Diesel or Gas?

[ahicks]

Originally Posted by harleyjt

Do you have data that backs that statement up? I'm not sure I can agree unless you have some objective data to back it up.
jt

I can tell you that the drum brakes on our DP stop with so much more authority than the discs on our gasser that the difference is night and day. I am no longer left wondering if I'm going to get this thing stopped in time every time I need to get on them hard. That said, I will admit the weight of our gasser ready to go was very near the GVWR (typical for many/most gassers). Our DP, ready to go, has quite a bit of reserve - which is not that unusual when considering DP's - which was Sheriffbubba's point.

Common sense would tell you that the brakes are sized to the coach's GVWR. Further, pretty sure engineers take the drum vs. disk brake efficiency factors into account when sizing the brake.

Not here to debate drum vs. disk if playing on a level field (all factors being equal). I'll also admit to the possibility that there are exceptions to what I'm talking about.

[RattVader]

[JFNM]

I completely agree and is the point that I attempt to argue in my post about gas vs diesel. The diesel coach is engineered to carry a huge amount more weight - twice as much or more (in most cases). It doesn't matter what means they use to do it (disc or drum), the fact is it works. My 40' DS (diesel) at 33,000 lbs stops MUCH quicker than my last coach (34' Pace Arrow - gas and disc brakes). It's really sad that it has become a "gas vs. diesel" debate when it really should be a "20k lbs vs 40k lbs" debate. You would never expect a Ford Escort to cost what a Ferrari LeFerrari costs (to purchase or maintain) just like you would not expect them to perform similarly. They are both cars and have four wheels but they are constructed to do entirely different things.

[rvftnewbie]

If cost is a major consideration, as it always is, then buy used. It's surprising to most people that a 40 ft. DP can be bought for under 50K. I bought mine and have been extremely happy with it. It was my first RV and maybe my last but I've been FT since buying it. Be patient and look for the exact one you want. The more you look at ALL DP's in your price range the more confused you become. I wouldn't even consider a gas engine in any MH of size. Diesel engines like the Cummins are the way to go. These older coaches have low miles and all the bells and whistles. Look for one that has been stored indoors and your way ahead of the game. Good Luck!

[dubdub07]

Originally Posted by rvftnewbie

If cost is a major consideration, as it always is, then buy used. It's surprising to most people that a 40 ft. DP can be bought for under 50K. I bought mine and have been extremely happy with it. It was my first RV and maybe my last but I've been FT since buying it. Be patient and look for the exact one you want. The more you look at ALL DP's in your price range the more confused you become. I wouldn't even consider a gas engine in any MH of size. Diesel engines like the Cummins are the way to go. These older coaches have low miles and all the bells and whistles. Look for one that has been stored indoors and your way ahead of the game. Good Luck!

This is such great advice! I have even seen some really high quality 2004 or 05s going for $80 - 100K !!!! That is a great value!!

[Kiwi]

All the above is true. If you are a man or woman of means then consider all the value of riding in a big heavy diesel pusher. If something breaks, just sell some stocks and pony up. If you have some limits to your income then don't be deterred by all the "diesel only way" folderol you read on all these pages. A lot of people have a huge amount of enjoyment driving a gas powered rig. Remember the engine is not the only system to maintain. Buying an old diesel vs a newer gas means that a myriad of the systems have more years on them than you may want. Inverters, Referigerators, Batteries, slide motors, awning motors, older style televisions, suspension parts on the DP air ride system have a huge disproportional replacement cost than Ford springs, old headlight systems, lack of LED lighting (until you change it out)... older microwaves, and on and on... Each person has to decide all the trade offs for themselves. But, when I had my DP, and I was at the highest elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, I saw several gas rigs up there too... If I win the Power Ball, I am going all diesel. Until then, I love and enjoy the simplicity of my gas rig.

[Dan Osborne]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

All the above is true. If you are a man or woman of means then consider all the value of riding in a big heavy diesel pusher. If something breaks, just sell some stocks and pony up. If you have some limits to your income then don't be deterred by all the "diesel only way" folderol you read on all these pages. A lot of people have a huge amount of enjoyment driving a gas powered rig. Remember the engine is not the only system to maintain. Buying an old diesel vs a newer gas means that a myriad of the systems have more years on them than you may want. Inverters, Referigerators, Batteries, slide motors, awning motors, older style televisions, suspension parts on the DP air ride system have a huge disproportional replacement cost than Ford springs, old headlight systems, lack of LED lighting (until you change it out)... older microwaves, and on and on... Each person has to decide all the trade offs for themselves. But, when I had my DP, and I was at the highest elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, I saw several gas rigs up there too... If I win the Power Ball, I am going all diesel. Until then, I love and enjoy the simplicity of my gas rig.

Well said, the other consideration (besides financial) is how much you are going to use your coach. If you are going for 4-5 thousand miles per year then a gas coach will work well. I like the DP, but then again, I do 90% of my own work.

[ladagobago]

I like the silence and stabiliy of the DP. Once drove my cousin's gasser 30 ft winne and it was all over the road when passing or passed by trucks. It was noisy and hot sitting next to the engine. He bought his new for over $100 K and I bought my DP used for under $40K. He has put as much, if not more dollars into his rig than I have. He also has more things go wrong than my MH. Now his 100K rig is 10 years old, still putting money into it and worth less than my 15 year old DP.

[dezolen]

Originally Posted by ladagobago

I like the silence and stabiliy of the DP. Once drove my cousin's gasser 30 ft winne and it was all over the road when passing or passed by trucks. It was noisy and hot sitting next to the engine. He bought his new for over $100 K and I bought my DP used for under $40K. He has put as much, if not more dollars into his rig than I have. He also has more things go wrong than my MH. Now his 100K rig is 10 years old, still putting money into it and worth less than my 15 year old DP.

I once drove my grandfathers 3 on the tree Ford pickup too. It was noisy, slow off the line , apita to shift etc. Did that turn me off pickup trucks? No
When one compares an old gas coach to a well made newer one there is no comparison. Ours is unaffected by passing trucks, very quiet and totally comfortable to drive in. Dash AC is more than adequate to cool the cockpit in 90 degree weather, cheap to service etc.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by ladagobago

I like the silence and stabiliy of the DP. Once drove my cousin's gasser 30 ft winne and it was all over the road when passing or passed by trucks. It was noisy and hot sitting next to the engine. He bought his new for over $100 K and I bought my DP used for under $40K. He has put as much, if not more dollars into his rig than I have. He also has more things go wrong than my MH. Now his 100K rig is 10 years old, still putting money into it and worth less than my 15 year old DP.

In no way would I dispute your comments but ..... those facts are not always the case. My bus is 15 years old. I am not the original owner but according to the records I have and the knowledge of what i have put into it, mine has not been expensive to own at all. Items such as tires, batteries, wipers etc. i don't even count as everyone has to do that type of maintenance. I believe, and it has already been stated, that if you are going full time versus a weekender and an occasional week now and then, a diesel is what you want but if you are the weekender then a gasser is probably the best bet. I do not get beat up when being passed by trucks. My maintenance costs are less that that of a DP and the bottom line is I researched my type of RV'ing and what we have fits our needs perfectly ..... for now.

[NC25T]

Originally Posted by ladagobago

I like the silence and stabiliy of the DP. Once drove my cousin's gasser 30 ft winne and it was all over the road when passing or passed by trucks. It was noisy and hot sitting next to the engine. He bought his new for over $100 K and I bought my DP used for under $40K. He has put as much, if not more dollars into his rig than I have. He also has more things go wrong than my MH. Now his 100K rig is 10 years old, still putting money into it and worth less than my 15 year old DP.

30ft Winnie is a class C correct?

If so yes they are a handful to drive. Hot, noisy, poor ride and the list goes on. Totally different driving experience vs a new mid/upper end class A.

My gas A doesn't get blown around, isn't noisy or hot but yes... Can't maintain speeds up hills.

Yearly oil change if I paid a shop to do it $80 with Mobil 1

X Inlaws I asked a few days ago what their service bills are on their discovery, he stated $600-$700 is where it STARTS -

[TMan59]

Personally , I love these threads. Makes for good entertainment on a rainy day.
Having said that I will add to the entertainment by offering my opinion. I do not offer my opinion as fact, just my opinion.
When we decided to move up to a 40' class a it was short order I knew we wanted a dp.
I have worked my tail off for a lot of years and am convinced, FOR US, the power, air ride and features of a dp far out weighed any additional maintenance cost.
We change the oil every 10,000 miles so comparing oil changes would be 3 to 1 from our gas to the dp.
If some folks are happy with a gasser, I am happy for them.
If other folks are happy with their dp, I completely understand.
If it's your 1st class a it seems most folks start with a gasser because of the price. Then after a while (I could say many but will just say some) , then decide why want something ( I could say better but will just say different) and buy a dp.

[bettertogeth]

We were advised by several folks to "buy your third RV first", so we went straight for a used DP, a 2005 Winnebago Journey 36G... We will be close to full timing and towing 5000 plus, so a gasser would not have cut it. Lots of used DPs out there well under $100k.

[RattVader]