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DougE's avatar
DougE
Explorer
Oct 15, 2015

Diesel vs. Gas Class B?

I am looking really hard at getting a Class B as I am a 70 year old solo traveler who's also an engineer and can do most of my own maintenance. I'm also frugal so don't want to put the $ into a new unit. I am considering a Sprinter-based B with 80k miles or less on a 2007 to 2009 chassis to avoid DEF but get the 6 cyl that's reputed to be much more reliable than the previous 5 cyl. My expectation is to keep it for 10 years and put maybe 100k miles on it. Do you current owners of this rig have any experiences or cautions you can pass on to me? Do you owners of gas rigs have experiences that suggest going to a sprinter chassis is not necessary? I have had an older Class A in the past that seemed to something break down every time I took it on the road and I certainly want to avoid that eventuality. BTW I'll be hanging a scooter on the back that can run me around at destinations and serve as a second means of transportation if necessary.
Class B

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  • mkguitar's avatar
    mkguitar
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    I have a 2006 Pleasure-way Lexor Td on a 2005 Chev chassis.

    I love it

    the 6.0L is well sized for the weight, gearing is good for mtn driving- not just pulling uphill, but for slowing on grades. that keeps the brakes fresh

    mpg is at 15 on the hwy...a bit better when without ethanol....it's pulling close to 9000 pounds and punching a big hole in the air.
    Speeds above 75 are squirrely...70 is nice

    If used, the hitch will hold 500 tongue weight, 5000 pulling.

    a scooter can be tricky on the back as some have all the weight at the rear. make sure you can get a good balance- I've seen lightweight carriers break under a scooter with all the weight at the rear

    I use a 77 honda trail 90, the weight is balanced.

    both vehicles and the genny use the same fuel ( gas). I don't think diesel is as much an advantage as it was years ago.

    a prime mover for me with choosing Chev is that I have other GM's and am familiar with the chassis.

    kick some tires, look at youtube videos from dealers showing features and see what lay out appeals to you.

    a word of warning- I was all hot on an 09 Era. the chassis was fantastic and it drove great...the quality of the coach build was shockingly bad.

    Mike

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