Diesel vs, gas

[sssteele]

My wife and I may purchase an A class motor home in the future, not for fulltiming, but for some extensive trips to Florida and elsewhere. We have looked at new Winnebago Adventurers, which are gas models, and have been duly impressed with the apparent quality. Is there any reason to pay significantly more money for a diesel pusher? Any opinions or relevant information? Thanks! P.S. - just finished a week at the Fort in our travel trailer, and loved it. First stay since we tented there 30 some years ago.

 

[jonimce]

I am looking for answers to this also only in a truck. They say although the diesel costs more the millage is better. Deciding if a 1500 is big enough to tow.

Joni

 

[2goofycampers]

For some reason we avoided a diesel truck for years. We finally bought one in 2006. I can say we'd never tow again with gas. It never gets bogged down or has that winding sound like a gas does going up hill. Definitely worth the extra $.

 

[bigredbill]

I believe a diesel engine adds about $5000 - $6000 in cost to a new truck. From what I have heard, there is less maintenance involved with these engines, they tow better, and their longevity is better. Of course my truck has a gasoline engine, so what the heck do I know.

 

[vtwinwilly]

I know I'm late to the conversation, but the OP may still be looking for input to his question about diesel vs gas motorhomes.

I have owned both. First motorhome was a Class C gas on a Ford chassis. I've also driven a number of class A gas units in my time. I currently own an older Class A diesel pusher and I've got to say... once you go diesel you'll never go back!

To me... it is worth the extra investment just for the better, quieter ride. Other reasons are:
1) typically more room. Gas units are limited to about 36 feet, diesels run up 45 ft. (assuming same number od slides if so equipped)

2) better fuel economy. my last class C got 8mpg on a good day. My current diesel gets 11.15mpg... and it weighs twice as much as the class c. Unfortunately, the higher cost of diesel offsets the fuel economy gains.

3) much greater range. My current diesel motorhome has a 150gal tank. At 11mpg... you do the math. Most gassers are limited to about 70 gallons at best. My class c was 36.

4) more carrying capacity. the diesel chassis are just rated higher in most cases.

The big negative for diesels... well, they cost more... everything cost more. The drive train cost more to maintain, and parts are much more expensive. Even the labor rates for diesel mechanics is higher that gas mechanics.

With that sid though... I don't think I'll ever own another gas unit. In fact, if I had to make the choice, I'd rather buy a used diesel unit than a new gas unit for the same money.

OK... that's my 2 cents.

Willyb

 

[Old Snipe]

I am a full time RVer and currently have a 2007 Winnebago Journey 39 ft diesel pusher (Cat 350). My pevious RV was a 2003 35 ft Winnebago Adventurer (gas, Workhorse chassis, GM 8.1 litre V-8) so I can compare the two. We tow a car and towed the same car with both RVs.

The DP is much bigger and has a greater carrying capacity, which for fulltime living is a blessing. We travel about 15,000 miles a year and currently have 51,000 miles on it.

The gas Adventurer worked very well for us before we traveled fulltime. Over five years we put 45,000 miles on it.

To compare these two units, the diesel is much more expensive to maintain, not only for the engine but there are lots of items to be serviced, transmissions, differential, air brakes, filters, than on the gas unit. The gas unit is much, much cheaper to maintain.

Both RVs got about the same mileage, 7-8 mpg. Power was about the same. The ride on the DP is certainly better with the air suspension over the gas chassis leaf springs.

If I was looking now to buy another RV it would certainly depend on what I was going to do with it. If it was for occasional weekend and several vactions a year type use, I'd buy the gas MH. However, for fulltime, I'd go with the DP for its bigger carrying capacity, larger size.

Just my view, hope it is of some value.

Best Regards!

 

[DznyRulz]

One thing to remember with a diesel, it is built to be driven. If you're only talking the occasional weekend trip and maybe one or two week long trips a year I don't feel it's worth the extra cost.


Posted from DISboards.com App for Android