Community Forums

GoingPlaces · 03-19-2012, 07:00 PM

Contemplating the purchase of a new RV, We will be travelling extensively out West - Glacier, Zion, Wyoming and Colorado. I've heard from some persons that gasoline RVs have problems sometimes going up steep inclines. One person said they had to unhitch their towed auto to make it up the hill. I was told that diesel pushers have much less, if any, problems with this. RV will be 35-40 feet long. Comments from experienced Rvers are appreciated. Thanks!

Sequim Guy · 03-19-2012, 07:18 PM

My MH is 38' with a tag axle, towing a vehicle on a dolly.
It is a gas 1999 Ford V-10, first year so only 275HP.
We travel only western US and have never dropped below 2nd gear and 25mph on any hill we have found.
My rig will do that all day long, slow but sure.
Can't imagine what kind of rig has to unhook the toad to make it up a hill,
unless they are on some real backroads.
The diesel will pull hills better, they have more power, but cost more money.

.

hawgguy · 03-19-2012, 07:19 PM

Depends on how fast you want to go up the hill. I'll bet a gasser will make it up most as long as the transmission is in the proper gear & the RPM's are in the sweet spot. The diesel, will probably do it a little easier/faster depending on the size of the engine but it will cost more up front as well as maintenance.

JacknKay · 03-19-2012, 07:19 PM

If it's 35ft a gas rig might be okay, but if it's a 40ft, you are talking about at DP. IMHO.

docj · 03-19-2012, 07:32 PM

It's not just the steepness; it's the altitude. A naturally-aspirated gas engine loses ~4% per 1,000 ft of altitude. So at ~5,000 ft (Denver) the power is down around 20%. A turbo-diesel loses about 1% per 1,000 ft. So at 5,000 ft you're down about 5%.

We spent most of the summer at altitudes >5,000 ft; our diesel never noticed.

KIX · 03-19-2012, 07:39 PM

Another factor of diesel vs. gas is the weight of the rig. The heavier the vehicle the better the ride (generally speaking). Diesels have a heavier frame and the rig will be heavier than a comparably sized gas rig. So........for travels in areas defined in the OP my suggestion is for a diesel rig.

new2RVn · 03-19-2012, 07:44 PM

Our V10 gasser has done great in the mtns. of N. Ga, N.C and Tenn. pulling a jeep toad. I've passed a few DP's that seemed to be struggling and been passed by a few that went by me like I was sitting still. The only thing I would say is if it breaks I would rather repair my gasser than a DP. But that is my opinion, and we all know what they say about opinions.

laj · 03-19-2012, 07:56 PM

Not to impose something different but what goes up must come down With a diesel you also have the jake to come down on
I have seen some gassers with fairly warm brakes
Jmho

SteveLevin · 03-19-2012, 08:16 PM

Both gas and diesel will do the job; depending upon the engine/transmission combinations, each will do it at various different speeds.

About the one thing you can be sure of, though, is that in a gas setup you will likely be turning a few rpm going up and coming down hills. And more importantly, that engine is sitting right up front with you. And no matter what you do...it'll be loud.

The diesel may be louder, even, perhaps, except that if it's 35' behind you, you don't notice.

Steve

Vegasdan · 03-19-2012, 08:17 PM

The one more determining factor in hills would be the length of the incline. The longer the uphill grade will tend to make it more difficult to maintain enough speed. A diesel tends to climb longer grades without losing as much speed. Another thing to do is build your speed up before starting the grade if possible, then keeping the engine in the proper RPM range by using the transmission.

UFO Pilot · 03-19-2012, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveLevin

Both gas and diesel will do the job; depending upon the engine/transmission combinations, each will do it at various different speeds.

About the one thing you can be sure of, though, is that in a gas setup you will likely be turning a few rpm going up and coming down hills. And more importantly, that engine is sitting right up front with you. And no matter what you do...it'll be loud.

The diesel may be louder, even, perhaps, except that if it's 35' behind you, you don't notice.

Steve

Not all gas rigs are noisy, mine sure is quiet.

jimmyjnr · 03-19-2012, 09:19 PM

We have a sightseer with chevy 8.1 , we live in CO and travel the i70 west over the mountains , never exceed 2500 rpm equates 45-50 mph. easy up and down .
Yes , a 500hp pusher would be quieter and faster but a gasser is what we can afford .
Don't stretch yourself financially Just enjoy the adventure
Safe travels everyone

Midniteoyl · 03-19-2012, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

Contemplating the purchase of a new RV, We will be travelling extensively out West - Glacier, Zion, Wyoming and Colorado. I've heard from some persons that gasoline RVs have problems sometimes going up steep inclines. One person said they had to unhitch their towed auto to make it up the hill. I was told that diesel pushers have much less, if any, problems with this. RV will be 35-40 feet long. Comments from experienced Rvers are appreciated. Thanks!

For an RV that size AND travel in the West, I'd go Diesel... if you can afford

rvguy02 · 03-20-2012, 07:03 AM

We had a gas rig for 10 years and managed to handle mountains in the east without too much trouble. Our's was on the W-22 chassis (8.1L). It was loud at times and would occasionally red line in steeper sections. My biggest fear was going downhill! It was vital to go into lower gears to keep the brakes from getting too hot.

We finally bit the financial bullet and went for a DP in late 2012. Between the extra power and the jake brake the mountains are a non-issue now. Having said this, we were fine for 10 years in our gas coach. Perhaps the fact that I'm not as young as I used to be and prefer the cushier ride of the DP played into our decision... Bottom line - with a good gas coach you'll be fine. If you can afford it the DP is a smoother, more refined ride. Took us 10 years to afford one.