What should I go for?

[easywind]

Lost my RV in April due to a fire that consumed it so I've been looking for a replacement and I have found two. A gasser and a diesel. here is how I use the RV and what I need.
I am a New Yorker and go south every winter for 4 to 5 months. I drive 1200 miles and I sit until I'm ready to leave. I store the motor home in New Jersey and do not use it at all, it sits 7 to 8 months a year. I use a small solar panel to keep the batteries up. I drive the motor home back 1200 miles.
I have found 2 RV's a 97 Gasser, Ford drivetrain, F 53 chassis 66,000 miles, service records and a layout I can live with but not crazy about the interior colors. 36 feet
The other rig a 94 diesel, Holiday Rambler, spartan chassis, cummins, allison, genny which I don't need both in the $20,000 range.
I'm 75, have no one to leave it to when I bite the dust so residual value means nothing to me and hope to get 5 years out of it, if I get more yipiee.
Any thought on which way I should go. The gasser is a 2000 Tiffin 32 feet also with records and 48,000 miles.
Appreciate any thoughts.

[Arch Hoagland]

I'd go for the gasser based on the fact that diesels can get really expensive to work on should a problem occur.

[Isaac-1]

In your situation I think I would go gas coach also due to maintenance cost of diesels, though I would shop for one that is a couple of years newer. I prefer the Chevy/Workhorse platform, the key dates I would be concerned about would be the introduction of the OBD-II diagnostic interface introduced in 1996-1998 depending on which gas chassis, as many mechanics these days have no clue how to work on an engine they can't plug their computer into. Mid 01 brought about the 8.1L Vortec engine, and 02 saw the introduction of the Workhorse W series chassis, which is much better suited to heavier 30+ ft coaches with slides than the older P series was.


As to prices remember asking and selling price are not the same thing.

[momdoc]

I too would opt for a gasser to satisfy your needs. I too would look for a slightly newer coach.
Good luck and enjoy the adventure.

[easywind]

Thanks for the replies and as Meatloaf says 2 out of three ain't bad but I've got 3 out of three . I will forget the diesel.
I had a Ford 460 in my burned out unit and in the 5 years I owned it I did absolutely nothing to it other that change the oil yearly and it always started on the first try without struggle. It also was a 92
Thanks again

[momdoc]

Good luck!

[Arch Hoagland]

Had forgotten the Meatloaf song...great singer!