Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-14-2013, 10:46 AM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
RayAndLin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: North Central Arizona
Posts: 19
How long is too long for a gasser?

You all have been great responding to my other questions! Thanks so much! I am learning a lot and also discovering new questions to ask.

So, here is the next:

How long is too long for a gasser? What length of gasser do you have, size of coach, and how does it work for you?

I have read there is a ratio of hp to length to be maintained to be safe; 100 hp to 1 foot in length. Some say this is for gassers, others say it holds true for both.

I confess I am drooling over the new Adventurer 38Q- love that floorplan! (Winnebago Motorhomes - 2014 Adventurer). I see they have a heavier chassis, but my concern is that the Ford V10 engine will struggle to pull this size coach.

Anyone have one yet? Something similar? What do you all think?

My thanks for your patience and help,

Lindsay
__________________
Ray, Lindsay and the puppies; Chloe, the dachshund & Sassy, the bichon
Still shopping... Still researching...
RayAndLin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 10:52 AM   #2
Winnebago Camper
 
aschuh53's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 6
I have a 1999 mountain aire 37.5 v10 45000 run great has not been a problem pulling just returned from Michigan I-77 n.c ,va wv ohio and little bit going up not bad really
aschuh53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 10:54 AM   #3
Winnebago Owner
 
CampDaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 111
I have heard 10 hp for each 1000 lbs of CGVW. To me, makes more sense than just length.
__________________
Dave and Nola, RVM1
The Journey is Our Destination!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
https://davenola.blogspot.com/
CampDaven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 11:09 AM   #4
Winnebago Camper
 
RayAndLin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: North Central Arizona
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by CampDaven View Post
I have heard 10 hp for each 1000 lbs of CGVW. To me, makes more sense than just length.
Ahhhh... How much are you really moving as opposed to guessing... So if the GCVW is 30,000, the engine should have at least 300 hp? (30[K]*10=300) Is that right? If so, the Ford V10 at 356hp (or so) should be fine, correct?

Is there someplace I can find this documented to show my other half?

Thanks,

Lindsay
__________________
Ray, Lindsay and the puppies; Chloe, the dachshund & Sassy, the bichon
Still shopping... Still researching...
RayAndLin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 11:59 AM   #5
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Buxton, North Dakota
Posts: 1,037
We have a 2003 Adventurer 38G with the 310 hp V-10. We tow a Jeep Cherokee and have no problem with power.
__________________
2003 Winnebago Adventurer 38G F53/ V10 605 watts of Solar
1999 Winnebago Brave 35C Handicap Equipped
F53/V10
1999 Jeep Cherokee & 1991 Jeep Wrangler Renegade
John Hilley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 12:05 PM   #6
Winnebago Owner
 
Scarab0088's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 61
There are many 39+ foot long RV's on gas chassis that move right down the road.

The current Ford F53 top-of-the-line has a 26,000lb GVWR and 30K GCWR...that's a lot of RV when converting to length.

Our 37.3 foot long Outlaw (W24/8.1L gas/Allison 6 speed) is a joy to drive and we tow a 3500lb dingy.

I would offer that as soon as you reach 40' in length, the RV's weight will reach the maximum point that the current gas engines available can pull. I just hope Spartan comes out with the EXTOL gas chassis...Ford needs some good competition:
Spartan Chassis

Safe travels
__________________
Kim and Steve, Mustang LCDR (Ret), Damon Outlaw #1193
I have seen gross intolerance shown in support of tolerance, Samuel Coleridge
[SIGPIC]https://www.irv2.com/attachments/signaturepics/sigpic84535_7.gif[/SIGPIC]
WE LOVE OUR OUTLAW RV
Scarab0088 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 06:48 PM   #7
Winnebago Master
 
Tom N's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Shelocta, PA
Posts: 1,196
I'm 38' 11" long according to Winnebago's specs.

My Suncruiser 38R handles perfectly with no modifications. I'm on the Workhorse W24 chassis

I'm on the right in the photo below. That's my friend's Suncruiser 37B motorhome parked behind me. He's about a foot shorter. He also has no handling or power problems. His motorhome is also built on the W24 chassis.

-Tom


__________________
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Shelocta, PA · FMCA 335149 · W3TLN
2005 Suncruiser 38R · W24, no chassis mods needed · 2013 Honda Accord EX-L · 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Tom N is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 07:24 PM   #8
Winnebago Camper
 
RayAndLin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: North Central Arizona
Posts: 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom N View Post
I'm 38' 11" long according to Winnebago's specs.

My Suncruiser 38R handles perfectly with no modifications. That's my friend's Suncruiser 37B motorhome parked behind me.

-Tom
Hi Tom,

Thanks for the photos and explanation! You do raise another question I have had. What is the difference between the Winnebago and Itasca? The new 38Q's for both look just the same. Is it like the difference between Chevy and GMC?

Thanks,

Lindsay
__________________
Ray, Lindsay and the puppies; Chloe, the dachshund & Sassy, the bichon
Still shopping... Still researching...
RayAndLin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2013, 08:13 PM   #9
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 9
I had a 2000 Winnebago 35u with a ford, and now a 2001 Winnebago 37g ford also. I can tell the 37g has more power (pi heads) than the 35u and can tell it drives better also. Its stock with 40.000 miles. The bad thing about the biggest gassers is the max weight on the chassis. Both of mine have 20,500 limits and don't have much extra payload. I think the longer and heavier your Moho is, the better the ride.
garyswann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 06:32 AM   #10
Winnebago Camper
 
cgarv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: SouthWest Michigan
Posts: 7
I have a Suncruiser 37F and tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, this is the heavier duty Ford Chassis.
Drives real nice, except for the mountain passes in Colorado.
In the mountains you will have to hit the 4-way flashers and take it easy but I think that is the case with most RVs.
The Winnebago - Itasca difference is like Chevrolet - GMC.
They will tell you that Itasca has more expensive fabrics.
cgarv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 06:46 AM   #11
Winnebago Owner
 
Steve N Sal's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Michigan
Posts: 108
We have a 04 Newmar Mountain Aire (38') on the W22 Workhorse chassis 8.1 (340 hp) and Allison Transmission towing a 3400lb toad. It has more then enough power for our setup, is a dream to drive and very comfortable.
__________________
Steve & Sally / HiTee & Hudson Our Little Poms / Heidi & Houston Forever in our Hearts
04 NEWMAR MACA 3778 W22 / 05 PT Vert
Michigan (Summer) Michigan (Winter For Now)
Steve N Sal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 06:49 AM   #12
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North East Indiana
Posts: 762
With Itasca as its mastaff it gave Winnebago more market outlets. There is a little difference in accoutrements, but the chassis and body are the same. The small difference in gingerbread cost more bucks.
Izzyblueye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 06:56 AM   #13
Winnebago Camper
 
Brockx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Punta Gorda FL.
Posts: 40
Be aware of how much "overhang" the unit has. I refer to the length of coach body behind the rear wheels. The longer the overhang, the more susceptible to wind push from passing trucks (them passing you), and clearance problems on sharply angled entrances and exits to driveways etc.. This does not seem to be as much of a problem with the newer MH's. Some of the older units give the appearance of a teeter-totter.
__________________
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]2008 Bounder 38P F53 24/30K V10, 2013 Kia Soul Basic 6 speed manual, Ready Brake Elite tow system (previous equipment 1996 Pace Arrow Vision w/Acme Dolly)
Brockx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 07:05 AM   #14
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SW, Michigan
Posts: 8
I never thought our gas powered MHs were short on hp. My brother is also happy with the V10 power on his 37 ft Fleetwood MH.

What I grew to despise was the long rear overhang that often would drag the hitch at the smallest incline.
__________________
2010 Allegro RED 36 QSA
GMC Envoy 4x4
SW Michigan to Alaska in 2015
okgc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 07:12 AM   #15
Winnebago Owner
 
az bound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Surprise Arizona
Posts: 92
Length alone would not be my main concern. All chassis have a maximum load rating. While the chassis may handle the coach placed upon it, there may be little allowance for added weight, ie. things added in the storage bays and/or additional passengers.
__________________
Harold & Linda
2009 CT coachworks siena 35V
W22 Workhorse 8.1L. Explorer Sport toad,
az bound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 07:15 AM   #16
Winnebago Master
 
jerichorick's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Full-timer/volunteer w/SOWERS
Posts: 2,734
If you want to go long with power why not a diesel? They now come configured in front engine chassis also. Most prefer the DP for less noise. Choosing a product line on a good chassis is essential. I have always chosen Freightliner, Cummins and Alison. Reliability is historical.
__________________
Rick & Melissa Young & Dawson (RIP), 2011 Meridian 40U, FL XCL, ISL 380HP/DEF, Al 3000 MH, 2014 Honda CR-V, SMI AF1, Blue Ox TruCenter & tow equip.,EEZTire TPMS.
Servants On Wheels Ever Ready. Best job we ever paid to do . (full time volunteers)
jerichorick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 08:12 AM   #17
Winnebago Master
 
Tom N's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Shelocta, PA
Posts: 1,196
I would not buy a large gas chassis coach unless it was built on a 24,000 lbs or larger chassis.

My W24's CCC is 3239 lbs.

I weigh 23,200 lbs. loaded to go.

-Tom



__________________
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Shelocta, PA · FMCA 335149 · W3TLN
2005 Suncruiser 38R · W24, no chassis mods needed · 2013 Honda Accord EX-L · 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Tom N is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-15-2013, 08:24 AM   #18
Winnebago Owner
 
vsheetz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 227
Our 37A Pace Arrow is nearly 38' measured. Ford v10. We tow ~5000 lb Jeep. We typically maintain 50mph on those long 7% grades. It's working but gets the job done. We specifically wanted a big gasser for the extra room and simple maintenance of the gas engine. We are once a month long weekenders with a couple week plus trip a year.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
vsheetz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2013, 04:54 PM   #19
Winnebago Owner
 
CJBROWN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Orange County CA
Posts: 190
Don't do it...get a diesel.

I have the 31W, great floorplan, with the same chassis as the others up to 38'. Just passed 9 years, been a good coach. But it sucks gas and the only thing I would replace it with would be a diesel - big block if possible. My sister's 43' Tour gets better mileage.

A couple of year old diesel is still ten times better than a new gasser.

Don't believe me? You'll see.
__________________
Chris & Sherry Brown - 2005 Itasca Sunrise 31W - W20 and 8.1
2015 Chevy Colorado 4X4 Toad
2021 Chevy Spark Toad
CJBROWN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2013, 08:36 PM   #20
Winnebago Camper
 
khogle2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: UTAH
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by RayAndLin View Post
You all have been great responding to my other questions! Thanks so much! I am learning a lot and also discovering new questions to ask. So, here is the next: How long is too long for a gasser? What length of gasser do you have, size of coach, and how does it work for you? I have read there is a ratio of hp to length to be maintained to be safe; 100 hp to 1 foot in length. Some say this is for gassers, others say it holds true for both. I confess I am drooling over the new Adventurer 38Q- love that floorplan! (Winnebago Motorhomes - 2014 Adventurer). I see they have a heavier chassis, but my concern is that the Ford V10 engine will struggle to pull this size coach. Anyone have one yet? Something similar? What do you all think? My thanks for your patience and help, Lindsay
We have a 2013 Adventurer 37F which has a 24,000 GVW. Your prospective 38Q has 26,000 GVW. We liked the 37F because of the king bed and the bath and 1/2. The Ford V10 has 362 hp and 457 torque. Less than a diesel but with less weight too than a diesel. A gas engine won't pull a mountain like a diesel but under normal, more level ground will be ok.

My RV salesman had a freeway on ramp test of acceleration when giving test drives to customers, gas vs. diesel More noise, but the Ford V10 was frequently the same speed and often faster at a given spot. I'm sure there are exceptions, and I am sure not close going up steep grades. I was able to drive about three or four under these circumstances.

Just drive a few and take your time deciding. The price point was about $100,000 different on the models we were comparing.
khogle2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
gas


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How Long on the Lot is too Long? traveler of california Winnebago General Discussions 13 07-23-2014 08:06 AM
Higher end gasser vs. entry diesel... go6car Winnebago General Discussions 27 10-19-2010 02:04 PM
How long is too long Higgins Winnebago General Discussions 39 08-17-2008 07:44 PM
1999 Chieftain Gasser:New to us BirdWoman Vintage Rigs - Retro is cool! 17 10-14-2005 09:51 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:09 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.