Are diesels Better

[SpaceNorman]

For us the decision was simple. We wanted a coach that we'd feel comfortable living in for months on end. That requirement quickly pointed us toward the larger end of the coach spectrum. Once we started looking at "larger coaches" - the math of associated carrying capacity took over. The more living space - the larger the coach - and the less available carrying capacity.

For what we were looking for - a diesel pusher was really the only practical option. We ultimately ended up going with a 44 coach with a tag axle - lots of living space, all the amenities of home - and a placard stating that the Coach's Occupant and cargo Carrying Capacity is 6,776 lbs.

[TonyDi]

It's a question of size. Shorter (lighter) MHs can do well with gas. However once you go over about 38' the diesel is a must. You never see a bus with gas engines. Diesel is more than engine power. It's a combination that includes air brakes, air suspension, and quiet when driving. (Except for a FRED).

[Hordok]

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Many of these threads on the forums. It usually degenerates into owners defending their choice. It's really about how much weight you need to move in order to RV in the way you wish. Current gas chassis are maxed out at 24-26,000. The lightest diesel start there and go up to around 50,000 pounds.

We are full timers with 9 years on the road in the same coach. We weigh 42,000 pounds so my choice is made. If a gas chassis provides the RV life you lead then it's a fine choice.

Well put Steve!

It's a personal choice.

[valland]

Most comment say If you like it stick with it. I agree, I got the answer , ask the question wrong. Our V10- Dutch Star is 34 or 36 feet 1 slide, If I move up in size when will I have to go to a Diesel? I know 40 feet with 4 slides and a toad is not going to be good, Were is the limit?

[Sweetbriar]

Subjective question with no correct answer. For us the driving factor to stay with our gas coach is how much we use it. Maybe 50 nights a year and traveling about 5 to 6000 miles doing so. My gas coach fits our wants, needs and budget so I really don't have a reason to move up to a DP. I will say the walls do seem to start closing in around day 10 of our two week summer vacations so when the day comes that we can spend more time on the road traveling further away from home base I'll give much more serious consideration to a DP.

The longest gas coach I've seen was around 38-39'. My preference is if I go longer than 36' go DP but find a coach built on a chassis with an Allison 3000 transmission to gain full use of the chassis weight capabilities. A 36' Tiffin Phaeton is a good example.

[slowmachine]

Originally Posted by valland

Most comment say If you like it stick with it. I agree, I got the answer , ask the question wrong. Our V10- Dutch Star is 34 or 36 feet 1 slide, If I move up in size when will I have to go to a Diesel? I know 40 feet with 4 slides and a toad is not going to be good, Were is the limit?

From my point of view, the limited cargo and towing capacity of the larger gas rigs is the reason to consider a diesel. If I can't tow a CR-V with a reasonable cargo load and full tanks, it's a no-go.

[RSchleder]

It's all a mater of personal preference. I've owned 3 diesel pushers and would own nothing else if I were driving a Class A. However, that's me, not you! We liked the ride, power, quietness, quality, size, etc of the diesel pushers. Now, they have some disadvantages primarily higher maintenance costs. Oil changes, filters, tires, etc are more expensive than a gas HM. It boils down to what do you and your partner want?

[MRUSA14]

The question really should be stated: is a diesel better for me. For some it is and for some it is not. On some level they are definately better, otherwise why would people pay the extra money to have one? But according to your needs and your budget, a diesel may or may not be better for you.

If you want a big coach and can afford it, there is no doubt in my mind that a diesel is better, much better. But if you want a smaller coach, or your budget won't handle the extra costs, a good gasser will serve your needs very well.

[hammer55]

I would like one some day because of the stability and ride, what is the best way when storing it for the winter, do you go and start it and let it run for a period of time each month ?, asking what it the procedure

[nothermark]

FWIW - I am in the camp of what is best depends on what the user wants to do and how they want to use it. That said there are some fairly silly comments worth addressing.

The simple answer about big gas pushers is that it costs a lot of money to qualify an engine for on highway usage. That indicates a much larger demand than the total large motor home market. Most large trucks are in daily service with significant daily milage. That is where the diesel is the better choice. That also puts them in some kind of routine maintenance setup where the cost of tools and technicians is not a big deal. The remainder of the big engine market is too small to be worth somebody like Ford or GM to go through the hoops to get an engine qualified for on road use in the US. In short there is no supply whether or not there is a demand. The motor home manufacturers are a hostage of the heavy duty truck industry.

There is a place where diesel and gas engines compete on a more or less level playing field. The small coaches under ~25 ft. There the gas engine out sells the diesel because overall it performs better on a cost per mile basis. Diesels get better milage but cost significantly more up front.

All the rest of the excuses have nothing to do with the fuel the engine uses. It's a matter of the level of add on features.

Cost more does not equal better. If anything it is an indicator of deeper pockets or a willingness to empty pockets.

Just my free observation worth what you paid for it. ;-)

[tmw188]

It's all about what you can afford for us not just purchase price but the other major expenses down down the road, how much you will use it, how far you will travel throughout the yr. can you do maintenance and some repairs yourself. I would have maybe rather had a diesel but for my budget and my use the gas was better for me. I paid $128,000 less than it sold for new for my ten yr. old motorhome with 21,600 miles on it and it seems new to us iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[docj]

Originally Posted by hammer55

I would like one some day because of the stability and ride, what is the best way when storing it for the winter, do you go and start it and let it run for a period of time each month ?, asking what it the procedure

Both Cummins and CAT recommend that their engines are better off being left alone rather than having them started and run for short periods of time. The general recommendation is to bring them up to full operating temperature if they are run at all which pretty much means taking them out on the road for 30 minutes or more. Think about how many pieces of farm and construction equipment sit idle for months at a time with no ill effects.

For the past 4 winters mine has stayed off for 4-5 months and has started just fine in March. I add a couple of ounces of algaecide before shutting it down and I always run it for a while after adding it to make sure it has been thoroughly mixed with the fuel.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by valland

We own a, 2001 Newmar Dutch Star V 10 Ford Gas It's is a great Machine it works well nothing is a problem it's easy to maintain, The Newmar quality is better than any vehicle I have ever owned. So Why would I trade? Here"s the question ! are diesel that much better? We tow a jeep Wrangler Dutch Star gets about 9.5 gas miles per gallon with or without toad.

Well certainly they're better and in so many ways, but one must consider the cost and what it costs to maintain over the years.
Sounds like you're more than happy with what you have, so why spend the big bucks for something else? Then again, maybe you shouldn't be looking too hard or taking one out for a test drive, either.
Just last year, I absolutely refused to test drive a 40E 06 FW Revolution 1 1/2 bath LE and no use to be test driving, until you're ready to buy, otherwise, you'll be wanting it, just for the sake of it and for no other good reason. However, I've always liked these units on a Spartan chassis and built on the American platform. With so many of these that I've looked at, the previous owners, must not have needed them all that much either, with 27K to 39K showing on the odometer.

[Hammer bird]

We knew we were going to do a lot of mountain driving. So a DP was our only consideration.