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
..As already said, with a coach this size, some of the advantages of diesel are not going to be as obvious.
IMO, floorplan is much more important than chassis/engine type. When parked, you're not going to care whether its diesel or gas, you'll want the floorplan that works best for you.
For that reason, my vote is for the Open Road 31SA you mentioned in your original post. Sounds like that unit has a floorplan you like much better, so I say go with it.
OK, now that I've addressed the actual, specific questions originally posted, now to join in with the other 4 pages of diesel vs gas debate/rant that has taken over this thread: :)
I personally want NOTHING to do with a diesel coach. They stink, are obnoxiously loud (outside), pollute the air much worse (except newer DEF units), and most of all: They cost ridiculously more to purchase and maintain than a gasser. Maybe I'm old fashioned and 'cheap', but it just seems crazy to me, to sink six figures of $$ into a depreciating asset (which you just about have to do, to get into a diesel pusher thats not several years old).
Whats more, I absolutely hate the design of having the door at the front, in front of the passenger seat. Makes it seem like you're driving a big greyhound or school bus. I keep looking for the flashing lights and stop arm to come out on them when one stops, hahahaha! I know there are a *few* diesel pushers that don't have the door up front, but they are very few and far between.
Also, we really, really like having a window on the back wall of the bedroom (this is almost a 'deal-breaker' for us). This is something you just cannot get on ANY diesel pusher unit I've ever seen.
Oh, and before anyone asks/suggests such: YES, I *HAVE* driven a diesel pusher, and I do know and appreciate how much smoother a ride they offer with full air suspension. For me personally, though, that smoother ride just is not worth the ridiculously higher purchase price and maintenance, and the other things noted above that I do not like with them.
Will
IMO, floorplan is much more important than chassis/engine type. When parked, you're not going to care whether its diesel or gas, you'll want the floorplan that works best for you.
For that reason, my vote is for the Open Road 31SA you mentioned in your original post. Sounds like that unit has a floorplan you like much better, so I say go with it.
OK, now that I've addressed the actual, specific questions originally posted, now to join in with the other 4 pages of diesel vs gas debate/rant that has taken over this thread: :)
I personally want NOTHING to do with a diesel coach. They stink, are obnoxiously loud (outside), pollute the air much worse (except newer DEF units), and most of all: They cost ridiculously more to purchase and maintain than a gasser. Maybe I'm old fashioned and 'cheap', but it just seems crazy to me, to sink six figures of $$ into a depreciating asset (which you just about have to do, to get into a diesel pusher thats not several years old).
Whats more, I absolutely hate the design of having the door at the front, in front of the passenger seat. Makes it seem like you're driving a big greyhound or school bus. I keep looking for the flashing lights and stop arm to come out on them when one stops, hahahaha! I know there are a *few* diesel pushers that don't have the door up front, but they are very few and far between.
Also, we really, really like having a window on the back wall of the bedroom (this is almost a 'deal-breaker' for us). This is something you just cannot get on ANY diesel pusher unit I've ever seen.
Oh, and before anyone asks/suggests such: YES, I *HAVE* driven a diesel pusher, and I do know and appreciate how much smoother a ride they offer with full air suspension. For me personally, though, that smoother ride just is not worth the ridiculously higher purchase price and maintenance, and the other things noted above that I do not like with them.
Will
