Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > MOTORHOME FORUMS > Class A Motorhome Discussions
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-08-2018, 12:52 PM   #29
Senior Member
 
ArgoPilot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 195
I might just be lucky, but maintenance on my 23 year old Navigator has been almost nothing thus far...and I tend toward the anal side as far as Preventive Maintenance, Checks, and Services (PMCS) goes.

Either International or Kenworth can do the Spartan chassis service. For filters, oil, and lube, I've done it twice since last October (when I bought it). Both times it was under $200. My genset had a filter and fluids change at my hand, for under $40.

As far as fuel, if my math is correct, we seem to be getting around 9-12 mpg combined. Since petrol (gasoline) is $2.70/gal and diesel is $3.15/gal around here, we're getting ALMOST the same punch per penny as our 2000 Tahoe...hauling around almost FIVE TIMES the mass. We've actually been using the motorhome for longer grocery and other shopping trips, since there's not much around our house until you get around the Caldwell/Nampa/Boise area. Winterizing? Tires getting a flat spot from sitting? Don't make me laugh.

A lot of your concern is going to be assuaged by ONE, doing your homework on new and used coaches, TWO, seeing a few with a competent mechanical rascal in tow, and THREE, driving a bona fide GOOD coach to see how everything should feel. I can tell you it was unbelievably awesome that I drive buses for a living--I was able to ascertain whether the chassis aspect of the Argo was any good, or if it was an automatic 'walk off the lot' deal.

Don't be scared off by stories of second mortgages and the like for an oil change...do your due diligence, remember that new and shiny is NOT synonymous with reliable or high quality, and you should do just fine.

Good luck!
__________________
Home sweet home...wherever we roam!
1994 HR NAVIGATOR 38WB
Rechristened 'The Argo'
ArgoPilot is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 03-08-2018, 01:17 PM   #30
Senior Member
 
Forkyfork's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,975
Quote:
Originally Posted by nothermark View Post
It certainly runs up the cost over a gas chassis. That is why I keep pointing folks with shallow pockets at a gasser instead of an older diesel.


My mech on my gasser is a diesel coach mech primarily. We talked about the expenses because I had originally looked at diesel coaches. After taking about our travel habits and the fact that we still work full time and cant get away on long vacations very often we would be better served by a gas coach.

FWIW to have him go through the new coach mechanically, the suspension and drive train, change the engine oil and generator oil and air filters check all the fluids it was $350. He told me that wouldn't even get an oil change on a diesel. I don't remember what he told me it would run to do all the maintenance and checks on a diesel but it was enough to cause me to go

A replacement workhorse 8.1 engine is under $5K plus installation and other bits and pieces but you get the idea.

And don't forget the cost of DEF on a newer rig.

I have a casual work friend that lets his diesel sit. Costs him $1400 every time he gets it out of the mothballs. I didn't get into what was involved but I know from experience gas rigs are more tolerant of that. You cant let a diesel sit unused for months without paying for it.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Adventurer 38R
Proud Navy Mom
Forkyfork is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2018, 03:35 PM   #31
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: N.E. Florida
Posts: 1,397
Quote:
Originally Posted by Forkyfork View Post


My mech on my gasser is a diesel coach mech primarily. We talked about the expenses because I had originally looked at diesel coaches. After taking about our travel habits and the fact that we still work full time and cant get away on long vacations very often we would be better served by a gas coach.

FWIW to have him go through the new coach mechanically, the suspension and drive train, change the engine oil and generator oil and air filters check all the fluids it was $350. He told me that wouldn't even get an oil change on a diesel. I don't remember what he told me it would run to do all the maintenance and checks on a diesel but it was enough to cause me to go

A replacement workhorse 8.1 engine is under $5K plus installation and other bits and pieces but you get the idea.

And don't forget the cost of DEF on a newer rig.

I have a casual work friend that lets his diesel sit. Costs him $1400 every time he gets it out of the mothballs. I didn't get into what was involved but I know from experience gas rigs are more tolerant of that. You cant let a diesel sit unused for months without paying for it.
Diesel farm equipment sits for many months...no ill effect.

Shelf life for diesel is quite long....gasoline not so much!
__________________
DaveS
1998 American Eagle 40EVS
FormerBoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2018, 06:40 PM   #32
Senior Member
 
Forkyfork's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 1,975
Quote:
Originally Posted by FormerBoater View Post
Diesel farm equipment sits for many months...no ill effect.

Shelf life for diesel is quite long....gasoline not so much!
Not so much about the fuel.
__________________
2004 Winnebago Adventurer 38R
Proud Navy Mom
Forkyfork is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2018, 06:46 PM   #33
Senior Member
 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Satsop WA
Posts: 1,619
This is getting SNL type funny !
Carry on.....
__________________
2007 Alpine Limited SE
TMan59 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2018, 07:31 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,951
Bought my used Class A Diesel last Feb in Phoenix. Went on the road for the summer and got back to Phoenix in Oct. Took the RV to Massey Diesel in Phoenix for annual service, oil change etc. Cost was $850 including the generator service. Spent another $195 on the Aqua Hot annual service. Then my transfer switch went out and cost me $575. Next the 3 Aqua Hot pumps went and cost me $975. Next the batteries would not hold a charge. Replaced all 6 at $300 apiece plus $200 for labor = $2000. Now I’m replacing my cracked windshield costing me my $1000 deductible. Haven’t even got to replacing the tires in the near future
__________________
2015 Itasca Ellipse 42QD
2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock
2011 Harley Davidson CVO Street Glide
TXTiger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-08-2018, 07:47 PM   #35
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ & Plover, WI
Posts: 6,403
Quote:
Originally Posted by TXTiger View Post
Bought my used Class A Diesel last Feb in Phoenix. Went on the road for the summer and got back to Phoenix in Oct. Took the RV to Massey Diesel in Phoenix for annual service, oil change etc. Cost was $850 including the generator service. Spent another $195 on the Aqua Hot annual service. Then my transfer switch went out and cost me $575. Next the 3 Aqua Hot pumps went and cost me $975. Next the batteries would not hold a charge. Replaced all 6 at $300 apiece plus $200 for labor = $2000. Now I’m replacing my cracked windshield costing me my $1000 deductible. Haven’t even got to replacing the tires in the near future
They took you to the cleaners on the engine and generator service. The most I've paid for complete engine, generator with all wet filters and lube service was under $500. That's the difference between the big shops in a big city vs a competent qualified shop in a rural area.
__________________
2006 Monaco Executive 44 Denali
2013 43 QGP Allegro Bus ( SOLD )
2013 Avalanche
Crasher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 04:39 AM   #36
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,026
Quote:
Originally Posted by TXTiger View Post
Bought my used Class A Diesel last Feb in Phoenix. Went on the road for the summer and got back to Phoenix in Oct. Took the RV to Massey Diesel in Phoenix for annual service, oil change etc. Cost was $850 including the generator service. Spent another $195 on the Aqua Hot annual service. Then my transfer switch went out and cost me $575. Next the 3 Aqua Hot pumps went and cost me $975. Next the batteries would not hold a charge. Replaced all 6 at $300 apiece plus $200 for labor = $2000. Now I’m replacing my cracked windshield costing me my $1000 deductible. Haven’t even got to replacing the tires in the near future
Transfer switch, batteries, windshield and tires are not diesel specific issues. Many DP's do not have Aqua Hot systems. The more gizmos and convenience features on any coach, gas or diesel, the greater the likelihood of a costly malfunction.
RVPioneer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 05:34 AM   #37
Senior Member
 
CampDaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 16,706
Blog Entries: 1
Pros and Cons:

Had gas and diesel. Loved em both.
And I’m spoiled, so diesel, air ride, and huge storage won me over.
The difference twixed the two is chump change if they are treated good.
Happy trails
__________________
Dave and Nola, RVM1
The Journey is Our Destination!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
https://davenola.blogspot.com/
CampDaven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 07:46 AM   #38
Senior Member
 
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 184
2010 43’ Allegro Bus. I budget $4000 annual for maintenance
__________________
Thanks, George

2010 Allegro Bus 43QRP
glsponchos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 08:43 AM   #39
Senior Member
 
Gordon Dewald's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 14,885
I liken it to comparing a 900 sq foot house and a 1600 sq foot house. Invariably the larger house will cost more for maintenance, repairs and upkeep.

Which house fits your needs and wants the best? Which can you afford or justify?
__________________
Gordon and Janet
Tour 42QD/InTech Stacker
Gordon Dewald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 08:47 AM   #40
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ & Plover, WI
Posts: 6,403
Quote:
Originally Posted by glsponchos View Post
2010 43’ Allegro Bus. I budget $4000 annual for maintenance
Just curious. We have a 2013 Bus and our annual cost is below $1000. I should actually add $800 annually for the replacement of tires every 7 years, but still short of $4000. Are you including fuel??
__________________
2006 Monaco Executive 44 Denali
2013 43 QGP Allegro Bus ( SOLD )
2013 Avalanche
Crasher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 12:37 PM   #41
Senior Member
 
ArgoPilot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oregon
Posts: 195
Quote:
Originally Posted by Crasher View Post
Just curious. We have a 2013 Bus and our annual cost is below $1000. I should actually add $800 annually for the replacement of tires every 7 years, but still short of $4000. Are you including fuel??
Yeah, I'm wondering what all folks are including in their 'scary sticker shock' figures.
__________________
Home sweet home...wherever we roam!
1994 HR NAVIGATOR 38WB
Rechristened 'The Argo'
ArgoPilot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2018, 01:00 PM   #42
Senior Member
 
jimmy braden's Avatar
 
Texas Boomers Club
Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: What? Like right now? ;-)
Posts: 1,302
Spent a total of 1100 in repairs for my ISC (just hoses really). And about 600 in maint. Nothing else.
Just runs.
Put 7K miles on it since purchase. Avg about 9mpg.
__________________
2003 Scepter 40PDBB - Roadmaster RR8S - Cummins ISC350 - purch aug16
jimmy braden is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
diesel, class a



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Which is less expensive to maintain? Class A or C? trevize1138 Class A Motorhome Discussions 5 07-09-2014 08:22 PM
Solar Panel to Maintain/Charge Battery golden RV Systems & Appliances 13 12-20-2011 04:37 PM
Is it possible to maintain like new condition paint? IMPULSE DRIVEN iRV2.com General Discussion 22 07-22-2011 10:18 AM
How do you maintain a rubber roof? first5thwheel 5th Wheel Discussion 21 07-21-2011 03:31 PM
Best Way to Maintain Charge on Coach Batteries? TrailerFool Winnebago Industries Owner's Forum 8 05-24-2011 10:21 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.