350 HP ICE vs. 350 HP Diesel?
OK, newbie here and aspiring RV'er. What comments can be made about the advantages/disadvantages of a 350 HP internal combustion engine vs. a 350 HP diesel engine in a class A camper (assuming all oth...
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Guys,
On either a gas or diesel, when descending a grade, engine/transmission braking should always be used to maintain speed of descent, with the service brakes being used only when you are going too fast and need to slow down to drop to a lower gear, etc.
And with either, you should be able to find a gear/use of auxiliary brake on diesel to control your speed of descent.
Many newbies confuse safe speed through the curves on a descent with safe speed. They are UNRELATED. Even if the road is straight for 100 miles, on a 6% downgrade, you may be in lower gears at 30 MPH (your speed at which the engine/transmission keep your speed in equilibrium without using the service brakes). Watch the OTR truckers. An RV's safe speed of descent will be faster than a loaded 18 wheeler, slower than an empty one-- straight physics.
And, as I mentioned in my first post on this thread (way back at the beginning), there are good reasons for both gas and diesels in RV's. Really hate to see these "Ford vs Chevy"-- "My choice is better than your choice" discussions. They are not productive and can sure cause hard feelings.
Glad we are all happy with OUR choices-- that is what counts.
On either a gas or diesel, when descending a grade, engine/transmission braking should always be used to maintain speed of descent, with the service brakes being used only when you are going too fast and need to slow down to drop to a lower gear, etc.
And with either, you should be able to find a gear/use of auxiliary brake on diesel to control your speed of descent.
Many newbies confuse safe speed through the curves on a descent with safe speed. They are UNRELATED. Even if the road is straight for 100 miles, on a 6% downgrade, you may be in lower gears at 30 MPH (your speed at which the engine/transmission keep your speed in equilibrium without using the service brakes). Watch the OTR truckers. An RV's safe speed of descent will be faster than a loaded 18 wheeler, slower than an empty one-- straight physics.
And, as I mentioned in my first post on this thread (way back at the beginning), there are good reasons for both gas and diesels in RV's. Really hate to see these "Ford vs Chevy"-- "My choice is better than your choice" discussions. They are not productive and can sure cause hard feelings.
Glad we are all happy with OUR choices-- that is what counts.
