|
Hi, Dave ...
No matter where you look, the issue of fuel efficiency is one of the big issues with all the "built for full-timing" options. Alfa has gone to the Mercedes-Benz diesel in their See Ya motor home because it is 10 - 20 percent more fuel efficient than either the Cummins or the Cat. The F-450 has a GVWR of 14,500 (which you need with a pin weight in the 3,700 lb - 4,500 lb range) and a GCWR of 33,000 only with the fuel guzzling 4.88 rear axle ratio. Unfortunately, that is the GCWR you need if you are going to haul a 5er in the 17,000 - 18,000 GVWR range. If you go to the 4.30 axle ratio, the GCWR drops to 29,000 lbs and the capacity to tow the big 5er with the big pin weight (while staying within the weight ratings of the truck) disappears. (Note: see below. This calculation is incorrect.)
Traveling extensively as a full-timer, in a "built for full-time" rig, is not an inexpensive lifestyle.
Bill
|