel further and make plans for longer and longer trips, things like bathroom accessibility, travelling with pets, access to food etc etc, while on the road become more important.
When we bought our FW our plans were to travel shorter and stay longer. Now we are shifting to travelling longer and staying shorter.
And after having a FW for 2 years I can say that parking, driving etc are so much easier in a Class A - for me anyway. A towed car behind a MH tracks with the MH. FW is a whole different animal. And I would guess a truck and TT would be worse than a FW.
2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
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willald
NC
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Joined: 07/15/2002
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We were in a somewhat similar boat as you, just over a year ago. Had a 36' Georgetown Class A built on a 2012 F53 V10 chassis. It had served us well over the years, but we were ready to down-size a little, and wanted something that rode better, and (mostly) wanted a better quality coach. We were tired of constantly finding and fixing shoddy construction issues on the Georgetown, and wanted something with better road manners. And, we wanted nothing to do with diesel, for various reasons (mostly the obscene cost).
One look and test drive of a Newmar built on the newer F53 chassis, and we were pretty well sold (see signature). Ford made significant improvements on their F53 chassis in 2020, giving it the newer big block 7.3 V8 engine, stiffer roll bars, better springs, etc. End result is a coach that handles and drives waaaay better than our old Georgetown did. And, as I'm sure you know, Newmar's quality on all their units is amazing, and very hard to beat without spending a lot more $$$.
There is no denying, that a DP chassis will ride better. However, that better ride comes at a very high cost. And, Ford really closed the gap on the DPs with the chassis improvements they made in 2020 on their F53 chassis.
You should definitely find one built on the newer F53 chassis and take it for a test drive. It just might restore your faith somewhat, in gas Motorhomes.
Will and Cheryl
2021 Newmar Baystar 3014 on F53 (7.3 V8) Chassis ("Brook")
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK ("Wilbur")
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Joined: 10/05/2018
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willald wrote:We were in a somewhat similar boat as you, just over a year ago. Had a 36' Georgetown Class A built on a 2012 F53 V10 chassis. It had served us well over the years, but we were ready to down-size a little, and wanted something that rode better, and (mostly) wanted a better quality coach. We were tired of constantly finding and fixing shoddy construction issues on the Georgetown, and wanted something with better road manners. And, we wanted nothing to do with diesel, for various reasons (mostly the obscene cost).
One look and test drive of a Newmar built on the newer F53 chassis, and we were pretty well sold (see signature). Ford made significant improvements on their F53 chassis in 2020, giving it the newer big block 7.3 V8 engine, stiffer roll bars, better springs, etc. End result is a coach that handles and drives waaaay better than our old Georgetown did. And, as I'm sure you know, Newmar's quality on all their units is amazing, and very hard to beat without spending a lot more $$$.
There is no denying, that a DP chassis will ride better. However, that better ride comes at a very high cost. And, Ford really closed the gap on the DPs with the chassis improvements they made in 2020 on their F53 chassis.
You should definitely find one built on the newer F53 chassis and take it for a test drive. It just might restore your faith somewhat, in gas Motorhomes.
I agree with everything you said. The issue is budget. At $60-80k there's no way I am getting my hands on a new Ford Chassis even at an entry level.
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Ivylog
Blairsville, GA and WPB, FL.
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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At that short length you do not need a DP plus there’s not many that short. I made the mistake of starting at 36’ because that was the longest for Public CGs…not true. Buy more MH than you think you need…one time.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
Sold 04 Dynasty to our son after 14 great years.
Upgraded with a 08 HR Navigator 45’...
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oldave
Tx
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Joined: 06/19/2018
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way2roll wrote:ppine wrote:Newer pick up and a travel trailer.
Our new truck and FW rides just fine. What we miss are the advantages of a Class A while travelling. As we travel further and make plans for longer and longer trips, things like bathroom accessibility, travelling with pets, access to food etc etc, while on the road become more important.
When we bought our FW our plans were to travel shorter and stay longer. Now we are shifting to travelling longer and staying shorter.
And after having a FW for 2 years I can say that parking, driving etc are so much easier in a Class A - for me anyway. A towed car behind a MH tracks with the MH. FW is a whole different animal. And I would guess a truck and TT would be worse than a FW.
You stated the case very well, I've heard it said that if
you arrive and stay awhile a 5th wheel may be better suited but if
you tend to travel more, then a moho makes sense.
We are on our 2nd pusher and when moving from a gasser the quietness
sold us immediately, we didn't have to yell at each other, we could
hear the radio, & tv.
When stopping, there is no need to get out if it's raining or dark, etc.
My BILs with 5th used to say you have to drag a car around I said, you
have to drag a trailer around, and you have to stop for the DW to pee. Besides, I've got 2 vehicles in case something goes wrong, and having an extra vehicle has saved me a couple of times, I just unhooked and drove to get a part, another time was to go get fuel.
That said most RVs just sit unused or they are used very little which is a shame but life gets in the way.
Either one trailer, gasser, or diesel is great fun if you use it.
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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Continued conversations with the DW I think are leading us to the path of a DP. We might go a little older and gut it to make the interior how we want it. As long as the mechanics, chassis etc are good we can do what we want to the interior. She's always been doe-y eyed about skoolies and bus conversions. And the're great, but I try and tell her if ride and comfort are what you are after, a school bus isn't it. So it seems the logical compromise is a DP we can customize. A full on bus conversion is a huge undertaking. But a well cared for DP with all the electrical, mechanical and plumbing in place becomes a much more manageable project to update the interior- for me anyway. Flooring, cabinets and furniture are something I am pretty good at and enjoy doing. Plus it would be something we can use while we update.
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