Community Forums

juliel · 08-16-2012, 07:39 PM

I am planning to purchase a Class A motorhome. However, I am not sure whether to go with a diesel pusher or gas engine. I currently drive a Class C gas and usually pull a Jeep Wrangler. I have averaged 8,000 mi/year with my Class C (mostly during summer months). I have heard that diesel engines should be run more often/more miles. I am concerned with getting enough power pulling a larger motorhome and jeep up hills. I would greatly appreciate any input and advice. Thank you.

**CountryFit** · 08-16-2012, 08:19 PM

Julie, This topic has been discussed a zillion times. Please read this thread entirely which is directly related to your question:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/gas-...el-128010.html
Good luck!!

Sky_Boss · 08-16-2012, 08:59 PM

Welcome to IRV2!

As mentioned, do a topic search for gas vs diesel and you will see lots of discussions.

Keep in mind that IMHO, many newer folks think of diesel from a HP & torque perspective. Well, that's all fine and dandy but that is really a side benefit of how DPs are made.

Air suspension, Air brakes, heavier and lower center of gravity for better driving, and several other items. Of course, you get the ability to carry more weight on long lasting chassis.

That is a pretty simple overview from how I see it. Good Luck!

cb1000rider · 08-16-2012, 09:05 PM

I agree.. DP have a torque and mpg advantage, but the real advantage is how they drive and their overall design... (note, I own a Class-A gas)

juliel · 08-17-2012, 08:38 AM

Thank you for your input. I'm new to this site and didn't think about the topic search. Thank you!

RickO · 08-17-2012, 08:49 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum.

As mentioned, you'll find a ton of comparison opinions if you search the topic.

I wouldn't worry about 8000 miles/year being too little driving for a DP. You live out west so the DP would be better in the mountains.

IMHO, the absolute BEST reason to buy a DP is because you WANT one. Any attempt to financially justify a DP... well, they usually don't come down on the side of the DP in terms of dollars and cents.

Best of Luck

Rick

George Schweikle · 08-17-2012, 09:08 AM

As others have said, there has been a lot of debate and discussion over the gas vs. diesel issue. Here's my two cents opinion for your entertainment:

I think an important issue of the gas vs. diesel debate is one that rarely gets any discussion: While there are, and have been, smaller diesel class A's, generally there isn't much direct overlap. That is, it is rare to find a direct option of the very same coach with either a gas or diesel engine. The class A chassis will eventually run out of weight capacity much sooner than a DP, so at some point as a coach grows it must be on a diesel chassis.

Generally, a DP will be bigger, more powerful, have more carrying capacity, have a longer lasting powertrain, might have better appliances and furnishings, and likely to be considerably more expensive.

Depending on your preferences for use, and how much you want to pay, you may find yourself in the "overlap" range of considering either a gas or DP, otherwise you might find yourself buying something bigger than you really want; just to get the diesel chassis.

On the other hand, most people who post here that have gone from gas to diesel claim they would never switch back.

There's no "one fits all" answer. I have a friend with a 40 ft. Prevost coach conversion and a giant stacker trailer, and he absolutely loves it. We tow a race car on an open trailer behind a 29 ft. gasser, and absolutely love it. He is challenged to find room and space wherever he travels, while my wife sometimes says "Chuck could never have done that maneuver".

Quote:

Originally Posted by juliel

I am planning to purchase a Class A motorhome. However, I am not sure whether to go with a diesel pusher or gas engine. I currently drive a Class C gas and usually pull a Jeep Wrangler. I have averaged 8,000 mi/year with my Class C (mostly during summer months). I have heard that diesel engines should be run more often/more miles. I am concerned with getting enough power pulling a larger motorhome and jeep up hills. I would greatly appreciate any input and advice. Thank you.