Diesels break down more & longer periods than Gassers?

[WyoFree]

I've been lurking around the forum for awhile now and something hit me today that I hadn't really thought about before. Its seems when I read about a problem with a coach, especially those where they keep a coach in the shop for weeks and sometimes months. It's almost always a diesel, why is that?

You read stories that just break your heart where folks leave on a trip and "Bang-Zoom" the coach breaks down. And stories where the folks have had their coach in the garage longer than they've been able to use the coach! It seems it takes forever to get the coach worked on and fixed.

I can hardly remember the last time I've read something like this about a gasser? Why is that? You still have to deal with the shop, get approval from the coach/chassis company etc.

Why is it diesel pushers are the ones you hear about most of the time?

[Mr_D]

Most diesel shops give preference to trucks. They're earning a living, most RV'ers are not.

[jjSpeedwagon]

Why don't you let the gas- diesel comparison go !

[Pa Miller]

[gemert]

Originally Posted by WyoFree

I've been lurking around the forum for awhile now and something hit me today that I hadn't really thought about before. Its seems when I read about a problem with a coach, especially those where they keep a coach in the shop for weeks and sometimes months. It's almost always a diesel, why is that?

You read stories that just break your heart where folks leave on a trip and "Bang-Zoom" the coach breaks down. And stories where the folks have had their coach in the garage longer than they've been able to use the coach! It seems it takes forever to get the coach worked on and fixed.

Why is it diesel pushers are the ones you hear about most of the time?

Wild a.. guess I would say that there are a lot of older diesel coaches on the road longer than typical gasser. Parts become harder to get for older rigs. For chassis work, almost any mechanic set up for cars and light trucks can get info and parts in order to fix a gasser. Diesel chassis are sometimes unique to that coach. Although the parts are generally common with other coaches and trucks they are not always as easy to identify and get. Again, I'm no kind of expert and the above is just a guess. Still worth it to drive a DP.

[smlranger]

Mr. D is right. For example, even Cummins Coach Care centers still service OTR trucks, fire trucks and other vehicles with Cummins engines. While we might not like it, it is easy for them to focus more on the commercial vehicle. Perhaps the exception is when folks are traveling in their coach and are stranded at the shop.

Another issue, I believe, is the relative reluctance of many diesel shops to work on DP's. Engine access for things other than pretty routine maintenance is not always easy. Rear radiator rigs are a bit of a PITA. For some repairs, the mechanic must access the top of the engine from the coach floor.

[Indy54]

Originally Posted by jjSpeedwagon

Why don't you let the gas- diesel comparison go !

X2.

[WyoFree]

Originally Posted by jjSpeedwagon

Why don't you let the gas- diesel comparison go !

JJ, I don't let it go because I'm trying to understand! And maybe I'm more curious than I need to be but buying my first coach is a big thing to me. And I've never been one to just wing it!

I've decided to buy a Newmar Ventana LE, but I still want to know that I know that I know. My only chance at that is by asking questions. I apologize to anyone who finds it tedious!

Thanks that makes a lot of sense Glen.

[Pa Miller]

Maybe you should buy a older Foretravel like this one its a proven rig .. 2006 Foretravel PHENIX, Nacogdoches TX - - RVtrader.com

[WyoFree]

Nice coach Pa Miller for sure and Foretravel is a dandy! We decided to go the new direction but there are some very nice used coaches out there.

I'm just trying to fined out if there is some inheriant reason why you don't hear "my gasser has been in the shop for a month" like you do about diesels?

Oh well, I guess some things have no answer!

[Pa Miller]

Some of the rig's in shops are in for minor things also some companies that sale diesel pusher don't even service them, so they are send out to shops.. Worry about a breakdown won't prevent one .. Do the PM's on your rig and they will do what they are designed to do.... Lemons come from the factory in all shapes and sizes .. Good Luck with your new rig !!

[budwilson]

Originally Posted by WyoFree

JJ, I don't let it go because I'm trying to understand! And maybe I'm more curious than I need to be but buying my first coach is a big thing to me. And I've never been one to just wing it!

I've decided to buy a Newmar Ventana LE, but I still want to know that I know that I know. My only chance at that is by asking questions. I apologize to anyone who finds it tedious!

Thanks that makes a lot of sense Glen.

Wyo you don't have to apologize to anyone. This forum is to ask questions and get relevant answers. Keep asking questions.

[Gdawgs]

My observation on this site and from personal experience is that most shop time has nothing to do with the engine type but rather all the poorly installed systems, slides, sky lights, paint, plumbing, apliances etc.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by WyoFree

I've decided to buy a Newmar Ventana LE, but I still want to know that I know that I know. My only chance at that is by asking questions. I apologize to anyone who finds it tedious!

Dude! You are committed and will have a very fine rig. Hop on the Rainbow and enjoy the ride!


Dave and Nola, RV Mutants