Community Forums

SJ-Chris · 04-08-2024, 10:06 AM

My experienced RV mechanic shop owner told me once, "Diesel RVs are VERY expensive to maintain/fix". Emphasis on the VERY. Way worse than gas RVs. I believe him.

Ray,IN · 04-09-2024, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SJ-Chris

My experienced RV mechanic shop owner told me once, "Diesel RVs are VERY expensive to maintain/fix". Emphasis on the VERY. Way worse than gas RVs. I believe him.

Yep! The trade-off is ride comfort and engine noise while driving. Unless an owner has long, frequent trips, IMO a gasser is the better choice today.

bldrbob · 08-08-2024, 09:12 PM

I had a 36 foot dp that was totaled by the insurance co cause the windshield would not stay in.I now have a 32 foot gas and four totes of stuff that would not fit in the gasser in the garage.Less power,less storage,rougher ride and noisier.What are your priorities?

Unplanned Tourist · 08-08-2024, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledunn

Thanks to everyone for your help. I'm probably going with a gasser when I make the move.

The only time you might, and I stress "might" not be as comfotable in a 38 foot vs 38 foot gas or diesel is when you're driving down the road to your next destination.

We can carry on a normal conversation while driving in our gas job. There's wind noise in whatever you get. The door right in front of the passenger can be noisy from wind if it doesn't seal well. Our door is 20+ feet behind us. Of course there's mid entry DPs out there, but few and far between. I never could understand why DPs continue to have the front entry doors.

There's very little, if any storage lost by putting in a mid entry door, although many will think otherwise. The area used up by the front entry steps would be ripe for more storage.

Whatever you (the OP) decide on, have fun.

We're happy with our gas job.

Doug_T · 08-09-2024, 12:57 PM

As others have said, gas and diesel is really personal based on your circumstances and preferences. Diesel probably costs around 2x in maintenance, whether old or new.

Max Headroom · 08-09-2024, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledunn

Thanks for letting me join in on the forum. I'm in Okla and currently live full-time in a Big Country 5th wheel. I am looking to get a class A in the near future. Have been looking at gas motorhomes but see a lot of owners have installed different options for a better ride. Was hoping to get input on buying a newer gas unit or going with an older diesel motorhome. All advice and opinions will be appreciated. Thanks

I went from a 40' DP to a 30' gasser on a Ford chassis. Both Monaco. Big difference in wheelbase, and suspension.

But the difference in ride, was not what people make it out to be. Don't get me wrong, and long wheelbase air bag diesel is a dream on the road. A straight front axle, leaf spring rig is a delivery truck with a house on it. I wouldn't say the gasser is horrible, more like it's just not as nice to drive.
But it's not so bad as some make it out to be, and the other diesel amenities like the huge basement are things I miss way more than the difference in handling.