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Old 08-23-2017, 07:45 PM   #1
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Gas pusher??

Something occurred to me today when I saw a MH for sale in a parking lot. Maybe this is a stupid question, but does anyone know why manufacturers don't make gas pushers? Would be pretty cool if they did.

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Old 08-23-2017, 08:31 PM   #2
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They have in the past.

Only real reason I can think of to use a truck chassis like F-53 is that it's cheaper because it's shared with a larger truck market. Makes it cheaper to design, service, develop spare parts, etc.

Some gas pushers had cooling problems, which is often mentioned, but that was due to poor design on those applications, not an inherent problem with gasoline engine in rear.

Since gasoline engines are generally quieter than diesel, the incentive to move it to rear isn't as great.
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Old 08-23-2017, 09:17 PM   #3
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As Chance said, cost is cheaper because of a shared platform. Manufacturers tried making front engine diesels for class A motorhomes (FRED) and nobody bought them, don't think there is an interest or market for rear engine gas.
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Old 08-23-2017, 10:38 PM   #4
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It's hard enough to get a 30' class C into a gas station, can't imagine the difficulty getting a 38-40' clasd A with a toad into one, just my .02 cents.
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Old 08-23-2017, 11:08 PM   #5
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One of the most popular gas pusher (large) motorhomes was the Classic FMC, which I belief was around 29 feet long.

Depending on your definition of a "motorhome", the most popular was probably the rear engine Volkswagens like the Westfalias.

I don't see a "size" limit either small or large. There are plenty of front-engine 38~40-foot gas Class As at present, and if they had engine in rear I'm not sure it would make a huge difference in maneuverability.

The question is what will be gained by moving engine to rear that can't be accomplished with engine in front. I personally like the idea because it allows lower profile, but most buyers want tall motorhomes, so that advantage would be lost on them.
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Old 08-23-2017, 11:24 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans View Post
It's hard enough to get a 30' class C into a gas station, can't imagine the difficulty getting a 38-40' clasd A with a toad into one, just my .02 cents.
I'm right at 38' now..LOL Just gotta pick the stations with lots of pumps and roll with it. Sure is nice having a gas door on the rear though..

Chance, that is one grooovy looking ride ride there..Wonder if it had an 8 track player ??
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Old 08-24-2017, 12:05 AM   #7
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RV Pirate - we're with you. We are 38"+ in our gasser with an Explorer toad, gotta pay attention but no big deal.
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Old 08-24-2017, 12:59 AM   #8
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I've fueled up my 38' gasser twice, haven't had a problem. I'm sure it will be more challenging with a TOAD.

I'm guessing Tex's comment refers to the fact a big rig with a diesel pusher can go through the truckers lane at truck stops, but I don't see how that relates to a gasser, front or rear engine.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:07 AM   #9
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Another gas pusher .....

Quote:
Originally Posted by RV Pirate View Post
.....cut....

Chance, that is one grooovy looking ride ride there..Wonder if it had an 8 track player ??

Maybe, because it was built in early 70s before oil shortage hurt the economy and large "gas-guzzler" motorhome sales.

The FMC was way ahead of its time in many respects, including independent suspension at all four corners. I'm not aware of any other vehicle that has duallies in rear that also has IRS. Not that duallies would be needed today.

I think it was a little expensive though, with reported owners including famous movie stars.



Years later a different manufacturer made smaller gas pushers called Vixen. They used a GM FWD engine and automatic transmission mounted between rear wheels. That eliminates the need for a long rear overhang on motorhome, which improves handling. A slightly larger modern version of a Vixen would be perfect for me. The Vixen was a little too low even for me because it was designed to be garageable through a 7-ft door.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:14 AM   #10
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Little bit of trivia. Can anybody guess what this one is? It is rear engine gas motorhome. I'll post the answer later in case no one knows.

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Old 08-24-2017, 01:34 AM   #11
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Looks like "my bologna has a first name"...lol
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:40 AM   #12
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Ultra Van?

Powered by Corvair Chevy engine and transmission?
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Old 08-24-2017, 02:49 AM   #13
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Ultra Van?

Powered by Corvair Chevy engine and transmission?

Ding, Ding, we got a winner!!!

This particular coach had been fully restored except for exterior paint which was next on the list. Ran and sounded great, had green and black shag carpet just like when new. Owner said he bought the Ultra Van for $500, engine and trans were in great condition with low mileage, redid the interior and it looked great too!
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Old 08-24-2017, 12:40 PM   #14
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Since the RV manufacturers don't have anything to do with designing the platforms they build their MH's on (thank goodness for that!), they will never have a "gas pusher" because Ford nor anyone else makes that chassis for big truck use.

There are actually large RV's with diesels in the front, Super C units. The newer diesel engines are pretty quiet. When I first purchased my 2012 F350 with the 6.7 diesel in it I had several people ask me at gas stations when filling up if it was a diesel because it ran so quiet.
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Old 08-24-2017, 01:19 PM   #15
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In Europe they often take a middle-of-the-road approach by starting out with a Front Wheel Drive stripped chassis and then building a custom chassis from the cab back. Occassionally they do it with RWD Mercedes Sprinter also.

The end result is a motorhome-specific platform behind driver, with lower floor, independent suspension, wider track to match MH width, sometimes tandem axles (like Classic GMC), etc.

I like this a lot because most of the functional aspects of the chassis remain OEM (drivetrain, cooling, A/C, wipers, electrical, fuel, etc.), with the back end which resembles a simpler trailer frame being custom made.

I expect we'll see something similar for smaller motorhomes before we see a gas pusher. It could happen in the next few years if Hymer builds Class As for North America. They presently use FWD diesel Fiat Ducatos in Europe but for NA they may go with ProMaster gas drivetrain.
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Old 08-24-2017, 10:14 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance View Post
One of the most popular gas pusher (large) motorhomes was the Classic FMC, which I belief was around 29 feet long.
Back then: that was a pretty big rig... today: not so much!
The industry has gone through a lot of designs over the years: the ones without a clear advantage, are now long gone...
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