Community Forums

trode · 11-27-2015, 07:29 AM

I am owner of a Gas Class A, National Seabreeze. we are seriously considering upgrading to a newer unit. I struggle with the question of gas vs. diesel. I know there are significant differences in chassis', and that is my biggest issue with gassers (the ride). But, I have concerns about the down time on a diesel. I know from my boating research that "diesels do not like to sit" and if you are going to be an occasional boater, seriously consider gas. Many of the issues that are inherent in boat diesel power I would assume be the same for a MH. Main concerns for me are, long periods of down time (for me 2-3 months sometimes), fuel deterioration issues in storage, maintenance costs, and last but not least price. We do mostly short trips, 100 - 150 miles, with the occasional 500-600 mile trip. If I was preparing to full-time I know the diesel would be a slam dunk for me, but that is several years (and probably one more motorhome) away.

While at it, if anyone know of a nice '07-08 Dolphin for sale let me know.

Thanks

JFNM · 11-27-2015, 07:35 AM

My answer, no. They are two entirely different things and people too often confuse them and attempt make apples to apples comparisons.

Gas vs Diesel RVs - JdFinley.com

Cousin Ed · 11-27-2015, 07:41 AM

We have had 2 gassers and now a DP (all Winnebago). I wouldn't go back to gas, however we average 12,000 miles a year. For your situation I think a DP would be a waste of a lot of money.

puttin · 11-27-2015, 07:43 AM

I'm not sure the part about sitting idle for periods of time would be my greatest concern. Although for most things- sitting along time isn't great either without some occasional exercise. For me the worry is the cost of diesel ownership and the complexity- which can and will cause down time- maybe inconveniently. My gas coach has been so dependable that I'm willing to sacrifice the ride quality for everything else it offers. JMHO.

MSHappyCampers · 11-27-2015, 08:20 AM

I would much prefer an older DP to a new gasser. If it's been well-maintained you usually won't have to worry about high maintenance costs. As for the sitting for two or three months, I would run the engine and the generator for at least 30 minutes every 30 days. There shouldn't be a problem with anything else for 3-month stays. As for routing service costs, I take my DP to Speedco once a year for oil change, lube, and full generator service. The cost is less than $300.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

mhbell · 11-27-2015, 09:04 AM

We have had 8 Motor Homes in the past 40 plus years. 5 gassers, 2 dp"s 1 class c. We down sized a little over a year ago to our present motor home. We love it. The DP's that we had were a waste of money and expensive to maintain. The ride for the DP's we had was not much better to justify the cost. Of course we did not use any of them very much. The nicest riding ones we had were a 95 Dolphin, 98 Tropical, 2002 Pace Arrow. all gassers. The rest all have not so good rides, and all have the ford chassis. There are things that you can do to make the ride better short of buying a diesel. For what little we use a motor home anymore a diesel just is not worth the cost for us. YMMV.
Mel

OLYLEN · 11-27-2015, 09:35 AM

Cost wise the gasser will be cheaper, start and drive once a month with Gen running, use a gas stabilizer. Diesel will be twice as expensive on yearly and about every third year three to four times as expensive. Let the motor sit for months is better than a short warm-up,run the Gen monthly, diesel fuel does not deteriorate over a few months but keep the tank full, less chance of water in fuel and maybe an additive in the fuel to prevent algae. The diesel will haul more, tow more, maybe drive better and have more storage. The gas will have fewer systems to keep abreast of, cheaper, and possibly newer.

LEN

George Schweikle · 11-27-2015, 09:38 AM

Is a DP right for everyone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFNM

My answer, no. They are two entirely different things and people too often confuse them and attempt make apples to apples comparisons.

Gas vs Diesel RVs - JdFinley.com

I agree with the poster, and some of the article in the link. This debate will continue long into the future - kind of like Ford vs. Chevrolet. I always read the entries for entertainment and just to see the different reasons pro and con. While there was a period a while back where people beat their chests and proclaimed bigger is better, and if you don't have a DP, you are a second class citizen, the recent responses are more reasonable.

In the RV world, one size doesn't fit all needs. Some people are very happy with what they have, some aspire to something different, and this may or may not be a DP, or a 5th wheel, or a Toyhauler, or a Super C, or a VW camper van, or a Prevost, or Class A gasser, or.....

Belated happy thanksgiving to all members of this great forum...

1ciderdog · 11-27-2015, 11:23 AM

As far as diesels not being run consider there are numerous farm type and construction that sit for months without being run. I have no idea if they "winterize" those engines.

deandec · 11-27-2015, 11:47 AM

Once you have a Class A motor home, I think it is cheaper to keep it than buy a different rig.

Repair cost is more likely a function of maintenance care and use no matter what the propellant is.

Maintenance cost is a function of complexity and ability to perform DIY.

A simple mechanical diesel under a well built house is my best bet.

TonyMac · 11-27-2015, 12:15 PM

Lemme lay this on you. Darn near every emergency generator I have ever seen, in hospitals, police stations, fire houses, military, etc. is a diesel, few are natural gas, none are gasoline. These things sit for for weeks or months and get exercised avery fewweeks to a month. So, do diesels really hate to sit?? No more so than anything else. Timely maintenance, and high quality fluids and filters, regardless of fuel.