Deciding whether to purchase a diesel or gas motorhome can be tricky business if you’re not familiar with the ins and outs of what each offers. While there are a number of advantages to owning either, there can also be some disadvantages to owning each depending on how you plan to use the motorhome. In the midst of a tight economy, those looking to purchase a gas or diesel motorhome want to ensure they’re making a wise investment. The last thing RV enthusiast wants to do is spend a ton of money on a motorhome, only to find it’s not going to meet their traveling needs.
To help guide potential motorhome buyers on their search, here is a quick run-down of how both gas and diesel motorhomes differ when it comes to a variety of areas.
Power
When it comes to power a diesel coach is the clear winner. Diesel coaches have more power which provides more torque which increases towing capacity. If you plan to haul a boat or vehicle behind your motorhome, a diesel coach would likely perform much better.
Price
There is no question about it. A gas motorhome costs significantly less – $80,000 to $100,000 – than a diesel coach. Also, the price of diesel fuel is more than gasoline. These are both things to consider. Also, if by chance your vehicle needs to be serviced, many mechanics charge twice as much per hour to work on diesel engines.
Engine Longevity
This is yet another area a diesel coach comes in ahead of a gas coach. Diesel motorhomes are built for high mileage – it’s that simple. While a gas engine in a RV will last somewhere between 100,000 to 125,000 on average, a diesel can hold its own from anywhere around 250,000 to 500,000 miles. So basically, if you plan on putting more than 100,000 miles on your RV a diesel coach is probably your best bet.
Luxuriousness
These days, motorhomes come in lengths of 42 and even 45 feet, and models that large are going to need a powerful engine to pull them. Since these large models need more power, it’s no surprise many of the more luxurious motorhomes are diesel coaches.
Safety
This is also another area affected by power. Since a diesel motorhome has more power, weight has less of an impact on the miles per gallon than it does with a gas motorhome.
Mileage
Generally, the smaller diesels (Class C motorhomes) get better mileage than gas models. This is simply due to the fact a smaller diesel engine can provide enough power to power a smaller motorhome. For example, some Class C models get around 18 to 22 mile per gallon while similar gas models only get about 12 mpg.
Conclusion
As you see, gas and diesel engines both have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the decision on which type to purchase should reflect how you plan to travel. If you take all of the above mentioned areas into consideration when deciding on what type of motorhome to purchase, you and your family will have no problem enjoying your next RV-adventure.
About the Author: Darrin Michael has worked professionally in both the journalism field as well as the RV industry. He currently serves as the marketing director at Dave Arbogast RV Depot in Troy, OH, where his duties include everything from website design to SEO operations to daily blog writing.