Gas or Diesel?

strange1 · 04-02-2014, 02:39 PM

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 · 04-02-2014, 02:49 PM

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 · 04-02-2014, 04:13 PM

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

Robert
Stk 2061

FED 387 · 04-02-2014, 04:27 PM

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

B Parker · 04-02-2014, 05:21 PM

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 · 04-02-2014, 05:49 PM

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.

04-02-2014, 02:39 PM	#1
strange1 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 75 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Gas or Diesel? 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

04-02-2014, 02:49 PM	#2
njk53 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: East China, MI Posts: 504 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Gas or Diesel? 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. __________________ Nelson Kowal Stock 345

04-02-2014, 04:13 PM	#3
strange1 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 75 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Gas or Diesel? I would prefer the cummins or Detroit. Most I have noticed in the price range are cummins. Robert Stk 2061

04-02-2014, 04:27 PM	#4
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,413 Likes: 517 Liked 330 Times in 178 Posts	Re: Gas or Diesel? stay away from the FORD 460 engines GAS HOGS !!!!!! Diesel only way to go much better fuel mileage--FED387

04-02-2014, 05:21 PM	#5
B Parker Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 849 Likes: 980 Liked 2,336 Times in 464 Posts	Re: Gas or Diesel? 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

04-02-2014, 05:49 PM	#6
Troy Henderson Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 407 Likes: 126 Liked 126 Times in 40 Posts	Re: Gas or Diesel? 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. __________________ Troy Henderson Henderson Race Shop LLC 816-520-5389 www.hendersonraceshop.com