Gas Or Diesel Motorhomes - Which One Should You Choose?

[@f14flyer11]

like any other rec vehicle, boat, plane etc...first thing you do is figure out your mission...what do you want to do with the vehicle.? Once you answer that question, it will be easier to figure out what to purchase...

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Good point. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Masterchief68]

Just bought a new gasser class A. It’s 32 feet long and here’s my reasons, gas mileage is about the same, I get approximately 8.2 mpg, which is what I got towing my TT and 5th wheel. 13:07 I do not intend to tow a vehicle so I don’t need the torque provided by a diesel. I like the shorter length to be able to get into state and federal campgrounds. I really like the drivability of a shorter A. As most people know gas A’s are usually Ford F53’s so the warranty on the chassis is one of the best and there are plenty of Ford dealers that will work on them (not all, but most do) so maintenance is pretty simple, and cheaper than any diesel. I use this camping about once or twice a month for usually 4 to 10 days at a time so I’m not full time. Would I have liked a diesel? Sure but the cost to me was prohibitive and everyone needs to decide for themselves how they will be using their camper to figure out if they need gas or diesel! Most will opt for gas! The noise of the engine is a bit louder because it’s right there between the front seats but there are many products available these days to lessen the noise so that’s another plus for the gas A. Take your time and graph it all out, hash out the pluses and minuses of each and then make your decision. You will be much happier in the end if you spend time planning before buying! Happy camping!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about buying a gas powered Class A and the reasons behind your decision. I'm sure it will be helpful for others reading tye comments on this video.

[@jamesbondaygee]

After having a 24ft trailer for three years which fell apart. I decided upon a motorhome meditating on gas versus diesel. Finally I chose diesel and I can't believe how amazing the quality is even for a 2000 unit. They are very expensive cuz it seems like they were actually built to last like a Toyota. I just don't trust any kind of gas motor when it comes to these larger vehicles.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Some of the best motorhomes ever built were made between 2000 - 2007 in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@jamesbondaygee]

@@RVInspectionAndCare indeed I'm very pleased to do so. I just can't believe how shoddy those trailers are. Upon further inspection you realize they're just stapled together in many places and constantly fell apart. I'm guessing with the cost of these diesels, they probably thought they'd better make a much higher standard and quality. All of these cabinets are Rock solid... They look like they could last another fifty years.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@jamesbondaygee Hi James. It actually also comes down to weight with almost anything related to RVing. Travel trailers are deliberately built to be very light so that as many people as possible can tow them fairly easily. To achieve those very light weights, they use materials that would be considered inferior in home construction. But in diesel pushers, they use a commercial heavy duty chassis like those made by Freightliner that has plenty of capacity for carrying weight. So they can use better materials and more install amenities because of that. So yes, there are lots of travel trailers that aren't built very well, but don't forget that they can't be built to the standards of a large diesel pusher because it would just make them too heavy and expensive to be usable as the entry level RV for vacationers and weekenders that they are now.

[@thomastheys6681]

I think your video is excellent and I think the comparison is fair and honest but my father was a petroleum engineer with a major producer and he taught me that diesel fuel was a byproduct of gasoline production it was a waste fuel in the 1920s to 30s the tractor guys figured out how to get diesel to burn in low compression tractors diesel fuel should be half the price of regular gasoline regardless of what century we’re talking about. The only correction for this is to get out and vote. Thomyt

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You are so right Thomas. I remember a time when diesel was less expensive than gas, so a lot of folks started buying diesel powered cars like Mercedes made in the 70s. Like so many other things in this world though, you just have to shake your head in frustration these days. Thanks for watching the video and leaving a thoughtful comment!

[@pharris426]

I would like to add fueling to in truck lane at at truck stop is much easier that taking this massive thing through a gas lane meant for cars.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That is true. We get all of our fuel at truck stops and fuel centers. Thanks for watching and commenting Paul.

[@rodx5571]

bottom line is simple, if you are a die hard road warrior, go diesel. If you are making short trips, or infrequent trips, go gasoline.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Well, actually I know a lot of full-timers that choose gas powered motorhomes and they do just fine. And I also know several part-timers that have diesel pushers. So it's hard to categorize RV buyers that easily. As I said in the video, each has it's own advantages and appeals to those with different needs. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rodx5571]

@@RVInspectionAndCare maybe I should elaborate. Being a full time RVer, my meaning is, if it's parked mostly, with or without bodies living in it, gas is best. Less expensive to run and operate. If it's generally moving more than not, diesel is better horsepower wise. Diesel is far superior in the mountains and uneven terrain. Smoother. Fewer problems unless it's a power stroke. Transmissions behind diesels tend to go more miles as they are beefier. Just my experiences as a full time RVer, and I am also a master mechanic that occasionally works on them. However, I chose neither for my setup. I have a Ford f250 gasser,. And I pull a 5th wheel. It's really more about affordability and preference.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@rodx5571 Those are good points Rod. Thanks for elaborating. I see more and more 5th wheel owners using gas powered trucks since the newer gas trucks are offering better tow capacity these days. If you don't mind me asking, what is the weight of your 5th wheel that you tow with a gas engine truck? And how does it handle it that weight?

[@rodx5571]

@@RVInspectionAndCare it's small no slide,. About 7k wet and loaded. I pull with a 1997 f250 gasser. Removable hitch. It pulls like it's not there unless you hit a steep hill. Nothing fancy. It's about 35 feet tip to tail.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@rodx5571 That sounds great Rod! No need to go diesel when you have a nimble setup like that. Boondocking and national parks should be a breeze for you. Thanks for sharing your setup with us!

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Duane this is a very difficult situation. We like the storage in the A. I dislike the difficulty of service on the pusher but love the access to the engine on the Super C. We like saving money buying a gas unit and saving a bit of cash when it's time to fuel up. Love the fact that pulling in to a truck stop you have plenty of room to fuel and park most of the time. In a gas coach it can be very difficult to get in and out of many stations period. I could go on and on! THANKS SAFE TRAVELS PS I know that Superstar has a JACOB'S BREAK!!!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I know what you mean Ron. There's a lot to consider when trying to decide on the best rig for your needs. But for you, all roads lead back to the Super Star! :-)

[@bobhauber2425]

Thank you! Another great video! We love our gasser Class A!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for commenting Bob. I usually get a lot of diesel pusher folks commenting on videos like this so I'm glad to see that the gasser crowd is being represented here too. :-)

[@NoWay-xu1ie]

I would love a class A MH gas or diesel, one thing that would be a big issue on a newer diesel is the regen exhaust system. As a retired mechanic i know that can be a huge expense. Either way get a good extended warranty. My real preference would be a super C . But for now i will keep my older diesel truck without all the emissions and pull a 5th wheel. I can go over 500 miles without refueling and be more selective about buying cheaper fuel.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sounds like you have a great setup just the way you are. Safe and happy travels to you!

[@roydavis2242]

I would call this video is a fair and accurate comparison. We'd most likely would fail into the "Glamper" category. I also chose a DP because I have an enclosed 20' trailer we haul behind with anywhere from a 3000 lb vehicle up to a 8500 lb vehicle in it. Often we'll have a car and a golf cart in it as well.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the positive review Roy. Don't you just love the towing capacity of a big diesel pusher? :-)

[@garyjensen3414]

We had 2 class A motor homes...First, a Monaco 34 foot (GAS) 8.1 Chevy, with the Workhorse chassy..I sold it, and bought a Diesel (BEAVER) 36 foot Cummins, Class A--with all the bells and whistles----BIG MISTAKE!!! That Monaco got 12.5 miles per gallon and oil changes were cheap..That Diesel got 6-7 miles per gallon and the oil change with filters was terrible.....EVERYTHING about the diesel was EXPENSIVE and things broke often...GET THE GAS MODEL!!!!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for telling us about your past experiences with both kinds of Class A RVs Gary. I'm sure it will be helpful for those reading through these comments.

[@randallwiegand2080]

Great video as always. I would have mentioned the longer life of a diesel engine. I think that is a pretty big deal. Also, noise is still a problem for gassers isn't it? I know they have been working at quieting the engine, but the last I heard, the diesel's still have a much quieter ride. Sorry, not trying to be picky...I know you can't cover everything in a short video.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Those are good points to consider too Randall. I'm glad you mentioned them and I agree with them as well. These YT videos just don't allow a thorough examination of these kind of subjects. Not if you want people to watch it anyway. :-) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!

[@davidstein606]

I think better drivability is a plus with a diesel motorhome.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I know what you mean David and I agree to a large degree that DP drivability is usually better. And that mostly has to do with the air ride suspensions that they employ. But if you spend a few bucks on aftermarket upgrades, I have seen many gassers that can ride and perform really well. The stock Ford chassis has an inferior ride system when compared with most DPs. But with a little help, it can be much better. Thanks for commenting!

[@Masterchief68]

@@RVInspectionAndCare. And those upgrades will cost less than an initial purchase of a diesel!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@Masterchief68 Good point!

[@WCJR]

As a newbie looking at RV's I really appreciate the detailed comparaison on the 2 types. of motor. I'm leaning towards the diesel pusher as I like the space, luxury that they provide.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad this video was helpful. Either gas or diesel powered motorhomes will do the job just fine and there are happy owners of both kinds of RVs. I hope you find the perfect RV for your needs!

[@mybizz8542]

Start with a used pusher and decide if that's what you want or not! Repairs on a diesel is about double the cost but they hardly ever break down with proper maintinance

[@Michael.of.Barrett]

A D-pusher has a better ride and is easier on the box (living space), so less damage and fewer repairs needed.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Michael.

[@eduardogomez2913]

What about fuel stability, meaning the RV is parked for months at a time in one place? Which fuel gives less trouble?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

This link should help answer these questions for you Eduardo - www.offthegridnews.com/how-to-2/the-key-to-long-term-diesel-and-gas-storage/

[@carmencolon3520]

Great video, I always wanted diesel because of the power; my hubby wants gas because of the savings. Well we got gas because of how high diesel was when we bought the rv. Still I would love to have a small diesel rv. Can we talk about trade and rv? How much do we can lose on the transaction and how to prepare the rv for trade evaluation?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Those are good video suggestions Carmen. I'll see what I can do to cover those subjects in the future. Thanks for watching and offering some video ideas as well!

[@eddysilva678]

Hello Mr Duane how about the front diesel engine motor homes Are they easy to work on. I like the front diesel motor home they look really nice.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Eddy. As far as I know, Class As with front diesel engines were an experiment that just never caught on with the buying public, so it was eventually abandoned. But from what I have heard they work just fine and could be a bargain to buy if you intend on keeping it for a long time. Just understand that they may be more difficult to sell than a diesel pusher.

[@robbie0517]

I'm saying a Gas Powered can't be used for mountain driving? I'm trying to decide between the two and know I'm going to be doing allot of mountain driving. Thx for your help!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Robbie. It's not that gas powered motorhomes can't be used in the mountains. It's just that diesel motorhomes usually do the job much better and easier. But there are many gasser owners who have learned how to drive in the mountains regularly.

[@salamalaseel561]

Great advice thanks a lot

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@ss15ss1977]

Many thanks for this informative video 💐

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for leaving a positive comment too!

[@Bertholdfamily]

Should International/Overland RV'ers stick with gas since there are many locations in the world that do not have ULSD? We kind of shied away from diesel due to many Central and South America due to the inconsistencies of availability of ULSD and the potential to damage the DPF and other components that can create issues when trying to bring your RV back to the US or ship it to Europe. LSD and even what would be considered farm diesel, due to the PPM of sulfur exceeding 50, are the only options available in parts of Central, South America and Africa.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but I am not very familiar with international RVing, just RV matters here in the US. Maybe someone who knows more about this can provide a comment here that would be helpful. Thanks for watching the video!

[@douglively9487]

Very informative video. Thanks for taking the time.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful Doug. Thanks for watching and leaving a positive comment!

[@a1700zz]

Bus conversion, Wander lodge, Class A Diesel, Class A gas and last but not least Super C, no sardine can Class C or B

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I would guess that you like to have plenty of elbow room David. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@zdarovful]

Great topic, thanks!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you liked it Lisa. Thanks for watching!

[@jameslawless9819]

First you need to decide where you are gonna take your motorhome. If your gonna stay close to home under 200 miles then gas would fit. If your planning on traveling across country climbing mountain grades then a diesel would fit. Budget is the other consideration. Gas is cheaper to maintain. If you stay under 26,000 gross lbs you won't need a non cdl endorsement in your state. Air brakes need an endorsement in most cases.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually there are very few states where anything more is required other than a regular drivers license. But thank you for adding to the discussion.

[@stevejustice3436]

Love your information

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad to hear that Steve. I'm happy that it's been helpful for you. Thanks for leaving some positive feedback too!

[@alberttoledo8887]

Luv your vids,I'm a newbie. I'm learning much from your vids,truly appreciate it. I wish I can speak to you directly, I hate texting but oh well. After losing my home 12 yrs ago,I've been bouncing around renting rooms from friends and strangers, I'm really looking into purchasing an "RV" to live in, I'm think a "gasser" class A" , 30-40 '....what do you recommend?

[@alberttoledo8887]

Also,I'm leaning towards a used one(pre-owned),ohh what warranty on a pre-owned?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Albert. My recommendation is to watch as many of my videos as you can to learn as much as you can about RVs first. Then visit some RV dealers in your area and go through as many RVs as you can to get used to their layout, features and cost. Just tell the salespeople that you are not ready to buy yet, you are just looking. Also, if you are going to be stationary in one spot, I don't recommend a motorhome because the mechanical part of the rig needs to be used regularly to stay in good shape. A towable RV would be best for that situation. But once you know more about RVs, you will be able to figure out what kind of rig will fit your needs best. I hope that helps.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

First of all, be sure to have an RV inspector go through any RV you consider for purchase before taking delivery of it. Then if you feel that an extended warranty, or service contract, would be helpful, talk to the folks at wholesalewarranties.com

[@alberttoledo8887]

Thank you,appreciate your time and wisdom. God bless

[@zackmax7184]

I can't walk very Good now so I don't drive now.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm sorry to hear that Zack. Thanks for watching the video though.

[@eduardohausser1042]

One question can be covert gasoline RV with a Diesel Motor????

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It might be possible but it would be extremely expensive.

[@tyflesh]

Hello there sir I have a question about a older chassis motorhome and would like your opinion on, I have been looking at a few older 2007/2008 rear engine gas class A's on the workhorse chassis, we really like there setup and layouts, they fit us nicely. I'm a semi driver/owner by trade.. I was going to pull the trigger on a 08 Winnebago Destination 39w until I did some research and found the issue of the Meteor Hydraulic Brake system, I found some people who had a hell of a time getting this bug worked out on the parking brake side of things.. But there wasn't a lot of people who had this problem on forums some never had an issue, and because you have been an Inspector for a long time, what have you seen in the years and should it be something I should shy away from? Thanks in advance

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Unfortunately Ty, I don't have a lot of knowledge about chassis brake systems, other than whether they function correctly or not. And I can't recall doing an RV inspection on a rear engine gas RV in the past. I always try to be honest about things I don't know that much about. I wouldn't want to steer you wrong about this issue.