Community Forums

lami_55 · 12-25-2011, 04:57 AM

Hi, i have recently start looking into purchasing a motorhome, we are interested in the coachmen encounter because of i'ts floorplan. But i was told and from reading and reserching that it its not as reliable as a isb-xt-360 cummins diesel engine.

HD4Mark · 12-25-2011, 05:42 AM

We have had both. Class C with V10 and now class A with Cummins ISC 350. Fuel economy with the V10 was not good but now days gas is much cheaper than diesel. Good power with the V10 but the diesel is better. Hard to compare the V10 in a 14,000 lb GVW to the diesel in a 32,000 though.

Reliability wise we never had a problem with either. The V10 was new, diesel had 35,000 on it when we purchased it.

A diesel with proper maintenance will last about forever, gas a couple hundred thousand. Keep in mind that everything you do with a diesel will be more expensive. Six quarts of oil compared to 22 for example. I'm not familiar with the coach you are interested in but the diesel may have air ride suspension, a definite plus.

I think you will need to look at how you will use your MH. Long term, lots of miles and amount of use. Full time RVing and high miles kind of thing, go for the diesel. Weekends and short vacations the gas may be a better option.

Good luck and Merry Christmas.

Cat320 · 12-25-2011, 04:48 PM

HD4Mark covered most items.

The one thing that I love about my Cummins is that the entire driving experience is much more relaxing in a diesel. We drive down most roads with the cruise control on and very seldom does it down shift, no sreaming hill climbs at 4,500 RPM, and with the engine in the rear, it's very quiet. If you plan on doing much mountain driving the turbo diesel is the way to go rather than a non turbo gasser which runs out of power the higher you go...BTDT!

bldr11 · 12-25-2011, 05:51 PM

No question, Cummins!!!

Love my ISL 400. Had 8.1 GM on a workhorse, it was ok but milage was bad, noisy when under power. Love the Cummins, all the power and torque when needed and really quiet.

SarahW · 12-27-2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lami_55

Hi, i have recently start looking into purchasing a motorhome, we are interested in the coachmen encounter because of i'ts floorplan. But i was told and from reading and reserching that it its not as reliable as a isb-xt-360 cummins diesel engine.

The gasoline engines are reliable. Depending on your budget, make the choice of floorplan that suits you best. We chose a gasoline powered coach for our first RV because we wanted to buy NEW and didn't want to spend the $$ for a diesel. So far we have no regrets, though admittedly we haven't owned it very long!

RoyM · 12-27-2011, 10:34 AM

We couldn't pass up the deal on our 05 Ram diesel even though it is more than what we need for now. After two years, I could not go back to gas for towing. Yes oil changes are expensive but twice per year won't break the bank. Other than front brakes, we have done nothing beyond regular maintenance. It is my daily driver which gets hard on the wallet for fuel but once on the road all is forgiven.

D in Davie · 12-28-2011, 03:45 PM

I agree with the other folks opinions and I would like to add that service for the Ford V10 is as close as your nearest Ford Dealer and the Cummins engine repair station may be in the nearest adjacent time zone. The gasser will do you well if your trips are east of the Mississippi and you don't need to hear your radio perfectly. Most people I know are choosing to save the $40,000 premium and they are buying a gasser.

Cat320 · 12-28-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D in Davie

Most people I know are choosing to save the $40,000 premium and they are buying a gasser.

Not so in our neck of the woods. We have a number of friends with whom we travel...none have gassers. $40k is not for the diesel, it's for the entire rig. The gasser won't haul nearly as much weight therefore the coaches are much smaller and don't have nearly the amenities the diesels have. Try to find a "luxury" Class A gasser and/or any gasser in the 40' range...very few of either are around...that's what the $40k is for.

**NLOVNIT** · 12-28-2011, 06:39 PM

A lot depends on how much you're going to be on the road. If you're going to be doing a lot of cruising the interstates & backroads, traveling all over the country, you might prefer the air ride comfort the diesel provided. If you're more of a "weekend warrior' with short trips here/there & a couple of extended vacation weeks, then the gasser will do you just fine & save you the maintenance $$ the diesel requires. If the gas vs diesel doesn't matter to you, then go with the floorplan you like best & works for you.

Lori-