Gas or Diesel?

[strange1]

I am currently in the market for a motor home. With a 25k budget would I be better off to buy a newer gas model or a little older diesel model. For example I am looking at a 2003, 31ft class C dutchmen with a slide for 22k that has 50 thousand miles. However, I have seen a few upper 1990's diesel pushers in the same price range. Your opinion is greatly appreciated. By the way, I do not want a large unit due to access ability to my property. So no longer than 30-32ft.

Thanks,
Robert
Stk 2061

[njk53]

What diesel engine are you looking at? Ford, Chevrolet, Cummins, International? The make of diesel engine would be huge deciding factor to me in making my decision. However, I would personally prefer a diesel due to their reliability if you plan on keeping your motor home a long time.

[strange1]

I would prefer the cummins or Detroit. Most I have noticed in the price range are cummins.

Robert
Stk 2061

[FED 387]

stay away from the FORD 460 engines GAS HOGS !!!!!! Diesel only way to go much better fuel mileage--FED387

[B Parker]

What type of weight will you be towing? How many miles do you plan on putting on your unit a year? What type of roads will you be traveling? Hills or flat land? If you have an open trailer I would consider a gas job. But lets face it 25k either way is not going to get you much. You may spend more in repairs over the next few years with an older unit. The diesel motors last forever but the rest of the coach gets beat up over our roads. And it could nickel and dime you to death. Towing many miles with a heavy trailer with a gas job is asking a lot out of it. Although my brother has logged many miles with his. It's really a coin toss Good luck either way. Barry

[Troy Henderson]

I've been looking at this too, same budget. I also wanted to keep it close to 32' as I don't need something that big and it will save weight to help tow. If you go diesel they are typically 38' or longer but I have seen some shorter. The diesel has the advantage of not only a better power train but they are typically on a better chassis and have air brakes. A lot of them had the 5.9 but I'd shop for something bigger so it will pull.

Watch ebay, I've seen some good deals there.

[HR9121]

In this market you can find some pretty nice diesel coaches if you're patient and look around. I went gas the first time and practically gave it away to get rid of it before I burnt anymore $ in that tank. Short trips weren't too bad but best I could ever do was about 5.5 mpg towing 24 ft enclosed trailer. With the set back axles on front of the pushers you can make some tighter turns with a 34-36 footer than you can with the gas jobs if that's a concern to you. In my opinion you'll come out much further ahead with the diesel in the long run. Good luck

[James Perrone]

I have a 2004 Coachman class A. 32 ft with a V-10.Towing a 24 ft trailer.It tows fine gets about 8 mpg. Stops fine 4 wheel disc ford bus chassie .When I go racing its a minimum 120 + miles and its not easy getting thru NYC .I would not by a Coachman again but I am happy with the performance of the unit. Gas is always cheaper than diesel .

[Steve Calabro]

http://www.diamondrv.com/

Call Marc he might be able to help.

[George Mirza]

Originally Posted by Steve Calabro

http://www.diamondrv.com/

Call Marc he might be able to help.

x2, Marc is the RV man. He may have a lead on something in your price range.