07-11-2009, 08:05 PM
w&bknockeAdvice from the pro's
Hi to all: I need to find out if it is me or just a bad buying experience. I bought a 2004 Trek 30' on a Ford chassis.I never could get the rig to drive worth 2 cents ( in my opinion), and finally have been able to get rid of it. I did drive a Safari diesel pusher and it handled much better even though it was 36' and older. My question is is it the gas and spring chassis that is bad or is it me. The Guy who bought my Trek said it drove "like most do". I just never felt like it stayed in between the lines well.Should I look to a DP or give up the motor home idea completely.
Thanks for any comments
Wayne
07-11-2009, 08:11 PM
bill hquote:
Originally posted by w&bknocke:
Should I look to a DP or give up the motor home idea completely.
Thanks for any comments
Wayne
Most DPs drive and ride better. Pay more, get more. I have never heard of anyone who went back to a gasser for reasons of ride or handling.
However, before you give up on gassers, you should test drive a couple of the recent Workhorse W models.
07-11-2009, 09:19 PM
Jim and TereI've got an old P32 chassis with a 28' Barth Regal on it. It's a stretched 195" wheelbase and even tho my front springs need replaced, it drives like it's on rails. I drove it from Arizona to North Carolina mostly with one hand. A couple of RV mechanics who have driven it can't believe how well it handles. I, too, had a Trek, but mine was on a P32 chassis with a stupid solid front axle and a short wheel base. It was awful. So, it all depends on what you've got, and in my experience it sure helps to have a long wheel base and a short overhang. Although Rusty has a Breakaway on a short wheel base that does well, but his is a diesel pusher. Don't give up on motor homes. Just do the research.
07-11-2009, 11:16 PM
Shadow manBuy a Barth? And at the risk of being banned from the board

, if you don't buy a Barth, then buy a bus.

07-11-2009, 11:20 PM
Jeff & JoyOurs rides like a dream!
It handles wonderfully, BTW it is a 1977 P32 34' with a tag axle

Glad I got a Barth!!!
07-11-2009, 11:26 PM
RustyAs Jim and Tere mentioned, my Breakaway with its stubby wheelbase is a pleasure to drive - and with all leaf springs and a solid front axle. Many times on Interstates, I do nothing to the steering wheel for a mile or more. Semis going by only give me a nudge.
It seems to me the P30/32 chassis can be made to behave. The only thing that puzzles me is GM's decision to have the front wheel track the same as the rear inside; most motorhomes on other chasses have the front wheels tracked with the outside rear.
Actually with RV prices in the tank, a DP doesn't command the price premium it did a couple of years ago. Although I bought mine because as a recovering marine engineer, I love diesels for the simplicity, the open access I have to the rear engine room is a real plus.
Rusty
"StaRV II"'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP
Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers
Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke
It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields
07-12-2009, 07:03 AM
lenny and judyHOW CAN ANY ENGINEER EVER RECOVER .I AM A DIE CAST DIEMAKER .I will all ways love the trade a mater of fact I built my shop next to my house so I COULD PLAY.
LENNY
07-12-2009, 08:26 AM
Jim and TereHey, Lenny, you could make a die for the Barth logo that's on the front and rear of our Barth's, hook up with a die caster and plater, and sell us brand new Barth nameplates!! Got to have something to do in your 'Golden' years!

07-12-2009, 09:08 AM
Bill N.Y.quote:
Originally posted by Jim and Tere:
Hey, Lenny, you could make a die for the Barth logo that's on the front and rear of our Barth's, hook up with a die caster and plater, and sell us brand new Barth nameplates!!
Sounds good to me!
