I am looking to buy my first coach and have found this one. Does anyone who owns this model have any info that would be useful for me to know before I purchase? What are the pros and cons? Would you buy it again? If not, why?

I appreciate any insight you can give.

Betsey

Betsey, we bought a 2004 31DA on a Workhorse W-22 chassis with the 8.1 engine.
We do quite a bit of boondocking, and found it necessary to increase fresh water capacity on our coach. Easily done, just added another tank along side original under bed and connected the two together. I also found the water pump located in the utility bay to be really noisy. It is mounted to the back of the bay wall which is sheet metal, and really amplified (can you say drum) the noise when pump was running. I moved it inside under bed next to water tank.

You didn't mention what chassis you ar looking at. Be aware that there have been some brake issues with Workhorse chassis by some owners. Also an on going problem with instrument cluster that requires frequent replacement. I have had 3 in five years. All in all, I like the size and layout of the coach. Completely useable without having to deploy slides, which comes in handy at times.(Wal-mart) Hope this gives you some insight on your planned purchase. If I can answer any specific questions, feel free to ask.

Dieselclacker

dieselclacker,

Thanks for your response. It has the 8.1L GM Workhorse engine. We are not as familiar with this engine since we have always owned Ford products.

Do you know what mpg can I expect based on your experience?

I appreciate your help.

Betsey

quote:

Originally posted by Betsey:
dieselclacker,

Thanks for your response. It has the 8.1L GM Workhorse engine. We are not as familiar with this engine since we have always owned Ford products.

Do you know what mpg can I expect based on your experience?

I appreciate your help.

Betsey

Betsey, Most owners report between 7 and 8 MPG on the 8.1 Workhorse engine. A lot depends on how heavily loaded, driving conditions, (windy, hilly, stop and go, speed mph, and driving habits. I personally have gotten as high as 9.1 mph on a single fill up, but have also gotten as low as 6.1 mpg. I have kept a lifetime average on our coach, and with 23000 plus miles on the clock, our lifetime average is 7.72 mpg. To get an accurate number, mpg must be averaged over several tanks of gas, as there are just too many variables. Forgot to mention the 15% ethenol blend deminishes mpg also, about 10 to 15% in my case. The above averages for our coach are for the most part while towing our 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara, and going about 57 mph. at 2000 RPM.

Dieselclacker