gas or diesel?

[blkcloud01]

In the market for a motorhome, sold my pull behind camper.. looking to spend around 40k.. will probably use it 3-4 times a year.. just wondering.. about gas or diesel.. from what I have been seeing for sale, I can buy a 2000 diesel pusher or I can buy a newer gas say a 2005 for the same money.. your opinions please..thanks!

[cochise49]

Went DP after decades of Class C gassers. After 9 years of outrageous repair bills and maintenance that I couldn't DIY. We saw a floorplan that blew our DP out of the water and half the price of a new DP with similar features like Heat Pumps, full body paint, great A/V system. Gas vs diesel fuel mpg/cost is usually a near push. Expect to pay 1/3 or less for oil changes etc. Cheaper parts/labor plus I can do most, if not all routine maint myself. It is noisier on hills but I don't really notice the suspension differences. We decided that we live in our rig much much more than we drive it. That being said....none of us need to justify our purchase decisions. We all enjoy our rigs. Happy travels to all.

[mike_brez]

I'm going diesel. I only use mine for 4or5 weekend trips and maybe 2 or 3 five day trips a year.

[Roman_Duck]

Get a Gasser, DP's are nice, but I think what your looking to do will be best suited for a gasser, Down the road if you like the Class A gasser, you can always upgrade to the diesel

[phnguyk]

Gas is not even remotely as horrible as you will be lead to believe. Consider cost of ownership, ie diesels are more expensive all around(truth). But in the end its up to you.

[deejay41]

Diesel!!!
"Nuff Said"!!

[Mr_Mark1]

Executive wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:

Now, 7 yrs. later, I want to upgrade to our last full size coach that should take us 15+ yrs. After that, it will be over or maybe a class B.
MM.

Can I have that junky old Liberty when you're done with it...:h:h.....:B:B:B.....Dennis

Dennis, I cannot tell you how nice a Prevost drives, amazingly smooth. I'm anxious for it to be done! In the process of picking the paint scheme now. They paint them before they convert the interior.

If the Prevost is anything like the way we keep the Dynasty, it really will still look new as I keep the Dynasty waxed and the inside spotless. And seriously, no dogs, non-smoking unit! LOL!

Mark

[Executive45]

Mr.Mark wrote:

Now, 7 yrs. later, I want to upgrade to our last full size coach that should take us 15+ yrs. After that, it will be over or maybe a class B.
MM.

Can I have that junky old Liberty when you're done with it...:h:h.....:B:B:B.....Dennis

[Mr_Mark1]

blkcloud01 wrote:
In the market for a motorhome, sold my pull behind camper.. looking to spend around 40k.. will probably use it 3-4 times a year.. just wondering.. about gas or diesel.. from what I have been seeing for sale, I can buy a 2000 diesel pusher or I can buy a newer gas say a 2005 for the same money.. your opinions please..thanks!

All the advice above is good. EVERYTHING depends on your situation. Do you primarily like to boondock, RV parks only? Will your 3-4 times a year turn into more? Are you retired or close to it?

Don't make the mistake of buying and then changing your mind. That can get expensive real fast.

I always read before we purchased our first unit (the Dynasty), is to buy your third motorhome first. I really feel that is what we did. A gas engine was not an option as I wanted a full size motorhome with 4 slides and a tandem axle. We have been very happy with our choice.

Now, 7 yrs. later, I want to upgrade to our last full size coach that should take us 15+ yrs. After that, it will be over or maybe a class B.

We didn't waste money buying units then changing our minds. I took a lot of time reading everything I could get my hands on, reading RV sites, magazines, etc., before we actually ordered the first one.

Also, we rented 3 units before we bought (One 31 ft. class C with one slide, 2 class A diesels, the first had 3 slides, the second had 4 slides). I knew the diesel was the way to go for us.

Good luck and hope that you find the perfect unit.

MM.

[Gjac]

What size MH are you looking at buying? If you are looking for 38-40 ft then an older diesel would be a good choice. If you want to stay small 30 -34 then I think a gas MH would be a better choice especially with low usage.

[427435]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
OK---I spent last evening with my friend that bought the V-10 and another friend that bought a C class V-10 recently and all they talked about was the noise. We use these things every weekend so how can they insulate the motor compartment?????

By the way both of these units are 2002 for the C and 2004 for the A. The C has 12,000 miles from the original owner for $12,000 and the A has 20,000mi 36ft and he paid $15,500 for it. Both of these are extremely clean units with a few normal wear things and are Winnebagoes.

Line the engine cover with this and then cover that with this.

[rgatijnet1]

I've had both diesel and now have a gasser. Since you only use it 3-4 times a year, why pay extra for maintenance and any needed repairs for a diesel when a gasser is much easier to maintain and parts are available at any auto parts store? If you find a FLOOR PLAN that you like, go with the coach that gives you the newest AC units, furniture, appliances, plumbing systems etc. You will spend more time parked than on the road and the newer gas units are very quiet. Naturally the cost for what little fuel you will use is less with the gasser but still the floor plan is really the most important.

[Executive45]

Diesel: More comfortable to drive. Heavier coach, so no road sway, no pushing from trucks etc. More stable coach. No noise when driving, you can talk to the passenger. Generally, more CCC, and more towing capacity.

Gas: You can buy a newer coach so you'll get newer appliances etc. More noise from the engine as it's under your nose as you're driving. Lighter coach so road noise is more pronounced. Less comfortable to drive. Less CCC and towing capacity.

Notice most of the difference is in the driving portion of your journey. So, depending on your situation, you have to decide which is best for you. If you 3-4 trips are short and around your S&B house then driving may not be that big a deal. However, going on long trips, the DP will win hands down. Add a tag and the difference becomes even greater. IMO, diesels tend to hold their value better than the gassers and many are better constructed.

Remember though, that the most important part of choosing a coach is not what it's powered by, but the floor plan that suits your needs. You'll spend more time 'living' in it than you will driving it. The best coach for you is the one with the right floor plan. Get one you like to drive that your wife hates the floor plan and you'll never be a happy camper......Dennis

[Tom_Barb]

In his price range I'd be looking for some thing like THIS

[ferndaleflyer]

OK---I spent last evening with my friend that bought the V-10 and another friend that bought a C class V-10 recently and all they talked about was the noise. We use these things every weekend so how can they insulate the motor compartment?????

By the way both of these units are 2002 for the C and 2004 for the A. The C has 12,000 miles from the original owner for $12,000 and the A has 20,000mi 36ft and he paid $15,500 for it. Both of these are extremely clean units with a few normal wear things and are Winnebagoes.

[427435]

How many people traveling?

For $40,000, and 3-4 times a year, gas is your best choice. The "house" part will be a lot newer and maintenance will be less. If the front engine is too noisy, it's easy to add sound proofing to the engine cover.

The other thing about a newer MH is that there will likely be more/bigger slides.

We use ours for several short trips a year and one long one. I added sound insulation to the engine cover and Koni shocks to the chassis. It is as quiet (except under hard acceleration, easy to handle, and comfortable to ride in as the one DP I've driven.