I've been doing some reading lately and when the argument comes up that a DP is more expensive to maintain than a gasser, I'd just like to get some other opinions on this. I also have my opinion and here goes.I do my own maintenance which includes oil changes, oil filter, fuel filters, air filter, etc. I also do all the greasing, inspection of the chassis etc in accordance with my specific chassis maintenance schedule. IMHO, the difference to maintaining a diesel over a gasser is negligible, provided you do the maintenance yourself. I do understand, however, if you take a diesel vehicle to a shop or mechanic for service the price goes up exponentially. Moreover whether or not you take a DP or Gasser MH in for service, those shops start seeing $$$$'s anyway. Just my .02 worth.

I'm not sure about your vehicle, but my Ford Diesel takes about 13-1/2 quarts of oil vs. about 6 for a gasser. Plus, fuel filters need to be changed more frequently than a gasser.

My 05 DP I bought new has cost less to maintain and repair than my 98 F-53 chassis which was a POS. It constantly needed brakes and maintenance and fuel pumps and was a nightmare to drive. Having said that, DPs are not cheap to maintain. Brakes last forever. But you have lots of filters, air compressor desiccant, turbo with CAC, more sensors, etc.I have had to replace two ride height valves at $200 plus each, tires cost more assuming 22.5 vs 19".You do get to glide down 9% grades with one hand on the wheel and no foot on the brake vs white knuckles. Its only money, get what you can afford.

I do my own maintenance also. My coach in my signature is a Ford V10 Gasser and I also own a 2011 Ford F250 diesel truck.Just taking an oil change the cost of materials is dramatically different. Oil: 6 qts gas, 13 qts diesel, oil filter: $5 gas, $15 diesel. The diesel truck has two fuel filters that need changed every 5th oil change at $125. The diesel also has two starting batteries that I just had to replace at $250. Would have only been one with the gasser. If you can't so your own work, you can throw in the $100+ per hour labor charge for a diesel mechanic. Also the time required to do the job is longer.

I had thought that any Ford dealer could work on my Class C. I was wrong! Only very specific Ford truck dealers will touch them. It is the same cost. The gas rigs need more frequent service but the diesel rigs use more fluids. Any heavy truck shop can work on motorhomes. Many truck dealers are open 24x7. It is close to the same labor rate.

TucsonJim wrote:I'm not sure about your vehicle, but my Ford Diesel takes about 13-1/2 quarts of oil vs. about 6 for a gasser. Plus, fuel filters need to be changed more frequently than a gasser.Yup, My 2007 F350 6.0 I had before the Cummins :) took 15 quarts. Guess I was just used to it.I used to get a case of fuel filters, the primary and secondary online at a reasonable discount.

Why does a DP cost more to maintain than a Gasser?

36 Replies

RBabb
Explorer
Jan 08, 2015
Diesels also go much farther between changes and tune ups aren't required.In the long run they're cheaper than they appear
93mastercraft
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2015
TucsonJim wrote:
I'm not sure about your vehicle, but my Ford Diesel takes about 13-1/2 quarts of oil vs. about 6 for a gasser. Plus, fuel filters need to be changed more frequently than a gasser.

Yup, My 2007 F350 6.0 I had before the Cummins :) took 15 quarts. Guess I was just used to it.I used to get a case of fuel filters, the primary and secondary online at a reasonable discount.
msturtz
Explorer
Jan 08, 2015
I had thought that any Ford dealer could work on my Class C. I was wrong! Only very specific Ford truck dealers will touch them. It is the same cost. The gas rigs need more frequent service but the diesel rigs use more fluids. Any heavy truck shop can work on motorhomes. Many truck dealers are open 24x7. It is close to the same labor rate.
kab449
Explorer
Jan 08, 2015
I do my own maintenance also. My coach in my signature is a Ford V10 Gasser and I also own a 2011 Ford F250 diesel truck.
Just taking an oil change the cost of materials is dramatically different. Oil: 6 qts gas, 13 qts diesel, oil filter: $5 gas, $15 diesel. The diesel truck has two fuel filters that need changed every 5th oil change at $125.
The diesel also has two starting batteries that I just had to replace at $250. Would have only been one with the gasser.
If you can't so your own work, you can throw in the $100+ per hour labor charge for a diesel mechanic. Also the time required to do the job is longer.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2015
My 05 DP I bought new has cost less to maintain and repair than my 98 F-53 chassis which was a POS. It constantly needed brakes and maintenance and fuel pumps and was a nightmare to drive.

Having said that, DPs are not cheap to maintain. Brakes last forever. But you have lots of filters, air compressor desiccant, turbo with CAC, more sensors, etc.

I have had to replace two ride height valves at $200 plus each, tires cost more assuming 22.5 vs 19".

You do get to glide down 9% grades with one hand on the wheel and no foot on the brake vs white knuckles.

Its only money, get what you can afford.
TucsonJim
Explorer II
Jan 08, 2015
I'm not sure about your vehicle, but my Ford Diesel takes about 13-1/2 quarts of oil vs. about 6 for a gasser. Plus, fuel filters need to be changed more frequently than a gasser.

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Why does a DP cost more to maintain than a Gasser?

36 Replies

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