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Motorhome good or bad idea? #1313527
09/30/12 11:04 PM
09/30/12 11:04 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Central,Ohio
FASTFISH420 Offline OP
mopar
FASTFISH420  Offline OP
mopar

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Central,Ohio
I plan on getting my car back out next year and have a chance to buy a 28 foot motorhome.it is a gas fuel injected 460.I wanted a short one so it would be alittle easier to tow my 28 foot enclosed trailer.

I have a diesel truck which pulls it fine,but have always wanted a motorhome to stay in at the racetrack.Im not planning on towing very far..farthest would be around 3 1/2 hours away mainly flat ground.

just wanted to know the guys that have switched over if it was a good decision or not? would love to have a diesel pusher but not worth the added money to me and I can get this gas for a decent price..

Thanks guys


1969 Barracuda 8 second all/motor small block 2014 Shelby GT500 Mustang Uratchko Racing Engines www.URE-RACING.com
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: FASTFISH420] #1313528
09/30/12 11:22 PM
09/30/12 11:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,169
PA.
pittsburghracer Offline
"Little"John
pittsburghracer  Offline
"Little"John

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,169
PA.
I had a 91 class C 27' Ford Coachman 460 FI engine and it did ok as long as you were not planning on lots of hills. I live an area were I had to climb several steep hills and the speed limit was 25 mph going into the grade. My trans started acting up so I sold it as a Mechanics Special. I found a 25' class A 454 (2001) and the difference in power is almost unbelievable. I picked it up for 5000 dollars with 32000 miles on it and its in GREAT shape. My son just bought a 34' class A diesel pusher (airstream) with 24000 miles on it for 5000 dollars but it needs a little work. Make sure you drive it first to check out the power. Most of these motor homes will require some work on the rear frame area to beef it up some. I tow with my diesel truck unless it is a 2 or more day race. It sure is nice to have at the track.


1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27

Livin and lovin life one day at a time




Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: pittsburghracer] #1313529
10/01/12 01:44 AM
10/01/12 01:44 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,363
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire Offline
I Live Here
Al_Alguire  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,363
Las Vegas
Bought mine a couple years ago and cannot be happier. I really enjoy staying at the track, getting to meet and hang out with the other racers at the track is as much fun as racing itself.

We went with a deisel pusher as out here flat land is few and far between



"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."

"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: FASTFISH420] #1313530
10/01/12 03:03 AM
10/01/12 03:03 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1 Offline
Too Many Posts
Challenger 1  Offline
Too Many Posts

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
I got a large toterhome with huge HP and I love it. So much so I don't want to sell it even though I don't have my 49' goose trailer anymore. It's so unquie and well built inside, so much more solid than a reg MH. It made going racing so much nicer and safer because I never left my racing equipment alone, like when we went to the hotel.

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: Challenger 1] #1313531
10/01/12 04:31 AM
10/01/12 04:31 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,207
Menomonee Falls
DemonDust Offline
master
DemonDust  Offline
master

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,207
Menomonee Falls
I'm interested in this as well. I was thinking about this but a diesel truck vs a cube van. Maybe i should start a different thread so i don't hijack this one. I don't have an enclosed trailer, that's why i was thinking cube van.


SDG Motorsports
Hellcat Demon and Redeye Supercharger CNC Porting
https://www.sdgmotorsports.com/
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: FASTFISH420] #1313532
10/01/12 04:45 AM
10/01/12 04:45 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 39
ohio
L
lowdeck68 Offline
member
lowdeck68  Offline
member
L

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 39
ohio
you probably want to check the the rated towing capacity. Most gassers are only rated for 5000 lbs. Fines are pretty steep if caught overweight, let alone insurance will run for the hills in an overweight accident.

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: lowdeck68] #1313533
10/01/12 10:21 AM
10/01/12 10:21 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
Mid west
G
Gearhead383 Offline
enthusiast
Gearhead383  Offline
enthusiast
G

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 276
Mid west
My trailer is a 28' enclosed also and I needed 10K towing capacity. That ruled out most of the class C motorhomes I was finding. I ended up going to a class A pusher. It already had a 10K hitch and no frame mods needed. Be sure you check the towing capacities before making a purchase.
Before we were using a slide-in camper in the back of a 1 ton dodge which worked well for many years. Then kids got bigger and more room was needed. Over all happy with the purchase. Mileage not as good as the truck, but we're hauling a much bigger "house". Good luck with your purchase!

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: Gearhead383] #1313534
10/01/12 11:24 AM
10/01/12 11:24 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Central,Ohio
FASTFISH420 Offline OP
mopar
FASTFISH420  Offline OP
mopar

Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
Central,Ohio
It's a class A Fleetwood Bounder.the owner hauls a 30 foot enclosed with it and he said it does fine.I figured there would be more gas motorhome guys chime in?


1969 Barracuda 8 second all/motor small block 2014 Shelby GT500 Mustang Uratchko Racing Engines www.URE-RACING.com
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: FASTFISH420] #1313535
10/01/12 12:16 PM
10/01/12 12:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,266
Renton Washington
T
Triple Threat Offline
master
Triple Threat  Offline
master
T

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,266
Renton Washington
I don't own a motor-home, but I have done it more than once with other peoples stuff.

Its very nice to be able to stay at the track. Half the fun is meeting people and BS'ing after the races are over for the day. It's not going to get the mileage a truck does, or have the power, so expect your fuel bill to go up, but you will save money on a hotel and have a more enjoyable experience at the track.

The only downsides people complain about are the obvious maintenance and upkeep costs. If I had the room to store one, I'd probably downgrade my new truck and get a motorhome for most of the racing trips.


-Dustin
67 Dart, 9 second, 392" G3 Hemi
68 Barracuda 340 F/SA
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: Triple Threat] #1313536
10/01/12 12:30 PM
10/01/12 12:30 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 54
Indiana
B
BM70Dart Offline
member
BM70Dart  Offline
member
B

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 54
Indiana
I have a class c with a f.i. 460 tows my open trailer like its not even there, don't know about an enclosed though.

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: BM70Dart] #1313537
10/01/12 12:46 PM
10/01/12 12:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,533
Alexandria, LA
B
Blucuda413 Offline
master
Blucuda413  Offline
master
B

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,533
Alexandria, LA
I have a 86 MH that is on a Chevy P30 chassis. No hills in this part of the country and once it's rolling it's fine. There are basically 2 problems. One is wind, a serious cross wind is white knuckle driving. The other is gas mileage, mine gets about 4 to 5 pulling my 20ft enclosed. I only use it for multi day events. For other races we use a friends dually.

The next one I get will be a diesel pusher.

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: Blucuda413] #1313538
10/01/12 02:58 PM
10/01/12 02:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,314
The Swamp
MegaDart Offline
master
MegaDart  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,314
The Swamp
460ci is my favorite motor for a gasser and I have owned 454ci, Ford v-10 and the 460. I loved having a motorhome at the track. A clean bathroom at your disposal, a stocked fridge and some A/c make it worthwhile. If you are in it for the long haul diesel is the way to go. Just testing the waters as long as you buy it right someone is always looking for one when/if you wish to upgrade. IMO, the generator is second most important piece of equipment so make sure it is up to snuff!!

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: MegaDart] #1313539
10/01/12 03:44 PM
10/01/12 03:44 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,169
PA.
pittsburghracer Offline
"Little"John
pittsburghracer  Offline
"Little"John

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,169
PA.
Keep in mind that the refrigerators cost 1200+ dollars so you may want to check it out too.


1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27

Livin and lovin life one day at a time




Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: FASTFISH420] #1313540
10/01/12 04:33 PM
10/01/12 04:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,946
Windsor ,Ca.
K
Keith Richards Offline
master
Keith Richards  Offline
master
K

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,946
Windsor ,Ca.
Quote:

I plan on getting my car back out next year and have a chance to buy a 28 foot motorhome.it is a gas fuel injected 460.I wanted a short one so it would be alittle easier to tow my 28 foot enclosed trailer.

I have a diesel truck which pulls it fine,but have always wanted a motorhome to stay in at the racetrack.Im not planning on towing very far..farthest would be around 3 1/2 hours away mainly flat ground.

just wanted to know the guys that have switched over if it was a good decision or not? would love to have a diesel pusher but not worth the added money to me and I can get this gas for a decent price..

Thanks guys




Well I still have my Dodge Diesel with 84k on the clock that I plan on keeping but to answer your question We bought a '96 28' Coachman (460 powered)from a friend of ours a few months back and I cannot believe how much better it has made our families racing experience. I highly recommend it, although finding the right rig in the condition that you want can be a challenge. When this one came up we didn't hesitate a minute. If you have any specific questions let me know.

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: Blucuda413] #1313541
10/01/12 05:40 PM
10/01/12 05:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,422
Pittsburgh PA
Eric Offline
top fuel
Eric  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,422
Pittsburgh PA
Quote:

I have a 86 MH that is on a Chevy P30 chassis. No hills in this part of the country and once it's rolling it's fine. There are basically 2 problems. One is wind, a serious cross wind is white knuckle driving. The other is gas mileage, mine gets about 4 to 5 pulling my 20ft enclosed. I only use it for multi day events. For other races we use a friends dually.

The next one I get will be a diesel pusher.




Pretty much the same as what I have...84' Winnie class A 23ft with a 454 on a P30. She is old and Heather says she smells but it is perfect for the track. I've towed 75-80 mph and get horrible milage..(5-6mpg) but there is nothing like having a bed ..shower and sh-per at the track. I'm hoping to get something a bit newer so Heather will go...


5.53 @ 125 1/8th on the launch control..more left in her!

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: Eric] #1313542
10/01/12 07:02 PM
10/01/12 07:02 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,169
PA.
pittsburghracer Offline
"Little"John
pittsburghracer  Offline
"Little"John

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,169
PA.
Quote:

Quote:

I have a 86 MH that is on a Chevy P30 chassis. No hills in this part of the country and once it's rolling it's fine. There are basically 2 problems. One is wind, a serious cross wind is white knuckle driving. The other is gas mileage, mine gets about 4 to 5 pulling my 20ft enclosed. I only use it for multi day events. For other races we use a friends dually.

The next one I get will be a diesel pusher.




Pretty much the same as what I have...84' Winnie class A 23ft with a 454 on a P30. She is old and Heather says she smells but it is perfect for the track. I've towed 75-80 mph and get horrible milage..(5-6mpg) but there is nothing like having a bed ..shower and sh-per at the track. I'm hoping to get something a bit newer so Heather will go...




Eric this is the one I was telling you about at the track. Matt ended up buying it a few weeks ago off Gene Nagy.





Here's the one I bought a few month ago.







1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27

Livin and lovin life one day at a time




Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: pittsburghracer] #1313543
10/01/12 09:06 PM
10/01/12 09:06 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,319
Puyallup, WA
S
StealthWedge67 Offline
master
StealthWedge67  Offline
master
S

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,319
Puyallup, WA
I too have been looking at a motorhome. I like the layout of the C-Class better, with the sleeping space for the kids up top out of the way. What makes the A-class a better tow rig than the C-class layout?


LemonWedge - Street heavy / Strip ready - 11.07 @ 120
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: StealthWedge67] #1313544
10/01/12 09:12 PM
10/01/12 09:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,421
in a chair
mopartony Offline
master
mopartony  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,421
in a chair
Another to thing to think about is a converted school bus. I have one. Flat nosed Blue bird. 8 liter turbo diesel allison auto in it.

10.5 mpg at 65mph. The car and a quad will fit in the back of mine. it sleeps 6. Plenty of room to move around too. Granted it is 45' 4" long but hey... when I am doing doing mine it will have a generator, fridge, air compressor and a few other amenities. If i really wanted I could put a hitch on the back and still tow my trailer with a second car.

Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: StealthWedge67] #1313545
10/01/12 10:14 PM
10/01/12 10:14 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 644
Minnesota
Barnstorm Offline
mopar
Barnstorm  Offline
mopar

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 644
Minnesota
I love my old school 86 Born Free 21ft...full water,4000gen,big potty-shower,kitchen. Full frame and duallys. 460 Ford with my little 600 Holley will get 8-9 mpg. Hard to find

7403140-IMG(Copy).jpg (141 downloads)

The little old lady from Pasadena is back!
Re: Motorhome good or bad idea? [Re: pittsburghracer] #1313546
10/01/12 11:40 PM
10/01/12 11:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,422
Pittsburgh PA
Eric Offline
top fuel
Eric  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,422
Pittsburgh PA
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I have a 86 MH that is on a Chevy P30 chassis. No hills in this part of the country and once it's rolling it's fine. There are basically 2 problems. One is wind, a serious cross wind is white knuckle driving. The other is gas mileage, mine gets about 4 to 5 pulling my 20ft enclosed. I only use it for multi day events. For other races we use a friends dually.

The next one I get will be a diesel pusher.




Pretty much the same as what I have...84' Winnie class A 23ft with a 454 on a P30. She is old and Heather says she smells but it is perfect for the track. I've towed 75-80 mph and get horrible milage..(5-6mpg) but there is nothing like having a bed ..shower and sh-per at the track. I'm hoping to get something a bit newer so Heather will go...




Eric this is the one I was telling you about at the track. Matt ended up buying it a few weeks ago off Gene Nagy.





Here's the one I bought a few month ago.










John...I LOVE your new rig...you ever want out put me on the list


5.53 @ 125 1/8th on the launch control..more left in her!

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