Frequently Asked Questions about Class C's
This is the Class C Frequently Asked Questions list. It is the place where we save links to threads with questions that get asked over and over and their answers. Check here before posting if you are ...
Forum Discussion
Gas vs Diesel in Class C?
Summary of G vs. D issues for a Class C Van Chassis (typically a Ford E-450).
1. Long "break-even" point on pure economic basis. Diesel cost is initially a lot more, with a smallish return when selling for the extra $$ spent initially. Diesel does get better gas mileage, so eventually the costs even out between the two, but it can be a long time.
2. Exterior Noise. Less of an issue than it once once, certainly, but diesel is still noisier than gas.
3. Interior Noise. Unknown how much of an issue this is - certainly the gas engine generates plenty of noise in an E-450 cab.
4. Weight. The Diesel weighs quite a bit more, and that's all on the front axle which is certainly an issue for at least the longer rigs that are nearer GVWR.
5. Maintenance. I am not familiar enough to really know all the issues, but certainly there is a difference between G vs. D for maintenance costs and frequency. most seem to indicate that D cost more, I really wouldn't know.
6. Power. In the Fords, at least, the power difference is not really significant. Both have plenty of torque and horsepower to handle the rig including towing. The power range (rpms at max torque) is different, but, again, it's not really significant due to engine compromises to make them fit in the van's limited engine space.
7. Exhaust brake on the diesel helps in downhill runs. Lower gear on a gas engine is a similar effect, but not as effective as using both lower gear and exhaust brake on a diesel.
Summary of G vs. D issues for a Class C Van Chassis (typically a Ford E-450).
1. Long "break-even" point on pure economic basis. Diesel cost is initially a lot more, with a smallish return when selling for the extra $$ spent initially. Diesel does get better gas mileage, so eventually the costs even out between the two, but it can be a long time.
2. Exterior Noise. Less of an issue than it once once, certainly, but diesel is still noisier than gas.
3. Interior Noise. Unknown how much of an issue this is - certainly the gas engine generates plenty of noise in an E-450 cab.
4. Weight. The Diesel weighs quite a bit more, and that's all on the front axle which is certainly an issue for at least the longer rigs that are nearer GVWR.
5. Maintenance. I am not familiar enough to really know all the issues, but certainly there is a difference between G vs. D for maintenance costs and frequency. most seem to indicate that D cost more, I really wouldn't know.
6. Power. In the Fords, at least, the power difference is not really significant. Both have plenty of torque and horsepower to handle the rig including towing. The power range (rpms at max torque) is different, but, again, it's not really significant due to engine compromises to make them fit in the van's limited engine space.
7. Exhaust brake on the diesel helps in downhill runs. Lower gear on a gas engine is a similar effect, but not as effective as using both lower gear and exhaust brake on a diesel.
