When it comes to motorhomes, you can usually choose between a gas or a diesel. This choice is a source of heated debate among RVers, with diesel fans claiming their choice is higher quality than gas motorhomes and fans of gas motorhomes saying they’re more economical.
Diesel is typically a Cummins or Caterpillar engine (Class A) or a Mercedes-Benz (Class B and Class C) whereas almost all gas motorhomes are built with a Ford V10 engine. Diesel engines tend to be larger and heavier, and therefore typically have a larger and sturdier chassis. This also means that a diesel motorhome will typically have a higher cargo carrying capacity than a gas motorhome. However, this also means the GVWR tends to be much higher, which can limit the roads you can safely travel.
Diesel typically gets more miles per gallon than gas motorhomes, at an average of 8-14 for a Class A diesel versus 6-10 for gas. This difference is usually consistent for all types of motorhome. However, diesel is more expensive at the pump right now so the net gain in mileage is negated by higher diesel prices. The loss in fuel price might be worth it to not need to stop and fill up as often, as diesel units often have larger fuel tanks in addition to a higher MPG rating. While diesel pumps can be found in most places, it can be difficult to find a gas station that has diesel pumps in some areas, and nothing can be more frustrating than pulling into a gas station only to find that it doesn’t have any diesel. You also have to purchase diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) along with your diesel RV to help it burn cleaner. This is a requirement in all 2011 models and higher to help them meet emission standards. This costs $4-5 per gallon, but 2.5 gallons will typically last for 800 miles.
Most diesel motorhomes have air breaks and air ride suspension. The air braking system mostly applies to Class A motorhomes, as the braking systems between gas and diesel Class Cs and Bs are not all that different. Air brakes and air suspension means that diesel coaches will often ride and brake much smoother than a gas motorhome. A gas motorhome can offer a bit of a rough ride with its leaf and spring suspension, and might require modification to achieve a smoother ride. The air suspension in a diesel motorhome will work to keep the vehicle steady on the road, while a gas may sway with curves in the road or windy days.
A lot of diesel motorhomes have motors that are located in the back of the coach. These types of coaches are called diesel pushers. Many campers consider this a huge advantage. Front engines, especially on gas motorhomes, can get noisy during travel and can produce a lot of heat while running. The sound of the engine can become a downright roar on hills and mountains. A front engine also means the generator is probably in the back of the coach, toward the bedroom. If you have to use your generator rather than plugging in, this can mean some pretty noisy nights! While only a very few diesel-powered Class A motorhomes have their engines up front (Only Tiffin Motorhomes and Winnebago even manufacture front-end diesels), pretty much ALL gas motorhomes have front engines.
Most diesel engines have a higher torque, allowing the motorhome to climb mountains a little better than a gas. A gas motorhome can offer more horsepower, but it will typically have lower torque which means it has to work harder when it’s on the road. A diesel has more power overall, with a higher towing capacity. Some diesel motorhomes, such as the Dynamax Dynaquest, has a towing capacity of up to 20,000lbs while most gas motorhomes hover at around 5,000lbs. The higher torque on diesel engines means they suffer less wear and tear when they’re being used.
A diesel engine requires more involved maintenance. The amount of oil required for changes is much higher than gas, and there are more components to pay attention to. While a diesel engine might require less frequent overall maintenance, that maintenance will be more complex and expensive. You also have to go to a mechanic that specializes in diesel engines. You can’t just take your diesel motorhome anywhere for service. While a gas motorhome requires more frequent maintenance, it is simpler to care for and some maintenance tasks can be somewhat easily performed by the owner. A lot of DIY types will appreciate their ability to take gas-powered RV maintenance in their own hands. It can be a real headache trying to find a diesel mechanic whereas a gas motorhome can be serviced at most Ford garages, and repairs are often completed more quickly than repairs on diesel engines. A gas motorhome’s engine will handle cold temperatures and high altitudes much better than a diesel motorhome, while a diesel engine will require special care and maintenance to handle those conditions.
A diesel engine is made to last much longer than a gas, though with careful maintenance a gas motorhome can be around for many years. Most commercial vehicles are diesel because diesel engines can run for a million miles, but both gas and diesel motorhomes rarely reach the mileage at which the engines will start to fail. They are traded off or the house portion of the vehicle begins to fail long before the engine reaches the end of its intended lifespan. However, if you full-time or drive your RV long distances, having an engine made to handle heavy workloads might offer some peace of mind.
Many find that the gas v. diesel debate boils down to finances. Diesel is more expensive, period. Sometimes by a lot. However, that diesel motorhome will retain much more of its value. A gas motorhome is an affordable and easy to maintain unit that is ideal for travel over relatively flat land. Most people recommend diesel for full-time travel and gas for more casual traveling. If you’re not going to travel full time, it can be hard to justify all the extra cash that goes into purchasing and maintaining a big diesel pusher. Gas motorhomes also make excellent “starter” RVs because they’re economical and they make a great introduction to the RV lifestyle.
It’s a common myth that gas coaches are simply inferior to diesel, and that is not true at all. There are plenty of gas models, such as the Fleetwood Bounder, that hold up incredibly well and are comparable to a diesel motorhome in terms of layout and quality of materials used. Whether you opt for gas or diesel depends on what you need out of your travel experience. If you’re looking for something practical for casual traveling, gas is a great option. If you need something that will run until the end of civilization for long-term travel a diesel pusher is probably your best option.
When you’re ready to purchase your motorhome, or you want to come and see the differences for yourself, you can come on by Day Bros RV Sales in either London, KY or Lake Park, GA for everything you need to get on the road!
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