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The RVer's Open Forum / GENERAL RV DISCUSSIONS / diesel vs gas

Back 20 Messages

Dean
User ID: 9704903 Sep 6th 2:22 AM
Do diesel engines have a longer lifespan than gas? Is there any downside to a diesel other than higher initial cost?

gmachine
User ID: 1265504 Dec 11th 6:01 PM
For what it's worth!
Have owned 4 ISB D***E Quad Cabs & now a REAL TRUCK(also ISB), and would never buy anything but diesel, however, gas is probably best for the average RV'er.(1) Service & parts availability for those who can't or don't care to do their maintenance &(2)gas is readily available almost anywhere & lately is cheaper than #2 truck fuel. Another point though, unless the intent is to keep the unit untill it dies, the extra premium for diesel at original purchase is not as significant as purported; the trade-in value is much higher for the diesel trucks.
Good Luck with whatever you choose, Jim.

Marty
User ID: 8952923 Dec 11th 11:00 PM
Kevin: I could probably put up a heavy argument about this diesel verse a Gasser thing but I won't. I'll agree with what your saying about fuel milage over a time period, but to me, thats only a partial bit to the equation.

gmachine made some good points that falls into my equation. So everyone has to make up their own minds as to what they can afford verse their planned utilization. As I tried to say above, I'll have to stay with my "gasser" motor home, at least until there is a better financal ship to lands on my door step.

Marty in TN

Sonie
User ID: 9293943 Dec 18th 6:11 PM
I own a 99 F 250 S/D crew cab diesel. Hauling a 22ft 3780 lb trailer on a 11,000 mi. trip to west coast and back to N.Y. state. Average mph of 14/15. Get 16/17 in everyday driving around and on rt 81 or I 90 at 60 mph will get 23. I dont complain about this as the truck weight is 6,148. I wanted a rig that would take me and my wife anywhere we wanted to go and so far thats what it has done. Yes 15 qt. oil changes and $ 30.00 filters can make your wallet lighter but if you want power diesel is the way to go and go and go

Bill G
User ID: 2700404 Feb 13th 6:18 PM
I made the mistake of buying a 2001 Monaco LaPalma with the W-22 workhorse chassis. It was a great unit, passed big trucks going up hill. But, the engine sounded like it was going to blow up when it dropped into third gear. Anyway, from day one, I knew I should gone ahead and spent the money and got a DP. Therefore, I just went out and bit the bullet and bought a new Monaco Diplomat. There just isn't any comparison with the ride, sound, and handling between the two units. If I had bought the Dip in the beginning I would probably have $30,000-$40,000 in my pocket.

Dean
User ID: 0965344 Feb 22nd 3:57 AM
As the poster of this question, when I was brand new to these forums, I am kind of proud that it has continued to be active for almost 6 months. I decided on The Ford F350 6.0L diesel, ordered it 2 weeks ago, and am now looking for a 5th wheeler. Dieselstop.com is a great resource for Ford diesels, and all the info is not positive on this new engine.

Thanks to all of you who responded.

boilerman
User ID: 9586293 Jun 1st 9:32 AM
I pull horses (4 at a time), boat (27ft) and a travel trailer (26ft). I have had several gas pickups over the years. Never felt I had enough power. Fuel mileage was depressing. I have had a Ford diesel for over a year now. I will never go back to the gas jobs. If you want power and use the truck a bunch then diesel is the way to go. If you only pull once and a while, stay with the gasser. Fuel mileage on the diesel has been 19 mpg empty and 14 pulling on flat ground...

J Walker
User ID: 0339064 Jun 1st 8:50 PM
I had an older gas motor home and the got a diesel pusher and would not go back. The reasons for getting the diesel were to get a heavier duty vehicle that would not have parts wearing out due to being light duty and going out in 50,000 miles or so. Air brakes, exhaust brakes, and a very stable ride are other features that I get with a DP.

Chris Fine
User ID: 1731514 Jun 11th 11:54 AM
I just replaced my beloved '89 P-30 with a Spartan/Cummins/Allison coach. Bottom line...Wish I would have bought a big coach from the start! What a difference. You drive down the road with no sway, wiggles, wandering, etc. As we are not independently wealthy, let me add that I paid about the same for a '92 diesel as I would have paid for a '96 gas. The catch is it took me about a year to search for the right one at the right time. Use E-Bay and search engines to find your dream coach. Gas is for kids!!

jason
User ID: 8214233 Jul 8th 1:15 AM
for my f350 pickup i did some math. now this wont apply as much to an rv because they are kept longer usually but here goes. my trailer weighs around 7500 loaded with gear. i tow it maybe 10 times a year for 5000 miles. now being that the truck is also a daily driver (not like a rv) fuel cost is important. the diesel would have saved me $30 a month in gas over my v10. pretty good right? but would cost me $160 more in payments. not to mention added maint. now i will probably have this truck for 10 years. 60 months x $160 = 9600 120 months x $30 = 3600 the v10 for my app is the better deal. so at long last the point is look at what you are going to do with it. how much weight are you carrying. how much are you driving. and what do you have to spend.

Chris Stamey
User ID: 7057593 Jul 23rd 10:20 PM
My first diesel is a 99 Ram with the Cummins in it. I can tell you that I will never purchase another gas truck. For an RV, I would highly recommend a diesel. As far as maintenance goes, I run Amsoil synthetic in my Cummins and when the oil was analyzed at 16K on the oil, 66K on the truck, the analysis showed it did not need to be changed.
It is the best of all worlds, great power and great fuel mileage. I know one fellow who has souped up his 96 Ram to over 500 hp, but get 23 mpg empty and 13 mpg when pulling his 30 foot travel trailer!
As far as the smoke, diesel in a good state of tune don't smoke unless you have your foot in it pretty hard, and that's only until the turbo gets spooled up. If you have heavy smoke from your diesel, something's wrong, or you're running a high HP diesel. Smoke is caused by the engine not getting enough air. This can be caused by too much fuel getting injected, or not enough air getting into the engine (turbo problem?).
If you can stand the noise, and that's only at an idle (not applicable with the new 2003 Cummins because they are as quiet as a gas engine), get a diesel. You won't be sorry.

Chris

Mike
User ID: 9495963 Aug 4th 3:20 PM
Pollution in diesel is mainly due to sulfur.
There is a new regulation that comes in 2005. The sulfur rate will go down from 500PPm to 50 PPM. Effectively, this means that the petroleum industry is adjusting at high cost to meet the new spec. Auto industry is also waiting for this spec to offer more diesel motors in cars and trucks. I guess MH will follow

gmachine
User ID: 7308283 Aug 5th 6:02 AM
Seems to me that the more forward looking countries offer incentives to promote diesel proliferation due to the econimic benefits while the USA is attempting to stifle this efficient form of internal combustion engine. The small diesel/electric hybrids are proven technology and offer much improved economy which, in turn, would hurt oil companies sales. Does anyone see a correllation here?
Jim

Eric
User ID: 9168243 Oct 31st 4:21 PM
Hey everybody, Diesels are the Engine of choice for Over the road trucks. 40 tons and gets 6,8,10 MPG in a 14 litre engine..... gas can't compete.

Diesel has a higher BTU content and is ignited by Compression. A turbo makes the diesel complete the power.

A person one time took a Pace arrow Limited MH and took out the 460 gas engine and converted to a 12 valve Cummins I-6 5.9 Litre engine. His best estimate will be to get upwards of 10 MPG. He hooked it up to a alisson automatic transmission which is able to take the power of the diesel.
I have a 01 Dodge Ram with the same engine but now 24 valve and I have 2 power upgrades with my 6 speed manual tranny. On the dyno, I have 331 HP at the wheels and 750 Torque. I have a 28' Toybox travel trailer and my combination weighs 19,500# and on the flat, I get 10 MPG towing. 20-22 Solo and my truck weighs 8000# by itself.
I have low maintenance, I do 10,000 mile oil changes, a fuel filter goes 10,000 miles as well. No spark plug, no wires, no tune-up!..... Just oil and filters and fuel filters...thats it.
If most MH's come with a Cummins 8.3L, that is a true Medium duty and is able to be serviced anywhere cummins is serviced including truckstops and diesel repair shops.

Darryl
User ID: 9690803 Apr 8th 9:52 PM
I just bought a pre-owned Diesel pusher. My first motorhome. I had talked to an old rv-er and he told me it is the only way to go. The new v10's require premium fuel so the price for diesel and premium is near the same. I don't know but I would bet today working on gas verse diesel cost is about the same also.
I didn't do enough checking on my RV. There is so many small things wrong that need attention. I just looked under the bed at the diesel and radiator and found the tranny cooler and radiator is half plugged with dirt. So now I have to get that cleaned. You don't get that with a new unit. But I couldn't afford a new one and have time to do the little repairs myself.

Back 20 Messages

Dean User ID: 9704903	Sep 6th 2:22 AM Do diesel engines have a longer lifespan than gas? Is there any downside to a diesel other than higher initial cost?
gmachine User ID: 1265504	Dec 11th 6:01 PM For what it's worth! Have owned 4 ISB D***E Quad Cabs & now a REAL TRUCK(also ISB), and would never buy anything but diesel, however, gas is probably best for the average RV'er.(1) Service & parts availability for those who can't or don't care to do their maintenance &(2)gas is readily available almost anywhere & lately is cheaper than #2 truck fuel. Another point though, unless the intent is to keep the unit untill it dies, the extra premium for diesel at original purchase is not as significant as purported; the trade-in value is much higher for the diesel trucks. Good Luck with whatever you choose, Jim.
Marty User ID: 8952923	Dec 11th 11:00 PM Kevin: I could probably put up a heavy argument about this diesel verse a Gasser thing but I won't. I'll agree with what your saying about fuel milage over a time period, but to me, thats only a partial bit to the equation. gmachine made some good points that falls into my equation. So everyone has to make up their own minds as to what they can afford verse their planned utilization. As I tried to say above, I'll have to stay with my "gasser" motor home, at least until there is a better financal ship to lands on my door step. Marty in TN
Sonie User ID: 9293943	Dec 18th 6:11 PM I own a 99 F 250 S/D crew cab diesel. Hauling a 22ft 3780 lb trailer on a 11,000 mi. trip to west coast and back to N.Y. state. Average mph of 14/15. Get 16/17 in everyday driving around and on rt 81 or I 90 at 60 mph will get 23. I dont complain about this as the truck weight is 6,148. I wanted a rig that would take me and my wife anywhere we wanted to go and so far thats what it has done. Yes 15 qt. oil changes and $ 30.00 filters can make your wallet lighter but if you want power diesel is the way to go and go and go
Bill G User ID: 2700404	Feb 13th 6:18 PM I made the mistake of buying a 2001 Monaco LaPalma with the W-22 workhorse chassis. It was a great unit, passed big trucks going up hill. But, the engine sounded like it was going to blow up when it dropped into third gear. Anyway, from day one, I knew I should gone ahead and spent the money and got a DP. Therefore, I just went out and bit the bullet and bought a new Monaco Diplomat. There just isn't any comparison with the ride, sound, and handling between the two units. If I had bought the Dip in the beginning I would probably have $30,000-$40,000 in my pocket.
Dean User ID: 0965344	Feb 22nd 3:57 AM As the poster of this question, when I was brand new to these forums, I am kind of proud that it has continued to be active for almost 6 months. I decided on The Ford F350 6.0L diesel, ordered it 2 weeks ago, and am now looking for a 5th wheeler. Dieselstop.com is a great resource for Ford diesels, and all the info is not positive on this new engine. Thanks to all of you who responded.
boilerman User ID: 9586293	Jun 1st 9:32 AM I pull horses (4 at a time), boat (27ft) and a travel trailer (26ft). I have had several gas pickups over the years. Never felt I had enough power. Fuel mileage was depressing. I have had a Ford diesel for over a year now. I will never go back to the gas jobs. If you want power and use the truck a bunch then diesel is the way to go. If you only pull once and a while, stay with the gasser. Fuel mileage on the diesel has been 19 mpg empty and 14 pulling on flat ground...
J Walker User ID: 0339064	Jun 1st 8:50 PM I had an older gas motor home and the got a diesel pusher and would not go back. The reasons for getting the diesel were to get a heavier duty vehicle that would not have parts wearing out due to being light duty and going out in 50,000 miles or so. Air brakes, exhaust brakes, and a very stable ride are other features that I get with a DP.
Chris Fine User ID: 1731514	Jun 11th 11:54 AM I just replaced my beloved '89 P-30 with a Spartan/Cummins/Allison coach. Bottom line...Wish I would have bought a big coach from the start! What a difference. You drive down the road with no sway, wiggles, wandering, etc. As we are not independently wealthy, let me add that I paid about the same for a '92 diesel as I would have paid for a '96 gas. The catch is it took me about a year to search for the right one at the right time. Use E-Bay and search engines to find your dream coach. Gas is for kids!!
jason User ID: 8214233	Jul 8th 1:15 AM for my f350 pickup i did some math. now this wont apply as much to an rv because they are kept longer usually but here goes. my trailer weighs around 7500 loaded with gear. i tow it maybe 10 times a year for 5000 miles. now being that the truck is also a daily driver (not like a rv) fuel cost is important. the diesel would have saved me $30 a month in gas over my v10. pretty good right? but would cost me $160 more in payments. not to mention added maint. now i will probably have this truck for 10 years. 60 months x $160 = 9600 120 months x $30 = 3600 the v10 for my app is the better deal. so at long last the point is look at what you are going to do with it. how much weight are you carrying. how much are you driving. and what do you have to spend.
Chris Stamey User ID: 7057593	Jul 23rd 10:20 PM My first diesel is a 99 Ram with the Cummins in it. I can tell you that I will never purchase another gas truck. For an RV, I would highly recommend a diesel. As far as maintenance goes, I run Amsoil synthetic in my Cummins and when the oil was analyzed at 16K on the oil, 66K on the truck, the analysis showed it did not need to be changed. It is the best of all worlds, great power and great fuel mileage. I know one fellow who has souped up his 96 Ram to over 500 hp, but get 23 mpg empty and 13 mpg when pulling his 30 foot travel trailer! As far as the smoke, diesel in a good state of tune don't smoke unless you have your foot in it pretty hard, and that's only until the turbo gets spooled up. If you have heavy smoke from your diesel, something's wrong, or you're running a high HP diesel. Smoke is caused by the engine not getting enough air. This can be caused by too much fuel getting injected, or not enough air getting into the engine (turbo problem?). If you can stand the noise, and that's only at an idle (not applicable with the new 2003 Cummins because they are as quiet as a gas engine), get a diesel. You won't be sorry. Chris
Mike User ID: 9495963	Aug 4th 3:20 PM Pollution in diesel is mainly due to sulfur. There is a new regulation that comes in 2005. The sulfur rate will go down from 500PPm to 50 PPM. Effectively, this means that the petroleum industry is adjusting at high cost to meet the new spec. Auto industry is also waiting for this spec to offer more diesel motors in cars and trucks. I guess MH will follow
gmachine User ID: 7308283	Aug 5th 6:02 AM Seems to me that the more forward looking countries offer incentives to promote diesel proliferation due to the econimic benefits while the USA is attempting to stifle this efficient form of internal combustion engine. The small diesel/electric hybrids are proven technology and offer much improved economy which, in turn, would hurt oil companies sales. Does anyone see a correllation here? Jim
Eric User ID: 9168243	Oct 31st 4:21 PM Hey everybody, Diesels are the Engine of choice for Over the road trucks. 40 tons and gets 6,8,10 MPG in a 14 litre engine..... gas can't compete. Diesel has a higher BTU content and is ignited by Compression. A turbo makes the diesel complete the power. A person one time took a Pace arrow Limited MH and took out the 460 gas engine and converted to a 12 valve Cummins I-6 5.9 Litre engine. His best estimate will be to get upwards of 10 MPG. He hooked it up to a alisson automatic transmission which is able to take the power of the diesel. I have a 01 Dodge Ram with the same engine but now 24 valve and I have 2 power upgrades with my 6 speed manual tranny. On the dyno, I have 331 HP at the wheels and 750 Torque. I have a 28' Toybox travel trailer and my combination weighs 19,500# and on the flat, I get 10 MPG towing. 20-22 Solo and my truck weighs 8000# by itself. I have low maintenance, I do 10,000 mile oil changes, a fuel filter goes 10,000 miles as well. No spark plug, no wires, no tune-up!..... Just oil and filters and fuel filters...thats it. If most MH's come with a Cummins 8.3L, that is a true Medium duty and is able to be serviced anywhere cummins is serviced including truckstops and diesel repair shops.
Darryl User ID: 9690803	Apr 8th 9:52 PM I just bought a pre-owned Diesel pusher. My first motorhome. I had talked to an old rv-er and he told me it is the only way to go. The new v10's require premium fuel so the price for diesel and premium is near the same. I don't know but I would bet today working on gas verse diesel cost is about the same also. I didn't do enough checking on my RV. There is so many small things wrong that need attention. I just looked under the bed at the diesel and radiator and found the tranny cooler and radiator is half plugged with dirt. So now I have to get that cleaned. You don't get that with a new unit. But I couldn't afford a new one and have time to do the little repairs myself.