Used Motorhome

[Tuesdak]

lets face it there is alot more to fuel economy under load than just aerodynamics.

this 35 page booklet from Cummins offers far more more information than anyone on this forum could provide

https://cumminsengines.com/uploads/docs/Secrets of Better Fuel Economy_whitepaper.pdf

Nice find! I wish they would have included AC compressor HP requirements and MPG losses from that. Also the effect on MPG from engine power de-rate due to hotter weather. It's not just the cooling fan killing MPG as I go from 21 MPG without the AC on to 16 MPG with it on. Sadly my tires are not even broken in when the tread is gone! :-laf

 

[Philip Saran]

OK I own a 2015 Thor Hurricane 34E MH gas V10, pulls fine, I have a 2011 Dodge Dakota (4000#) we pull behind.
I am waiting for arrival of my second windshield in 2 years & 2 months. No big deal you say, try $4500 each (yes
my insurance pays all but $500 deductible). Those windshields are 8 ft wide and 5-6 ft tall one-piece.

Ours is for sale and I will be going to a Ram 3500 diesel and a 5th wheel, we had travel trailers before the MH.
For me the MH was a mistake, I listened to older people who said you do not want to have to hook and unhood at
each campground.

 

[BIGNASTY]

I've been following this thread. I bought a Used Motorhome and ABSOLUTELY LOVE it.

 

[slowmover]

Both posts by GAmes are spot on.

MoHos eat money like gasoline. They’re best with a group of people, where a grandparent and at least one grandkid are present. Not otherwise worth the headaches, IMO.

A trailer of any type has far “more” in the same length.

The MPG difference between 5’er and TT is more complicated than simple. It’s mainly the close fit between tow vehicle and trailer. Much more applies, and comparisons aren’t quite easy. But the right TT and RV is far more stable than a 5’er.

GAmes, look at Raneys catalog for ideas for back of that TT. “Nosecone” is a brand to consider.

And a thread on EcoModder where an owner of a Class C (7.3 Ford) took it up to 15-mpg by building a good looking boat-tail. (Thread by “Orbywan”).

Frontal area is relative. It’s height of roof above the ground that’s more telling.

 

[GAmes]

GAmes, look at Raneys catalog for ideas for back of that TT. “Nosecone” is a brand to consider.

It's a 5th whl and the rear has to stay as is. I pull my boat behind it. Besides, fuel economy should be about the last thing that most RVers have on their minds. The difference between different RVs is minimal considering the distances that most are towed, and judging by some of those passing me it isn't a factor at all.

 

[Philip Saran]

Something to keep in mind if you are going to use RV resorts vs boondocking. A lot of RV campgrounds have
what they call a 10 year rule to keep out the broken down trash RV's. If you buy a 12 year old RV and it is in
nice shape you can usually get in no problem.

The campground owners are just trying to keep their parks clean and not have some unit with broken windows
and body damage.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Gee Whizzzz barley made that one my my 16 year old POS Newmar Dutch Star

 

[TFucili]

Yeah, Newmars are pretty ghetto

 

[BIGNASTY]

Maybe if I changed the Dingle Balls to a different color and remove the Fuzzy Toilet seat cover dashboard protector they would look at it as Art Deco. Ive never seen any RV parks stating age requirements and if I did I would exit their site.

 

[DavidC]

I had one in Mesa deny me with the 2002. Didn't even want to see it. But I could come back in the Summer when they are scrapping for money. As**oles.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Thats SUCKS!! I have ran into people who think that because they own a Prevost or something better than average people can afford that their Black Tank doesn't stink like the rest of ours do. We've met some really good folks that pull in with a Winnibago not QUITE as bad as Cousin Eddies on National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and had a fantastic time around our campfire.

 

[snadamo]

I aggree with your sentiment. Never judge a person by their rig.

I've yet to encounter those kind of places camping,. I'm assuming it's seen more at "resorts" than "campgrounds"?

They would have hated my 94 class C...haha

Shoot, they'd probably hate my current 2003 TT

Side note:. I have broken down in bernalillo New Mexico with my class c motorhome (for the 6th time), but made it to campgrounds. A very nice couple in a ridiculously nice Monaco motorhome were very helpful with various things getting back on the road. The stereotype dictates that they shouldn't have given me the time of day. Good people are good people. I just look forward to be able to pay it forward to someone in need.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Before the motorhome we pulled a 29' TT. In Most every National Park (at least in the west) said 27' MAX. We ALWAYS made reservations and just told them the TT was 27'. On occasion the Ranger at the gate would say thats the biggest 27' I've ever seen, Looks are deceiving I would tell them after getting backed in the ranger usually walked the campground before dark came by to say that the reason for the length limit is because most RV's can't back for xxxx. Personally having the WEIRDEST sense of humor on the face of the planet I found GREAT Pleasure & Entertainment in watching people ATTEMPT to back a trailer