The situation:
We bought an RV to see if we would like it - We do. ;D We have a 5 and 10 year old - boys.
I am frustrated with the current RV for three main reasons.
The biggest reason is it is pushed near its load limit before we pack it at all. I think everyone is familiar with a 31 foot on an e450. I had it weighed last trip and we were packed light - only flushing water. - Back Axle was 1000 pounds over (you know the huge rear over hang is a seesaw). Front axle still had 800 pounds to go. And of course we were 200 pounds over total. Had a rear flat that trip :
Second is no automatic leveling. I can feel the kids blink when I am trying to sleep. Also, we have one slide which we have learned we have too "level" high and then watch the suspension drop it during the trip until it is the low side.
Third, is we almost always have a tow. The two valve V10 when pushed to this limit just doesn't have it. Not bad without a tow but up a hill with a tow and we are asking a lot of it. Fine engine but can't expect it to do what we are asking it to do.
Now the dilemma:
If we have "only" (it is a lot to us) $60k to spend do we:
1) Buy an '04 or older Diesel pusher
2) Buy a V10 Class A with more carrying capacity - Newer coach than a DP
3) Slap myself silly and keep what we have - (the BEST financial move!!)
4) Sell it and stay in a hotel ;D
I know the only difference in the DP and Gas isn't just the fuel but the chassis and a better built machine. BUT when we go clear back to an '04 are we likely to find the more complex (air brakes etc) diesel so much more maintenance that it is a money pit?? I know about a professional inspection but 13-16 years old are they getting to the point of worn out with the roof etc?
Thanks for your thoughts!
We bought an RV to see if we would like it - We do. ;D We have a 5 and 10 year old - boys.
I am frustrated with the current RV for three main reasons.
The biggest reason is it is pushed near its load limit before we pack it at all. I think everyone is familiar with a 31 foot on an e450. I had it weighed last trip and we were packed light - only flushing water. - Back Axle was 1000 pounds over (you know the huge rear over hang is a seesaw). Front axle still had 800 pounds to go. And of course we were 200 pounds over total. Had a rear flat that trip :
Second is no automatic leveling. I can feel the kids blink when I am trying to sleep. Also, we have one slide which we have learned we have too "level" high and then watch the suspension drop it during the trip until it is the low side.
Third, is we almost always have a tow. The two valve V10 when pushed to this limit just doesn't have it. Not bad without a tow but up a hill with a tow and we are asking a lot of it. Fine engine but can't expect it to do what we are asking it to do.
Now the dilemma:
If we have "only" (it is a lot to us) $60k to spend do we:
1) Buy an '04 or older Diesel pusher
2) Buy a V10 Class A with more carrying capacity - Newer coach than a DP
3) Slap myself silly and keep what we have - (the BEST financial move!!)
4) Sell it and stay in a hotel ;D
I know the only difference in the DP and Gas isn't just the fuel but the chassis and a better built machine. BUT when we go clear back to an '04 are we likely to find the more complex (air brakes etc) diesel so much more maintenance that it is a money pit?? I know about a professional inspection but 13-16 years old are they getting to the point of worn out with the roof etc?
Thanks for your thoughts!