Community Forums

drivinon · 11-30-2013, 01:12 PM

Hi all, Just joined what looks to be a very informative site for a future full-time RVer. We are planning to launch our travels in just under a year and actively researching and reading everything we can get our hands on. Have been reading the forums on this site and acquiring good information and ideas. The most pressing question at the moment is what seems to be a split decision; should I purchase diesel or gas?

I would very much be interest in the opinions of this experienced group of RV enthusiasts.

Glad to be here,
Tom

gruelens · 11-30-2013, 01:18 PM

Welcome to the wonderful world of RVs. Your question has been discussed at length previously here. Might I suggest using the search window at the top of the page.

The link below will get you started.

https://www.google.com/search?q=gas+...earch=irv2.com

OrngTrillium · 11-30-2013, 01:29 PM

Welcome to the forum oldbie, the other thing you need to ask is Ford or Chevy for your toad! Remember it's better to over research then to spin a bottle too choose your rig. Good luck on your journey of discovery. At first I found it overwhelming now I feel that my choices are getting much more refined. The problem being that each time I think I find the ideal unit, another unit I like crops up! But the search itself is an adventure unto itself.

Welcome to IRV. Don't forget to make quite possibly the most important choice of all, the door mat.

bdickson · 11-30-2013, 02:41 PM

**JohnRR** · 11-30-2013, 03:12 PM

Good luck with your search.

TXiceman · 11-30-2013, 05:34 PM

Welcome to iRV2 and the RV life. One thing that I highly recommend is to rent a motorhome and take it out for a week or two to see how you do in a small space. You will also find things that you like and dislike about the rental that will be helpful in your pursuit of your ideal rig.

Ken

Chiefbvfd · 12-01-2013, 06:29 AM

Welcome aboard....The answer to your question goes a lot deeper than Gas or Diesel. You need to know your budget, floor plan, amount of accessories to be hauled (for size and capacity of storage),and the list goes on and on. The bottom line is, get the rig that you and yours enjoy the layout, drivability and fits you budget and you'll have a ball...

OrngTrillium · 12-01-2013, 09:23 AM

Or get a "yours" who has learnt to trust your judgement in the "tech specy" stuff and you trust the dears in all things fashion. It's a fair trade off

Provided she doesn't like men in pink and frills all is good.

And to add to Chiefs - remember to research because there are all sorts of add ons you can do including adding a fireplace (cheaper then the manufacturers and not quite as "custom" looked for some rigs ie under the TV on a wall between the slide, or mods to help handling or driver aids etc. And then also comes the shopping for a toad... Unless you bought your toad first (like I did) So much fun you have in store!

aschuh53 · 12-01-2013, 09:24 AM

welcome to irv2

Medico · 12-01-2013, 12:45 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

There have been many discussions on that issue, both here and in other forums. Thos of us that own diesels will generally like diesels better, and those that have gas just the opposite. Or I guess some of those gas owners wish they had the resources to acquire a diesel. The diesels are generally more expensive.

MSHappyCampers · 12-01-2013, 01:41 PM

Hi Tom! Welcome to IRV2! We're glad you joined the crew here!

That's a tough question. Lots of things can affect the choice. If you're gonna do a lot of traveling and put a lot of miles on it, I would definitely go with a diesel. I would much rather get a DP a few years old than a new gasser. but that's JMHO! Hope you make the right choice!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

frankdamp · 12-01-2013, 02:13 PM

Because of budget limitations, we went with a very gently-used 8 year-old 32' gasser with two slides. Although not in the Rolls-Royce class, it's a decent rig for the price. We got in June 2010 and have added about 5000 miles to the odometer, which was just under 12,000 when we bought it.

We've had relatively few problems. The most expensive to fix was replacement of the fridge. I guess those things have a service life of about 10 years. We had a rainwater incursion into the living room slide's overhead cabinets, caused by a rotted-out topper. I was able to build new cabinets and re-install the original doors.

The other problem, currently not resolved, is with the generator. I faithfully followed the once-a-month exercise routine until early 2012 when I was out of action after an angioplasty op just before Christmas 2011. By the time I got mobile again, the generator wouldn't start and it isn't running yet. Since we very rarely used it, (we go for full hook-up sites) it hasn't been an issue, but it will have to be fixed before we sell the rig.

On a limited retiree budget, we're finding the operating costs are difficult to handle. If Washington State makes good on its threat to add another 11 cents to the gas tax, that may sink the ship.

Good luck with your search. I envy you just getting started.