Which diesel rig would you purchase?
We have had an Itasca Suncruiser for about 16 years. Actually we are on our third one in that time frame. This last one has about 70,000 miles on it so we do use it, it is a 2005. We want to mo...
Forum Discussion
Dollo,
As you most likely know, the primary reason most folks graduate to a D/P is ride and, considerably less engine noise in the driver/passenger area. The frames are heavier, the tires and wheels are larger (although some gassers are sporting heavier frames etc.), more engine torque for easier pulling of just about any toad, better handling in adverse conditions, i.e. wind, passing tractor trailers (in either direction) and a few other benefits. I would add that there the "storage" difference too but, there's tons of storage in many gassers out there too.
Some will argue the maintenance of a D/P is a deciding factor. Well, it all depends on a few things. One, your normal amount of travel per given year. Some say if you don't travel at least 7K-10K miles per year, it's not worth owning a Diesel. Well, I think that's a matter of opinion. If one has the funds for, and desires a diesel unit, regardless of how many miles he/she/they travel per year, then by all means, jump in there and buy one.
If you do most or all of your own maintenance, i.e. oil and filter changes, air cleaner maintenance, fuel filter(s), lubing and more, you can cut the maintenance costs of a diesel by quite a bit. Yep, most, if not all of the diesel engines require more oil and, more expensive filters but, there's ways around that too. There's always sales on that stuff, from somebody.
Floor plans will have an influence too. But, that's the same with gasser units. You can get different or, more desirable floor plans in both gas and diesel units. The floor plan is an individual thing. What works for some, may not work for you.
Someone suggested getting a "fiberglass roof". I surely second that. I've had the rubber one and, while I had no real issue with it, it's definitely not nearly as durable and weather resistant as a fiberglass one. Fiberglass ones in my opinion, are considerably easier to take care of in terms of prolonging their life.
As for the brand of engine used in todays diesels, well, Caterpillar has been out of the "Over the road" engine building for quite a while now and, unless they've jumped back into the market recently, Cummins is the top producer for about 95% of the diesel motorhomes out there presently. There are a few with one or two other engine manufacturers but, not very many. The newer, as in around 2007 and later units, have more smog equipment on them and, therefore are more complicated in their basic operation, as opposed to the pre-2007 models.
The '07 and up models are using what's called a "DEF" fluid, (Diesel Exhaust Fluid" for treatment of exhaust emissions. There's a specific tank on board for this DEF fluid. I have no idea how often this fluid needs to be replaced or, replenished. Many folks on here have an '07 or newer and, to the best of my knowledge, are not having too many issues with the newer engines and emissions systems. It's just one more thing to consider if, you plan on going after a '07 or newer.
There's lots of older, as in '06 or older units out there that will work flawlessly for many years to come. Again, it's floor plan, length, and other specifics that you need to look into. We've had our '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330 HP CAT for almost 3 years now and, it's been a great unit. We purchased it with 40K miles on it and, it runs flawless. Yes, I've had to do some repairs, adjustments etc. but, nothing out of the ordinary.
So, in my opinion, the smart thing to do would be to go to an RV show, with new and used units on display. Check out the new(er) ones, and the older ones to see if there's anything that steers you to new. Then, if and when you narrow it down, go drive a couple to really see how the unit differs from a gas unit in both noise, ride and more. Good luck.
Scott
As you most likely know, the primary reason most folks graduate to a D/P is ride and, considerably less engine noise in the driver/passenger area. The frames are heavier, the tires and wheels are larger (although some gassers are sporting heavier frames etc.), more engine torque for easier pulling of just about any toad, better handling in adverse conditions, i.e. wind, passing tractor trailers (in either direction) and a few other benefits. I would add that there the "storage" difference too but, there's tons of storage in many gassers out there too.
Some will argue the maintenance of a D/P is a deciding factor. Well, it all depends on a few things. One, your normal amount of travel per given year. Some say if you don't travel at least 7K-10K miles per year, it's not worth owning a Diesel. Well, I think that's a matter of opinion. If one has the funds for, and desires a diesel unit, regardless of how many miles he/she/they travel per year, then by all means, jump in there and buy one.
If you do most or all of your own maintenance, i.e. oil and filter changes, air cleaner maintenance, fuel filter(s), lubing and more, you can cut the maintenance costs of a diesel by quite a bit. Yep, most, if not all of the diesel engines require more oil and, more expensive filters but, there's ways around that too. There's always sales on that stuff, from somebody.
Floor plans will have an influence too. But, that's the same with gasser units. You can get different or, more desirable floor plans in both gas and diesel units. The floor plan is an individual thing. What works for some, may not work for you.
Someone suggested getting a "fiberglass roof". I surely second that. I've had the rubber one and, while I had no real issue with it, it's definitely not nearly as durable and weather resistant as a fiberglass one. Fiberglass ones in my opinion, are considerably easier to take care of in terms of prolonging their life.
As for the brand of engine used in todays diesels, well, Caterpillar has been out of the "Over the road" engine building for quite a while now and, unless they've jumped back into the market recently, Cummins is the top producer for about 95% of the diesel motorhomes out there presently. There are a few with one or two other engine manufacturers but, not very many. The newer, as in around 2007 and later units, have more smog equipment on them and, therefore are more complicated in their basic operation, as opposed to the pre-2007 models.
The '07 and up models are using what's called a "DEF" fluid, (Diesel Exhaust Fluid" for treatment of exhaust emissions. There's a specific tank on board for this DEF fluid. I have no idea how often this fluid needs to be replaced or, replenished. Many folks on here have an '07 or newer and, to the best of my knowledge, are not having too many issues with the newer engines and emissions systems. It's just one more thing to consider if, you plan on going after a '07 or newer.
There's lots of older, as in '06 or older units out there that will work flawlessly for many years to come. Again, it's floor plan, length, and other specifics that you need to look into. We've had our '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with the C-7 330 HP CAT for almost 3 years now and, it's been a great unit. We purchased it with 40K miles on it and, it runs flawless. Yes, I've had to do some repairs, adjustments etc. but, nothing out of the ordinary.
So, in my opinion, the smart thing to do would be to go to an RV show, with new and used units on display. Check out the new(er) ones, and the older ones to see if there's anything that steers you to new. Then, if and when you narrow it down, go drive a couple to really see how the unit differs from a gas unit in both noise, ride and more. Good luck.
Scott
