Gas vs Diesel

[mitch5252]

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A friend of mine is thinking about purchasing their first Class A Motorhome.

In their initial research stage, they have been told that a Diesel Class A rides more smoothly than a Gas Class A. I've heard about the other differences between diesel and gas, but never this one.

Anyone know if this is true?
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[avalen]

maybe not ALWAYS true as it would depend on the chassis its built on and the suspension that was put in it but it certainly sounds like a reasonable assumption. Afterall, most all the new ones feel like your driving a Cadillac anyway. But Melissa is
really knowledgeable in this stuff, hopefully she'll see this and chime in.

[MandysMom]

If its a rear diesel,they usually have air suspension, which means a very cushy ride. Also diesel in rear is quieter than any front engine. Diesel has the strength to push you up a hill better. Diesel engines are more durable and generally the time between service is longer than gas. It is not unusual for our 76 GMC bus, for instance, to have its original engine and still runs well. Diesel are more expensive to buy and service but may get better mileage than a comparable size gas coach.
After 9.5 years with my Sprinter Leisure Travel, I am pretty much sold on diesel. My Sprinter, the 5 cylinder, gets better fuel economy than our 2010 PT Cruiser! LT SPrinter in town 16 to 18, PT in town 15 to 16; Sprinter on road including climbing mountains, 22 to 28 !!!! PT highest ever recorded on flat driving 60 on freeway 22 mpg. Obviously our 40 ft nearly 40 year old bus does not do as well, at 8 mpg tops downhill. LOL
Velda

[sharon]

I love diesel....for a number of reasons. Yes they ride better and are a lot quieter in the cab. But I also love my exhaust brake. Going down a mountain with it on I sometimes have to give it fuel, it slows down to much. And those 9 and 10% mountains in Canada and Alaska? Piece of cake! Just tell her to be sure and not get a short block....350HP and up.

[Rufflesgurl]

What Sharon said. The diesels have air ride and love that exhaust brake - comes in very handy in those mountains!! But, diesels are initially more expensive.

Linda

[sharon]

What Sharon said. The diesels have air ride and love that exhaust brake - comes in very handy in those mountains!! But, diesels are initially more expensive.

Linda

DeMartini has some great deals ...I love to go window shopping there. Plus he posts great pictures of the interiors. I've bought 2 rv's from him and was very happy with the prices and service. Did everything on line and by phone both times.

[judi]

I agree with Velda - I also have a Leisure Travel Van on a Sprinter chassis. It's diesel and gets better mileage than my little Volvo. Diesel engines last much longer than gas engines, and have a higher resale value.

[MelissaD]

Pretty much agree with what others have said.

Large class A's use the same engines a semi's.

Personally, I'd either find a diesel pre emission systems (2002?), 2nd, one with only an EGR system (2007?)(International aka Navistar was last to go to the DEF system on it's semi's around 2012?). If buying with a DEF system get the newest. Every new technology has a learning curve to get the bugs out and bring costs down. Average diesel engine of the 300 to 500 HP Cat/Cummins/DD/Navistar (truck/Class A) is good for a million miles with proper maintenance.

The air ride chassis which many diesels have, is normally the best ride.