Looking for our first used Diesel Pusher
Hi Everyone. We have owned 3 travel trailers. We really enjoy our trips but are getting ready to venture out further then our own state (Texas). We are interested in purchasing a used Diesel Pusher...
Forum Discussion
As a former owner of a couple of 31' gas class A coaches and now the new owner of a 32' diesel pusher, there are some big differences you should be aware of.
First, our gas mileage was 7.5 MPG over thousands of miles. Our diesel delivers 11 MPG! That's 33% better mileage. Diesel often sells for a bit more but if you put on a lot of miles the savings really add up.
Our gas coaches needed service every 5000 miles at less than $100 at a good service shop. The diesel is something under $400 for that service, but oil changes are at 15000 miles, not 5000. Diesel parts and service are nearly always more $$$$$.
There is no comparison in the ride! The air bags on the diesel make for a much better ride over our rotten Kalifornistan roads. And the rear engined pusher is so much quieter as you cruise down the road. We are real happy with it.
Of course the purchase price is a huge difference. You'll see that as you shop. We paid almost double for the '04 diesel compared to the '06 gas sale to a private party. The gas also had twice the miles on it as the diesel had.
If you don't mind the added initial expense and the costlier maintenance, I think the diesel is certainly the better coach.
I hope this helps a little...
-Dale
First, our gas mileage was 7.5 MPG over thousands of miles. Our diesel delivers 11 MPG! That's 33% better mileage. Diesel often sells for a bit more but if you put on a lot of miles the savings really add up.
Our gas coaches needed service every 5000 miles at less than $100 at a good service shop. The diesel is something under $400 for that service, but oil changes are at 15000 miles, not 5000. Diesel parts and service are nearly always more $$$$$.
There is no comparison in the ride! The air bags on the diesel make for a much better ride over our rotten Kalifornistan roads. And the rear engined pusher is so much quieter as you cruise down the road. We are real happy with it.
Of course the purchase price is a huge difference. You'll see that as you shop. We paid almost double for the '04 diesel compared to the '06 gas sale to a private party. The gas also had twice the miles on it as the diesel had.
If you don't mind the added initial expense and the costlier maintenance, I think the diesel is certainly the better coach.
I hope this helps a little...
-Dale
