Choosing Gasoline or Diesel Powered?
I realize that this is a long thread but if you are pondering the Gasoline versus a Diesel based on power consideration or are wondering about adding an after market performance enhancing kit to a Gas...
Forum Discussion
I always enjoy Johnny's posts; articulate, informative, and thought-provoking. As a full-timer and former owner of a newer gas MH (06 37' Tiffin Allegro Bay), and current owner of a DP (40'06 Itasca Ellipse), I'd like to share my experiences.
We full timed in our Allegro Bay for three years, mostly throughout the west. Mountains were never a problem, gas mileage averaged 7MPG, and it was (except for routine maintenance) completely trouble free.
With our DP, we've had some minor maintenance issues, and average 8 MPG.
The differences:
- The DP certainly rides and drives better, but not significantly until there's a crosswind or headwind, and then the higher weight and stability kick in. I find that I'm less fatigued after a day driving the DP than I was with the gasser.
- The DP is quieter, but again not significant unless climbing a hill; the Workhorse would scream pretty well when in 2nd & 3rd gear, but was very quiet otherwise.
- The big disk brakes on the Allegro Bay gave a better sense of braking, but the exhaust brake on the DP is great also.
- Maintenance is a significant factor. As a full timer, I don't have a garage/workshop, the places we stay don't normally allow maintenance to be performed, and besides, I'm retired & would rather not do the work. With the Workhorse, it was like a big pickup truck; easy to access, easy to work on. Durability and long-term warranty were excellent. Same transmission as the DP. Oil changes, even with synthetic oil, were reasonable (less than $100). Almost any mechanic could work in it.
With the DP (and rear radiator), it can take 30 minutes of floor panel and engine cover removal just to SEE the engine. Fluids are greater in quantity and more expensive, there are more filters (both air and fluid), and engine-specific maintenance (while available in urban areas and along interstate highways) is more difficult to find. This year the coach is due for 20K mile service; I expect it to cost between $800-1200, and this is the low end because I'm taking it to the plant.
So is the difference in cost worth it? Yes, to me, because I'm a full timer and wanted more room (4 slides), more CCC, and a more stable ride. Did I need to buy a DP? Not really, the Allegro Bay was a great coach and certainly served us well. Personally, I'd never recommend a large DP to someone who only used it for vacations; it's too large an investment in initial cost and annual maintenance to justify the purchase. Today's higher-end gas MHs offer the amenities and performance that a few years ago belonged to the better DPs. As always, it's a personal choice, but that choice is always easier when you can learn from others.
It's all good in the RV lifestyle, no matter what you own!
Keith
We full timed in our Allegro Bay for three years, mostly throughout the west. Mountains were never a problem, gas mileage averaged 7MPG, and it was (except for routine maintenance) completely trouble free.
With our DP, we've had some minor maintenance issues, and average 8 MPG.
The differences:
- The DP certainly rides and drives better, but not significantly until there's a crosswind or headwind, and then the higher weight and stability kick in. I find that I'm less fatigued after a day driving the DP than I was with the gasser.
- The DP is quieter, but again not significant unless climbing a hill; the Workhorse would scream pretty well when in 2nd & 3rd gear, but was very quiet otherwise.
- The big disk brakes on the Allegro Bay gave a better sense of braking, but the exhaust brake on the DP is great also.
- Maintenance is a significant factor. As a full timer, I don't have a garage/workshop, the places we stay don't normally allow maintenance to be performed, and besides, I'm retired & would rather not do the work. With the Workhorse, it was like a big pickup truck; easy to access, easy to work on. Durability and long-term warranty were excellent. Same transmission as the DP. Oil changes, even with synthetic oil, were reasonable (less than $100). Almost any mechanic could work in it.
With the DP (and rear radiator), it can take 30 minutes of floor panel and engine cover removal just to SEE the engine. Fluids are greater in quantity and more expensive, there are more filters (both air and fluid), and engine-specific maintenance (while available in urban areas and along interstate highways) is more difficult to find. This year the coach is due for 20K mile service; I expect it to cost between $800-1200, and this is the low end because I'm taking it to the plant.
So is the difference in cost worth it? Yes, to me, because I'm a full timer and wanted more room (4 slides), more CCC, and a more stable ride. Did I need to buy a DP? Not really, the Allegro Bay was a great coach and certainly served us well. Personally, I'd never recommend a large DP to someone who only used it for vacations; it's too large an investment in initial cost and annual maintenance to justify the purchase. Today's higher-end gas MHs offer the amenities and performance that a few years ago belonged to the better DPs. As always, it's a personal choice, but that choice is always easier when you can learn from others.
It's all good in the RV lifestyle, no matter what you own!
Keith
