Gas Engine Class A Motor homes
These motor homes come in a variety of chassis configurations, both Ford and Workhorse and engine options. Most of these are distinguished by a flat nose appearance and the engine is most often located the front, but with the introduction of the Workhorse UFO option, you can now get your 8.1 liter gas engine in the rear.
Years ago several companies experimented with a gas engine option in the rear for a quieter ride, but due to cooling issues and a few problems with potential fire, the concept was shelved and all class A motor homes went with the gas engine up front. Now with the advent of all of the diesel pushers and better cooling technology and fire concerns virtually gone there is now a rear gas engine option. The same 8.1 liter that is available in the front of a Workhorse, only now in the rear.
Rear gas options allow for better storage underneath the coach and a much quieter ride down the road. Front engine motor homes still are the favorite among the entry level priced class A motor homes and they can come with a Ford or Workhorse chassis. Workhorse has now eliminated the old P chassis with front independent suspension that was common for so many years and has replace it with their W series which comes with a straight axle in the front, much like the design of a semi - truck. This suspension can carry weight much better and holds it's wheel alignment specifications better without much regard to exactly how the loads in the coaches change due to day to day living needs.
Although the straight front axle configuration can carry weight better, it does have a tenancy to deliver a slightly harsher ride due to the solid axle connection between the two front wheels and a leaf spring design. There are a multitude of after market products that can and do offer a much smoother ride quality.