The large, multi-slide motorhome market has historically been the domain of the
diesel-pusher. It’s not that diesel power is necessarily the overwhelming choice of
high-end coach owners, but that diesel chassis have been the only viable option for
carrying more than 11 tons down the highway. That’s all changed. The newest gasoline Class
A chassis, the Workhorse W24, is designed for the ever-growing weight of living space and
amenities — aimed squarely at those buyers who want a diesel-pusher-like interior without
the diesel-pusher expense. Workhorse anticipates that there are plenty of coach enthusiasts
less interested in ultimate grade-climbing power or high-mileage durability — at nominal
altitudes, these latest-generation gas coaches match many similar-size pushers for speed
and economy — than the sheer luxury a larger chassis affords, without the diesel’s
$50,000-$100,000 price premium. Apparently, they are not alone: No fewer than 12 coach
manufacturers are expected to be building on the W24 in 2005. We gathered three examples —
from Gulf Stream, National and Newmar — to see how the new chassis works, and how it’s
being put to use. For full details on our Coach Corral, pick up the January 2005 issue of
MotorHome magazine on the newsstand — then subscribe to MotorHome so you can
stay informed on the latest motorhome tests and previews, products and technical
information, and travel info.
Coach Corral
Originally Published in MotorHome Magazine
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