What is a Diesel Pusher?
Recreational vehicles, also known as RVs, are available in a number of different sizes and configurations. While known primarily as RVs in North America, they are also called motor homes and can be subdivided into categories like campervans, truck campers, hybrid trailers, popup campers, and diesel pushers. A diesel pusher is a specific style of motorhome that is powered by a diesel engine mounted in the rear. Diesel pushers are generally type A vehicles, meaning that they have been constructed on either a commercial truck or bus chassis. However, there are also a number of specially designed diesel pushers that are made from a dedicated motor vehicle chassis.
In order to understand where diesel pushers fit in the motorhome hierarchy, it is necessary to understand the different classifications standards that are used in motorhome development. Diesel pushers are a class A motorhome, a classification that includes a bus or truck chassis. Class B motor homes are commonly known as campervans, which are conventional vans that have been fitted with motor home amenities inside. Many class B motor homes feature the addition of a raised roof, and the vast majority are based on smaller commercial vans and other vehicles. Class C motor homes are built with a truck chassis like class A designs, although they have an attached cab section that is usually van based. Many class C motorhomes are based on the popular Ford E450 engine, chassis, and cabs, although Dodge and Chevy models are also popular choices.
Some other classifications of motor homes include truck campers, popup campers, travel trailers, teardrop trailers, hybrid trailers, fifth wheel trailers, park models, toterhomes, and toy haulers. Toterhomes are similar to diesel pushers, as they are also made from a truck chassis. However, diesel pushers are much more common, especially in North America, Australia, and other places with large open spaces. Diesel pushers are a serious motor home alternative, and a great choice for people who want to live in their RV full time or enjoy the comforts of home when they are on the road.