School me in diesel pushers

[macgyvr]

I've finally talked the wife into an RV (she thinks they are for old people).

First, I have to sell my truck and toyhauler, while I'm working on that, I'm researching diesel pushers.

Ideally, I'd like to stay within 10 years or newer, 30 to 35 foot (but could settle for 35 to 40), 300+ hp motor. From what I'm seeing something a bit longer is cheaper and has a bigger motor.

I'm looking to tow a single place with the jeep, with possibly going to a 20 ft enclosed eventually. Nothing more than towing 7 to 8k ish.

I know I have to watch tow ratings and hitch ratings. Seems you find them with a 5k hitch or a 10k hitch usually.

My guys at the local spring shop (who know everyone), told me to stay with a Frieghtliner, Spartan, or Gilly (sp?) chassis with a diesel motor bigger than the compact 5.9 diesel or similar.

Initially I was thinking big block gas class A, in the shortest chassis I could find, but they didn't recommend those to tow any kind of trailer.

So what are the thoughts from those that own them, tow with them, or have used them?

Oh yeah, I'll have a good down payment and want to stay under 50k.

mac 'like trying to find the perfect used XJ' gyvr

 

[Jeepman401]

We work on campers at my shop, and the only advice I can give you is pick the one you like, they all have issues and were never intended to be worked on

 

[BoringDave]

I use to work at a shop on diesel pushers. And that being said I would not get one with a 5.9 Cummins from 99-02. I have removed many of them for the cracked block issue. Most smaller ones have 5.9 or 3126 cat. To me the cat seems way underpowered, but companies like Edge makes chips to kinda fix that. Also remember, when a diesel breaks its usually a butt load to have repaired. Like I told one of the other members I go wheeling with. I can replace a whole 460 for what an injector pump will cost you. But he also gets 14mpg.
This is what I ended up with.

It's a 97 28' Ford 18,800lb F53 chassis and the last year of the 460. I didn't want the problems of the V10 and have herd real bad things about the late model 454. I have not weighed the Jeep trailer combo yet, but guess 5000+. The hitch was rated for 3500 until I fixed that with some 1/4" plate hear and there. Other then slow on the hills it tows great! 65+ on flat ground no problem. The hills on the other hand will slow me down. A 6% grade I'm in 3rd gear 31-3300 rpm's and about 30mph.

AND THE GAS MILAGE SUCKS!!! When I was flat towing I got 5/6 now with the trailer I think I'm about 6/7.

Hope this helps

 

[BoringDave]

Also remember to tell your wife. It's real nice to take a hot shower,crawl into a warm queen sized bed and watch a move at the end of a hard day Offroading.

 

[macgyvr]

Thanks for telling me about your set up.

It helps me figure out what's out there that works.

We have an F350 (so clear on diesel expenses) with a 48ft vintage trailer now, the accommodations are nice, with a queen bed and hot shower, I'm just looking for a little more living room as we want to do more camping and less racing. The trailer is definitely more racing oriented. I get 8mpg now, so fuel mileage isn't really a huge concern.

mac 'still have my single place trailer' gyvr