Community Forums

Bumps · 02-23-2014, 10:32 AM

Diesels:
GENERALLY more weight carrying capacity
GENERALLY more storage capacity
GENERALLY more towing capacity
GENERALLY higher MPG when considering the increased carrying/towing capacity
GENERALLY much more comfortable to drive by not fighting crosswinds, general road wind, less back and forth rocking (boat wobble) and overall much smoother ride quality.
I use "GENERALLY" because there are exceptions!

I would add to this generalization (unless you have a rear-engine gasser):
-GENERALLY more quiet
-GENERALLY smaller turning radius

And I wouldn't under-emphasize:
-GENERALLY more weight carrying capacity (Everybody has to deal with these limits, so you might as well give yourself as much tolerance here as you can).

\ken

Bumps · 02-23-2014, 10:33 AM

Forgot to "Quote" 94-Newmar in my post. \ken

ahicks · 02-23-2014, 10:34 AM

Steve,
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there's quite a difference between a "Jake" brake and an exhaust brake. Night and day difference actually? Also, if this "spring back" effect referred to in your link were as true as implied, why the huge difference in starter batteries/motors required one vs. the other? Why is it that people need to be able to switch their Jake or exhaust brakes off?

Just out of curiosity, have you driven a DP?

Scarab0088 · 02-23-2014, 11:37 AM

Yes, I have driven a DP and everything from small Diesels in Asia to large multi-fuel trucks in the military...but let's avoid making this personal.

I do not knock the awesome power and performance of big Diesels. Was just pointing out that a gas engine will engine brake without any additional equipment. A Diesel just won't do that - that's basic Auto Shop 101.

The reason to be able to shut off the exhaust or jake brakes is obvious...they cause the engine to NOT run

Safe travels

Mekanic · 02-23-2014, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

I think the way I have heard it best stated, is that the costs diesel vs gas are a "wash". Yes the diesel holds more quarts of oil, but then it can go more miles between changes vs gas. Diesels generally get better mpg, so that savings has to be factored in as well. The engine brakes on big diesels work so well, that brake pads generally last longer than on gas units.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevieG

While diesels do better most of the time, the cost for diesel at the pump is substantially higher... In my area of NY, the cost difference between unleaded regular and diesel can be as much as 70 cents a gallon. That is a factor that can in some cases offset the the savings...

I prefer a diesel. My RV (TC) if it had a gas engine would be using about 40% More fuel. Even thought diesel is 10-20% more money per gallon I am saving quite a bit every mile.
If you do the oil changes on yourself the oil will usually cost less than paying someone else to change it on many of the gas models.
Find out what the MPG will be for the RV you are considering than just do the math and you will see where you will end up on the pennys per mile on Fuel cost.

homeless · 02-23-2014, 02:02 PM

No doubt in my mind when your paying 60 cents more a gal, it has to be the good stuff.....

Rvnerd1971 · 02-23-2014, 03:11 PM

On my first motorhome have not been in the mountains yet but my parents have had 4 diff gas motorhome in which we went to the Rockies 3 to 4 times a year never had a problem up or down the mountain maybe the dealer should put on the sticker gas motorhomes not mountain worthy

**pasdad1** · 02-23-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rvnerd1971

my parents have had 4 diff gas motorhome in which we went to the Rockies 3 to 4 times a year never had a problem up or down the mountain

Maybe whoever was doing the driving had white knuckles and just didn't let on to the other family members -lol :-)

My Mom was like that..... she could have just driven thru a flaming tornado, and would never complain or let on like anything happened. - lol

Rvnerd1971 · 02-23-2014, 03:33 PM

Lol u could be right

Muddypaws · 02-23-2014, 05:10 PM

Generally people who bought gassers like to make snarky comments about diesels. What would Freud make of that? Diesel Envy?

Rvnerd1971 · 02-23-2014, 05:13 PM

Had the budget to buy a diesel so that's not the case why spend more when they sit 99 percent of the time there buddy

UFO Pilot · 02-23-2014, 05:15 PM

Generally people who buy diesels like to say "mine is bigger than yours". What would Freud say about that?

UFO Pilot · 02-23-2014, 05:18 PM

I don't disparage anyone who buys a diesel. I wanted a gasser, I bought a gasser. If you want a diesel, buy a diesel. To each his own.

Muddypaws · 02-23-2014, 05:37 PM

But you're absolutely correct. I chose what works best for me and the price difference didn't even enter into it. I wanted to say that originally but decided to try to be funny.

If the OP has a wife he should choose the one she likes beat and forget about all that other guy stuff. This advice of course refers to the first law of marriage: if the wife ain't happy, nobody is happy.

What's the second law? Refer to law #1.

I lucked out that she liked the Bounder. I wanted a brand new Tiffin.