Any motorhome users here?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 1
From: Fort McMurray, Alberta
Any motorhome users here?
The wife and I have decided that going to races using the 5th wheel sucks, so she has given the go ahead to buy a motorhome. My question is who of all of you have them, and do you ever pull your truck behind them?
Im trying to decide how much power I need and how they pull? And what brands are good, and which arent
Kevin
Im trying to decide how much power I need and how they pull? And what brands are good, and which arent
Kevin
madhat's monkey boy...
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg PA
The Cummins ISL engine is very popular in motorhome chassis. Plus TS Performance makes a module for them 
Freightliner XC chassis has proven to be a very strong platform but they are expensive. If money is no object go Prevost. The rest of the motorhome can be built by anyone, just make sure it is the way you want it. Either of the two above you could easily pull your truck with.
Freightliner XC chassis has proven to be a very strong platform but they are expensive. If money is no object go Prevost. The rest of the motorhome can be built by anyone, just make sure it is the way you want it. Either of the two above you could easily pull your truck with.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: East Bound and Down Loaded Up and Truckin'
Look at used motorhomes. My Grandparents did some searching around and found a really nice used one under 200. But there is a big difference between 100 and 300K. I would say go and talk with you local motorhome dealer.
Trending Topics
Registered User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 1
"Mork",how nice a unit do you want?Do you want sonething that is glued and screwed or stapled together?All rv's pretty much use the same interior components.Do you want to spend money for a unit which depreciates quickly and has issues with slides and body delamination?Other option is to go used but shop.Good units available for less than you indicated,Foretravel,Barth,older Newells even 4106 conversions.Think of the chassis,engine,transmission,body combos, as interiors are going to be customised to your taste anyway.Just my $.0275 worth.Tons of really good deals for shoppers right now.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
buy a blue bird wanderlodge!
tough as nails,nice as anything out there,a real good forum to keep you going,and the used coach prices are great right now!
check them out at www.buybyebluebird.com
also,heres the forum www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com
tough as nails,nice as anything out there,a real good forum to keep you going,and the used coach prices are great right now!
check them out at www.buybyebluebird.com
also,heres the forum www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 0
From: Houston
You will be sorry if you buy a motorhome. They have WAY WAY more problems than trailers and our trucks. Every little thing that goes wrong, to the RV shop or Truck Chassis shop. I have heard horror stories of new expesive Rvs that have spent months/years in the shop. The more stuff they have on them, the more that can break.
If you are on the move a lot, they are the easiest to set up and get on the road next day. If that is not a huge concern, just get a Honda generator and a fancy fiver and spend WAY less time & money with the RV shop.
1-3 years old is the sweet spot, if you must. Try pplmotohomes.com , they are the largest consignment dealer. I think Monaco, Newmar are some of the better brands. I would make sure you get a chassis & drivetrain that is bullit proof, lots of research. Cummins & Cat motors are preferred. Cummins may cost a bit less to service. Of course, Allison tranny, 6 speed.
You have been warned!
Talk to a LOT of Diesl pusher owners, get their story. Some will be OK. Lots of sad stories. Gas are even worse.
If you are on the move a lot, they are the easiest to set up and get on the road next day. If that is not a huge concern, just get a Honda generator and a fancy fiver and spend WAY less time & money with the RV shop.
1-3 years old is the sweet spot, if you must. Try pplmotohomes.com , they are the largest consignment dealer. I think Monaco, Newmar are some of the better brands. I would make sure you get a chassis & drivetrain that is bullit proof, lots of research. Cummins & Cat motors are preferred. Cummins may cost a bit less to service. Of course, Allison tranny, 6 speed.
You have been warned!
Talk to a LOT of Diesl pusher owners, get their story. Some will be OK. Lots of sad stories. Gas are even worse.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 3
From: Longmont, CO
I have very good friends who retired and are traveling a lot in a motorhome. They used to have a Fleetwood I think, and traded it in for and Alfa SeeYa. They love the Alfa. It has a Cat in it and they did not gain any fuel mileage over the previous 5.9 Cummins but the overall quality and functionality can not be beat, they say.
Be ready for the fuel mileage to be in the 7-8 mpg on the diesel though, and perhaps less if you tow the Ram behind it! They are towing a little Vitara and got 8 on the Cummins and 8 on the Cat as well.
Be ready for the fuel mileage to be in the 7-8 mpg on the diesel though, and perhaps less if you tow the Ram behind it! They are towing a little Vitara and got 8 on the Cummins and 8 on the Cat as well.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 1
From: Fort McMurray, Alberta
You will be sorry if you buy a motorhome. They have WAY WAY more problems than trailers and our trucks. Every little thing that goes wrong, to the RV shop or Truck Chassis shop. I have heard horror stories of new expesive Rvs that have spent months/years in the shop. The more stuff they have on them, the more that can break.
If you are on the move a lot, they are the easiest to set up and get on the road next day. If that is not a huge concern, just get a Honda generator and a fancy fiver and spend WAY less time & money with the RV shop.
1-3 years old is the sweet spot, if you must. Try pplmotohomes.com , they are the largest consignment dealer. I think Monaco, Newmar are some of the better brands. I would make sure you get a chassis & drivetrain that is bullit proof, lots of research. Cummins & Cat motors are preferred. Cummins may cost a bit less to service. Of course, Allison tranny, 6 speed.
You have been warned!
Talk to a LOT of Diesl pusher owners, get their story. Some will be OK. Lots of sad stories. Gas are even worse.
If you are on the move a lot, they are the easiest to set up and get on the road next day. If that is not a huge concern, just get a Honda generator and a fancy fiver and spend WAY less time & money with the RV shop.
1-3 years old is the sweet spot, if you must. Try pplmotohomes.com , they are the largest consignment dealer. I think Monaco, Newmar are some of the better brands. I would make sure you get a chassis & drivetrain that is bullit proof, lots of research. Cummins & Cat motors are preferred. Cummins may cost a bit less to service. Of course, Allison tranny, 6 speed.
You have been warned!
Talk to a LOT of Diesl pusher owners, get their story. Some will be OK. Lots of sad stories. Gas are even worse.
I allready have a beautiful 5th wheel, built in gen and everything. My problem is that for the wife and I to go racing it is difficult as is. We end up having to take multiple vehicles as is, and the wife dosent like to tow. Hence the need for a motorhome
Kevin
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,426
Likes: 1
From: Fort McMurray, Alberta
I have very good friends who retired and are traveling a lot in a motorhome. They used to have a Fleetwood I think, and traded it in for and Alfa SeeYa. They love the Alfa. It has a Cat in it and they did not gain any fuel mileage over the previous 5.9 Cummins but the overall quality and functionality can not be beat, they say.
Be ready for the fuel mileage to be in the 7-8 mpg on the diesel though, and perhaps less if you tow the Ram behind it! They are towing a little Vitara and got 8 on the Cummins and 8 on the Cat as well.
Be ready for the fuel mileage to be in the 7-8 mpg on the diesel though, and perhaps less if you tow the Ram behind it! They are towing a little Vitara and got 8 on the Cummins and 8 on the Cat as well.
Kevin
Registered User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 1
The only problem might be proprietary parts, delamination of the skin,or slide problems as there will be no warrantry repair available.I would think that the drivetrain,and inside stuff are all pretty standard.Of course my opinion is worth what you paid for it.