New spin on gasser vs diesel... Input wanted!

[RayAndLin]

My thanks to all of you who have joined this journey with us as we attempt to sift through all the options available to us! Sometimes I sit back and think "too many choices!" We have spent the winter going to shows, visiting dealers, checking ads, reading more forums than you can shake a stick at...

We still haven't made the choice of gas or diesel as I think I have discovered (not new to you, I am sure) a new twist. Soooooo...

If we are going to live in a mh full time, but travel only part time, what would you choose? I have read in multiple places that diesels need to be 'exercised' once a month or so whereas a gasser can be parked for a long time with little to no impact to the mechanics, engine, or transmission. What would happen if we parked a dp for a season without moving per that once a month guideline? Or is that guideline a fallacy?

As before, I am interested in your experiences, fact, opinion, and opinionated facts...

My thanks,

Lindsay

[whem2fish]

Watch out for multiple post can't do it here

[Barbaraok]

No, dieseis don't have to be exercised once a month. Think about it for a minute - all of those tractors, etc., on farms sit 6-9 months a year. After harvest, they shut them down, start them up in the spring, no problem - just make sure the fuel tank is full when you shut down for the stay. We routinely spend 3+ months in Mesa, AZ, never start once we shut down for the stay. In fact, starting and not getting out and DRIVING at least 30 minutes is worse for the vehicle.

If you want to get a gasser, get it. If you want a DP, get it. You don't need to justify your choice based on someone else's arbitrary rationale.

Barb

[Fiesta48]

All depends on how much you want to waste. No budget, get a diesel. My gasser sits for months with no problems.

[Gary RVRoamer]

My gasser sits for months with no problems.

So does my diesel. I don't think there is any material difference in "sit time".

[Selah]

Agree with Barb and nicely said.
Also: If you plan on parking at one spot for long periods of time have you looked at a 5th wheel? Although I don't have one they seem ideal for those that spend several months at one spot or only move two,or three times a year.

[Cypressloser]

I agree with both, only thing I would like to add is if an oil change is due or almost due don't put it off until you remove from storage. The acid that develops in the oil caused by combustion can cause serious damage to the engine when not changed. The worst would be to run the engine for a few minutes and then shut down before it has a chance to thoroughly warm up. This holds true for gas and diesel engines though.
Don't forget that gasoline goes stale very fast if not treated. On a diesel the water separator needs to be drained prior to storage.
Having decades of experience with high horsepower farm equipment, I can say that I would rather deal with diesel than gas.
Just my 2 cents

[terry735001]

humm i would add really a gasser would take longer set times at a lower cost to fix

after any motor sets for some time you get things like water pump and alt.. that go bad

what fuel system takes water setting in the system better

so with a DP if your going to let is set for along time you really need to have a full tank of full to help keep water down

its really the cost to fix so my self i am a gasser

i really like the ufo setup and its a gas pushing and looks just like a DP so thats what i have

and any day you can go on ebay and get a 8.1l hole motor for your RV for 1000 to 1300$ shipped to your door is a + for me

dont get me wrong diesel is a good motor to have when you need it and the motor its self can set for along time .. its just all the small items on the motor that go bad after time and its really about what is the lower cost to fix in my book

if it some thing that is not going to see alot of drive time then get a gas

[mel s]

Originally Posted by RayAndLin

I have read in multiple places that diesels need to be 'exercised' once a month or so whereas a gasser can be parked for a long time with little to no impact to the mechanics, engine, or transmission.
What would happen if we parked a dp for a season without moving per that once a month guideline?
Or is that guideline a fallacy?
As before, I am interested in your experiences, fact, opinion, and opinionated facts.
Lindsay

Lindsay
That's a fallacy.
IMO, and experience, it's not even a "guideline", (it's pure Bull Spit).

My diesel coach sits for months each year, (sometimes while we live in it and sometimes "in storage"), and has for the 14 years I've owned it.
I have never exersized my coach, other than when I drive it to the next town, (or across the country).
BTW, farm machinery, and construction equipment, (both gas and diesel), sit for months on end each year without being exersized.

IMO most coaches, (either gas or diesel) are great coaches to own/drive/camp/live in.
However if you hope to keep one coach for a lot of years, and log a few miles, (like I have), a diesel might be the best choice.

Good luck with your quest.

Mel
'96 Safari, 132k miles, (105 mine, since '01)

[docj]

Originally Posted by RayAndLin

I have read in multiple places that diesels need to be 'exercised' once a month or so whereas a gasser can be parked for a long time with little to no impact to the mechanics, engine, or transmission. What would happen if we parked a dp for a season without moving per that once a month guideline? Or is that guideline a fallacy?

The problem with relying on what you read on these forums is that ignorance often get shared disguised as fact. If you read the actual information sheets from Cummins and CAT about "storage" of their engines you will find that your statement is totally fallacious. They don't have to be "exercised" and are far better off if left cold rather than being turned on for relatively brief periods of time. Unless you are going to bring it up to full operating temperature (which pretty much means driving it for 30-60 minutes) then just leave it off. Ours was off from the beginning of November until the middle of March with no problem whatsoever. Think of how many pieces of farm and construction equipment sit idle for months on end awaiting the next growing or road repair season.

As for gasoline engines, I'll let someone else discuss them, since I don't want this to turn into the usual DP vs gasser rant.

[GaryKD]

Hi RayAndLin,
Me thinks you have the selection criteria a bit upside down. In order of importance consider:
1. Floor plan & coach amenities - for full timing the bigger the better and more amenities the better.
2. Will the coach carry all your stuff and all your people? CCC or NCC depending on manufacturer.
3. Will the coach tow what you want to tow? GCWR minus GVWR. Also the receiver weight rating.

After the above items are met, the decision can be made as complicated as one wants to make it. Notice the chassis and fuel used are not mentioned. For me these items fit whatever coach meets the main criteria. The reason to get a diesel powered coach is to haul more weight. Simple as that. The same with a tag axle. It is there to haul more weight. Get items 1, 2 and 3 set and you will be pleased with whatever fuel the coach uses

[Cousin Ed]

We have had two gassers and now a DP. For traveling the DP is far and away better. When you are parked they are the same. We travel a lot. If we only occasionally traveled and regularly stayed in one spot I would have a 5er.

[RayAndLin]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi RayAndLin,
Me thinks you have the selection criteria a bit upside down. In order of importance consider:
1. Floor plan & coach amenities - for full timing the bigger the better and more amenities the better.
2. Will the coach carry all your stuff and all your people? CCC or NCC depending on manufacturer.
3. Will the coach tow what you want to tow? GCWR minus GVWR. Also the receiver weight rating.

After the above items are met, the decision can be made as complicated as one wants to make it. Notice the chassis and fuel used are not mentioned. For me these items fit whatever coach meets the main criteria. The reason to get a diesel powered coach is to haul more weight. Simple as that. The same with a tag axle. It is there to haul more weight. Get items 1, 2 and 3 set and you will be pleased with whatever fuel the coach uses

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your input! I have been enjoying imagining myself, husband, and puppies living in and driving a variety of coaches- gas and dp- on the flats as well as the mountains and have been slowly filtering out things I don't think I would like in either a short-term or full-time basis. The more I learn, the more questions I have! This last is the result of some other reading I was doing.

My brother (who full-times) would tell me to first consider "the bones, the bones" of whatever we choose with the floor plan last. His wife goes first for the floor plan... 'Tis a puzzlement...

Your list is well received- thanks for the input,

Lindsay

[Tha_Rooster]

If its going to be parked most of the time buy a truck and pull behind save lots of $$$$.