gas or diesel

[garycz]

Guys
getting closer to some road trips to actually touch a MH. First time for us. Zeroed in on Newmar, cant justify new shinney, so used shiney will do. Looking at 2005 Mountain aire gas 3778 WH chassis and 2005 Dutch star 3810 Spartan with cat, also for S+G looked(on line) at new unsold 2008 kountry star Freightliner and cummins, too much dinero for first time around! So, after looking on work horse forum i got concerned about engine failure as well as unkind thoughts about WH. I am guessing mileage will be about equal, 6-8 for each. The Dutch star is a bit more $, but being that age is in my range. I currently have a Chevy with duramax, and 3 diesel kubotas, so i lean towards diesel in general. I cant really figure out how Newmar sets up the pecking order for their units, but i guess it doesnt matter as long as the floor plans work for us. So what is the concensus out there?
Gary in cooperstown ny

[srydve]

My vote is for the diesel, I believe you will get better mileage, as well as better usable torque especially for towing and hill climbing.

[Saber77]

You could probably write a book to discuss either option. I've had two motorhomes, both diesel -- a Monaco with a CAT engine and my current 2009 Newmar Ventana with the 350 Cummins. Both run like a top. Diesels cost more, but if you keep clean fuel in them and change the oil, they will run forever. That's why over-the-road trucks and buses are all diesels--reduced maintenance and operating costs. I average 8-10 mpg and yes, diesel fuel costs more, but the diesel will just run and run. I've driven my motorhomes from coast to coast several times and over mountain passes as high as 11,000 feet without any problems. Gas MHs will accelerate faster, but diesels will lug better because they produce more torque. You can't hardly go wrong with a good used diesel Newmar--just make sure it has been maintained properly.

[figallegro]

Gary;
The 2005 Mountain Aire has a W-24 chassis and were not part of the brake recall and I believe the W-24 has had less problems. We bought a 2005 Mountain Aire 3783 last year over a diesel mainly due to the higher cost of diesel fuel and higher maintenance cost of a diesel. We have been very happy with the gas model.

[JMonroe]

Any 'Gas vs Diesel' post usually ends up being about a zillion replies and opinions, all of which are worth exactly what you paid for them.

IF your choices are down to the two you describe, no contest. Go with the Dutch Star. Unlike most who ask for a pro-con compariison, you're very familier with diesel operation and, thus, one of the major stress points is gone. I suspect you really didn't have to be told how much more durable the diesel will be.

We got a diesel, (but for us it isn't our first rig) for our 'retirement' rig as I never want to stress over the miles we may put on it, or worry if that mountain pass ahead will be too much for it, not to mention the additional cargo carrying capacity.

Good luck.

[benge1]

Look @ a Mod 3778 - 2004 sitting in Florida

["007"]

Welcome Gary to the Newmar forum & irv2.
I'm a gas man myself and its allot easier to maintain and gas prices are a consideration.
The W-24 is not on recall as my 3740 is and the 3778 floor plan has been around for a long time I had one back in 99.
2005 DS 3810
2005 Gas MA 3778
Which ever it is here is some PDI lists.

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe Any 'Gas vs Diesel' post usually ends up being about a zillion replies and opinions, all of which are worth exactly what you paid for them. IF your choices are down to the two you describe, no contest.

IMO your statement definitely falls into the category you described.

Bottom line, both gas and diesel have advantages and disadvantages....it's up to the individual to figure out what's best for themselves. I prefer gas rigs for my own reasons, but if diesel is your preference, go for it. The real issue is if it's a Newmar you won't be disappointed

[gary caskey]

Welcome Gary go with the diesel

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by garycz ...The Dutch star is a bit more $, but being that age is in my range. I currently have a Chevy with duramax, and 3 diesel kubotas, so i lean towards diesel in general. I cant really figure out how Newmar sets up the pecking order for their units, but i guess it doesnt matter as long as the floor plans work for us. So what is the concensus out there? Gary in cooperstown ny

I just spent twice what I'd planned, have diesel pushing me down the road, am happy with the choice. Newmar has gotten kudos, over and over, on this site.

[dajudge]

Diesel fuel=$3.49 gal. Gas $2.95. Diesel 300k mile overhaul mileage. Chevy 8.1 300k mi overaul mileage. ????????????????????????????????????
Diesel oil change $200. Gas oil change $50.
It's all accordance with what you are comfortable with.

[puttin]

No maint. is a gas!

[Floridakamper]

I'm a gas guy also. My reasoning was that I am more familiar with the maintenance on a gas coach, the price of fuel is less even with the slight difference in milage and the initial cost was less. I've got a 2006 Kountry Star, 3778. The blown engine on the Workhorse forum is a rear engine UFO I believe.

[wardy]

Many of us have had both, and they are hard to compare. A gasser is so much cheaper in almost every way. I loved my Dolphin 5342 when it was parked. But when it was windy it was not fun at all. If you peruse this site you will see LOT'S of add-on's for gas coaches to help with stability. For me at least my diesel is a pleasure in every way... except cost. In my case at least it's worth it. Good luck & regardless enjoy!