Community Forums

RJEV · 12-24-2007, 05:22 AM

We have sold our truck & 5th wheel and are looking at the Allegro 32, either the FRED or gas. We are also considering the Jayco Senica (diesel) and the Georgetown 32, gas. Our truck was a F250 diesel and we understand the benefits of diesel but with diesel being higher and the initial cost of the unit we are not sure which way to go. Comments would be appreciated espically MPG stats. Thanks.
Robert

RJEV · 12-24-2007, 05:22 AM

We have sold our truck & 5th wheel and are looking at the Allegro 32, either the FRED or gas. We are also considering the Jayco Senica (diesel) and the Georgetown 32, gas. Our truck was a F250 diesel and we understand the benefits of diesel but with diesel being higher and the initial cost of the unit we are not sure which way to go. Comments would be appreciated espically MPG stats. Thanks.
Robert

Route 66 · 12-24-2007, 05:50 AM

RJEV, welcome to iRV2.

So much of the RV lifestyle is personal preference, and we have members with all types of rigs.

I'm sure you will soon see some replies from those with similar rigs to help you with your decision.

Ottawa · 12-24-2007, 11:17 AM

That is an unanswerable question. It all depends. On the weight of the MH. How much mileage you plan to drive. How long you plan to keep it. I have a gas Ford V10 that pulls my 20,000 LB MH at 70+. I travel less than 8,000 miles a year, and I probably will only keep it another 2 or 3 years. To pay an extra $30,000 to $50,000 does not make sense to me.

**NLOVNIT** · 12-24-2007, 11:25 AM

RJEV-

Yes, welcome! Glad you found this site. You'll get lots of help & information from wonderful folks here.

Lots of variables can influence the decision of diesel or gas. Size, carrying capacity, how you plan to use it, how long you intend to keep it, maintenance, & many more. These were some of the factors we used to decide.

We decided on a gass class A mainly because we weren't ready to spend the extra tens of thousands of dollars for a diesel when we both still work & are able to use our coach for just extended weekends & a couple week+ vacations during the year. Although, now with recent innovations on both sides, the price gap between diesel & gas models are closing rapidly.

We're getting around 7-7.5 mpg in our travels, depending on terrain. Closer to the higher number when we're not towing; closer to the lower number when towing.

Best of luck in making your decision. Do a lot of research & take your time. IMO, half the fun is in the shopping.

L-

jojolou · 12-24-2007, 01:03 PM

We went through the same thing recently. We wanted to go bigger than our 31' class C as we winter in Texas for 4 to 5 months. I wanted a diesel, the wife said we can't justify the added expense.

We usually drive south and sit and seldom put more than 6,000 miles a year on our rig. So, we went the gasser route, I seriously doubt we will ever wear this drive train out and the 8.1 pulls our toad like it's not even there. If you can justify the diesel, get it! You only have to answer to yourself and whatever you get (gas or diesel) will serve you just fine.

elgarc · 12-24-2007, 01:07 PM

I'm in the group that says nobody can answer that for you. In my personal case we've been full timing 17 years...all of them in gas rigs. The last rig we were in for 11 years. I did all my own maintenance. When we started out we didn't know how long we would like to be 'homeless'. We know now that neither of us can foresee a time when we want a home without wheels. The gas worked fine for us until this month when we bought a used Allegro Bus. My regret is that I didn't buy one sooner! Not because we weren't comfortable enough, but that now I can carry whatever I can stuff in, and go down the mountains safely with the engine brake, and be generally in more quiet and more comfort. The 150 gal fuel tank is a curse/blessing, but once you leave the station, it's a long time till you need to fill again! Speaking strictly for us, I believe we should have started out like we did in a used gasser, then after a couple years upgraded to the used DP. Best of luck in your decision. Whatever you get, make the most of it and be happy!

Joe-K · 12-25-2007, 04:56 PM

Great timing for your question. Motorhome Magazine jsut did a complete review and road test on the Winnebago Distination built on the Freightliner XC chassis powered by the Cummins ISB 6.7 engine.

At that same time they also had an identical Itasca Latitude coach built on a Workhorse UFO chassis powered by the 8.1 gasoline engine.

The test results were close regarding performance with the gaser being 1.6 seconds (3.4%) faster in a 0-60 mph acceleration run and 1 mph faster climbing a 7% grade, but the diesel was a huge winner in fuel mileage with 10.92 MPG vs 7.57 in the UFO.

The fuel mileage is over 40% better with the Freightliner vs the UFO so if fuel costs are a concern, think hard about the diesel.

Cruzer · 12-26-2007, 06:06 AM

One other common trait with diesels is the higher torque at lower RPM. If it's a race, the gassers hold up well compared to diesels. But, the gasoline engines need to rev up in order to get the horsepower numbers where they need to be. That's fine when you are climbing an extreme grade and the engine is screaming but under normal grades it'll be downshifting a fair amount compared to the FRED, which will just be loping along.

I found that on my 2003 Suncruiser with the 340 HP Vortec 8.1 liter gas engine, loaded and towing at 26,000 lbs I would generally blast away from the toll booths around Chicago and out accelerate any diesel pusher or 18 wheeler up to 60 MPH. By the same token, when I was cruising out west I'd take it out of overdrive and run in 4th gear often because the rolling hills would drag my cruise control speed down and constantly downshift the engine so I could make it up. When I took those same grades with my 2004 Allegro Bus, loaded and towing at 37,000 lbs, the engine just loped along in 6th gear and I rarely needed to downshift.

So, if you are comparing 0-60 times, etc the gasser stacks up well against the diesel. But, in 90% of the driving the lower revs and higher torque of the diesel make for a more enjoyable ride.

george henry · 12-26-2007, 01:40 PM

I totally agree with Cruzer

Keith K · 12-29-2007, 02:25 PM

I'm not sure that the extra cost for the diesel is worth it for a 32' motorhome. At that size and weight, a Workhorse gasser will be more than adequate in power and performance, get good mileage, and save you money on the initial investment.

NYMoose "Lenny" · 01-01-2008, 03:44 AM

Everyone brought up good points. I really think you have to look at your finances, and where you will be using it, and how long you are planning on keeping it.

I bought a used diesled, because it was a good price, and I plan on keeping it for a few years. Milegae wise it does ok, not 10 MPG, but not 4 either. I do like the hill climbing torque it has, but it is hard to get used to compare to my old f350 6.0 diesel. These coaches dont move as fast as the truck, and I knew allot easier when the turbo spooled up. I am still learning allot about my coach, in fact I dont ever think you stop learning. Every coach has a mind of its own!

You can consider a used diesel, it will save you allot, and they compare to the cost of a new gas model!

Good luck with your decision, only you know what's right for you!