Why dont they make Gas Pushers?

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

You'll see flavored snowball stands in Hell before you ever see a gas pusher. Everyone is breaking their necks to figure out how to go diesel or electric. The bus business is as much a part of the Ford chassis as motorhomes. Why would they spend millions trying to reinvent the wheel when flying cars are just around the corner?

You do know you can get ice cream in Hell (scroll down)??

There is even a campground in Hell LOL!

Also note that there is a Chinese company that is cranking out electric buses and a bunch of US cities already have them in their fleets.

[TurnerFam]

just comparing FUEL mpg averages for a similar sized coach - a gasser at 34' with the V10 powertrain will get about 6-8, while the same diesel isb6.7L will get about 10-12...

so

assuming an average travel miles per year is 10,000...
and gas runs 2.25 and diesel runs 2.75 per gallon, then

10,000 miles / 7mpg = 1428 gallons * 2.25 = $3,214 for GAS
while
10,000 miles / 11mpg = 909 gallons * 2.75 = $2,500 for DIESEL
a savings of $714 per year for basic fuel - about $60 in DEF

while the diesel has a higher 'per service' cost, it only requires oil change servicing every 15,000 miles, while a Gas unit is closer to 5,000 miles.... 3 x times as often

does this all somewhat 'equal out' over the long term .... maybe

so what's the diesel advantage(s)?
-torque
-air bags/smoother ride
-engine in rear/less noise
-much longer engine/powertrain lifespan
-higher upfront cost/resell

but, as most typical RVrs are only using their coaches for less miles per year, and less often than full timers or those who travel extensively for months...
-the GAS coach has a lower upfront costs, and many of the same benefits otherwise, with less overall annual costs for ownership

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

You do know you can get ice cream in Hell (scroll down)??

There is even a campground in Hell LOL!

Also note that there is a Chinese company that is cranking out electric buses and a bunch of US cities already have them in their fleets.

I would just as soon spend my time here:

https://www.google.com/destination?q...MjAxOS0wMS0yOA

[Cason61]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

You do know you can get ice cream in Hell (scroll down)??

There is even a campground in Hell LOL!

Also note that there is a Chinese company that is cranking out electric buses and a bunch of US cities already have them in their fleets.

Yeah, When we went to Carlsbad caverns two years ago (way, way underground, we used the elevator), I tried to tell one of the workers there to dress up in a red suit, have a pitchfork, sell some postcards...etc. She said no. Then I remembered a place in the Bahamas with the same name. Think it might cost lot o money to change Motor homes though. Don't think money is there.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I would just as soon spend my time here:

https://www.google.com/destination?q...MjAxOS0wMS0yOA

Oh so you're going there eh? we have a similar city in Michigan too.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Cason61

Yeah, When we went to Carlsbad caverns two years ago (way, way underground, we used the elevator), I tried to tell one of the workers there to dress up in a red suit, have a pitchfork, sell some postcards...etc. She said no. Then I remembered a place in the Bahamas with the same name. Think it might cost lot o money to change Motor homes though. Don't think money is there.

That is funny!

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by TurnerFam

just comparing FUEL mpg averages for a similar sized coach - a gasser at 34' with the V10 powertrain will get about 6-8, while the same diesel isb6.7L will get about 10-12...

so

assuming an average travel miles per year is 10,000...
and gas runs 2.25 and diesel runs 2.75 per gallon, then

10,000 miles / 7mpg = 1428 gallons * 2.25 = $3,214 for GAS
while
10,000 miles / 11mpg = 909 gallons * 2.75 = $2,500 for DIESEL
a savings of $714 per year for basic fuel - about $60 in DEF

while the diesel has a higher 'per service' cost, it only requires oil change servicing every 15,000 miles, while a Gas unit is closer to 5,000 miles.... 3 x times as often

does this all somewhat 'equal out' over the long term .... maybe

so what's the diesel advantage(s)?
-torque
-air bags/smoother ride
-engine in rear/less noise
-much longer engine/powertrain lifespan
-higher upfront cost/resell

but, as most typical RVrs are only using their coaches for less miles per year, and less often than full timers or those who travel extensively for months...
-the GAS coach has a lower upfront costs, and many of the same benefits otherwise, with less overall annual costs for ownership

BUT...diesel is consistently 40 to 60 cents higher per gallon than gas plus the minimal coast of DEF. No way is a diesel competitive in this field. Add to this the $20K upgrade...its a loser where economics are concerned. The only advantage is power, longevity, resell and comfort. Comfort meaning ease of hill climbing at 2100RPM in high gear. It's a high price to pay but a very relaxing journey...that's what its all about to me. If Thor and all the others would build a decent cab over the gas engines...especially if the 7.3 makes it under the eggshell, it would be a nice, powerful ride and the transmission may stay in higher gears on the inclines, saving even more gas.

[DenverTransplant]

[QUOTE=JamieGeek;161327]You do know you can get ice cream in Hell

And whatever doesn't sell goes here

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Oh so you're going there eh? we have a similar city in Michigan too.

Isn't that the next Town down the road?

[Long & Winding road]

Yep, I agree... dont make economic sense to make a Gas Push.....But one can dream. LOL.

I would not purchase a DP (right now) because im lucky to do 3000 miles a year (so far) plus I dont tow anything (Yet).

I think if you full time (or on the road at least 6 mo), tow large car or trailer and put on 10K + miles a big DP makes sense.

I just glad that somebody tried it with the Latitude RV back in 2008. Pretty cool IMO.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Agree...I looked at DP's also. Unless they're a true "bus" like a Prevost or MCI, they're no different in design and construction than the gas A's. I also prefer an entry door mid-ship vs. across the wife's lap upfront. Plus, as you said, you best be ready to run thousands of miles to justify the cost. The C I bought was in same price range as the DP's Thor makes...the cab configuration was the Division Bell for me...true Ford cab. Bottom line...I'll take anything vs. no camper. They're all great fun and memory making machines.

[Bob Denman]

Amen to that!

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Long & Winding road

Yep, your right. Not much volume to justify.... but I still think it would be nice to have this option (ie Gas pusher).

.....cut......

There have been many gas pushers over the years, but most were way smaller than what you asked about. Think about all the tiny gas pusher classic VW motorhomes (van based), or the gas pushers with RV-specific chassis like those powered by Corvair engines, or the Vixen motorhome powered by Buick gas V6, or the previously-mentioned FMC powered by Dodge 440 V8. One of the largest I’m familiar with was the expensive FMC luxury coach with independent front and rear suspensions which sold in low volume.

There seems to be very little middle ground — either buyers want large and/or cheap, or something very custom in nature and willing to pay for the uniqueness of the design. The closest motorhome I can think of that came close to being high-volume and different in design was the FWD classic GMC. Even that didn’t sell anywhere like cheaper truck-chassis-based motorhomes.

[Bob Denman]

Talking about Gas-Pushers...

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1546969598

[Chance]

Originally Posted by TurnerFam

.....cut.....

10,000 miles / 7mpg = 1428 gallons * 2.25 = $3,214 for GAS
while
10,000 miles / 11mpg = 909 gallons * 2.75 = $2,500 for DIESEL
a savings of $714 per year for basic fuel - about $60 in DEF


.....cut.....

Modern technology has narrowed the difference between gas and diesel fuel economy to as little as 20%. Assuming 7 vs 11 MPG (over 50%) difference is unlikely to materialize. Cummins, which is biased towards diesels, assumes 20~40%, so I’d personally wouldn’t estimate costs based on more than 30% MPG improvement.

[Long & Winding road]

Yep, Bob if you sold the Tucker you could pay cash for a million dollar Prevost. Thats no joke. Big money for the Tuckers.

[Bob Denman]

You mean: "If I had one to sell..."

[Long & Winding road]

Yep, but if you sold your Enzo and the Veyron you would have room in your garage to buy the Tucker then swap for a Prevost. LOL.

[Bob Denman]

But what will I do with the Hennessey??

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1546978801

[Long & Winding road]

Thats small enough you can put in your basement of the Prevost.