We are looking to get back into a motorhome

[ronnii]

We are looking to get back into a motorhome. We have had units in the past(last being 33' Holiday Rambler--1985--. We sold it and got a Lance 11' camper on a chev. 1 ton dually about 7 years ago to travel the Baja. We are now ready to get back into a moterhome. Am contemplating gas versus diesel and can't make up my mind. I (at least) can work on gas a little but know nothing about diesel.

Also want to go used, low milage if gas maybe 25,000/30000, I am told diesel will outlast gas many times over but am also told maintaining diesel is very expensive and if needed, mechanic labor and parts are VERY expensive versus gas.

Have found diesel units around 10 years old with low miles(around 60/70,000 miles) with very reasonable prices(units with 1 slide) little more with 2 slides 36 to 38'.


Either gas or diesel is there specific things I should be aware of as far as faults go. I have seen a number of workhorse units and also ford v-10. Anything to look out for with these or info one verses the other. Sorry for asking so many (maybe silly questions) but could use all the good advice out there.

[SRT]

Several things come to mind. Right now and for the forseeable future diesel is running about 50¢ a gallon more than gasoline. If you only take a few trips a year a gas motor home will be cheaper to run (even if you change oil, etc. several times a year - remember a diesel takes gallons of oil). If you take a lot of trips of different lengths a year a diesel can be cheaper maintenance-wise. Plus I can buy a lot of gasoline when it is 50¢ a gallon cheaper than diesel.

[ronnii]

Thanks, in our area right now diesel is around 75 to 80 cents higher than gas. I actually am thinking after all the info I have recieved gas will be better for me so it is just between chev and ford.

[historyljc]

Ronnii, if you're going, find the floorplan that works for you. It will have either a Ford or Chevy chassis under it. Either should serve you well. Don't pick a chassis then find you have a floorplan that you can't live with.

[vincee]

Ronnii, I too will be looking to upgrade my 2000 gas Allegro this coming spring. Right now because my wife and I are still a few years away from retire and decision to full time, the gas makes more economic sense. Most of our travels are weekends, some long, and one, perhaps two major trips a season. When time permits for us to consider cross country trips or the dream to many RV'ers trip, Alaska, then we would look to make our next upgrade to diesel. I have zero problems with my Ford V10 towing wife's RAV4 on a dolly from western New York and trips to Maine and throughout the northeast. Have not driven the Chevy large V8, though I'm told the chassis ride is much better. Good Luck in your search.

[Tha_Rooster]

This topic has been talked about a lot but not quit as much as walmart. My personal opinion is I have owned 2 gassers ford and chevy nothing wrong with either one. I look at DP's like a MB's,BMW's, JAGs yes the cost more to own. But from a ride stand point there is no comparison from my gassers to my revolution.

[Bruce C]

I have gone from diesel to gas [cost] but I can only say read, read, read. You and only you will know what fits what you want in the end. Everyone's need is different. Good Luck in your choice.
__________________ -
Bruce & Nancy and Sasha Rescued Siberian Husky
2004 Bounder 35e
US Navy Vet.

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce C You and only you will know what fits what you want in the end. Everyone's need is different. Good Luck in your choice.

^^This. We have not owned a diesel, but love our Ford V10 Bounder and it suits us fine. I also agree that the FLOORPLAN should be your primary consideration. The layout of the living space, kitchen, storage, etc. is very, very important. Good luck!