Gasser guys and gals ...why not a diesel ?

I always use the example of a Ford crate V-10 new used to cost about $10k (long block). A Cummins crate 8.1 is about $60k. So which one is going to cost more to fix?

Also - the two RV repair shops I use have both said the same thing - a DP costs more to maintain and repair than a gasser. While some out there are DIY'ers or have been lucky, I'll go with what the experts say.

Al

I can certainly attest to the fact that diesel engines cost more and cost more to maintain. Previously I have only ever owned gas engines. My former Ford truck with the 5.4 was fairly straight forward to maintain. My new truck with the 6.7 turbo diesel costs exponentially more just to do routine maintenance. There are more filters and materials to buy, those materials are more expensive and the labor - if you pay for that - also costs more. Diesel fuel is also more expensive.

Diesels cost more and cost more to maintain. Anyone that says different is spinning it. I do DIY and spend about $500 per year on supplies only. And not talking about tires or house batteries. Replaced starter batteries (2) this spring @ about $125 each, gas coaches have one battery. Fluids & filters (not including air filter) for ISL & 10K genny about $350 every year alone. Add def filters @ $50 each & air filter $150 each which I do every two years. Air dryer element $60 every 3 years. I've had to replace a air bag already. Many other ticky tack expenses also. Maybe I'm not the most careful shopper for my parts so others may do better sourcing. But a diesel simply costs more to maintain than a gas coach period. Also my ISL is not a large engine I had slightly higher costs with the C12 in my last coach. Many DP owners are not DIYers & spend one heck of a lot more than $500 per year. I'm just now replacing the OE house batts (8 230 ahc flooded). I don't need to muddy the conversation with that but many diesels come with larger battery banks than gas units.

pianotuna wrote:
The $235 oil change was at a trucker's repair shop near Collingwood Ontario. I could find no other location that was able to do the work--but that's another problem with diesel. The repair shops are much less frequent, and often busy as the dickens.

If you ever find yourself back in that area I’d happily give you the run of my shop for whatever DIY stuff you might need.

To the peeps about a DIY oil change ? ... just do it !

No mo 235$ bills !

Well welcome home namMED ... firefly69er here ....

AFFORD that fuel bill on that V10 ? ... ouch !

What kind of an RV do you have ?

Never needed one as my Dodge Ram 2500 V10 and other Ram 1500 V8 was more than enough. And yes I could easily afford the gas for the V10.

PastorCharlie wrote:
15 quarts of Motorcraft 15/40 oil and one oil filter for my diesel cost about $65.50.
7 quarts of Motorcraft 5/20 oil and one oil filter for my gasoline cost about $35.00

The difference in a diesel and a gas powered RV sitting in a campsite is the difference in the weight of the chassis and powerplant. One is a much heavier chunk of metal. On the road the difference is HP and TQ. Many diesels have less HP than many gasoline; many have more. Most diesels win in TQ. The heavier RV needs more energy to move it. Diesel wins hands down in the noise category; side by side and running the gas engine cannot be heard over the diesel engine noise.

You missed the Fuel filter, possibly the coolant filter and the need for DEF and on newer engines the requirment of an exhaust recirc. There is also the DEF sensor shutdown problem which is not yet solved.

15 quarts of Motorcraft 15/40 oil and one oil filter for my diesel cost about $65.50.
7 quarts of Motorcraft 5/20 oil and one oil filter for my gasoline cost about $35.00

The difference in a diesel and a gas powered RV sitting in a campsite is the difference in the weight of the chassis and powerplant. One is a much heavier chunk of metal. On the road the difference is HP and TQ. Many diesels have less HP than many gasoline; many have more. Most diesels win in TQ. The heavier RV needs more energy to move it. Diesel wins hands down in the noise category; side by side and running the gas engine cannot be heard over the diesel engine noise.

Hi,

I don't offer the list of problems as proof that diesels are bad. It was merely a reply to a question.

I do know of warranty problems on Sprinter diesels. But that is just one company.

The $235 oil change was at a trucker's repair shop near Collingwood Ontario. I could find no other location that was able to do the work--but that's another problem with diesel. The repair shops are much less frequent, and often busy as the dickens.