High end gasser or entry level DP

[way2roll]

As we continue to shop for our new rig to start full time next year I keep teetering on gas vs diesel. (sort of full time - 6 mons at a time, break for a month, 6 months out...) My only real life experience is with gassers. We've had 2 and very entry level. While we loved both coaches and they served as great weekenders, one of our biggest complaints was ride quality. The harsh road feedback and the noise. Very loud and hard to hold a conversation. Both MH's were ACE's and poorly insulated (if at all) and light which I think worsened the harshness of the ride. Our budget puts us at a fairly new but used high end gasser, or a 4-6 year old used entry level DP (Excursion, Palazzo, Sportscoach etc) I don't want to go any older. I am aware of the difference in how a DP rides vs gasser, night and day. But what about a higher end gasser - like a Newmar or Tiffin ? Do they ride smoother and more quiet than an entry level coach despite being on the same F53? And how dramatic is the difference between say a Canyon star or Allegro than an entry level DP? Do all DP's ride pretty much the same or do higher end DP's ride better than entry level ones? I know I need to take some test rides and that was my plan, but as we all know doing that right now has been difficult.

There's also the question of if I need a DP at all. Our travel days will be relatively short (that's the plan anyway), and stays longer. But despite loving our previous coaches, they were a nightmare to be in while riding, and I am really concerned about ride comfort. And as we all know, plans often change and we may find ourselves with occasional long days in the saddle. I should also add I know very little about diesels. Not that I did a lot of maintenance on our gassers, but at least I was able to do standard stuff. Anything house related - I am good.

Appreciate the thoughts.

[tropical36]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I would choke if I was charged $300 for an oil change----I get complete service including diesel generator, all fuel filters, air filters, grease everything, for less than that---I am in central NC and get it done at a big truck place once a year, early spring.

Even though, I said I wouldn't, when we got the Diesel, in the end, I decided to go it myself.
Greasing is as bad as our old P32 gasser, but the rest, is not near the job, I thought it might be.
Last time around, I changed the fuel filter in the genset too.
Thing is about having someone else, doing your work, you really don't know, unless you're standing right there with them.
Quick story and when I once had a garage grease my P32, I told the manager to have the tech give me a count on the fittings he did, as I knew exactly how many there were. When completed, I asked again for this info. He calls the tech over for the answer, which was...MUCHO!...!

[ferndaleflyer]

I would choke if I was charged $300 for an oil change----I get complete service including diesel generator, all fuel filters, air filters, grease everything, for less than that---I am in central NC and get it done at a big truck place once a year, early spring.

[thelazyl]

I pay ~$300 for oil (20 quarts), oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter on our DP. I do this each season and we drive about 5,000 files a year. Every other year I also so the transmission.

It took me awhile to find a good diesel mechanic. It turns out, since I live near a logging community, I was able to find a good one that works on logging trucks.

I don't plan on going back to a gasser. I've been spoiled by the DP.

[js218]

I pay $300 for oil change and fuel filter,44 quarts of oil,filter and 2 fuel filters.

[way2roll]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
Had 2 gas before going to a high end 40ft DP with a 325hp Cummins and wore it out. Now we have a high end 36ft DP. There is no comparison , and no $147 oil change either. Sorry but no gasser for me.

This brings up a point I have seen addressed on here, but I'll ask again. Oil changes in my gasser - full service - ran about $80 - 100 if memory serves. But it had to be done every 7k miles. Diesels from what I gather are more expensive to service but the intervals are twice as long right (1 year or 15 k miles) ? There's still a lot I don't know about diesel maintenance but I never did a lot of that myself anyway. We live in an HOA and I can't do that sort of thing here. But I still would like to know how to do it and what it entails. Cost is a question.

[ferndaleflyer]

Had 2 gas before going to a high end 40ft DP with a 325hp Cummins and wore it out. Now we have a high end 36ft DP. There is no comparison , and no $147 oil change either. Sorry but no gasser for me.

[tropical36]

way2roll wrote:
As we continue to shop for our new rig to start full time next year I keep teetering on gas vs diesel. (sort of full time - 6 mons at a time, break for a month, 6 months out...) My only real life experience is with gassers. We've had 2 and very entry level. While we loved both coaches and they served as great weekenders, one of our biggest complaints was ride quality. The harsh road feedback and the noise. Very loud and hard to hold a conversation. Both MH's were ACE's and poorly insulated (if at all) and light which I think worsened the harshness of the ride. Our budget puts us at a fairly new but used high end gasser, or a 4-6 year old used entry level DP (Excursion, Palazzo, Sportscoach etc) I don't want to go any older. I am aware of the difference in how a DP rides vs gasser, night and day. But what about a higher end gasser - like a Newmar or Tiffin ? Do they ride smoother and more quiet than an entry level coach despite being on the same F53? And how dramatic is the difference between say a Canyon star or Allegro than an entry level DP? Do all DP's ride pretty much the same or do higher end DP's ride better than entry level ones? I know I need to take some test rides and that was my plan, but as we all know doing that right now has been difficult.

There's also the question of if I need a DP at all. Our travel days will be relatively short (that's the plan anyway), and stays longer. But despite loving our previous coaches, they were a nightmare to be in while riding, and I am really concerned about ride comfort. And as we all know, plans often change and we may find ourselves with occasional long days in the saddle. I should also add I know very little about diesels. Not that I did a lot of maintenance on our gassers, but at least I was able to do standard stuff. Anything house related - I am good.

Appreciate the thoughts.

When we last bought and after giving it some thought, for no matter what the use might entail, we went with a side radiator DP and for dropping back the number of years, it took for meeting our budget.
Still for being better built and for longer lasting, than any entry level coach of any sort.

[way2roll]

Thanks for all the insightful replies. DW and I talked last night and agreed a DP is likely where we will focus our shopping. Although we had a lot of fond memories in our gas coaches we also both recall the beating we took and how exhausted and tense I was after long travel days. The RV was a means to get to the destination so we suffered through it for weekend trips. It makes sense that on this adventure we make getting to various destinations as enjoyable as being there. There is a level of intimidation only because I've never owned anything diesel aside from a tractor. Everything from how stuff works, to maintenance, even fueling up. But like all things, we'll figure it out.

[pianotuna]

luv2tup wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
$147 for a diesel engine oil change. Outrageous.

A diesel motorhome oil change for $147?? Please tell us where!

Many Canadian car dealerships charge nearly $147 for an oil change after parts, labor, taxes and environmental fees.

It was at a diesel truck shop near Stayner Ontario in 2005.

[mike_brez]

wa8yxm wrote:
I choose a high end Gasser when I got mine... THe reason however had more to do with me than you.

Most folks, about all they know about cars and trucks is "The fuel goes in the fuel tank and the money comes out of the wallet"..

Well I have some training as a mechanic. Gas engines only. So I went with Gas because some repairs I'm qualified to do and some thing I can diagnose even if I have to hire the repair.

Some years into this rigs' 15 years It started misfiring. Because I have driven gas engines since my early teens (Starting with a Ferguson TO-30 farm tractor, backing a trailer in between two buildings around an "S" Curve to get there loading about a ton of political promises and then heading out to spread 'em around (Manure spreader in other words) Though you'd like the joke.

Well I heard the misfire.. My wife.. Could not hear it..

Two cylinders had been chewed (ignition primary) some electrical tape bit of solder. 2 new plugs (They fouled) and no more misfire.

Didn’t your engine blow and need to be replaced?

[luv2tup]

pianotuna wrote:
$147 for a diesel engine oil change. Outrageous.

A diesel motorhome oil change for $147?? Please tell us where!

Many Canadian car dealerships charge nearly $147 for an oil change after parts, labor, taxes and environmental fees.

[pianotuna]

$147 for a diesel engine oil change. Outrageous.

[Rick_Jay]

wa8yxm wrote:
Two cylinders had been chewed (ignition primary) some electrical tape bit of solder. 2 new plugs (They fouled) and no more misfire.

Ahhh...see...NOW you're making the point for the DP guys! I've NEVER heard of a diesel misfiring because of bad plugs or plug wires, so that's ONE thing you never had to worry about with a DP! LOL

And, yes, I DID appreciate your humor!!! I was wondering where you were going with that! Thanks for the laugh. LOL


~Rick

[wa8yxm]

I choose a high end Gasser when I got mine... THe reason however had more to do with me than you.

Most folks, about all they know about cars and trucks is "The fuel goes in the fuel tank and the money comes out of the wallet"..

Well I have some training as a mechanic. Gas engines only. So I went with Gas because some repairs I'm qualified to do and some thing I can diagnose even if I have to hire the repair.

Some years into this rigs' 15 years It started misfiring. Because I have driven gas engines since my early teens (Starting with a Ferguson TO-30 farm tractor, backing a trailer in between two buildings around an "S" Curve to get there loading about a ton of political promises and then heading out to spread 'em around (Manure spreader in other words) Though you'd like the joke.

Well I heard the misfire.. My wife.. Could not hear it..

Two cylinders had been chewed (ignition primary) some electrical tape bit of solder. 2 new plugs (They fouled) and no more misfire.

[luv2tup]

Having moved on from an F53 with a 460 gas MH with steering and suspension modifications, I'll never go back after trading up to a DP. They just don't compare. Some will say DP maintenance is a challenge, but if you're comfortable turning wrenches, I haven't experienced any significant obstacles versus a gasser. It's all relative.