Low mileage gasser or high mileage diesel

In the case of a diesel, I don't think the rest of the MH would be built any sturdier than a gasser so it's not just about the motor. With that much difference I think I would go with the lower miles.

A gasser should last around 250,000 miles before a rebuild and a diesel 1 million miles before a rebuild. IMHO, you would wear the inside of a coach out before a engine rebuild.

I would be inclined to get the one that has the floor plan I like best.

And above all get the one the wife wants.

If Mother is happy everyone is happy.

If Mother is not happy then nobody is happy.


With the low miles you plan to travel either should work OK.

As a general rule, "all else equal" is usually not the case when comparing a DP and gasser. The DP is usually better built with a nicer interior. With that said, I went with a newer gasser and am happy. My only issue is the limitation of 5,000 lbs pulling. While the diesel engine is supposed to last longer, by the time you put that kind of mileage on the rig everything else is going to wear out. Heck, I have a ford explorer gasser up at my cabin that is a 1995 with near 200,000 miles on it. It doesn't use a drop of oil and has the original tranny. Keep your maintenance up on whatever you buy and go camp!

As with any RV, a COMPLETE inspection by an expert will give you the best advice. The DP engine and transmission could be in great shape but it my also need a $5000 radiator, or have some hydraulic hoses that are about to fail. Naturally there are no guaranty with a newer gas coach either, hence the need for an inspection.
The newer the coach, the newer the appliances, furniture, AC units, etc, but that may or may not be a good thing considering that some of the older stuff is built better than the newer items.

Really it's what you want in a MH. Mileage wise, both may outlive you. As has been discussed many many time there are pros and cons both ways so it's whatever floats your particular boat.

I bought my 1972 conversion 10 years ago and never regret the decision.
Sad part is that all 3 boys moved out of the house and don't need big rig anymore.
No problem with parts supply for 40 years old Prevost.
Had the engine sitting for 3 years lately and took it 3 seconds to fire up on old fuel.
Detroit engine is still having about 900,000 miles of life in it.
So while DP generally are build to much higher standards than gasoline MH, you will find huge differences between cheap DP and commercial conversions.
Go to Airstream forum to see beautiful 60 years old RV, or to Bluebird forum to see how owners love 50 years old front diesels.

You think 110K to 130K miles for a diesel coach is a lot? Well, other than a few items in the House part, the chassis, engine, trans, bearings, suspension, and a few dozen other components of the diesel unit is just about broken in a 130K. Let's face it here. There are VERY few RVers that put that kind of mileage on RVs. Yes, some do but, by and large, not very many.

And, the ones that do, obviously are doing it in long distance freeway miles since, just about no one drives a motor home, (especially a diesel) TO WORK every day, to put that kind of mileage on one. There's quite a few benefits to the diesel over the gas. I won't go into any of them now as you more than likely already know most of them.

But, even with modest proper care, that diesel will go easily double or triple that kind of mileage. I personally think you'd be way better off with the diesel. Your choice.
Scott

BIG difference in gasoline chassis during that time.

Went from undersized Ford chassis with 460 to better chassis with V10. Went from narrow P chassis to wide P chassis/W chassis.

So, at least for gas coaches, a year or two either way during that time period can make a BIG difference in what you get.

I think if I FT'd I would go DP. I think FTing you would put on many more miles and the diesel engine would last longer. Out 3 to 5 months a year and no plans to FT a gasser works for me. MPG would not even be a factor. FTing factors that I would consider. How much luggage can I carry gas Vs DP. (my gasser I'm maxed out for 4 months on the road) Longevity of engine gas Vs DP. Floor plan would be a huge factor. (I would need a hobby room) Ease of working on the engine. DP with side radiator would be a must have. Bottom line I wouldn't limit my shopping choices for gasser or diesel no matter how I RV'd. You might find a great buy in either one. However, MPG shouldn't even be an issue.