Diesel vs gas

[gypsyrose1126]

I am sure this has been discussed someplace in your forum, but did not find it. I am looking at a 2011 Freedom Elite 23S which is diesel or more accurately I am waiting to hear if still available. Anyway, I know nothing about diesel , other than fuel is more expensive, but engines last longer. Once I eventually get a RV I plan to spend a few days to a week at a site and then move on. For the first couple years, I am hoping to spend 3-4 months traveling during the winter months, as still working spring into summer. So what do I need to know, should I forget diesel and concentrate on gas RV's? Is it going to be cost prohibitive to drive a diesel? Any info greatly appreciated!

[judi]

I have a diesel, and I'm glad I chose it. MPG is better than gas, and the engines do last much longer. I have a class B and get 24 MPG. I carry DEF fluid with me - if you get a newer diesel you will need this.

[Bethers]

This is like a Ford v Chevy question - as those of us with one, usually will say we prefer it and vice versa. I chose gas for various reasons, one of which is maintenance is easier to find and much less expensive. That said, if I had found the right rig for the right price that was diesel, I probably wouldn't have passed it by. Years gone by the cost of purchasing diesel vs gas wouldn't have been worth it to me as you'd have to keep the rig (the amount I drive a year, even being full-time) over 20 years to make back the more expensive purchase - then the more expensive cost of maintenance and gas. However, the prices aren't as far apart anymore - so the time to make back the purchase price and maintenance differences, etc is much, much less. So it's really about preference. I do know of several who are very unhappy with their diesel run generators (mainly because it's so very hard to find anyone to service them).

[monik7]

I have diesel and am very happy with it. My generator runs on propane.
Sandi

[MelissaD]

In an RV the size your looking at it's a matter of personal choice. The larger 35-45' class A's it's a must. There is a higher operating cost to a diesel but you get better performance out of a diesel. By performance I mean pulling power and mpg. New, a diesel is about an $8,000 option on a pickup truck. Diesels tend to last 3-400,000 miles (million miles on a semi) where a gas engines might last 150-200,000 miles and can offer you a higher resale value. If you tow a toad you may find a benefit in a diesel.

My pickup is diesel because I like the pulling power. It's nice to just set the cruise and sit back as I drive through the hills of PA and WV. Diesels also have engine brakes (an option) which are a big help in the mountains. On the other side, the engine is noisier and some people don't like the smell of a diesel. An oil change costs me around $100 vs $30-35 for my car. The diesel engine holds 4 gallons vs 4-6 quarts in a gas engine. I change the oil every 5,000 miles on the diesel (some diesels it's closer to 7,500 miles) and the gas engine is about every 3,000 miles. While diesel parts cost more the largest part of a bill seems to be labor, so I find maintenance in general to be expensive. Diesels also tend to have 2 batteries vs 1 on a gas engine.

My pickup weights 8,000# and I get 17 mpg just driving around and 11 mpg pulling a 12,000# trailer. If I had a gas engine I'd get around 12-14 mpg just driving around and 5-7 mpg towing and I'd be creeping up the hill in the right lane. Instead I go up the hill, not missing a beat with the cruise still set at 60 mph and back down the other side at 60 mph, with the engine brake holding me back and not having to touch the brakes. If I had to stop, I'd have nice cool brakes to stop with.

Good diesel techs are harder to find but so is a good shop mechanic these days. While the local Ford, Chevy, pick a dealer, might not be able to help you there will be a diesel shop that should be able to help you. With the rise in automotive diesels it is getting easier to find a diesel mechanic. I have a local diesel shop that specializes in pickup diesels who does all my work.

Gas vs diesel, it's a tool. Find the right tool for your job.

[chalet05]

Diesel here. Diesel used to be cheaper than gasoline - at least in 2002. New truck (2014) only needs oil change every 15,000 - probably not true on 2011 MH. Not all diesels are annoyingly loud - 2002 Ram certainly was, but not the new truck. Smell of diesel doesn't bother me - once I've washed my hands after pumping it. I wouldn't let the fuel type make my decision unless the maintenance costs mentioned were a factor.

[gypsyrose1126]

Thanks everyone, you have given me the information I was looking for and a diesel does not seem to be as much as a problem as I thought it might be. I have not heard back about the RV I had inquired about, it is probably gone. It is hard to buy an out of state RV from WI!

[avalen]

I've debated this too in my own head...did a little research too, just like you. The mpg vs the price of diesel is a wash in my opinion. The thing that pushed me over to gas is the availability of repairs on the road in case I need any. It will be much
cheaper to pay for repairs on a gas engine than a diesel and the simple fact I can do certain things myself as compared to
the diesel. Now, keep in mind I work with diesel engines at work and have to know certain stuff but if I had to figure on the
repairs, I couldn't do that myself. I'd be paying much more for a diesel mechanic. Melissa is absolutely correct, but when I
do buy a rig to travel in it won't be brand new and therefore probably won't have a warranty, so that repair factor was a big
consideration in my decision. All something to think about.

[BarbaraRose]

I have a client who has a 36' diesel pusher and he swears by it. Says he has never had an issue with it in all the years he has driven it.

There are pros and cons to everything. Just have to decide what is best for you and your situation.