Opinions on diesel vs. gasoline
Asking advice/opinions: Considering getting a Class C motorhome. We have had diesel truck with fifth wheel for many years. Diesel=power/torque. We travel a lot in the mountains-especially Colorado...
Forum Discussion
wintersun wrote:
My first choice for a Class B is the gas engine and for a Class C built on a 4500 Class chassis. The Mercedes diesel engine is very reliable but it is only available with the Sprinter 3500 chassis so the OCCC is less than half that of a E-450 chassis. Huge difference betwween a GVWR of 11,030 lbs as with the Mercedes Sprinter 3500 and a GVWR of 12,500 and 14.500 with the Ford E-450 chassis.
With our 2021 Navion 24D the OCCc is only 886 lbs which includes the weight of my wife and I and our e-bikes on a rack attached to the hitch receiver, clothing, cookware, food, and gear, leaving an allowance of less than 140 lbs for fresh water, grey water, and and black waste. With only 15 gallons of fresh water and empty gray and black holding tank, we are at 100% of the OCCC of the motorhome.
Where the diesel engine can help is with added range from getting more miles per gallon but the Sprinter chassis have a small gas tank as this platform is designed for use as a commercial van and not for motorhomes.
Yep, you nailed it!!
IMHO, the Ford E450 and Chevy 4500 designs are much better suited for Class C motorhome use. They are the truck series above the Mercedes chassis, of course.
