time2roll wrote:
If losing $80,000 will cramp his style he is best to pass on the RV thing.
Outstanding answer.
Rving is costly, no doubt about it. No one on this planet can say for certain, that a gas coach or a diesel coach is NOT gonna cost something in the near or, far future. These rolling Kleenex boxes are man made and, ANYTHING man made can and often does, BREAK.
1. Yes, the diesels will cost more up front, based on all factors being equal, year/type etc.
2. Yes, they are a bit costlier when it comes to maintenance due to a lot of factors.
3. Yes, they not only are more heavy duty, which means they perform the task at hand, towing, hauling, braking, handling and more with more ease than a gasser, but, in most cases it's at a more comfy ride too.
4. Most gassers are cheaper, based on again, a give year/make/model etc. vs a similar year diesel.
5. Most gassers are at least somewhat, cheaper to maintain. The average air cleaner for an F-53 Ford, V-10 chassis is around what, maybe $10-$30 or so. Ours is $135.00.
6. Most diesel coaches, have at least one of two different types of auxiliary brakes. Either an Exhaust brake or a Compression brake. Both are extremely helpful in grade braking and, prolonging the life of the service brakes to upwards of around 150K - 175K miles or more. So, that can off-set some of the higher costs of a diesel vs a gas unit.
It's really kinda tough to blurt out an accurate answer that's gonna satisfy all angles of approach here. On one hand, you can just advise to go purchase an older diesel (i.e around say, '06-'09 ) or so and be done with it. Or, take a look at the potential floor plans, engines, chassis, maintenance costs, tire size (cost issues there too) and make an informed decision.
Scott
