Community Forums

vettenuts · 08-09-2015, 07:28 AM

We were where you are last year and decided to purchase a well maintained Newmar gas coach on the Workhorse W24 chassis. I was very familiar with the engine and it had the Allison transmission. We are very happy with our decision and some day maybe we will go to a DP but this coach serves us very well and frees up cash to pay for our travel. There are definite advantages to a DP but we didn't feel the extra cost was justified based on our planned usage and budget.

DMTTRANSPORT · 08-09-2015, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Our ISX engine has 45,000 miles on it. So far it's had three turbo's and two top end jobs. That's something over $60,000 in repairs, some of which was paid by Cummins under warranty. We ended up paying $22,000 for this last one but we're the second owners of the RV too.
Normally a diesel is very dependable but a few engine types are not. The ISB, ISC, ISL and newer ISX's are. The 2007 -2009 ISX's are problematic, especially the 650 HP version.

ISX are notorious for eating Turbos, (emissions) &...don't shut the Coach off when doing short stops...hot n cold is the Turbos worst enemy.

Pa Miller · 08-09-2015, 09:13 AM

agree with DMTTRANSPORT

2400 Degree Exhaust Gas Temperature Gauge

nothermark · 08-09-2015, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agood01

95% of all commercial trucks in the US are Diesel. Doesn't that say something about the reliability and power of the diesel engine?
Remember nobody starts a thread that says just came back from a trip out west and my well maintained Diesel ran without a hitch. The only posts you see are the horror stories. Consider the number of horror stories you read compared to the number of DP's on the road and you'll see that they are a very, very small percentage. I own a 2002 Holiday Rambler 40 ft Diesel Pusher and wouldn't trade it for anything. Well unless a newer bigger DP rig with more slides came to me at a really good price, Always looking.

Not really a valid comparison. An over the road truck can be expected to do around 3500 miles a week. Twice that for a team vehicle. For most MH's that is a half year.

flaggship1 · 08-09-2015, 11:01 AM

The best defense is a good offense, diesel or gas. Preventative maintence, annual service, scheduled maintenence by time or milage, visual inspection, etc.

Take care of it, it will take care of you.

Spizzer · 08-09-2015, 10:52 PM

You have had a lot of replies and a wealth of opinions and experiences to absorb. Not sure what I can add, but we were going through the same process two years ago. We ended up getting a 2007 Journey with 30,000 miles on it in October of 2013. We now have over 47,000 on it. We've had it on both coasts and a lot in between. Trivial issues with the coach, and no problems with the chassis. Couldn't be happier with the coach. We love traveling in it, and driving it is a joy. This my first diesel in any vehicle, and was a bit scared of it at first, like you. However, I'm now a convert and would be hard pressed to consider going to a gasser.

Good luck in your decision.

Jeff

Mr_D · 08-09-2015, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coma

Any Motorhome gas or diesel, new or old can bring you a multiple thousand dollar repair. Don't kid your self. You need to plan for that so it doesn't upset the financial applecart.

Let your choice of amenities drive your MH purchase. If you like Aqua Hot and Air leveling, I don't know of a single gas MH that has them. If they aren't on your radar then pick a MH that works for you. That MH has an engine that will move it up and down the road just fine. The whole gas/diesel thing is mostly a red herring for a new owner. Do a fluid analysis to make sure and avoid obvious problems, maintenance records can give some insight into condition also.

If it makes you rest easy get a warranty, although, in 42 years of owning vehicles I've never had a repair that cost more than the warranty.

Look at them all, make your own decision and enjoy the search!

Fluid analysis will not catch some problems like our dropped valve! Had an oil analysis 2,600 miles before the engine went. I know of an '08 CC Magna that the owner spent $20,000 at Cummins getting it running. 20 miles later it threw a rod through the case. Some $44,000 later (yep, over $64,000) in repairs and Cummins refused to cover any of it even though they just had it in the shop!

Retiredblade · 08-10-2015, 06:13 AM

One thing about RV's, weather gassers or diesels, their all money pits! I like mine but one is always putting money into it, voluntary or not. One will never recoup what one puts into it. I put in a new Kenwood radio this spring $581. Made a computer desk and installed it, Walnut wood sure is expensive. Hope my refer never goes out. I'll have to put in a resident one in, along with a pure sine wave inverter/converter. Changing of oils and filters, tires, etc Money Pit! Just less money my kids are going to get at my demise!!

Coma · 08-10-2015, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Fluid analysis will not catch some problems like our dropped valve! Had an oil analysis 2,600 miles before the engine went. I know of an '08 CC Magna that the owner spent $20,000 at Cummins getting it running. 20 miles later it threw a rod through the case. Some $44,000 later (yep, over $64,000) in repairs and Cummins refused to cover any of it even though they just had it in the shop!

I assume that was also an ISX 650? Sounds like one to avoid, for sure.