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bamaspiveys's avatar
bamaspiveys
Explorer
May 20, 2016

Gas vs Diesel

Hi folks, looking for some opinions.

Been out of RVing for several years and looking to get back in the game. I had several travel trailers and fifth wheels over the years but I want a Class A this time. Staying pretty basic and under $70,000.00.
So here is the question, older diesel pusher or new gas burner?
My research indicates I can get a 2006-2008 diesel pusher or a 2011-2013 gas coach in the target price range.
Most of our trips will be towing a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and in the 5-7 hour range.

Three units under consideration are:
2007 Coachmen Pathfinder - 50,000 miles, Genset has 1900 hrs, tires are DOT dated 2011
2005 Beaver Monterey - 30,000 miles Genset has 600 hours tires are DOT dated 2008 and need to be replaced
2013 Coachmen Mirada - 3000 miles Genset has 115 hours.
All three coaches are priced with between $65k and $68K

Thoughts, comments, suggestions of any kind appreciated.
  • Almost half the original value depreciates in the first five to eight years, so the older you buy the closer you get to value depends on condition only.

    Pathfinders were base level models for rental markets. Mirada is an entry level coach for the consumer market. Choices of materials, fixtures, finishes are all in the direction of minimizing construction cost for low price point. While there were Beavers at different price points, mostly tied to chassis capacity, there never was a Beaver built down to entry level represented by the particular gassers you are looking at.

    If I wanted something as big and powerful as the Beaver, I would pick the older Beaver over any entry level gasser on a chassis with 1/2 to 2/3 the capacity. Whether Beaver was building them, or it was Monoco Corp after they acquired the Beaver brand, all are heads and tails above Coachmen entry level gassers.

    But of course, it also depends on condition. If the Beaver is now a wreck, differences in initial quality don't matter until you figure out the additional cost of repairing the wreck.
  • mike brez wrote:
    Beaver


    x2. I looked closely at one years ago and almost bought it. Quality all the way.
  • rvten wrote:
    Never owned an oil burner. Except for farm tractor. All my RV's have been gas powered. Been operating that way from the 60's.

    Sounds like price difference on diesel could buy you a Prevost by now?
  • Never owned an oil burner. Except for farm tractor. All my RV's have been gas powered. Been operating that way from the 60's.