We have had a lot of good comments throughout the course of this series of posts on finding the ideal DP. I want to take a break from writing my own thoughts and use this column to summarize some of the subjects others have brought up. I am just going to list the items and some of the various options. I am not picking anything here, just listing things:
1. hydraulic vs. electric slides
2. three point vs. four point leveling
3. electric vs. hydraulic vs. air leveling
4. single piece vs. split windshield.
5. rubber roof vs. fiberglass
6. king size vs. queen size bed
7. 2 vs. 3 vs 4 vs full wall slide
8. freightliner vs. Spartan chassis
9. solid axle vs. independent front suspension
10. battery charger that charges both battery sets.
11. curbside vs. driver side dinette
12. hinged stove top
13. driver controls, arrangement and what do they include
14. additional fire extinguishers
15. the “captcha code” on this blog
16. duel fuel fillers with 125 gallon tank
17. larger fresh/black/gray tanks
18. convenient water manifold
19. one vs. one and half bath
20. basement entertainment center
21. basement freezer
22. small footprint surround sound/dvd
23. in dash GPS
24. side hinge vs. top hinge vs. pantograph hinge doors
25. typical front door vs. mid entry
26. raised rail chassis
27. get rid of phone plug
28. hydro hot vs. normal water heater/heat
29. automatic awning vs. manual awning
30. top mounted mirrors vs. bottom mounted
31. top mounted vs. bottom mounted windshield wipers
32. combo washer vs. stackable W/D
Wow! That’s a lot of stuff to discuss. We have talked a little about some of these topics, but we have a long way to go to see if we can truly find the perfect DP. Next time we will take up the subject again and maybe talk about some of the above items, or maybe come up with even more things that you would like to see.
Until then, good camping,
Larry
steve dwyer
Larry, great subject. We are fulltimers and having this type of information prior to getting your rig sure helps. Hard to think of everything until you live in it for a while and then it all starts making sense.
Silvia
No ceramic tile floors. All but entry level DPs have ceramic tile floors and we all hate them, including the dog. They are cold, slippery, impossible to keep the grout clean and when you drop something, either the tile breaks or the item you drop breaks. Some DPs have heated floors, but that’s just another thing to use up battery power or not work properly.
Jim
How about an outside door that goes directly into the bathroom. This would serve as an additonal escape route in case of emergency and certainly be convenient for those of us that spend as much time as possible outdoors.
JOhn
I know what a DP is but — Would some one please tell me why the captcha code is so almighty important?
larrycad
Wow! Great comments. I appreciate all the thought and suggestions. It appears we still have a lot to discuss on this subject. (The subject is “The Ideal DP (diesel pusher)) 🙂
Larry
John
Lots of good ideas. But, we need to get these to the DP manufacturers too. I can’t comment on front door vs side door-there are too many issues both pro and con. I would like to see entry doors wider. I can hardly get through with a cloths basket.
Also would like to see:
Better headlights (like Audi and MB)
How about an opening sun/moon roof. The technology is there and the cars don’t leak.
Better emergency/escape routs. Don’t tanks still have a “bottom hatch”?
Dash gauge clusters that aren’t obstructed by the steering wheel.
Blogs with spellcheck!
Geoffrey Pruett
Yes, the CAPTCHA code is a pain, but like door locks is needed.
On phone jacks, if you are ordering a unit , wire for internet jacks, a simple adaptor or made up cable could use the 4 twisted pair internet cable for either one. If you add on, get CAT 6 cable and leave a blank cover on the end box until you decide which you want. Just treat this cable like it is fragile, it is. The reason it works for high speeds is the cable twist and spacing, pinching or tight bends make it worthless. Putting on the connectors is best done after some practice. If you feel like it is too much, find an expert. Most computer stores of phone installers have practice.
Drew
MikeP: Great idea- ethernet jacks-and wired to a central point for a router and external antenna. “D.P.” is a diesel pusher. Also, I suppose if a serious and qualified shopper truly wants the ideal coach, then he would seek to build his own, I think that’s why there’s always some compromise no matter the make of motorhome or the owner. This is really an interesting thread and demonstrates some of the common issues we all have- I’ve really enjoyed following it.
Drew
Jim G
I currently have a Class C with 1 slide but would love to have a nice DP when I grow up. My wish list would probably include multiple slides, so I am curious why the author would prefer to have 2 vs 3 or 4. Generally speaking, I understand that having more of anything increases the odds of having problems but am I naive that a well built DP would minimize that risk?
Liz Bard
We have a gas class A and I would love to have slide out trays in the basement storage. I have a 4 wheel electric scooter and it would be better to store it under rather than a lift or rack on back (I already lost a lift I paid $1900 for and my other scooter also cost $1900. I got full reimbursement on the scooter but only $1000 minus $250 from insurance. Someone hit my lift from the side and it didn’t look like anythig was hurt, then everything fell. Also it would protect it from the elements.
I would also like the slide out trays in the basement to make it easier to store stuff.
I agree about a closet up front. Even tho we live in the south, we also have cold weather too. It would also be nice to have something for shoes, towels, etc. when people are playing on sand or dirt to keep it out of the RV.
I agree on better pantry storage. I also use one shelf in my pantry to carry my big coffee mugs.
Mike Stockard
I guess you’ve all figured out by now, DP means “Digital Processor”.
julie rea
A refrigerator that works on propane AND electricity. For those of us who boondock it would be nice to not worry about battery power.
Gilles Lemieux
So, finally, what is a DP?
jim Meehan
Larry
Interestingly no one seems to have suggested more cargo space or sliding platforms to get to stuff. Many of the comments seemed to not address the compromise with basement storage. As to the laundry set comments I can’t see why the small machines that are used would be of use given the amount of space they take up. We are extended timing for 18 mos in a 38ft Dutch Star and love it. We think some of the the more recent dodas are part of the problem with the industry and the pricing of these units.
But one thing is for sure, if it goes in when built it is basically less expensive than an add on option. I think the l ist of pros and cons is a good one and Larry you could do a service by facilitating this and creating a format for discussing and evaluating all the “options”
Silvia
-Solar panels definitely
-CBs – truckers still use them and they are great entertainment while you’re driving and can give you important info too.
-TV located in the middle of the coach with comfortable seating for 4 people to watch it.
-A closet nearer to the entry door for those of us from the far North who need coats, boots, mitts etc, not just the bedroom closets which are as far away as possible from the door.
-A plug in the kitchen area that works while driving for things like a crock pot, not just a battery charger.
-A decent pantry where you can actually find stuff.
-For front entry DPs – a place for the navigator to put laptop, maps, tourist and camping books, binoculars, camera etc etc.
mikeP
I see no reason to remove the telephone jacks. However, I would suggest that having ethernet jacks thrughout would be a wonderful addition.
Don & Irene Ritchey
What a list, but #1 to me is a good solar system, after having 2 class Cs without solar and now a class A being a slightly used 2003 Newmar Scottsdale that had very low milage the previous owner had added a 3000 watt system and all the previous issues with batterys etc have stopped I think solar should be on all motorhomes. It simply allows so much more freedom as we live in Northern British Columbia Canada so full service RV sites are far and few between.
Dan Hendrix
I would like to 3rd Bill and W.H., the final list with side list of pros and cons would be a fantastic way for anyone to upgrade or purchase 1st Diesel Pusher(DP) (that was for Constance). Keep the blog coming.
Dan Rambow
A great list of items to consider. I think people tend to favor what they are familar with, until presented with facts that show the error in their thinking. I am looking for a new DP (diesel pusher) at the present time. Old 32′ one is great, I just need bigger to start fulltiming.
So starting with Item 1, my hydraulic slides work great, I like having one pump that does the slides and leveling jacks. But what if it goes on the fritz? Versus electric motors at every point. If one goes out, others can still work. But which is most reliable, that is the question I need to answer?
(and the captcha code is a pain, I always have to enter my text twice) (copy and paste is great to remember)
Constance
A helpful rule in English is to spell the word and put the abbreviation after it in brackets to use thereafter in the article… for newbies who don’t know what a DP is…same thing with nicknames like “toad” or whatever it is for a towed vehicle. Please, identify in the beginning first to help the less experienced ones. (smile)
So, what is a DP??? A MH is a motorhome and a FW is a fifth wheel..
M H Bell
I second what Bill above says. A summary of each item in the list with pros and cons.
Mel
Bill
Wow, that’s quite a list. I happen to be thinking about a DP sometime in my future. When all is said and done and all the comments are in I would love to see you put together a summary post. List each option and summarize the pros and cons from your thoughts and the comments.
With a list like that I could grow my knowledge of what works and why and from that make my own list of “must haves” and “would be nice” features before I go shopping.
Dalton Tamney
That’s a lot to choose from but one thing I would like to see is a built in TPMS. My Honda CRV has this and I would love to see it on my motorhome. I have added this to my tires but I think it would be great to have it already installed.
Ken Locarnini
Can I add a few of my own?
-Large Solar electrical system.
-Diesel powered stove, heat and water heater, no propane, like boats.
-Compost toilet and convert the black tank to another grey.
-Slideout infrared sauna for 1.
-Built in slide out atrium with a hydroponic salad factory!