Class A - Gas vs Diesel

Thanks to all for sharing your very compelling, helpful thoughts and advice with we two RV newbies!

I agree with dahkota and tinmac. In the long run, we decided to go gasser because both the wife and I are much more familiar with gasoline engines and systems than diesel, thereby allowing us to save money that could be used for other options or trips (or emergencies.) But that was us and our situation... we do plan to see it all and know a gasser can do what we need. It fits the budget and we love the floorplan, so we think it's a win-win.

timmac wrote:
As a gas motorhome owner myself I would say save your money and go with a gas but if your going to be over 36 feet with 2 or more slides than a Diesel might be better but if your going to be under 36 foot than save your money and go with a gas it will get you there the same as a diesel but will leave more dollars in your pocket after the purchase..

Newer gas motorhomes are not like the ones 15 years ago..

I agree with timmac. We have been fulltiming for over two years now in our Bounder 33C. We have been over the Rockies, the Sierras, the Appalachians, all the way up to Dead Horse, Alaska (with 9-12 percent grades) and back. We have had no problems with our engine or transmission, making it up hills or down, towing a 4000 lb. jeep. We have lots of space in our storage bins - after 2.5 years, we still haven't filled it up. And, with our 3700 lb. cargo capacity, we have a little bit of weight left over, in spite of the fact we carry 60 gallons of water, 600W of solar, and 2 extra batteries.

However, if looking at gassers over 35 feet, look very closely at the cargo capacity. Some larger gas coaches are built on the same chassis our is: the 22K F53. Each foot adds 500-1000 lbs., reducing the CCC. Find a good 24K or 26K chassis and you will be better off.

Just an FYI, we only use our generator when we are awake so we prefer it in the bedroom instead of the **** pit. It is much quieter that way and we can shut the door.

The best price on a diesel coach we could find in our size range with all the features we wanted was $45,000 more than our gas coach. When we ran the numbers, including initial cost and maintenance, we realized that was a year of fulltiming budget. That $45K will make a decent down payment for a future home or will insure we have a cushion in the face of a catastrophe. We aren't 'house rich' and 'cash poor.'

Good luck with your choice. We are very happy with ours and love the full time life.

As a gas motorhome owner myself I would say save your money and go with a gas but if your going to be over 36 feet with 2 or more slides than a Diesel might be better but if your going to be under 36 foot than save your money and go with a gas it will get you there the same as a diesel but will leave more dollars in your pocket after the purchase..

Newer gas motorhomes are not like the ones 15 years ago..

My opinion is that it all depends on your budget. If the diesel puts you in financial straits buy the gas as it will do the job. If your budget allows it, buy the DP. Also drive them both and pick out your floor plan after all you are the one who has to drive and live in. Good luck and enjoy. By the way I own a DP but I never belittle anyone who drives a gasser as I figure it fit's their needs and budget.:)

If you are looking in the 36 to 40 foot range, I would go with the diesel. With that size coach, I want to make sure I have enough power and I really like the exhaust brake when going down hills. Some coaches have multistage engine brakes which are even more effective.

You listed three concerns....mountain driving, engine longevity and storage space. Modern day gassers will climb any grade in the U.S. that is normally traversed by RV's. Modern day gas engines, if well maintained, will probably last as long as you'll own it. Your last concern depends on how much you like to bring along.

I've had both a Class A gasser and a DP. If I were to go fulltime, I would definitely want the largest most comfortable coach I could afford. Which would be a 40' or larger DP.

During our 16 years of full-timing and traveling constantly - mainly in the western mountains, we saw many, many gas motorhomes in the same places as our diesel went. Yes, you can drive in the mountains with gas.

You mentioned full-timing so you'll need to study the carrying capacity carefully. Remember, when you full-time you carry everything with you. It's not like going on a vacation. This also includes the car you tow.

You mentioned looking at a 36-40' and before someone chimes in that you can't stay in the national parks with that size, I just wanted to let you know that yes you can. We did it successfully.

Good luck in your search.

Moved from Forum Technical Support

if all else is equal, and you can afford the initial purchased, I prefer diesel for these reasons:

1 - fueling at the truck pumps makes life so much easier when traveling in an unfamiliar area which we normally are. Trying to decide if we will fit in a "regular gas station" can be difficult. If we can get in, can we get out again?
2 - normally better braking setup
3 - generator is normally away from the bedroom sleeping area (quieter while parked)
4 - engine is normally away from where the driver and passenger(s) are riding (quieter while driving)
5 - typically more cargo carrying capacity.

That being said, you can absolutely travel in the mountains with a gas coach. We did it for 5 years in a 34 foot motor home with one slide. Our longest trip at that time was 3 months and we still had a sticks and bricks house to keep all our "stuff" in.

We learned a lot about rving and ourselves as rvers during the time we had the gas coach and we don't regret having it. We did know that we definitely wanted a diesel coach once we decide to sell the house and go full time. There was no way, we could safely travel in the gas coach with the amount of "stuff" we wanted to carry with us.