Opinions on diesel vs. gasoline

[BillyandKris]

Asking advice/opinions: Considering getting a Class C motorhome. We have had diesel truck with fifth wheel for many years. Diesel=power/torque. We travel a lot in the mountains-especially Colorado. We want a Super C, but not sure can afford. Second choice is a Jayco Greyhawk (gasoline engine). Looking at 30-32’ choices. We would flat-tow a Jeep Cherokee. Will we be sorely disappointed in a gasoline engine or should we stick with diesel?

[pnichols]

memtb wrote:

pnichols wrote:
I do not let our Class C motorhome's V10 rev past around 4000 RPM on grades. I just stay in the right hand lane, or on two lanes roads pull off periodically so others can pass.

This works best on the multiple-lane highways/freeways/Interstates that have a lot of big rig traffic. With my V10 revving no higher than around 4000 RPM, max, on grades, I usually find our motorhome moseying comfortably up grades right along with the big rigs. This makes for low stress, lower V10 noise, lower engine wear, and best-as-possible V10 gas mileage on grades.

You’re more patient than I! ?? I’m accustomed to towing our 5th wheel (20K) with our diesel pickup, and passing the semi’s and most often maintaining the speed limit, or my chosen 65 mph.

I even considered the diesel conversion for ours, but couldn’t justify, as we’re not using the “c” nearly enough! memtb

I "can" pass semi's and most often maintain the speed limit if a want to ... by using higher RPM's to tap more of the V10's horsepower. 😉

[memtb]

pnichols wrote:
I do not let our Class C motorhome's V10 rev past around 4000 RPM on grades. I just stay in the right hand lane, or on two lanes roads pull off periodically so others can pass.

This works best on the multiple-lane highways/freeways/Interstates that have a lot of big rig traffic. With my V10 revving no higher than around 4000 RPM, max, on grades, I usually find our motorhome moseying comfortably up grades right along with the big rigs. This makes for low stress, lower V10 noise, lower engine wear, and best-as-possible V10 gas mileage on grades.

You’re more patient than I! ?? I’m accustomed to towing our 5th wheel (20K) with our diesel pickup, and passing the semi’s and most often maintaining the speed limit, or my chosen 65 mph.

I even considered the diesel conversion for ours, but couldn’t justify, as we’re not using the “c” nearly enough! memtb

[pnichols]

I do not let our Class C motorhome's V10 rev past around 4000 RPM on grades. I just stay in the right hand lane, or on two lanes roads pull off periodically so others can pass.

This works best on the multiple-lane highways/freeways/Interstates that have a lot of big rig traffic. With my V10 revving no higher than around 4000 RPM, max, on grades, I usually find our motorhome moseying comfortably up grades right along with the big rigs. This makes for low stress, lower V10 noise, lower engine wear, and best-as-possible V10 gas mileage on grades.

[memtb]

BillyandKris, We have a pretty heavy Class C with the Ford V-10. Performance is OK, certainly not great. Fuel mileage is abysmal, especially when towing.

My biggest complaint is sitting on top of a V-10 gas burner turning anywhere from 3500 to 5500 rpm when encountering a grade. While I may hear the diesel, listening to 1500 to 2700 rpm would be a rather pleasant change! JMO. memtb

[Grit_dog]

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
I love gas with a 32 gallon tank in my truck. It is also so useful such as my portable camping generator, etc.

Huh?

[NamMedevac_70]

I love gas with a 32 gallon tank in my truck. It is also so useful such as my portable camping generator, etc.

[pnichols]

wintersun wrote:
My first choice for a Class B is the gas engine and for a Class C built on a 4500 Class chassis. The Mercedes diesel engine is very reliable but it is only available with the Sprinter 3500 chassis so the OCCC is less than half that of a E-450 chassis. Huge difference betwween a GVWR of 11,030 lbs as with the Mercedes Sprinter 3500 and a GVWR of 12,500 and 14.500 with the Ford E-450 chassis.

With our 2021 Navion 24D the OCCc is only 886 lbs which includes the weight of my wife and I and our e-bikes on a rack attached to the hitch receiver, clothing, cookware, food, and gear, leaving an allowance of less than 140 lbs for fresh water, grey water, and and black waste. With only 15 gallons of fresh water and empty gray and black holding tank, we are at 100% of the OCCC of the motorhome.

Where the diesel engine can help is with added range from getting more miles per gallon but the Sprinter chassis have a small gas tank as this platform is designed for use as a commercial van and not for motorhomes.

Yep, you nailed it!!

IMHO, the Ford E450 and Chevy 4500 designs are much better suited for Class C motorhome use. They are the truck series above the Mercedes chassis, of course.

[wintersun]

My first choice for a Class B is the gas engine and for a Class C built on a 4500 Class chassis. The Mercedes diesel engine is very reliable but it is only available with the Sprinter 3500 chassis so the OCCC is less than half that of a E-450 chassis. Huge difference betwween a GVWR of 11,030 lbs as with the Mercedes Sprinter 3500 and a GVWR of 12,500 and 14.500 with the Ford E-450 chassis.

With our 2021 Navion 24D the OCCc is only 886 lbs which includes the weight of my wife and I and our e-bikes on a rack attached to the hitch receiver, clothing, cookware, food, and gear, leaving an allowance of less than 140 lbs for fresh water, grey water, and and black waste. With only 15 gallons of fresh water and empty gray and black holding tank, we are at 100% of the OCCC of the motorhome.

Where the diesel engine can help is with added range from getting more miles per gallon but the Sprinter chassis have a small gas tank as this platform is designed for use as a commercial van and not for motorhomes.

[IAMICHABOD]

bobndot wrote:
I think Amazon has come to the realization regarding the Sprinters. They are replacing them with the Dodge PM and Ford Transit.

Around here they have been replaced by UPS type trucks,also at the MB prep center near me they had maybe 100 of them trucked in,painted,ready to go,plus more parked at the Long Beach Airport lot.

[klutchdust]

bobndot wrote:
I think Amazon has come to the realization regarding the Sprinters. They are replacing them with the Dodge PM and Ford Transit.

If the part says MB on it the cost goes up dramatically. Getting them serviced is another issue. As was mentioned, a ford v-10 can be serviced and repaired by any mechanic worth his salt, MB, not too much.
price tires, brakes etc on a super c.

[Rick_Jay]

BillyandKris wrote:
...BTW I AM the wife!! LOL

Ok, my apologies. But now I have to ask...are you Billy or Kris? LOL 😉

[bobndot]

I think Amazon has come to the realization regarding the Sprinters. They are replacing them with the Dodge PM and Ford Transit.

[pnichols]

Size versus chassis type does matter ... our V10 24 ft. Class C on it's overkill E450 drives very well:

1. Cab does not heat up due to built-in heat shields and floor air conditioning.
2. Pulls our 12-13K lb. total weight just fine due to it's high differential ratio, and we pass plenty of crawling diesels in the mountains.
3. Has big brake swept areas.
4. Has a large diameter driveshaft for no vibration.
5. Has a strong frame to prevent frame twisting on rough roads.
6. Has good side-to-side stability due to a wide rear dually stance versus it's height, plus it's heavy suspension.
7. Cruising engine speed is at a reasonable ~ 2200 RPM, so we can't hear or feel the V10 and I can control downshifting via my gas foot and it's convenient tow-haul mode button.

No way would I want a heavy diesel engine in our small and nimble motorhome that can be repaired/serviced just about anywhere, anytime ... affordably.

[pianotuna]

Super C with a 176 inch wheelbase would be hard to drive. A 26 or 27 foot drives as if it were a full size car.