We are getting ready to join you Grey Nomads and are about to purchase a motorhome. We are currently looking at 2 Winnebago Explorers 2000 and 2002. One has a V8 diesel and the other is a dual fuel 10 cylinder Ford engine, is anyone aware the of pros and cons of these engines? And any other comments.
Going by the LCOOL site the Chev V8 6.5 or 6.6 L Duromax Turbo diesel is a very popular conversion for Landcruisers. With the Ford engine, is this petrol and LPG or is it LPG and Natural Gas. If it's the latter you may have a problem in some places in Australia with availability.
Personally diesel is my preference for availabilty but I have not travelled anywhere much except the northern half of Aus.
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You don't know what you've got till it's gone so I gave it all away to see what I had.
Welcome Grant, having hired a couple of motorhomes and having a diesel car I would personally go for the full deisel option. There is never any problem getting diesel, where as gas can be a problem in more remote areas. I do not know anything about engines as such, only from personal experience. I would never have another petrol car after having diesel and the MH's I have hired have given me good mileage and never missed a beat.
Just my 2cents worth.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
Without doubt diesel, as already stated it's readily available, if you need to take spare jerry's it's less problematical and there's more chance of fixing it on the side of the road if needs be. Keep your fuel filters changed regularly when out of city areas, and always carry a couple of spare filters when going remote as some of the far flung places have water ingress problems in the storage tanks, get to know how to change fuel filters and what tools you'll need, all will be SWEEEEEEEEEeeeeeet.
Mark
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Mark & Linda
A man who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, but ask no questions and your a fool for life!!
Was about to write the identical post as above....
This time last year we had a petrol / lpg Patrol and loved it.......only problem,, as we were never guaranteed the availability of LPG in the outbacks we had to skip parts of the trip we intended to do..
GO DIESEL.......No question
Cheers & enjoy your new wagon
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The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the most of everything they have.
We have a 2005 Explorer with 6.5 Chevy diesel. Certainly diesel is better than gas or petrol especially if you are travelling in the North of WA. The Chevy is a reliable engine, once the fuel driver is relocated (if it is electronic controlled). Don't let anyone that doesn't know what they are doing touch the transmission. Mine blew up after a routine service because a bit got left out. A $10,000 fix/ new transmission. (still going through courts).
I also had heavier springs put on the front and back which made a huge difference. The coils on the front were the most difficult to get anyone to solve. It is as simple as replacing the 22.5 mm wire coil with 25 mm wire. Put 2 extra leaves in the back.
Thanks to all who have replied. The result is a resounding vote for diesel.
One further question then. Does anyone have suggestions as to the best additive for diesel fuel to prevent waxing in the tank?
Thanks again
Grant
Use additive Diesel Power from Chemtech. It is quite expensive to buy in the usual small bottles. The Driver orders a 5 litre container through Auto Barn or Repco - and that is quite economical. He then decants into a smaller container if we are going on a shorter trip. From this he fills the original usual small bottle, which holds enough for about 3 doses and is convenient to carry where it can be quickly reached at a servo.
We have used that since the 90's. On our (former) Landrover, he added the Diesel Power at every tank fill - sold that vehicle at nearing 350,000kms. No fuel problems ever, and we refuelled in some very remote, small places at times. Now using it in the Coaster.
Yes, I live in my RV full time. Can answer questions for you.
I have a Ford Triton Dual Fuel Winnebago Explorer 2000 model. Made in the USA. Love the gas engine which is smooth to run , but you have to be very aware of where to get Gas in Australia, as not a lot of servos have gas. Thinking outside the box also in regard to places to camp. So far, I love my van and one day know health will force me to stop driving.
At the moment I am sitting in my van waiting for a new radiator hose . It is the last hoses both mechanical and water to be replaced recently, as they perish in the heat.
3 solar panels, 3 batteries, a push button 12 volt awning and sat tv are a few of my improvements.
Ask anything as i have lived in mine for 3years full time and know the problems and most of the solutions. PATIENCE is most important in an owner of a big vehicle.
Older vehicles do need TLC and with an imported vehicle the main problem is available parts, BUT!!!!!!!! Aussies are great inventors and I have been lucky to know some great truck mechanics.
