Air bags vs Leaf Springs - Turbo vs NA - Dirt Roads

[bubblerboy64]

I've been thinkin about Jim's intended use and having owned travel
trailers and a 5th wheel I think he would be better off with a pickup
truck and a toy hauler of some type, or perhaps at truck (bed) camper
and the trailer he already has. These would likely do the job better
for any Class A motorhome. A toterhome built on some type of 4 wheel
drive chassis would be the nuts. I don't know of anything like that
that out there. Like Gardner suggested getting a BB into a tight
situation could be real interesting. I've had a 4 wheel drive truck
stuck with a 5th wheel on the back and I do not want to ever have to
experience similar with the "Bird"
John Heckman
central Pa
1973 FC




wrote:
>
>
> Jim,
> The shear weight of an FC will get you into trouble in any soft
> ground. If you intend to go down a narrow dirt road I would jump on
a
> 4-wheeler and scope it out thoroughly first. And with a heavy
trailer
> like that I don't know how you are going to get turned around to
get
> back out?
>
> Gardner
> 83FC35
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "barneja4" <barneja4@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi --
> >
> > k - I think I have read way too much to be able to make a good
> > decision now, but wanted to ask a direct question.
> >
> > Goal - have something that can pull my 24ft trailer with 4 4
> wheelers
> > and 3 motorcycles (7500#). I would prefer to go into the back
> > country a bit (ie, down some dirt roads). Once I get there I
would
> > prefer to stay in the back country for a week or more (no hook-
ups
> > and enough H2O to keep my wife happily showered after riding
around
> > on her 4 wheeler).
> >
> > So, the questions - first, I have been told that I want leaf
> springs
> > as opposed to air bags if I am to spend any time on dirt roads
> > (something about the dirt getting into the compressors). Is this
> > true? Same goes for the type of Wanderlodge - I hear you want
the
> FC
> > so the engine is up front; thus, won't feel the effects of the
dust
> > as much. ???
> >
> > Second, I have seen all the debate on turbo vs na. On the one
hand
> > it seems to make sense that if it isn't there it won't break
down -
> > but on the other hand the argument that if you are at 190hp usage
> it
> > is 190 usage whether you are na or turbo. Anyone have any
numbers
> or
> > real experience with both and have an opinion? The whole 35mph
> over
> > a mountain pass is okay with me as long as I can go 65-70 on the
> > flats.
> >
> > Third - towing. I hear of folks pulling 16 foot cargo trailers
and
> > their toads - but am I going to be okay in a FC w/ a 3208 na
> pulling
> > a 7500# trailer? (Not to mention the whole narrow dirt road with
a
> > 31-35' coach and then having another 30' of trailer behind me.
Not
> > too many national parks will like the idea of me pulling into
camp.
> >
> > Thank you . . .
> >
> > Jim
> >
>