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

JaxDad wrote:


I’m in the process of converting a class 8 (semi truck) into a Super C, built to do everything except fit in at the KOA, I should be able to dry camp, on the road or stationary for up to 30 days without much other than a grocery store every now & then.

It might fit in just fine at some KOA's as well. The one below was at the Jacksonville North/St Marys KOA in Kingsland, GA a few years ago:

JaxDad,

I hope it works beyond your wildest dreams.

Solar and inverter/charger? (Victron or Outback NOT Magnum).

Gjac wrote:

LandYacht35diesel wrote:
....I’ve seen some people state that they have avoided a diesel .... why so ?

I have avoided a diesel for several reasons some previously stated. I don't want a large 40 ft MH, ideally I would want the shortest Class A or C available. I am more of a traveler rather than a camper in on spot for a while.

It sounds like you & I have similar situations.

In my case, after travelling a LOT for a ‘paying hobby’ in 24’ C I’m going to ‘biggie size’ my ride.

I’m in the process of converting a class 8 (semi truck) into a Super C, built to do everything except fit in at the KOA, I should be able to dry camp, on the road or stationary for up to 30 days without much other than a grocery store every now & then.

Seriously..... COME ON MAN .... a little extra oil and a few extra filters over 50k niles .... on a motor and transmission in a HD truck chassis !!

Lancslad wrote:

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.

Yes, you are correct. I did that intentionally. I was only replying to the post above mine discussing the cost of an oil change. That is what I pay for my oil changes. The cost will vary depending upon the type of oil filter/ oil and quantity. Labor will reflect whatever one can get by with....it is relative.

LandYacht35diesel wrote:
....I’ve seen some people state that they have avoided a diesel .... why so ?

I have avoided a diesel for several reasons some previously stated. I don't want a large 40 ft MH, ideally I would want the shortest Class A or C available. I am more of a traveler rather than a camper in on spot for a while. If you buy a Gas chassis from 24-39 ft they have the same HP engine. In diesel MH's the shorter they are the the less HP they have. Also it is hard to compare gas MH's to diesel MH's because of the weight variance. For example my friend has a 38 ft Dutch Star with a 8.3 Cummins engine his MH weighs over 30k lbs my old 454 gas MH weighs about 15k lbs fully loaded for travel. When I added about 80 more HP with headers, FF muffler, and a CAI I could pass him on long hills, at 230 hp I could not keep up with him but at a little over 300 HP I could pass him as well as my other friends with DP's. A 26 ft gas MH with a 362HP engine will have better performance than most DPs, because it is HP to weight that dictates performance. I think the new 7.3 Ford engines in a short A or C will be even better than most diesels and older gas models for that matter. Now if I was going to full time a DP would be in order and I would take the performance hit, but at my age that won't happen.

The transmission alone ? I’d like to see that grocery list !

RLS7201 wrote:
You must be really out of touch if you think THREE LARGE for a special tranny such as I ordered is over the top.


Richard

A buddy of mine just built himself a really heavy TX for one of his older gasser trucks.

It cost him the best part of $2k in just parts alone.

Well Richard... don’t get dicked on the rebuild and that new converter. This is a HD automotive transmission? How much weight are you pulling ? How is the AERO on the motor home? How fast and hard do you drive it ??

LandYacht35diesel wrote:
Richard ... what specifically failed ? Could you have adapted a Allison trans to a BBF ? I know they have adapters for a big block Mopar.

Now spending THREE LARGE on that upgrade would be money well spent !

The torque converter clutch failed and filed the transmission full of shrapnel. The oil was cooked and the front seal failed on the way home, covering the toad with ATF.
Think out the whole concept of what your purpose.
First the ECU would not be happy not finding the E4OD that is was programed to control. That would create a whole new problem as it also controls the engine. My EEC-IV (catch code MOO0) was only used in a 1995 F53.
Then an Allison and an adapter would cost many times more that my old coach is worth.
Then finding a computer that would interface with the 460 and an Allison would be impossible.
You must be really out of touch if you think THREE LARGE for a special tranny such as I ordered is over the top.


Richard