Qcampers
Long Beach, California
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Joined: 05/18/2006
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Researching options now on trading in 5th wheel and truck for a class A....what's the benefits/ drawbacks of gas vs diesel...??? I have a gasser truck now and I know the towing capacity is much less than diesel so I am guessing the same applies here. Thanks....
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Leeblev
Pinole, CA
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Joined: 03/26/2004
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A whole lot depends on what you want. I have had a gasser truck and three diesels, one being my present DP. My preference is diesel because it does have more pulling power (torque) and gets better fuel economy. I took a trip to Maine in '08, driving 7800 mi. and towing my Honda on a tow dolly. I was surprised to average over 11 mpg for the entire trip.
Now, maint. is higher. I pay about $275 for engine maint. which includes oil, filter, fluids, hubs, tranny fluids, etc., but I don't have to do that every 3-5000 mi. but more like 10,000 mi.
I have an appointment with Freightliner to adjust the valves and change the two chassis batteries (9 years is considered very good for batteries) which I expect will cost in the neighborhood of $600+. Again, I don't have as frequent maint as I did on the gasser.
Another is tires: I have 22.5s and right now Michelins are around $500 a tire.
I did note that there is more energy in diesel outside of Calif. on my trip. Which means better mileage and performance. Also got better mileage on my Honda after filling up on the trip in NY.
I assume you will get opinions that are great on both sides of the issue and it boils down to what you want.
Oh, I also have airbrakes, which I wouldn't trade for any other kind. I really like braking performance with them and couldn't be happier.
Now, have a good time choosing which way to go!
One more thing. I try to use Flying J when I am on a trip, but if I am in a hurry, being able to fuel at a truck stop is a plus. It only takes a very few minutes to put 70 gallons in that beast at a truck island as opposed to the skinny hose at the RV island. Love it!
Lee
2001 36' Kountry Star DP
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Economical Handyman
S. California
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Joined: 02/19/2004
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DP engine 30' behind the passengers, no noise. Air suspension, exhaust brake and air brakes plus more torque. Only way to go if you do a lot of mountain driving !!!
Read JohnnyT's posting under the Class A on buying a MH.
DeWayne & Judy
04 3810 Dutch Star
ISL 370
Frank's autoformer
01 Sahara Jeep-toad
Blue Ox Aventa II
F 374382
This is not the "GOLDEN-YEARS", it is the "RUSTY-YEARS" !
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Executive
California/Arizona/South Dakota
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Joined: 02/07/2008
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Do NOT drive a DP unless you brought your checkbook....yes, it's THAT good.... ...Two things you get with a DP that are important in my book, is the quiet ride, engine in rear while driving. This allows you to actually talk to one another while under way, and the other is the generator is in front, so if you are sleeping or watching TV in the bedroom, it too is quiet and comfortable. Being a heavier coach on a heavier frame allows you to enjoy the drive instead of having it beat you up. .....JMHO... Dennis
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Executive M-45PBQ Quad Slide
525HP Cummins ISM 6 Spd Allison
Chevy HHR W/ ReadyBrute
Full Timing and Living the Dream
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Kajtek1
CA
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Joined: 12/04/2002
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I am buying diesel exclusively. The only gas engines are in my son's cheap car, pressure washer and weed whackers.
Bad part is that on US market the affordable diesels are not available and they are sold in luxury vehicles only.
Would less than 20 grands an European car making 800 miles on small tank sold here, how many drivers would buy gas commuter?
The 20 mpg Sprinter motorhomes sell well over 100 grands.
Do you know the European prices on them? Would make you flying there and spend a year traveling Europe, than ship it to US still saving money.
* This post was
edited 10/20/09 02:10pm by Kajtek1 *
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Locomotiveman
Willmar, MN
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Joined: 03/07/2005
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Qcampers, FIRSTLY the Diesel will be in the rear. Good. SECONDLY, the excellent torque and possibly up to 500hp will be only gotten with a Diesel. If it's a small RV a cheaper gas would get you by; otherwise it's diesel much beyond 34'. But, Diesel fuel is $higher$ priced. Depends on your budget and length you are looking at. Locomotiveman
Locomotiveman..Yes I am a career cross-country Locomotive Engineer. Wife is an RN. We are CLOSE to retiring and 'downsized' to a Monaco Executive w/450hp Cummins and nice drapes. Locomotiveman
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Clieb
Carlsbad, NM
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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Dynasty40 wrote:Do NOT drive a DP unless you brought your checkbook....yes, it's THAT good.... ...Two things you get with a DP that are important in my book, is the quiet ride, engine in rear while driving. This allows you to actually talk to one another while under way, and the other is the generator is in front, so if you are sleeping or watching TV in the bedroom, it too is quiet and comfortable. Being a heavier coach on a heavier frame allows you to enjoy the drive instead of having it beat you up. .....JMHO... Dennis
This says it all. My only other thing is that I went from a 40' DP that belonged to my parents to a 34' Gas with one slide as a starter that I got a great deal on to the 36' DP with 2 slides I have now.
36' to me is long enough for comfort and short enough to make it easier to get around, I rarely even pull a toad and I use it to launch my boat with no problems. It is easier to park and you can get into a bunch of places that are just too tight for a 40' rig. If you plan on going from Park to Truck Stop to Park then a 40' is great, but I like to sightsee and take the road untraveled. On occasion I even take a dirt road (gasp). A friend has a ranch by Junction Tx. and when he built his house he build me a pad with full hookup for when I visit.
I thought going from a 96 Gas to an 02 DP with one more slide was taking a step up. I found it is taking a major leap for not that much more money. What Dynasty40 said about not being beat up when you get to your destination is chock on. The ride and handling is unbelievable.
An RV'r is someone driving a $300,000.00 Motorhome pulling a $40,000.00 car and looking for a free place to park.
2002 Itasca Horizon 36'
2009 Buick Enclave
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Birddogman
Pennsylvania
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Joined: 08/02/2005
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Quite simply, the only thing “better” about a gasser is that it less costly. A DP with air suspension, air brakes, an exhaust/engine brake, etc, will be so much smoother, quieter, more comfortable and easier/more fun to drive (especially up OR down mountains) that it is in a class of its own. Plus, they are generally better made, with more features, size and carrying capacity. As others have said, don’t drive a DP unless you want to buy one. Having had both, I’ll never go back to a gasser.
All of that said, our gas Class MH fit nicely into our slow progression from backpacking, to family tent camping, to ever nicer TT’s, to small and then larger Class C’s, and finally to Class A’s. The Class A gasser provided good service for some years and taught us what we wanted in our final (I hope!) and best RV.
2008 Winnebago Journey 39z DP
2004 Jeep Liberty toad
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Tom N
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Indiana, PA
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Joined: 07/25/2005
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In many diesel class A motorhomes the extra weight carrying capacity of the diesel chassis is used to actually move the extra weight of the diesel chassis. A bare diesel chassis weighs much more than a bare gas chassis. Stoves, refrigerators, toilets, couches, mattresses, TV,s chairs, tables, windows, etc. weigh the same in a gas or diesel motorhome.
-Tom
Sarver, PA/Crystal River, FL/Indiana, PA · FMCA 335149 · Mystic Knights of the Sea
2005 Suncruiser 38R · W24 chassis, no chassis mods needed · 2003 Honda Civic EX · 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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This is an age old debate. But here it is again. Diesel Pushers will run you 30 to 40 thousand more up front to buy. What you get has been mentioned above. what you will also find are the little things, tile floors, granite counter tops just to start. I drive a gasser, because I feel the money looks better in my wallet. For the five to eight thousand miles I drive a year works out to about ten days behind the wheel. I can live a little engine noise, but to honest I hear more wind noise around the front then engine noise.
Yes every 5K miles I get an oil change, most likely 50 bucks or less at Walmarts. When I need tires I'm looking a $275 or so times 6. not $450.00 or so times 6. Would I like a diesel, yes. Is it justified for some yes, for me No.
It all works out to dollars, or for some it's a status symbol. Good Luck and think with your needs not your ego.
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