Prior owner of class c Jamboree and clas a Allegro 30' gas in 90's. Racing motorcycles every weekend for 10 months a year. Know the drawbacks of gas type class a. Very knowledgeable on gas engines and systems but know nothing about diesel. Retire in 2017, travel 6 months a year at least. Truly wish to have used diesel for ride, towing power and just plain comfort. Struggling with finding the courage to buy the diesel with little knowledge other than reading on such an engine. I know there has to be many others that went through this decision. We have been reading for at least a year all info we can find both pro and con. So far, we both want a diesel but very weary about hitting the road in 2017 with no mechanical abilities for this engine in an emergency. Have broken down on other trips with gas type and able to replace belts and hoses to get started again. Help a wannabee newbie make that leap for a diesel.

I bought my first diesel in 2004. Like you I was nervous about buying one. Bought extended service plans in case of expensive repairs. But have been pleasantly surprised as I have never had a problem yet with any of the diesel engines I have bought. Only problems I have had have had to do with some kind of sensor for all the new monitoring the new vehicles have on them, gas or diesel. I used to do all the work on all my vehicles myself. But even the gassers have become so difficult to work on, I no longer do that.

These days thier just like driving anything else. As to working on them, that's rarely needed and any real repairs are so complicated that just like a modern gas engine, you pretty much have to get the dealer to do things other than normal maint.

You can still do belts and hoses on a diesel. And once you drive a pusher, you'll spend a LOT less time considering a gasser.

Welcome to the forums. A moderator will be moving this to the Class A forum for better exposure.I would not worrying about working on a diesel as many of the systems are similar. If 1998 or newer it's computer controlled... same as new gas engines but your local Auto Zone cannot read the codes. IF it's a side radiator changing belts and getting to things is easier than a gasser... hint hint.In the "Jump to" box top right put Class A and read the stickies by Johnny T.

Since you are a performance guy you already understand the power band of engines and the diesels are the same as gas just everything begins and ends sooner in the rpm band, but the torque is amazing compared to a gas engine. You have to be careful about clean fuel, but you already are. As several have said you can still do your own maintenance it really isn't any different. Buying used is scary and we decided not to, but a pick up is a lot less money than a large motor home. I would think if you find a nice DP it would be worth while to have someone familiar with that motor inspect it after you have been satisfied about past maintenance and repairs. Good luck

Afraid to make the leap to diesel | Good Sam Community

Mile_High
Explorer
Sep 24, 2016
I had the jitters about my first diesel pickup! I used to turn a wrench back in the 70s, but today it just seems I leave it to the pros for both gas and diesel, except for my little Jeep.

Cost will be higher on the diesel, but if you stick your head in up in there and look around, I think they are far simpler than a gasser. I wouldn't hesitate to put a wrench to a few things in there.
JR45
Explorer
Sep 24, 2016
If you like things EZ to work on and cost less if you have to take it in, get a coach with a side radiator. They may be on the higher end of your pocket book but may cost you less in the long run. A coach with a rear radiator may take up to 3hrs to change fan belt, took me 2min to change my serpentine belt plus you can see the motor. Just something to think about.
JR
1492
Moderator
Sep 24, 2016
Moved from Forum Technical Support
chefalan1
Explorer
Sep 24, 2016
Being brand new today to the forum, I want to thank the quick responders to what I'm sure you may have gotten a chuckle from my post. I have ready many places that say just jump in and do it. Thanks again with a big smile on my face
Farmerjon
Explorer
Sep 24, 2016
Since you are a performance guy you already understand the power band of engines and the diesels are the same as gas just everything begins and ends sooner in the rpm band, but the torque is amazing compared to a gas engine.
You have to be careful about clean fuel, but you already are.
As several have said you can still do your own maintenance it really isn't any different.
Buying used is scary and we decided not to, but a pick up is a lot less money than a large motor home. I would think if you find a nice DP it would be worth while to have someone familiar with that motor inspect it after you have been satisfied about past maintenance and repairs.
Good luck
Ivylog
Explorer III
Sep 24, 2016
Welcome to the forums. A moderator will be moving this to the Class A forum for better exposure.
I would not worrying about working on a diesel as many of the systems are similar. If 1998 or newer it's computer controlled... same as new gas engines but your local Auto Zone cannot read the codes. IF it's a side radiator changing belts and getting to things is easier than a gasser... hint hint.

In the "Jump to" box top right put Class A and read the stickies by Johnny T.
blangen
Explorer
Sep 23, 2016
You can still do belts and hoses on a diesel. And once you drive a pusher, you'll spend a LOT less time considering a gasser.
ScottG
Nomad
Sep 23, 2016
These days thier just like driving anything else. As to working on them, that's rarely needed and any real repairs are so complicated that just like a modern gas engine, you pretty much have to get the dealer to do things other than normal maint.
BB_TX
Nomad
Sep 23, 2016
I bought my first diesel in 2004. Like you I was nervous about buying one. Bought extended service plans in case of expensive repairs. But have been pleasantly surprised as I have never had a problem yet with any of the diesel engines I have bought. Only problems I have had have had to do with some kind of sensor for all the new monitoring the new vehicles have on them, gas or diesel. I used to do all the work on all my vehicles myself. But even the gassers have become so difficult to work on, I no longer do that.

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