map40 wrote:
To the OP, my advise is make your decision based on ride quality, handling, noise and layout, not fuel type. Diesels cost twice as much to maintain. Unless you are buying something with over 400HP, power is not much of a difference anymore
Power may be of lesser importance now, but powerBAND is still a big deal, one that newcomers to RVing may not always be aware of.
People complain about the noise up front in a gas-powered Class A, and for good reason. It's noisy not only because the engine is situated right between them, but also because a gasoline engine has to turn higher RPMs to make its rated power. This is a concern because an engine that constantly runs at higher RPMs will suffer greater parts wear over time.
A diesel, OTOH, makes good power at significantly lower RPMs, which results in longer engine life. Our 450HP Cummins-powered RV loafs at 1,750RPM at 65MPH. You won't see that in a gasser - it'll be screaming.
The combination of more usable power and torque at lower RPMs explains why over-the-road trucks and most construction equipment use diesel power. These same reasons are why diesel engines make for an attractive solution for Class A motorhomes.
The price of admission will typically be less for a gas powered motorhome, but like anything else in life, you get what you pay for.
