Still in the MH hunt for the first time

Ok.....these posts have been very helpful., so don't take this post the wrong way. We almost pulled away from the idea of buying a MH not really understanding how much (average) it would cost to be an owner, especially of a diesel (which is what we were considering). We are aware it's a pricey step, but we're confused about exactly what it means to not be faint of heart, etc. Can anyone share what they feel is a fair idea of an annual maintenance amount ( regular maintenance for a year, without unexpected repairs). We know things will happen along the way that will be above and beyond this. And if we buy new, aren't there warranties to cover major parts for awhile?
I would certainly appreciate your input.
Thank you.

I have a 38' gasser and have never had a problem getting in or out of a gas station.

RedG wrote:
Diesel motorhome maintenance and repair expenses are not for the faint of heart. . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . A diesel pusher is the best way to go. Just be sure you're prepared for the upkeep. The motor will outlast the coach though with proper maintenance.

X2 Read our blog. It goes back three or four years.

Diesel motorhome maintenance and repair expenses are not for the faint of heart. For example, my side radiator hydraulic fan motor just recently started leaking fluid out the front seal and the bearings were going bad. Simple repair right? That's what I thought until I found out the motor alone was close to $900. Fixed it myself for around $1k. Dealer wanted @ $1900 to fix it.
A diesel pusher is the best way to go. Just be sure you're prepared for the upkeep. The motor will outlast the coach though with proper maintenance.

to justify a diesel, you need to be able to afford it.
Sorry, but that is the simple truth.

Diesels cost more than gassers. (similar size and year, they cost a lot more) This is because they are better. They ride better, have better brakes, more power, higher end amenities...

and most important, a rear engine diesel is quiet. You can carry on a conversation without shouting. They are also smooth.... ride like a caddy.....

I'm not sure what I would do if I had X number of dollars to spend, and they could buy me either a fairly new 4 slide gasser or a 10 year old one slide diesel...

My question is: What are you going to use it FT, weekends, 2 week trips, etc. That depends on what you should look at. To justify a diesel you need to use the heck out of it. JMHO

We upgraded from a 5er to a gas class a this past winter. In our case we are still just a summer 3 week trip and a few weekend local trips until we retire in about 8 more years. For us it boiled down to floorplan and price. Our '09 was a repo in great shape with low mileage. Would I have liked it in diesel? Yes, but that would have been much more than we wanted to pay. We are debt free and want to stay that way. If we were retired and the kids were done with schooling it might be another story. Go with the best you are comfortable paying for. Travel is no fun if you have to pinch pennies. :)

I'm appreciating everyone's opinions very much. Those of you already living the hi-life must've thought about some of the same. I think overall opinions give insight, even if different from another. We read each post and discuss the suggestions. Maybe we're snails on making the final decision....but....we're slow and new to the rv life. Slow, but so ready to join you on the open road:)
We will order the RV guide and look at ratings. Thx for that suggestion.

Diesel will give you far more torque. Most diesel MHs tend to be the somewhat higher end with more features and do dads. Diesels will probably cost more to operate, including maintenance, but the oil changes are recommended at longer intervals than gas.

On a larger MH, my feeling is that you would be happier with a diesel.

If you are still thinking of a 40 footer as mentioned in your other post, then I would want to go with diesel. I like to be able to use the trucker lanes when refueling. If you decide to go with a GAS 38-40 footer then you are more limited as to where you will fit in the regular gas stations. Some gas stations have RV lanes but not all.