Advantages of diesel over gas........

[stepside454]

The repair costs are a huge concern with me with diesels . I’ve seen some of them , I couldn’t afford it .
A friends Cat powered rig dropped 2 valves early this summer , just now getting it back over 30,000.00 later .

[dmatt13]

Thanks for the honest replies. I'm certainly not looking for answers that just make me feel better. I've never driven a diesel anything, but you can read hundreds of posts about how someone would never drive anything else, etc. Not sure those are much help. However, this post has received many thoughtful, candid responses and it is much appreciated.

I didn't know what type of MPG to expect so had no idea if there was a significant difference that alone would justify diesel over gas. In that aspect alone, as stated, looks like it wouldn't be a justification.

Also didn't know that most diesels came with airbags, etc and had a better all around ride. I assume that is due to the freightliner chassis over the ford.

Also hadn't thought about the noise, as the only thing I've had was a 31' Class C on the E-450 chassis. Yup, she tended to scream on the hills, but it didn't bother me. I guess you don't know what you're missing (or not hearing) until you drive something else.

As for our intended use, upon retirement this will be our mode of travel for weeks at a time all over this Country. Thus, I see that the overall ride experience will be something to consider. As for the difference in price between the two, money will be a consideration, but not a deal breaker.

But, the overall cost of upkeep and repairs is a valid concern that I haven't considered. Will have to figure that into the budget equations.

Now to find a dealer that will let me test ride.......

[Kro1957]

I have read all the posts on this thread and a lot of them on previous threads with many of the same conclusions.

There is no doubt owning a DP is more costly IMO. However, I try and defray most of that by doing my own maintenance. Oil changes, filters, Tranny, Grease, and hope to get into one of those Freightliner owners class/teaching on hands some day.

I have a CDL and still drive professionally with a variety of buses both gas and diesel.

For our personal use and in our budget, we own a Diesel and we are the 2nd owners at that.

There are some nice coaches out there that are gas, however when it comes to the added features like POWER, TOWING, LONGEVITY, those are the top 3 imo.

Air Ride, Air Brakes, Quiet, Smooth, Better Gas Mileage, I know when we were in mountains recently, I sure did appreciate that power and air brakes but then again I use Air Brakes all the time anyway

The next question many ask is if I should get a tag axle. They are nice to have and add to the nice ride and stability but then again I drive buses both with one and without one. In our DP we do not have a tag and still have a very comfortable ride however if we have a very strong cross wind, you can tell a difference driving with a tag and without one. I only drive at about 62-63 mph for optimum mileage with our coach. When I drive the big MCI's, Vanhool's, Setra's I push it 75 to make the time since it's not my fuel I am burning. And then the tag axle is nice to have on those high wind days. She tracks like a dream.

[CountryB]

Diesels get better fuel mileage than gas engine. That’s why all the european cars are diesel now.
As far as cost to repair - compairing a four cylinder diesel to same size gas (think BMW sedan) the costs are about the same
If your thinking costs for a big 12L diesel engine then of course it will bemuch higher as the parts cost more ( these are heavier/bigger/stronger parts)

[edge68474]

I like a fresh start on an old subject. It's more up to date.

[Dav L]

If budget is of issue, go gas. If longevity, large RV and deluxe are the want, and budget is less of an issue, go diesel.
Since deluxe is packaged with a diesel, then that sets the mode.
Diesel fuel is more expensive per gallon and they might get a little better economy for the same size rig, but the rigs are almost never the same size / weight to compare.

[Winemaker2]

My only add is to crunch the budget numbers before a test drive.
Don't test a DP unless you are serious and it fits your needs and budget... otherwise you may just frustrate yourself.
I love my DP but survived very happily for many yrs and a couple gas MHs.

[Waiter21]

Advantages of DP over Gasser:

DPs, generally start becoming available around 35 ft. 35 - 37 ft seems to be the general crossover point when the different chassis are used in a build.

• Generally, Coach build quality will be better. However, The same high build quality can also be found on high end gassers.
• I believe the fuel cost per mile will be similar.
• Quieter, but again, high end gasser is very quite
• Ride, handling will be superior.
• Higher tow capacity.
• Turbo charge - power availability at high altitudes.
• Generally, chassis durability will be better.

Advantages of gasser over DP

• Significantly lower maintenance cost.
• Maintenance parts commonly available.
• Significantly lower initial cost.
• Lower fuel cost, but fuel cost per mile will be similar to DP.

Once you've pulled into your parking space , there are no differences..

[Mr.Mark]

Keep in mind that most diesel coaches after 2007 will have the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) where the emission system will 'regenerate' to burn off the collected particulate matter.

Starting in 2010, diesel engines are equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) that will require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to be added to a separate tank.

Our coach has a 230 gallon diesel fuel tank with a 16 gallon DEF tank. Th DEF system allows the coach to have virtually no fumes. Our coach exhausts out the roof.

Good luck on your search!
Mark

[Crasher]

I wonder how many people who have gone from gas to diesel have switched back to gas and what the reason was. I suspect it is a small percentage. A DP costs more in every category, no doubt about it. So one has to assume the rewards in comfort and enjoyment are worth the difference in cost. It was for us.

[Hit_the_Rhod]

Pretty much everything I can think of has been covered already, but I'll add this one.

Although for the most part I am in the boat of "once you park, diesel or gas are pretty much the same, there is one (for me anyway) glaring exception:

A diesel coach GENERALLY has a diesel fueled generator. Some coaches (both gas and diesel) have propane gennys. Personally I'd stay away from those.

I REALLY like the larger fuel tanks with diesel rigs, and I LOVE diesel generators, so if boondocking, or running the air conditioners while going down the road, or using the generator a LOT, or at max capacity, nothing beats a diesel generator. The Onan generators are generally built for about 20,000 hours of use with proper maintenance.

Gasoline generators, from my personal experience, tend to be more finicky, have more fuel related issues, etc. IMHO they are more suited for occasional use.

Just another thought to consider. Good luck with your choice!

[sinterior]

Originally Posted by Massparanoia

Use the search. This has been beaten to death in numerous threads.

I beg to differ,
The latest changes to the gas/diesel evolution has changed so much the last 5 or so years that a discussion is very valid.


Times and progress do change.

[Finance]

Test drives. Nothing said here can replace that. And drive a cross section of quality to get a good feel. Just as a gas will drive differently than diesel, a Tiffin will drive differently from a cheaper brand on the same platform. Not all builders spec out the gas chassis to the same capacity, and the same is true of diesels.

You will find dealers eager to offer test drives to serious buyers. Tire kickers not so much.

[MoCoTom]