Community Forums

dmatt13 · 09-21-2018, 10:08 PM

For purposes of my question, lets assume I'm comparing a 32' gasser to a 32' diesel. I know the diesel with have more torque and HP, but other than that, are there significant advantages to the diesel? Will the gas mileage be that much better in a Class A diesel over the Big V-10? Thanks

Old-Biscuit · 09-21-2018, 10:21 PM

GO drive one of each version and report back with your opinion/choice

same weight class MH
V10----6.5-7 mpg
Diesel--9-9.5 mpg

AN RV is neither fuel efficient nor aerodynamic in design.....just a rectangle box on wheels. (just so many ways to turn a box)

So choose the one that works for YOU

Arch Hoagland · 09-21-2018, 10:30 PM

Diesels usually have larger fuel tanks...longer between fillups.

Diesels have really good engine braking going down mountains, not very much with gas.

Longer time between oil changes with diesel.

Diesels will usually be capable of pulling larger toads.

Better ride has been mentioned.

TXTiger · 09-21-2018, 10:32 PM

A Diesel motor will last longer too

iluvuk · 09-21-2018, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmatt13

For purposes of my question, lets assume I'm comparing a 32' gasser to a 32' diesel. I know the diesel with have more torque and HP, but other than that, are there significant advantages to the diesel? Will the gas mileage be that much better in a Class A diesel over the Big V-10? Thanks

I have owned both V10 and Diesel (DP). I think there are advantages to each. I prefer to never have anything but Diesel from now on if that tells you anything. I agree with what others have said already. I get about 10mpg sometimes more with my DP. I got about 7.5mpg with V10. the DP will have a better suspension and air ride and with the engine in the back it is a dream to drive and quiet! Drive them both and decide what you want. The DP will be at least twice as much money as an equivalent Gas model. You need to decide if that is worth it to you. From a dollar standpoint, you will never save enough on diesel fuel economy to make up for the up front cost of a DP. Diesel is a very nice luxury to have but it is not really economical when you figure the up front cost and maintenance costs. Buy what you like and enjoy. That is what matters; not what we think or like.

JohnBoyToo · 09-21-2018, 11:17 PM

There's pros and cons to both, but in an RV ...
A front engine gas motorhome will be VERY loud when the engine is straining to get up hills...
whereas a rear engine diesel won't be heard....

keger · 09-21-2018, 11:57 PM

Don't forget about the cost for fuel, diesel can cost upwards of$0.50 a gallon more and maintenance costs are much higher. It might be a toss up regarding getting a diesel mechanic vs a gas mechanic I have seen gas repair stations everywhere not so much for diesel. If repair is required diesel will always be higher. If you plan on towing heavy loads you can't do better than a diesel, and if your intention is to keep the diesel for 500k miles or more again go for diesel. But as stated before drive both then decide but think how you plan on using the MH. If your going to use it like a summer home then probably go with gas. A diesel pusher generally will have more complex systems on board so be prepared to deal with them or pay someone to fix them. In the end which ever way you decide by all means enjoy and have a great time. It's your baby. Good luck.

Massparanoia · 09-22-2018, 02:56 PM

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

Crasher · 09-22-2018, 03:16 PM

If you use the motorhome for weekend camping along with a couple weeks on the road each year driving less than 4,000 miles per year, a good gas coach will serve your needs well with the least investment and cost to maintain. Once you are at your destination, the RV experience is pretty much the same in either type. The gasser could do a good job traveling 6-7,000 miles per year too, but wouldn't be as comfortable on the road. We travel 10,000 miles a year sometimes towing a 9,000# trailer. There is not a gas coach made that could do that. IMO if you travel for extended times covering 6-10,000 miles a year, the DP would be a more comfortable choice especially if you need the towing/hauling capacity. Less than that and there is a good argument supporting either choice.

tmw188 · 09-22-2018, 06:39 PM

These replies were very good honest and unbiased. Much better than some I’ve seen in the past.

777 Driver · 09-22-2018, 06:49 PM

There are other considerations beyond a simple horsepower/torque/fuel economy/cost per gallon comparison in the diesel vs. gas motorhome.

Frequently, the diesel motorhome includes what many consider to be valuable other benefits: airbag suspension system, air brakes, exhaust brake to name a few.

Take care,
Stu

desertdd · 09-22-2018, 07:10 PM

Like other have said this subject has beat to death many times. I have never owned anything but a DP and sometimes wondered if the difference was much difference. But just talked to a fellow who had a nice Winnebago gas with a V10 and just traded it for a Bounder diesel. According to him there is no comparison to the ride, noise, and handling. Just sharing and it made me feel better.

Fred and Bonnie · 09-22-2018, 07:18 PM

To us, the coach is more important than the chassis. If I wanted to travel many miles each day, I would use a car or minivan.

Fred

Russ Potteng · 09-22-2018, 10:02 PM

Where you're at and how often you use it as a consideration also.

I half a dozen trips a year within 200 miles of your sticks and bricks gas coach might make more Financial sense.

If you're on the West Coast like I am surrounded by mountains pulling a toad on long trips needing more storage capacity, a DP is looking good.