In this final post of my series Driving, Mileage, and Fuel, I cover information related to diesel engines and the process of refueling your rig.
Diesel Engines and Refueling
- Buy diesel fuel at truck stops and high-volume distributors because it minimizes the chance of water in the diesel fuel. If water gets into the fuel, it will shut down the engine. – Curtis Greene (CG), Service Manager, Endless Summer RV’s, Frederick MD
- One major benefit of an RV with a diesel engine is that all engine noise is in the rear of the motorhome, not in the driver’s area. Also, there is normally more storage room in the basement compartments, which is especially useful for full-timers. You can have larger floor plans and more and larger slideouts with greater carrying capacity. – CG
- Here are several other reasons for choosing an RV with a diesel engine instead of a gasoline engine:
- Diesel engines provide better overall performance as related to power and weight.
- The engine lasts longer.
- The inside floor layout is on one level.
- You get better handling and steering.
- Most have an air suspension system.
- The unit has a greater gross combined vehicle weight rating.
- There’s a longer period between most maintenance requirements.
- Diesel fuel is not as volatile as gasoline (it combusts at a higher temperature).
(For more information about diesel vs. gasoline engines, refer to the post Gas vs Diesel by fellow blogger Mark Polk.)
- The diesel fuel-dispensing equipment at a truck stop is faster than that at an automobile service station because the dispensing nozzle and hose are designed for a greater volume for flow.
- If you overfill with diesel fuel at a truck stop, instead of wiping off the fuel spilled on the motorhome with a cloth, take the water hose nearby and wash down the area and then wipe it dry. This will prevent dirt in the diesel fuel or on the side of the coach from scratching the paint.
Enjoy your RVing!
Bernice