Buying New Class A Questions

[smknf250]

Hi, I am going to be buying a used class A Diesel Pusher in the next few weeks and looking at brands like Winnabego, Tiffin, Newmar, and Fleetwood. Will consider others if anyone can advise. I remember my last motorhome about 10 years ago the Freighliner chassis wasn't good one. Has that changed?

Suggestions on Chassis to get?

Make and Model, probably looking for tag axle since I will be towing a 10,000 pound empty stacker trailer and fully loaded in the 16,000 - 18,000 pound range

would like something 2010 or newer and my wife likes the bath and a half models. Would like to stay under $250k and $200k would be the sweet spot preferably.

Thanks for any advice and help and I hope everyone is staying healthy.

[warrenjo46]

DEF engines run well. Yes, it is another item that could potentially need maintenance but it makes the engine run better than with just the DPF. I wish I could explain it better but I'm not a mechanic.



Safe travels,

From what I have read, DEF is engineered to meet NOX emission without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). By eliminating EGR the engines can run at a higher combustion temperature and as a result have higher efficiency and performance.

You are welcome to fact check this post.

Warren

[Mr_Mark1]

dodge guy wrote:
Not sure if it’s possible with those years but I would limit myself to something without DEF. Anyone know when DEF made it into the MH chassis?

2010 was the year that DEF was introduced. Google says Dodge diesel trucks got it in 2013. DPF's were required on the 2007 RV chassis's.

DEF engines run well. Yes, it is another item that could potentially need maintenance but it makes the engine run better than with just the DPF. I wish I could explain it better but I'm not a mechanic.

My 2008 Monaco Dynasty was the first year of the DPF which was on a 2007 chassis and it ran well. No issues in the almost 70,000 miles and 7.5 yrs. that I owned it. It would regen about every 8,000 miles.

My 2015 Prevost has both the DPF and DEF, it has gone through a regen only 3 times in almost 60,000 miles with the third just happening about 1,500 miles ago. No issues so far with any of the emission controls.

If somebody really wants a simpler engine, they should get a 2006 or earlier engine with no DPF or DEF. 2003 or earlier (if I'm not mistaken) has no EGR.

Safe travels,
MM.

[dodge_guy]

Not sure if it’s possible with those years but I would limit myself to something without DEF. Anyone know when DEF made it into the MH chassis?

[Ed_C]

Most 450 HP rigs with a tag are rated for 15,000 but to get over that you have to move up.

[Tom_Barb]

smknf250 wrote:
Any concerns with Freightliner chassis?

That is a coach option

[smknf250]

Any concerns with Freightliner chassis?

[Tom_Barb]

kdk wrote:
Dutch Star 40 ft with tag axle would be a good choice

NO ! dutch star is limited to 10k pounds.

It would require a ESSEX or greater to get above 10k

[Mr_Mark1]

Ed C wrote:
If you are going to tow more than 15,000 lb. you will need a motor home with 600 HP, the top of the line, like a Zephier, Cornerstone or King Aire.

There are several threads about the flaw with the 600-650 hp Cummins..... expensive repair on #6 cylinder with EGR. I wouldn't touch one myself.

Safe travels,
MM.

[smknf250]

I have several friends that tow their stacker trailers without an issue for years with coaches that have a 15k hitch rating.

[oldave]

Any coaches have hitches rated for that kind of weight ?

[kdk]

Dutch Star 40 ft with tag axle would be a good choice

[Ed_C]

If you are going to tow more than 15,000 lb. you will need a motor home with 600 HP, the top of the line, like a Zephier, Cornerstone or King Aire.

[Two_Hands]

If it were me I would go for a Tiffin Phaeton.