Class A RV

Chad Mahlosky · 04-15-2012, 10:49 PM

I am wanting to upgrade to an RV. What shouldn't look for? Gas vs diesel pusher, what kind of chassis, generator, ect. I have an older 28ft trailer, stocker and golf cart. No more than I race, I want a budget machine, but something that wife and kids will enjoy. All input is deeply appreciated...thanks!

tj310 · 04-16-2012, 07:47 AM

We bought a 20 year old 37 ft. Winn. It is starting to seperate at the top seems due to the weight of the trailer , however it tows allright and it was cheaper than buying a pickup. If I were spending a lot would definitly look for something with a short rear overhang. ---Trevor

Bill Baer · 04-17-2012, 04:58 PM

Chad

I have a small 10 yr. old (28') class A with a gas 496 BBC an allison trans gm work horse chassis and I tow a 30' trailer with a trailer toad. It has a onan generator (as does my trailer) they are good and quite generators but service and replacement parts are expensive.
It get's better mileage (9-10) than my gas dually and with the toad It tows great.
The only down sides for towing are that it's tougher to drive in a strong cross wind and the toad has to be locked to back it up.
A couple of down sides to owning an RV are it's maintenance someting always needs repair, refilling or restocking. and.....
Oh and you have to "empty the tanks" occasionally which is not a lot of fun

Chad Mahlosky · 04-18-2012, 07:16 AM

Thank you for your information. I didn't realize that the gas powered RVs would tow as good as everyone has been saying. There are alot of RVs out there that are cheaper than buying a dually...to me it only makes sense. I just wanted to know what to look for when I go to look at one of these. Are there tell-tell signs that will say "stay away"?

04-18-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Mahlosky

Thank you for your information. I didn't realize that the gas powered RVs would tow as good as everyone has been saying. There are alot of RVs out there that are cheaper than buying a dually...to me it only makes sense. I just wanted to know what to look for when I go to look at one of these. Are there tell-tell signs that will say "stay away"?

I used to sell motorhomes...feel free to PM me if you want & I can give you some ideas. Also what is your budget? What you are able to spend will obviously make a huge difference on brand/condition.

-Karen

Chad Mahlosky · 04-18-2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winstonindy

I used to sell motorhomes...feel free to PM me if you want & I can give you some ideas. Also what is your budget? What you are able to spend will obviously make a huge difference on brand/condition.

-Karen

PM sent

Keith 944 · 04-18-2012, 03:04 PM

look down the sides, if it is delaminated in any way, skip it, it prob. has water leak issues. these can get expensive quick. and don't go overboard, sometimes too big is just too big. (at least that is what the wife tells me, lol)

04-18-2012, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Mahlosky

PM sent

replied!

Philip Saran · 04-18-2012, 07:09 PM

[QUOTE=Bill Baer;322015]Chad

I have a small 10 yr. old (28') class A with a gas 496 BBC an allison trans gm work horse chassis
It get's better mileage (9-10) than my gas dually and with the toad It tows great. >

Chad, re-read Bill's response, he has spent the time and money to install a bigger
motor than what you would normally get in any gas motorhome on the market,
keep that in mind....

Yes a diesel MH would be nice to have, but also costs a ton more to buy.

I have a buddy with a 40 ft DP and tows a 30 ft enclosed car trailer and his main
complaint is the 4 mpg he gets.

RACER1530 · 04-18-2012, 08:58 PM

Bill's motor is factory
the 496 is a standerd size 8.1 chevy and the tow very well and get good for a motorhome fuel milage,most have the allison trans that works real well also.
I have a diesel pusher with the 8.3 cummins and it pulls very well, 34' trailer with dragster,door car,golf cart and scooter.Now that i have down sized to a 28' with just a dragster and scooter it is overkill but better too big than too small. I would buy a workhorse with the 8.1 gas motor and allison like Bills in a heart beat.
Make sure you look at fresh water ,grey water and black water tank sizes
dont get a propane generator
bigger tire sizes are plus
the less over hang the better
Good Luck and have fun with it!!!!!!

04-15-2012, 10:49 PM	#1
Chad Mahlosky Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 83 Likes: 0 Liked 8 Times in 2 Posts	Class A RV I am wanting to upgrade to an RV. What shouldn't look for? Gas vs diesel pusher, what kind of chassis, generator, ect. I have an older 28ft trailer, stocker and golf cart. No more than I race, I want a budget machine, but something that wife and kids will enjoy. All input is deeply appreciated...thanks! __________________ Chad Mahlosky 3225 STK

04-16-2012, 07:47 AM	#2
tj310 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dresden On. Canada Posts: 460 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Class A RV We bought a 20 year old 37 ft. Winn. It is starting to seperate at the top seems due to the weight of the trailer , however it tows allright and it was cheaper than buying a pickup. If I were spending a lot would definitly look for something with a short rear overhang. ---Trevor

04-17-2012, 04:58 PM	#3
Bill Baer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Nothern IL Posts: 596 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Class A RV Chad I have a small 10 yr. old (28') class A with a gas 496 BBC an allison trans gm work horse chassis and I tow a 30' trailer with a trailer toad. It has a onan generator (as does my trailer) they are good and quite generators but service and replacement parts are expensive. It get's better mileage (9-10) than my gas dually and with the toad It tows great. The only down sides for towing are that it's tougher to drive in a strong cross wind and the toad has to be locked to back it up. A couple of down sides to owning an RV are it's maintenance someting always needs repair, refilling or restocking. and..... Oh and you have to "empty the tanks" occasionally which is not a lot of fun __________________ Bill Baer 3391 SC, 339B SC, QR Last edited by Bill Baer; 04-17-2012 at 05:05 PM.

04-18-2012, 07:16 AM	#4
Chad Mahlosky Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 83 Likes: 0 Liked 8 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Class A RV Thank you for your information. I didn't realize that the gas powered RVs would tow as good as everyone has been saying. There are alot of RVs out there that are cheaper than buying a dually...to me it only makes sense. I just wanted to know what to look for when I go to look at one of these. Are there tell-tell signs that will say "stay away"? __________________ Chad Mahlosky 3225 STK

04-18-2012, 03:04 PM	#7
Keith 944 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dela-where? Posts: 2,115 Likes: 1,004 Liked 1,641 Times in 520 Posts	Re: Class A RV look down the sides, if it is delaminated in any way, skip it, it prob. has water leak issues. these can get expensive quick. and don't go overboard, sometimes too big is just too big. (at least that is what the wife tells me, lol) __________________ KEITH MAYERS 2 X somebody many X nobody

04-18-2012, 07:09 PM	#9
Philip Saran Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Parker, CO. Posts: 719 Likes: 158 Liked 14 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Class A RV [QUOTE=Bill Baer;322015]Chad I have a small 10 yr. old (28') class A with a gas 496 BBC an allison trans gm work horse chassis It get's better mileage (9-10) than my gas dually and with the toad It tows great. > Chad, re-read Bill's response, he has spent the time and money to install a bigger motor than what you would normally get in any gas motorhome on the market, keep that in mind.... Yes a diesel MH would be nice to have, but also costs a ton more to buy. I have a buddy with a 40 ft DP and tows a 30 ft enclosed car trailer and his main complaint is the 4 mpg he gets. __________________ Phil Saran Parker, Colorado

04-18-2012, 08:58 PM	#10
RACER1530 Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Jersey Posts: 161 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Class A RV Bill's motor is factory the 496 is a standerd size 8.1 chevy and the tow very well and get good for a motorhome fuel milage,most have the allison trans that works real well also. I have a diesel pusher with the 8.3 cummins and it pulls very well, 34' trailer with dragster,door car,golf cart and scooter.Now that i have down sized to a 28' with just a dragster and scooter it is overkill but better too big than too small. I would buy a workhorse with the 8.1 gas motor and allison like Bills in a heart beat. Make sure you look at fresh water ,grey water and black water tank sizes dont get a propane generator bigger tire sizes are plus the less over hang the better Good Luck and have fun with it!!!!!! __________________ Fordyce Motorsports SC 1538 / SC 153R Last edited by RACER1530; 04-18-2012 at 09:09 PM.