Just Wondering ?

[DandS]

Hi all - I have been participating on this forum for the past 4 months or so and one fact that is clear is that most posts are made by diesel coach owners. This might be for several reasons - either there are a lot more Newmar diesel owners than gassers, diesel owners are more willing to share their expertise, or diesels as a category have more problems than gassers and more diesel owners gravitate to a forum since their rigs are more complex.

Just wondering: What % diesel vs gas does Newmar sell & do diesel coaches have more inherent problems because or their complexity?

[GaryKD]

Hi DandS,
I do not know about Newmar. Industry wide it is about a 50/50 split between gas & diesel. My thoughts on why diesel owners are posting more than gas owners is the target market of a gas vs a diesel coach owner. Gut feel says, while there are always exceptions, those who purchase gas, by enlarge, are:

• first time RVer's
• may not know about iRV2 and other information sources
• still working (usually both parents)
• kids still at home
• use the coach for short trips, when other activity schedules permit
• have a full schedule and no time for iRV2, etc.
• RVing may be a small part of their lives, not yet a life style
• etc.

["007"]

Dave, I have been here since late 04 and there was more activity of gas owners at that time but DP's have been the growing market since, thus you see all the questions by DP owners, with I tell you they have a more complex machine and fancy do dads.
The simpler life is what gas owners want in most cases and easier maintenance.
Once the brake in period on gasser is complete its easier, the DP's just have more to malfunction so more questions.
There is still a few of us here so do not feel alone we welcome your questions.

[WVCoalminer]

What do FRED owners do???
Don't have the bucks for a DP.
Got our FRED cheaper than we could buy a gas.
5 weeks vacation a year
Still working ( not much longer, I hope)
Not as much time as I would like on iRV2
And very happy we have a Newmar
Having fun with the smilies

[hardy1000]

Perhaps more people live full time in there DP and since most DP owners are retired they have the time to work on them. I find that it is gratifying when you do the work yourself and have saved a few bucks and know that it is done right. When someone posts a modification that they did on there MH we all are interested in what and how they did it.

I went from a gasser to the DP and realize that memories and adventure happen in any RV but, I do enjoy the ride and power even though DP's are more complex.

No matter what you have it is down right fun and the RV community is willing to help one another.

Bottom line is maybe DP owners like doing all of the little things that a diesel requires because we need something to do when we are retired in my humble opnion.

[walkingplow]

Good topic; I'm going to stray a little off topic by asking-- Why do people think that a DP is more complex than a gasser? I'm interested in your thoughts!

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by walkingplow Good topic; I'm going to stray a little off topic by asking-- Why do people think that a DP is more complex than a gasser? I'm interested in your thoughts!

Comming from a gasser it is a whole new experience and perhaps until we get familiar with the differences we think it is more complex. Things like learning the new power band,(wow I like it) exaust brakes, alot of filters, even in the power steering, air dry filter, air brakes etc. Now that I have had my Dip for 2 years and understand the differences it is no longer complex, just down right comfortable, roomy, lots of storage space, not to mention how quite it is or how nice it rides.

Just speaking to a new possible diesel owner what I experienced. Even though I loved my gasser allot, I love my diesel even more.

Bottom line, in my opinion if you like all of the above then go with the diesel. Again, that is just my personal opinion. Good luck, I'm sure you will love either one, and congrats please let us know what you get.

[walkingplow]

Hardy 1000--- Check my sig. line - already own a DP. DP is simple to own and run eg. self adjust brakes, so I'm wondering why people think they are more complex----they aren't

[DandS]

While it may be true that a diesel engine in itself is not more complex than a gas engine, I think the fact most DP's generally have a lot more "bells and whistles" or systems that may be complex and require more mtce./attention such as air systems, keyless entry, auto awning, hydroheating unit, etc., may tip the scales of complexity vs gassers.

While Gary's points are valid and may fit some individuals, it is hard to generalize gasser owners vs diesel owners. I am not a first time RVer, have followed forums for years, am retired, six kids grown and gone, am not full-time but take long trips once or twice a year, have all the time in the world, and embrace the RV lifestyle. Yet, I prefer a gas coach at this time for my own myriad of reasons - I suspect there are many like me.

[walkingplow]

One is not better than the other---they are different--to each his own and enjoy!!!!

[dougburi]

It's a motorhome -- one thing breaks everyday and then there are days where two things break - both gas and diesel. The good news is that most of us like to work on this stuff and usually have all the time in the world to do it.

["007"]

I think the difference between the two chassis has allot to do with economics cost for purchase of DP maybe to much for us gassers and what we do not spend for a DP can be use for the places we like to travel.
Newmar makes a good coach either style to enjoy and either may need fixing at times.
As walkingplow said to each his own just enjoy a great lifestyle.

[Baby Bear]

Having been on both sides of this story, I'd say it's a choice the owner wants. It would also depend on how thick the wallet is as the initial DP cost is more and maintenance is also more expensive. Example: oil change w/filter on a gas can be done for $25.00, Diesel with filters (plural) and in my case 18 qts of oil is in the $100.00 range. Both do it yourself.
Now enter into the comfort factor with a diesel, air ride, less noise, less side movement from air and better braking.
I'm like you Dave, when I first joined this was mainly a gas forum. I still don't know if I would stay with a DP, and we are fulltimers, especially after seeing your gasser!