Want to upgrade - Is diesel worth it?
I'm looking into upgrading in the relative near future. I have an entry level Winnie that's good for what it is, but I'd like more. I really like the look and features of allegros, but I don't wan...
Forum Discussion
Skid Row Joe wrote:
Not necessarily. When buying used, there is no upcharge for the diesel engine.
I beg to differ - a diesel-powered anything is far superior to any gasser. FWIW, diesels are NOT more costly to maintain. If anything, a diesel LESS $ to maintain per mile, since their incidence of breakdown is by far LESS than any gasser.
Then, there's the 20% Bump Up in mpg. There's no getting away from the economy AND efficiency of ANY diesel powered vehicle.
My Class C is a DIESEL, and it's only 24' in length. It is a full 20% MORE fuel-efficient than the V-10 gasser.
My last coach was a 26' Class A, powered by an Isuzu 6-cylinder diesel engine. It's fuel efficiency was 25%+ greater than the gashog V8 440-Chrysler engine.
Joe - I don't disagree with you when you're talking about a Class C; however, a Class A is a different animal. Your Class C doesn't have an air suspension, air brakes, air dryer, hydraulic slides and jacks, two fuel filters and large air filter that a Class A DP has. Yes the mileage is a bit better, but there's no way that maintenance costs on a Class A DP and Class A Gasser are equal. I've full-timed in both.
My current and former two cars are diesel. They deliver an easy 30%+ greater fuel-efficiency. So, that shoots your theory down yet again.
So, no, you do not need a 40' unit to gain superiority over a gasser, with the diesel.MeanderMan wrote:
You need a diesel if you're talking 40' or more - for 33'? Not so much, and much more expensive to buy and maintain for the small return on a motorhome that size.
Joe - I don't disagree with you if you're talking about a Class C; however, a Class A DP is a completely different matter. I doubt your Class C has air suspension, air brakes, and air dryer, two fuel filters, large air filter, hydraulic jacks and hydraulic slides. The cost of maintaining a Class A DP, unless perhaps you're an experienced mechanic with a full garage, is going to be more than a Class A gasser, simply because of the complexity and number of systems. Yes the mileage is better, but not nearly 20 percent better. I've full timed in both a DP and gasser, so I think I have some experience in the matter.
