Well, apparently, there are at least some of you out there who really like your coach and are not afraid to express those sentiments here on this forum. In addition, and again, apparently, I have managed to offend, injure, hurt, spite, go against, violate, appall, outrage, shock, transgress, scandalise, and pique with some of my statements regarding some of the RVs we are planning to review, or not to review. For that I apologize, it certainly wasn’t my intention, and in order to try to avoid further misunderstanding, following is a list of the representative coaches we are going to look at here. Did I leave out some very nice motorhomes? Yes, of course. Is your favorite here? Maybe, maybe not. My goal here is to find my own perfect DP. The reason there are so many is because what is perfect for me is probably not perfect for you. As Yakov Smirnoff used to say, “America: What a country!”
So here is my proposed list. Please notice that there is only one model from any manufacturer. A lot of my first impression with motorhomes has to do with the floorplan, and in particular, I like the side aisle floorplan. If a particular manufacturer has a 40 ft. DP with a side aisle floorplan, that is going to attract my attention right away and will probably be my choice to review for that manufacturer. However, if you feel strongly that another coach should be included, please let me know and we will consider it, keeping in mind that we are looking only at 40 foot DPs, and that I really don’t like the full wall slide concept as we have discussed in past articles.
Fleetwood Excursion 40X
American Coach Allegiance 40X
Newmar Dutchstar 4055
Jayco Insignia 40FKSA
Gulfstream Caribbean 38C
Winnebago Journey 40L
Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH
Damon Tuscany 4051
Entegra Aspire 40SKT
Forest River Charleston 410FS
So, now having said all that, I think I will go ahead and post this and let the slings and arrows begin flying before I get too far down the road with my preparation. Please keep in mind that we are limiting this discussion to 40 ft. DPs, and we are looking for ones that fit into the requirements we have been discussing in previous posts. We are not “dissing” anyone’s motorhome, just trying to find a fit for our very specific requirements. Remember, be nice!
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Larry Cad
Dale, actually the 40X is 40 ft, 11 in. long, and the GVWR is 32000 lbs with a 360 hp ISC Cummins. Meanwhile, the 39R has a GVRW of 32000 lbs with a 360 hp ISC Cummins so if the 40X is underpowered, then the 39R would also be except that you would have more room in the 40X. I really don’t like a full wall slide and have eliminated any motorhome with a full wall slide from consideration as the best!
nikki, I am glad you like your Forest River coach. The single most important feature an RV can possess is a happy owner! 🙂
Mary Ellen, thank you for your kind comments and I am glad you are enjoying them. Please let us know when you decide to buy, and what you get and hope you have many happy adventures with it.
Jim, sorry to hear about your problems with the FR. It is certainly a shame when anyone gets what they consider to be a lemon and it ruins their camping adventure.
Larry
Dale Johnson
Regarding the Fleetwood choice. The 40X is really 42′ long. With the weight and engine combination It might be underpowered. You might consider the 39R which is 39 1/2 ft. We have this floorplan in the Providence. We love the open feeling gained by the full wall slide.
nikki
We have a Class A Forest River Georgetown. We love it. We go to all the RV shows and haven’t seen one that compares. Of course, it’s not a DP or the “granddaddy” of luxury…but it is very clean and fresh looking outside and much thought was put into the design of the inside. Nothing cheap in this one. The price was affordable, we bought it new and there were only four of these made so we have one that few people will ever see. Forest River has been extremely helpful the few times that we have had questions and needed assistance. We can call them directly and someone is always giving us the assistance we need.
Mary Ellen
Larry,
My husband and I are just starting our search for our first DP. Love reading your articles & getting everyone’s insights. Even if I wasn’t looking for a DP, I’d read your page for the well written & entertaining dialogue. Keep up the good work!!
Jim
I have a FR Charleston 410 ’08 bought in Jan. of this year. It’s been at the dealer longer than I’ve used it. Leaking slides that they can’t find , others proplems too numerous to mention. I thought I did my homework but alas, they saw me coming! It’s a shame you pay this kind of money for workmenship like this.
Larry Cad
julie rea, congrats to our first “graduate”. Keep having fun and enjoying the wonderful RV life!
julie rea
I have been reading your articles, but they took too long! I just bought my first DP. Had a 32′ gas Dolphin for 7 yrs. Needing something larger to accomodate grandkids now. I took earlier comments to heart while looking. Got a 38′ Tiffin RED. LOVE IT. Had it for 5 days before heading out across country. Still travelling, (25 days into trip, another few weeks to go). Crossing the Rockies was a breeze with the DP. The space is wonderful. We have been in some campgrounds that are “tight”, but so what? We are out here to see our countries fabulous sights and enjoy it. Staying in a high-‘end rv park sometimes does not fit my needs. Yes, spent lots of money on the DP, may look out of place in the forest service parks with no hookups, but that is the best way to really see our nations spectacular beauty.
JerryC
Nick Russell (The Gypsy Journal) really likes is basement air conditioner.
JC
Roland
Jerry, please tell me about the difficulties with a basement ac. I am looking at a Winnebago Journey for purchase. Why should I stay away from it?
Jim G
To Larry, John and Charlie;
I do sincerely appreciate your comments regarding my earlier posts. One thing I have certainly come to appreciate with RVing is that there is no absolute right or wrong, as we all collectively get to enjoy our respective methods of travel. Perhaps before they close the casket, I will get to personally enjoy the benefits of driving a DP, as they are a real treat to see on the road and at the campsites.
Safe travels to all!
Larry Cad
Jerry X, those are certainly good thoughts. Our current DP has thermopane windows, and dual A/C units. A couple of years ago we spent a week in Phoenix Az. with outside temps up to 115 and we were quite comfortable. We also spent 3 months in Texas with temps up to 105 and again, we were just fine.
Jim G, yes, even the entry level DPs are expensive. Much of that expense is in the engine, as high horsepower, electronic diesel engines are very expensive. Add in the chassis with a large Allison 6 speed automatic transmission, air brakes, air bag suspension, etc, etc, and you have an expensive machine. It is not a decision to be taken lightly and from what a lot of us have heard and read, not something you want to get into and then end up “upside down”. However, the satisfaction of driving, and living in a luxury DP is something you have to experience in order to appreciate. The advantage of a 40 foot motorhome is the room and the comfort it offers. Most people who own a DP do not own it because it is cheaper to own or operate, but rather because of the comfort, and power and convenience.
Barry, I will consider your suggestion, and look at the 4086T.
Richard, eventually, I will try to come up with some kind of summary although we have been talking about a lot of stuff here. Will have to see what happens.
Ann, isn’t that what makes the world go round? 🙂
Larry
Charlie Romine
I have been married to my lovely wife for 41 years, but having a 40ft. Tiffin Phaeton makes our trips more enjoyable mainly because there is enough room to get away from one another if the situation calls for a time out.
I have been to some campgrounds that was a tight squeeze but have always managed. We try to stay at big rig friendly camp sights.
Being retired & owning my home, the motorhome is my second home & helps with my taxes at the end of the year so why pay cash. Some people pay a bigger car payment than I pay for my motorhome. I say each to his own, cash or payments, just enjoy yourself. life is too short not to have fun when you can.
Frank
Hey Larry, it seems like everone kinda calmed down now! Seriously, keep up the good work on the article!! p.s., I saved for many years before I paid cash for my new Tiffin MH……………………..
John O
Jim – I had a 19′ and a 27″class C. I prefer filling the fuel (not gas) tank on my BP. My mileage is far superior to anything I ever had with my class C MH.
And yes the ride and no up front engine noise is worth every penny I paid for the coach.
I agree with you on the money. I puchase used units – let some one else take the hit. I pay cash. Too many people are upside down with their units. That is what is wrong with the whole economy.
As far is input to ideal MH. I like my side entry door that is why I purchased a 2002 Bounder 39Z.
Ann
I have been very interested in you opinions and realize they might not match mine, but all are worthwhile. Keep working at this. Don’t let the negatives out way what you are attempting to do.
Richard A Weddle
dear Mr Cad,
thank you for going to the trouble to research the DP market. My wife Kelly and I have a 2007 Tiffen Allegro Bus 40QDP. Does one of your articles on the ideal pusher list all the features that you believe are more desirable? Thank you. Cordially yours, Rich Weddle
Barry Engleman
Larry:
I think you should look at the Newmar Dutch Star 4086T. I kind of has the side aisle floor plan when it is opened up. When it is closed up, the slides do not make access to the bedroom difficult because there is a second aisle thru the bathroom.
Barry
Jim G
Just another thought; I would like to be persuaded that regardless of gas vs diesel, why folks opt for 40 foot rig, most with a toad, given that not all campgrounds can accomodate this size. I guess my bottom line question is WHY is it worth it? I know the ride is superior to anything else but getting from point A to B is the botttom line, or am I missing something. I have a 31 foot Class C, and so far so good, and it costs a LOT less to fill up at the pump.
Jim G
After looking at several ads for new DPs, I am astounded at the MSRP for these monsters, (okay, that is probably a bit rash), so I will rather say a very nice way to RV. Anyway, I often see these DPs parked at campgrounds that are very tight and not in the best condition which seems a real waste for such a lovely and expensive rig. Personally, it seems like an awful lot of money to spend but that is just my opinion. I would be curious how many folks who own a DP own them outright vs. coming up with a monthly payment, just a personal curiousity
Jerry X Shea
Larry, let me help you drop to the “bottom line” and I don’t mean money.
“How do you intend to use your new DP.” Weekends? Two week trip? Summer vacation? or as a “full Timer”?
If you really look deep, you will find that a “snowbird coach” which is designed to go North for the summer and South for the winter, will not do to well in “extreme weather.” Many of the AC’s will cool a coach when the temp. is up to about 90 degree. Go South to Las Vegas in July when it can be 110, and you will “die” inside that coach. On the oher hand, if you buy a “full time” coach, no problem. The two or three AC’s will keep you cool. Not to mention the “thicker” insulation. We are in our 4th year with a “snowbird” coach and have (once again) been caught in 106 temps. This is the last year. We are looking for a new coach and it will be a well insulated “all weathe- Full time” coach. Next time you are at a RV Park just look around at the coaches with 2 or 3 AC’s on the roof. P.S. Don’t even thing of a coach with a “basement AC). Just talk to those that have one and you will never buy one. Also if you want “the ride of your life” when you travel down the road, get a coach with a Tag Wheel.
Good Luck,
Jerry X
Larry Cad
Michael, the Foretravel product is an outstanding RV. I looked into their offerings while researching this series and concluded that, while excellent equipment, the Foretravel is a step above what we are looking at here. I don’t think Fore travel even offers a 40 ft. coach. Everything that is shown on their website is at least 42 ft, with a tag axle.
Charlie, there is no doubt about the quality of Tiffin products.
Larry
Phil
I have a 2005 Damon DP, 35 foot, and a side aisle! A great coach to my mind. I think a 40 foot would be too much coach and iffy handling for me. But the DP is such a great improvement over my previous gas coaches that I would recommend a diesel coach to anyone. I tow a Chevy HHR, and before that a Jeep Liberty. My gas coach would lug the toad along, but with the DP I hardly know it’s there…
Good luck in your quest for the perfect DP.
Michael
Larry,
I noticed you didn’t mention the Fortravel? I’ve spoke with a few owners on the Foretravel, they say its the best DP they ever owned? what are your thoughts on the Foretravel.
Michael
Michael
Larry,
Charlie Romine
Larry, I’m glad to see you looking at the Tiffin Phaeton 40ft. QTH. I own a 40ft. Tiffin Phaeton QTH and love it.
Tiffin can build whatever you want.
catchesthewind
DP stands for Diesel Pusher.
Larry Cad
Mel, many are happy that Fleetwood has emerged from bankruptcy and appears to be a much stronger company with some fine products. Hopefully they will continue to grow and employ many workers and make a contribution to the RV industry.
Mike, your experience is not unlike many RVers who enjoy their time camping, no matter what the activity. Having attended many Nascar races myself, we share your enjoyment. We tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee and with our Blue Ox tow system, connecting and disconnecting the Jeep takes at most, about 3 minutes. With the diesel we don’t notice any difference in fuel mileage or performance, and we enjoy the convenience of having the car when we arrive at our destination.
Ralph, actually DP is an acronym for diesel Pusher, alluding to the location of the engine being located in the rear of the RV, and acting to “push” the vehicle, rather than pulling from the front.
Larry
Ralph Bowen
I think it means diesel power?
Mike
Larry First off let me say The last Person to speak his mind doesn’t have one.. I owned a 1993 Rockwood 30Ft. for 8 years and I had a ball in it, we traveled the country and many Nascar races in it.. The only thing I didn’t like about it was having to tow my toad behind us everytime we went on a trip. The one thing you will notice will be the places for fuel. Please make sure your DP has a large fuel filler hole because if it doesn’t you will be in for a world of hurt, some do some don’t.. Hope you have a great time finding one that you want and enjoy many miles…
Mel
I am partial to the Fleetwood line.
charles brown
I am really interested in hearing your comments.
charles brown
what is a d p?