Gasser vs diesel;
When we made a decision to upgrade from our 30ft Mirada, we were methodical in what was important to us, driving the decision on what our next motorhome would be. Part of that decision was looking at the differences in the chassis the motorhome was built on, gas vs diesel.
Motor home length (weight) is one of the main drivers in engine/chassis availability, generally, motor homes larger than 35-37ft will be powered by diesels, less then that are powered by gas engines.
We were looking for something around 35 ft and initially were looking at diesel, mainly because of the coach build quality normally associated with the diesel chassis.
I’m a DIYer and very familiar with the Ford F53 chassis, but clueless on any diesel chassis. As we looked at several prospective diesels, I needed to come up to speed on maintenance of the chassis so I’d at least know what to look for in an inspection. As I started researching the diesels, it was becoming clear to me that the diesel would cost me significantly more to operate and maintain than a similar motor home on a gas chassis.
We altered our search and looked at a couple high end gassers. Our concerns about poor build quality in gassers was soon set aside. There are very high quality coaches sitting on a gasser chassis, we just need to know what makes and models to look at.
Two scenarios that moved me back to the gassers were:
1) Last year we had a starter go bad while on the road, After a few minutes of troubleshooting, I removed the starter, disconnected the toad, drove to the auto parts store down the street, they had it in stock. $100 and 30 minutes later, I had the starter installed and we were on our way.
What is the price and availability of a starter for a Cummins 8.3? about twice that, and availability is more specialized, it won’t be available at most auto parts stores.
2) Oil and filter changes, Compare price of a Ford V10 oil filter and the price of a Cummins filter. fuel filters. exhaust manifold for a V10 vs an Cummins 8.3.
Other factors:
Ride Quality – The Diesels are hands down more comfortable to drive than a gasser. I’m reminded that when the coach is sitting up on the leveling jacks in the RV park, there is zero difference in ride quality.
Power – when operating at higher altitudes, the turbocharged diesel will have a lot more power than a corresponding non-turbocharged gasser. Not a big deal. The gasser will make it to the top, not as quickly as the DP.
If I were driving 50,000 miles a year, I’d go for the diesel, but at 5-10k miles a year in a 35 ft MH, the added costs aren’t worth it to me.
NOTE Yes a turbocharged diesel will be able to climb to the Eisenhower tunnel on I-70 at 65mph, while I’m in the truck lane doing 25mph in first gear.
AND the ride in the diesel will be smoother (air ride suspension) than its gasser counterpart (leaf spring suspension.
Your points are the same as the ones I have come up with. Plus the price almost doubles on Diesel vs Gassers.
Hi;
Just came across your website…wow..you have a lot information ….
Thanks
I am a wannabe, searching…still deciding between class C or class a.
Last model I saw this week, Newmar Baystart 2813. Out of my price range, but s 2015-2016 with low miles should be fine…
Thanks again for sharing
Hi, I just came across your post and it’s very timely as my wife and I are looking to buy our first motor home. We have narrowed it down to three: a near mint condition 1997 Gulfstream Friendship 102 DP with 300 hp turbo diesel (no slides); a fully renovated/restored 1996 Fleetwood Southwind 35 LS 454 chev gasser with tag axle and LR slide; a 1999 Fleetwood Southwind 36Z 454 chev gasser with tag axle and LR and BR slides that needs tires and a driver’s side windshield (~$3500 repairs). The DP is the same price as the 1996 Southwind and the 99 is about $5k cheaper (but needs some work which will be considered in the final purchase price).
We won’t be living in our motor home; mostly summer camping, but do want to drive it to Florida and back for the winters (we have a place in Florida so won’t be living in the MH). We would like to tow a light vehicle for when we are summer touring and we live in Alberta with some family in BC so will be crossing the Rockies every now and then. We both really appreciate the space that the LR slide gives having toured both styles. But we are concerned about towing capacity. Both Fleetwood models show a towing capacity of around 3500 lbs; the DP is rated for 9,000 lbs. The original owner of the 1996 gasser wintered in Arizona and towed an enclosed car hauler with toad and other stuff that weighed in at 9000 lbs. He had every option available when he bought it and made some modifications and said he never had an issue with overheating. He said he had to gear down and take his time on long hills but never had any mechanical issues. Mileage was in the 7-8 and as high as 9.5. The 99 never towed anything so they never worried about it. They said mileage was estimated around 9-10 except when they toured into BC through the Rockies and Kootenays. The diesel tows a Jeep that weighs in around 5500 pounds and the owner says on flats you don’t even know it’s there. On hills he drops a gear (has the 6-speed Allison) but can maintain speed. Mileage without the toad is 10.5 -12 and 9-10 with towing. The DP has no tag axle but the owner says the chassis is much heavier duty (Freightliner) and it’s stable in the wind. Plus it is an air ride. Both owners of the gassers say the tag axle provides great stability and a smooth ride. They also say the 454/4L80 power train has lots of get up and go.
Long story, but those are the facts I’ve gathered. Haven’t driven these ones yet. I know nothing about diesels and a fair bit about gassers but I’m no mechanic. My brothers are both mechanics and both say they would get the diesel for durability, ride, towing capacity and they both say no slide/no trouble LOL. One other thing, my wife says the mid-coach door seems like a better option due to having easier access to the living part of the coach, especially the kitchen. All three coaches have a driver’s door.
So I’m torn. I’m leaning toward the gassers as they have the extra room (slides) and we won’t be full time RVers. But I’ve read a lot about diesels for the ride, durability and resale value. Looking for any feedback aside from the excellent stuff I’ve already read here. Thanks.
This is such a good website and so much good free information for All SouthWind owners. I just became one myself today, 1997 Southwind 35 LS with Ford engine. Haven’t driven the motorhome yet but it was a very good deal to pass up.
Darrell, I am also thankful for your very well compiled list of comparisons and reviews. Didn’t know there were Slide options available on the Gassers ( maybe you can now tell my inexperience lol ). Which way did you end up deciding?