Gas versus Diesel

[lynnmor]

The main reason that diesel engines exist is fuel economy. There is more energy in a gallon of diesel fuel than there is in a gallon of gasoline. Also, diesel engines have little pumping loss because they aren't throttled like a gas engine. Depending on the miles you intend to drive that fuel usage can matter very little or a lot.

[Triker56]

15 years ago I traded in a gas 33' MH that got 5.32 MPG for a used 34' DP that has averaged 10.1 MPG. The extra MPG savings has paid for all the extra maintenance cost of the DP.

Plus the added torque, air ride, quite cab, air brakes, 6 speed Allison are only some of the benefits. And the 18 1/2 year old engine will still probably outlast me.

[jimcumminsw]

I am a diesel fan and all of my vehicles have diesel engines in them. My wife's 2011 Jetta TDI has the 2.0L and I have the 6.7L Cummins in my vehicle. In fact, between my sons and I, the family has 6 vehicles that have diesel engines in them. Did I say we like diesels?

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by spectrum581

do you think that it is worth the extra $$$ for a diesel over a gas engine? I am undecided

To me it definitely IS! It's so nice to be able to carry on a normal conversation and listen to music without the engine noise in my ear!

[Possum]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

To me it definitely IS! It's so nice to be able to carry on a normal conversation and listen to music without the engine noise in my ear!

Hmmm, then wouldn't Annette become attuned to your male selective hearing issues?

[gruelens]

Originally Posted by spectrum581

do you think that it is worth the extra $$$ for a diesel over a gas engine? I am undecided

For me the answer is no. I drive my motorhome about 4,000 miles a year. That means my wheels are turning 1% of the year and sitting still about 99% of the time. 8,000 miles per year = 2% of the year wheels are turning, etc. I can not justify the increased expense for a power plant that sits still 99% of the year.

Many others will come at this topic from a different financial perspective. I went fulltime at the age of 47, wife was 45. Operating a diesel chassis for limited miles made little financial sense to me. By the way, I spent 17 years in a tractor trailer and understand diesels a little. I just don't need one.

[Steve70605]

It is a personal choice as well as what you want in the MH quality vs. cost. We have a diesel for several reasons. Mileage is not one of them. Diesel cost more than gasoline nowadays and negates the fuel savings. If you are putting $100k - $500k+ into a depreciating asset, fuel price should not be first concern on industry average of 4000-6000 miles / year. If you look closer at materials you will notice a big difference in diesel vs gas units. Today's gassers are using better materials than before - but you get what you pay for. Better materials add WEIGHT in most cases. If you want to pull that weight - a diesel will do a MUCH better job. For comparison sake: Tuscany XTE 36MQ weighs 32400#. Same floorplan Venitian G36 = 38320#. That extra 6000# is better materials as well as some extra fluid capacities, larger engine, etc. That gas engine that pulls the 26' gasser will not do as good a job pulling a 38' gasser. Size and weight matter.

IMHO - find a floorplan and model with materials you like and let that determine the engine / chassis. Your budget will then determine whether it is a new / used gasser / Diesel.

[TRebel]

As already mentioned, there are pros & cons with both.

I would say that probably first & foremost is the need for power. If you are looking for a MH larger than 34 ft and/or if you will be pulling a large trailer or heavier vehicle, diesel is the way to go.

Finances also come into play. It's going to cost a lot more for a diesel MH. The flip-side of this, though, is that when you get ready to sell a MH, the unit with a diesel motor is much more likely to have a better resale value.

Maintenance??? Yes, it cost more to have a diesel engine worked on, when you have a problem.
For normal maintenance, just a few more gallons of oil at oil changes, for the most part, and a little more $ for filters.
100K miles on a big block gas engine is a lot! And, can really effect the resale.
100K miles on a diesel engine... most know that it is almost broke in.

I have had diesel pickup trucks for over 20 years. They have out performed comparable gas pickup trucks in every category.
I have had gas & diesel motorhome. For me, diesel is worth the extra expense.

Bottom line: Buy what you like & are comfortable with - take good care of it and maintain it well.

[monkey]

This is why they make so many different vehicles. Not one fits all... DW loves her little Honda car, I Love my big Silverado Diesel. Of course her car was MUCH cheaper to buy, and cheaper to operate, but she has no complaints when we hook up the 5vr and head off across country... (except maybe having to climb up in the truck... I have to climb up out of her little car !!!) Different strokes....
Monkey

[SpaceNorman]

For us it was a question of size, weight and carrying capacity - and our anticipated use of our RV. We were looking for a coach that was large enough to "full time" (or minimally - "most of the time") in. For us - us that meant something in the 40 foot (or darn close to it!) range. As gas coaches approach that length - their net carrying capacity usually shrinks significantly. That pretty much made the decision for us - our 44 ft DP with tag axle has a net carrying capacity of more than 6,700 lbs. We're never even close to overloaded.

[RMD3819]

Agree-depends on your needs.

My story:

Upgraded from a TT to a cheap 98 33' gasser bought in 2012 as a trial class A to see what we would want in our future FT rig.

We live(d) in South Florida which is all flat and didn't venture more than about 100 miles from home. Then we retired and took a 42 day trip from FL to Chicago where our daughter lives.

The hills/mountains were absolutely brutal. Generally 40 mph max; once we were at 20 mph. The toad was attached so that made it worse.

Went FT when we bought a 43' DP. The mountains and hills are no sweat now.

YMMV.

[Possum]

My gasser climbed grapevine hill in CA and had no problem holding 55 all the way up towing my Suzuki Grande Vitara. Banks kit and different fuel injection may have been a difference.

[MRUSA14]

Originally Posted by lynnmor

The main reason that diesel engines exist is fuel economy. There is more energy in a gallon of diesel fuel than there is in a gallon of gasoline. Also, diesel engines have little pumping loss because they aren't throttled like a gas engine. Depending on the miles you intend to drive that fuel usage can matter very little or a lot.

I disagree. The reason for getting a diesel is for the increased comfort, ride and performance, in that order. Economy is not a reason. If you want economy, stick with gas because overall it will be cheaper. Just don't test drive a diesel, because once you do a gas coach will seem like a huge step backwards.

[V3600]

Don't know what your intended uses are but I would never consider a gasser to tow my 19,000# toy hauler.