Is there any difference in DRIVING a gas class A vs diesel?

Egor'sRV wrote:
I have always done my own repair and renovation. That may have to change some as I have no experience with diesel engines.

Something I didn't see pointed out here is that if a diesel engine gets the maintenance it requires, as specified by the mfgr, you're not going to NEED to do much work on it. Keep the engine, tranny, and generator oil and filters clean and replaced at the correct intervals, and a diesel will go a lot further than a gasser will before needing anything major. They're built that way, which is why all the over-the-road trucks are diesel-powered.

As you already know, an RV consists of a lot of moving parts, since it's not only a vehicle, but a home as well, with all the appliances, plumbing, etc that goes with that aspect. THAT'S where your DIY experience can really help. If you can do that stuff, you'll be ahead of the game, and you won't have to worry about the dealer's minimum-wage kid doing on-job training on your rig with his little power driver, and stripping all the fasteners in the process.

Good luck with your search.

Egor'sRV wrote:
I've been toying with the idea of trading in my gas Bounder for a diesel powered coach. Do they ride any smoother (my wife's pet peeve), do they handle much differently on state highways and interstates, and do they really make much difference for towing?
I've had two class C's before moving to the A, and each coach has been bigger than the last, and for me, better.
There are a lot of used diesels on the market right now and I was wondering if it would be worth trading again to get a better ride and livability.
Thanks for any insights.
Egor

Lots of good info posted... here's one more. In the Class C the driver sits quite aways behind the steer axle . On a gas Class A, teh driver generally sits on top of the steer axle or a just a little behind it. On most Pushers, the driver will be sitting in front of the steer axle. Makes driving a bit different.... I like it.

Yes DP and V10 beg difference being DP quiet and and partner can talk and hear each other very well. I my V10 not so much my friends DP handle like a tame ***** cat my F53 a wild elephant LOL.

I want to thank all you contributors to this question. I never thought I would get this much feedback in such a short time.

From what the majority of you have said, I have started looking for my next camper: Diesel pusher with big engine and probably washer/dryer hookups. I have always done my own repair and renovation. That may have to change some as I have no experience with diesel engines. But, I can learn.

Thanks again to all of you.
Egor

I have had 3 class A motorhomes starting with a 73 Winnebago that was a couple of years ago she had bias ply tires oh what a beating you took until the flat spots were ran out in the tires. I had a 2001 Fleetwood 31' on the workhorse chassis. The good and bad on this MH the engine was a big block Chevy with fuel injection it got a solid 10 MPG and towed a jeep wrangler like it wasn't there. The bad it blew all over the road in the wind it was a white knuckle driving experience. When a truck passed it would first blow you away then suck you back after the truck passed and you got the air wash it would shake. The wind could shift this thing several feet all at once. Quality of build was low entry level.

My current class A is a Fleetwood expedition on a Freightliner chassis and a Cat C7 engine with an Alison transmission. Handling, ride & noise is better it is a much heavier machine than the 01 gasser so I can't say it is more powerful weight to HP ratio. The build quality is better with the Expedition better wood and appliances upholstery Etc.

I would have liked the 01 MH if it had a better build quality and had better handling. I believe some of the handling was the amount of overhang from the rear axle to back of coach. When the wind hits this area of the coach it acts like a baseball bat that coupled with no weight to speak of in this part of the coach creates a problem. When towing the jeep it actually helped the handling which to me also confirmed my assumption.

More power, better ride and fewer stops for fuel.

Years ago we were considering a diesel pusher. Our friends who owned them all said the same thing; "do not drive one unless you are ready to sign the papers".

They were 100% correct.

Agree with other comments on how great the diesel ride is. 3 years later and we still comment on it almost everyday. 2 things I really love: PAC/Engine brake for going down the hill safely; being able to fuel up at truck stop pumps (fast and easy in/out). Down side might be Bubba on any corner can work on a V10; have to look a little harder for a diesel but there usually someone.

One thing that seldom is mentioned in these diesel/gas discussions is towing capacity and hitch height, especially hitch height. The gasser hitch on the Ford F-53 anyway will usually be higher than a diesel. The result is to tow a small low to the ground car you will need a long drop hitch to get the tow bar close to level. Couple this with long rear axle overhang most gassers have and you will quickly learn about “tail drag”

Rear engine diesels do not have this problem and also often have higher towing capacity. We do drive a gasser and know all about tail drag and now tow a suv that sits high enough to eliminate the problem. Just something to think about that most buyers never do until they have the problem.

Working for an RV dealer I don't see much difference in the diesel/gas debate except for the length. Other than that they are the same to me. The mechanics are different but they are still the same. I must admit that when I'm driving them I forget what I'm in at times.