Class A, gas or diesel

[Leonandlisa]

So we had a bumper pull toyhauler (3 years), then a 35' 5th wheel toyhauler (3) years, and are now looking at Class A. We usually take a summer vacation that we go on a road trim and put about 3,000 miles on in a week or so. Lots of driving, but recently we have had my mother in law move in with us to help her out with some cancer battles and she goes with us everywhere, so the long trips are challenging with bathroom breaks. It is the four of us, Wife, 13 year old son, mother in law, and our standard poodle.

I wanted to go straight to diesel for the power, for the exhaust brake, and the 10k tow rating on most. I tow the 5th wheel with a 3500 ram SRW, and I have owned Ford diesels since 2010, so familiar with the maintenance.

I am in looking in the used market, but the diesels are still very expensive. Due to the family situation we are also looking for something with bunks for privacy and they seem to be more popular in the gas class A units.

So cons with gas:

No exhaust brake, less power, less longevity of the motor, less tow rating, and from what I see, the units seem cheaply made (smaller ac units, smaller generators, non residential fridge, less water storage, less gas storage) probably mostly to cut weight.

Obviously there is lots of gas units out there though, so want some feedback, how do they do? did you want to upgrade to the diesel right away? if you like the gas one, do you only do short trips? How are they in the mountains coming down and going up grades?

We are looking for feedback on units 35-40' long.

Sorry for the long story, and I know there is a million opinions, but I need to start somewhere.

[Big_Katuna]

I have had both gas and DPs.

My first observation is why suffer 3000 miles in a week with a weakened MIL?

That intinerary is torture in either gas or DP. I used to do those types of trips and eventually I figured out that we were driving PAST perfectly nice vacation spots that other people drive TO.

JMHO.

DP s are a LOT more expensive to maintain and repair. As far as longevity of diesel over gas, today’s V10 is a reliable drivetrain easily good for 100K miles.

As far as power, my CAT C7 DP gets passed up long grades by V10s. After all they gave more HP.

The 2016 up six speed has downhill breaking. Not as good as a PAC brake but ok I hear.

Drive both. DP drive better but you pay a price. Maybe not required if you don’t drive more than week or two a year.

I’ll say this, we half time, stay more than drive, but much of our northern interstates really suck.

A DP doesn’t make those roads smooth. They just suck a little less

[RLS7201]

Driving in the mountains with a gasser is not a problem. Gassers have intake manifold vacuum to help with going down grades.
From your post, it looks like you have little choice but to purchase a diesel MH. I suspect you won't find a gas MH that has the cargo carrying capacity you'll need and the towing capacity.
Hopefully you'll hit a jackpot close to home and pay cash for a nice diesel pusher.

Richard

[janstey58]

I have owned both and wish I had started with Diesel. The ride is exceptional as compared to the gasser with the air ride suspension. The engine noise is like night and day also. Many more amenities and the maintenance cost goes up, but only about $300/year. I know things that break will be more $$$ but so far so good.