RV's
 

Im looking to invest in a used class A diesel motorhome to tow a stocker in a enclosed trailer, what do you recomend?
Is there any problems towing with a 275 hp or is a 300+ a must?
Fire away
M.Lind

Re: RV's
 

Have had both engines and saw little difference between them - liked the 275 with the Allison 6 speed a little better .Bought both thru Diamond RV ( An advertiser on this board and a race sponsor ) -- you might want to give them a call .

PS-- You called it right -- it is an investment - make the right choice as its not always about the price but rather its about getting the correct equipment that you'll need to tow correctly .

Re: RV's
 

Hey Jack ,would you like to swap for your old 275 hp coach?
honestly the 275 is ok as long as you are'nt going to tow a stacker ,or a trailer over 10,000#.
The fuel economy is better with a 275 ,I get about 11mpg towing 10,000#,if I keep it under 70.
If you get a coach with a 275 Cummins engine ,look for a newer model with common rail fuel injection.
Avoid the older '98 to '01 models with the V44 pump, just too costly to repair. { I needed one @52,000 miles!} failures are becoming more common as fuel quality seems to go down as price goes up !
Plus the common rail engine has more hop up stuff if you decide you need more power.
, Tom

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Look for a repo one.

http://www.crankyape.com/default.asp?pg=DisItems&Cat=6

Re: RV's
 

I've got one for sale 252-560-1176 ask for mickey

Re: RV's
 

Check out my add under towing on this sight . fell free to call me or e-mail me for any further info . HR 36' Neptune triple slide , sold and serviced by me .


Marc

Re: RV's
 

Marc, do you ship to Sweden?? Thats where he is from.

Re: RV's
 

Thanks for your input, there will be no need to ship to Sweden as it will stay in USA for at least a year or two, i have a stocker in Wichita Kansas and plan on racing in USA next year, first hit will be LODRS Cecil Ga 4-6 March, then Gainesville, and Belle Rose if and i mean IF everything falls in to place.
What do you recomend when it comes to trailers? i just want a small one will not carry to much stuff, just a scooter and tools.
M.Lind

Re: RV's
 

Don't buy a Haulmark. I got one 2 years ago and hate it.

Re: RV's
 

Re: RV's
 

We bought a 230 HP Winnebago Vectra and it tows our 28 foot enclosed just fine. It get's alittle over 9mpg towing at 65 MPH. It's a 94 model, we bought a new Team Spirit Trailer to tow behind it, and so far I would recommend it to anyone. Best of all the whole package cost roughly 27 grand. Over 10 grand less than buying a nice pickup.

Re: RV's
 

Thanks again for your input, i been looking at racing junk is there some where else you could recomend.
M.Lind

Re: RV's
 

This is one of the better sites for RV's.....

http://www.rvtraderonline.com/?zmc=rvt

Re: RV's
 

There are numerous listings on ebaymotors.com as well. Just click on the "Other vechicles" pull down tab. Lots of different manufactures.

Re: RV's
 

Do you have any experience with a motorhome?
Please think long and hard about this investment.
Ask someone on this board who has owned one for a while about all the trials and trbulations that go along with owning one of these things before going out and buying!

Re: RV's
 

Dan what do you mean, what could possibly go wrong with a RV!! LOL!! no seriusly do you have any personal experience that you like to share or what do you suggest using instead, i have two racing rigs over here in Sweden one Crew cab and gooseneck trailer and one big Volvo tractor with a two storey Wilson trailer, they both have their good and bad things about them the big rig thou can carry all the **** you could think off and still have spare room, when racing in the USA i would like to live good at the races maybe bring family sometimes and travel safe and have decent milage, i will not carry much stuff in the trailer just things to race. Any ideas?
M.Lind

Re: RV's
 

No personal experience, I do have friends that have them and friends that no longer have them for various reasons.
Good Luck( I really mean it!).
Just make sure you get one with enough power for what you are towing ,here on the east coast even a small hill will test your nerve with an unnderpowered rig.

Re: RV's
 

Is there any problems with bying one in Canada and bring it to USA?
M.Lind

Re: RV's
 

We have used a motorhome for racing, along with a few other adventures, for 12 years. I describe owning one like owning a boat- you're always working on something. Could be as simple as tightening a screw on the window blinds to engine/ trans/ air compressor system (diesel) etc. Fortunately being racers and car people we can take care of most things needed. The worst thing for RV's is letting them sit still and not be used. Using them for racing helps keep them moving and functioning. People buy new ones and need to fix things. People buy used ones and need to fix things. I suggest buying a used one unless you have money to burn.

We have owned a gas engine and now a diesel. No comparison- diesel for sure. Better handling, ride, you don't beat on it as hard as the gas engine especially in the hills, tows much better, and bigger brakes. Two incidents in the past when we had a very hard braking situation I believe that we would have wrecked with the gas chassis motorhome.

Considering all of the above we are not sorry for the motorhome. During those rainy, cold, hot, long delays at the race track it is nice to sit comfortably and chat with racing friends. We're not sorry for using one.

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ditto,check the date on tires .5 years and then buy new ones...SCOTT FIFIELD

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Double on the tires... We have been using a MH to tow with for 6 years and this year its time to buy tires... Also might want to check into a Tuff-Tow or Trailer Toad.. They both keep the majority of weight off the MH frame and make towing much better.... JMO

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Tires after 4-5 years REGARDLESS of the mileage--the side walls go on em--Ditto on being a handyman especially the plumbing lines/drains with all the flexing they seem to have a way of working loose and dripping/leaking--Do your maintainence regularly on the WHOLE coach and ya shouldnt have any problems

Re: RV's
 

Started racing with Slide in camper and progressed up the chain. Had several Class C with one of the better being Four Winds. Longer wheel base, less overhang, better rear frame extended for simple hitch. Had several Class A. When I moved back to Class C for the Frame issues. Newer have better frames. Now have Showhauler. Over the top Quality and strength. Ride and towing effortless.Class C tended to be the best lesser cost option in my opinion.
Tires, Check them all before each trip. You will be surprised how many potential flats etc can be averted by maintenance of tires and Lug nuts.

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Any opinions on a 5th wheel trailer/1 ton truck (dualie vs standard rear axel) with living quarters vs the motor home deal?
Thanks

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As a former owner of a MH, and a retired Long Distance trucker, I would suggest that you stay away from anything (MH) that has a Freightliner chassis, and a Cat engine, unless it's a real late model engine ! The earlier model Cat engine is pretty much a Throw Away engine ! Cheaper to replace, than repair ! The thing with Freightliner Chassis is they don't have the towing capacity in weight, of others, such as a Sparten chassis, or Roadmaster, both excellant, Amongst the top availible ! My MH was a Damon Escaper, 40', with a 350hp Cummins pusher, and full air ride suspention, with frt A arms ! This unit is a little above entry level , but a great unit ! Get as much HP as your wallet can handle ! Stay ahead of the maintaince, and you will enjoy the coach ! The bigger the unit, the more capacities , such as Black Water (waste), Grey water, sink, shower, drinking etc. ! Race safe, and see the USA !.....John

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X tech ya put yourself in a dillemma when it comes to RV vs trailer w/living quarters---If ya have a truck and trailer ya always have a set of wheels if ya need to go somewhere--its not just sitting around all the time but ya also limit yourself as to what ya can do because of the trailer---on the other hand with a MH if ya just wanna go fishing or go camping/vacationing etc ya got your living area without dragging the trailer along---kinda a catch 22 situation if ya follow me-its really up to each person which is the better choice for them---comp

Re: RV's To X-Tech-Man
 

I've done the Dualie w/trailer thing, and it's mostly space and comfort ! Get used to running around at 65 ' or less If you have a well setup PU, such as a Diesel, you're ahead of the game ! HP, fuel mileage, etc ! I still have my 96 Dodge dualie, w/cummins, and a 5 sp, w3.54 gear, and it now has 322,500 miles, and towing a 28 ' Pace Big Foot trailer I get 15-17 mpg, at 65 mph ! The pump has been played with !.............Have fun ....John

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Thanks guys......I gives me something to think about.

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Terry, look at buying a Prevost conversion(some can be had for less than 75k and are built for 1million miles. I have a Bluebird Wanderlodge and have travel across Canada,USA and Mexico without a single problem.CR