Gas or Diesel? Help me decide.

[wildebill308]

Just a couple add on thoughts for the OP based on what has been posted. You want to tow 4 down I have towed on a trailer on a dolly and now 4 down. I would not go back. Yes you have to unhook because you can't back up but that isn't the big deal some make out. I can un hook in about 3 min. That and you don't have to do it very often if you are paying attention. Yes you can tow with a gas coach. Just be aware of what it is rated for. Most gas will tow 5000 lbs. Diesel are 10,000 pound capacity. On the problem of your wife not being able to reach the peddles and get comfortable. On my DP the peddles are adjustable with a control on the steering wheel. Last I would go drive several different coaches gas and diesel. Let me know if you have any outher questions.

 

[Vint]

Big difference is the platform the engine is based on. With a pickup you are looking at a lot more towing capacity, same ride basically, better mpg, ability to fuel up at truck stop islands with plenty of room to maneuver, and power to tackle the mountains out West. But, much higher initial cost vs higher trade value, DEF (really not a big deal or expense), definitely higher maintenance costs ($50 oil change to $150+, frequent fuel filters @$40-$50 each), possible catastrophic failure for a diesel being in the tens of thousands, gas new engine $5000-$6000.

Motorhome s are a different animal because now your going from a relatively light Ford F53 truck chassis to a heavy duty Freightliner or Spartan chassis where everything is more than twice the size providing straight and steady steering. Rear engine provides a quiet ride, air bag suspension smooths the ride comfort, up to 20K pounds of towing capacity, greater fuel economy, truck stop fueling, power to go anywhere. Yep, higher initial cost by $20-$30000 or more, diesel may cost more (most diesel owners have a truckers fuel discount card such as Open Roads. In 2024 my average cost per gallon of diesel was about $.30 less per gallon than 87 octane gas). But the power, more in a bit. Again, much higher maintenance cost as outlined above. I paid $3000 for a new radiator in 2023 and total installed close to $6000.

I owned 2 gas motorhomes (used) and was not disappointed with either rig. But, I realized I wasn't driving a BMW. Some first motorhome owners will spend $10K or more trying to get it to ride and drive like the wife's car. But, my diesel I love.

Simple!e story: Two years ago heading to Yosemite NP. GPS tells me to turn right onto Old Priest Rd. Twists and turns almost vertical. We're pulling our Kia Shortage on a dolly. I swear a white van in front of me was on it's rear bumper around the turn. I start to think with our tow we aren't gonna make that incline. My 6.7 Cummins Diesel and Allison transmission down shifts to 1st gear, speed increases and up shifts to 2nd, speed picks up and shifts to 3rd, oops, back to 2nd, and we crest the hill and turn off back to the highway. I don't think my excellent Ford V10 gassers would've made the grade. YouTube Old Priest Road, 20% grade.

18 years RV'ing I couldn't go back to gas.


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[Cuervo CAT]

From my trucking experience alone, I'd say that diesel will be more expensive, not only at the pump but at the shop as well. Yeah, that air-ride suspension on your rig may be nice, but when your turbo blows or some other part grenades, "CHA-CHING!!!" And your wallet starts looking like an anorexic meth head... some tweekin' crackerhead who hasn't seen solid food in months, lol.

Not all of us are loaded with money, SOME of us can't make problems go away by hurling fat stacks of C-notes in their direction. Social Insecurity only goes so far, lol... and it costs enough just to top off your tanks, whether you're driving a gas or diesel rig, though gas is certainly cheaper at the present moment. Those gallons of fuel can add up to significant amounts, lol.

We had an expression in the trucking industry: "Big trucks, big bucks!!!" And ain't that the truth, lol... but I was always particularly glad to be a 'company driver' whenever some expensive diesel motor component failed through no fault of my own. I'd look at the repair bill and say to myself, "I'm glad I'm not paying that ridiculous amount of money for some $h!thouse part, lol!"

From what I've gleaned at various RV websites, the RV industry isn't much different from the trucking industry when it comes to expensive repairs, there are plenty of shady mechanics out there who will capitalize on your misfortune, and I say that as a pretty handy guy with tools, I can fix a lot of problems but I can't fix some wanker's morality when it comes to fleecing RVers, lol.

Not in my pay grade, lol... and karma may eventually catch up to that wanker, but the problem with karma is the same problem with SWIFT & J.B HUNT trucks: too goldurned slow. Give me an uncut triple-digit truck every time, lol, but I digress... Yeah, if you have a FAT WALLET and can afford to hurl money at problems, buy the diesel rig with the air-ride suspension! Just my $.02 on this subject...

Now I'm back to my delicious ice-cold alcoholic beverage, lol... CHEERS!!!

P.S. That's my 'rodeo hip flask'---I'll be putting it to good use when the rodeo hits Silver City next weekend, lol. This is how cheap b@stards like me avoid paying whorehouse prices for drinks at the rodeo, "10-DASH-FO'?"

 

[Vint]

though gas is certainly cheaper at the present moment.

Last year, the average price of 87-octane gas was around $3.29 per gallon. For the entire 2024 season, I averaged less than $3.20 per gallon, with a low of $2.77 and a high of $3.49 in Pennsylvania. This was for 119 nights camping and 9000 miles.

Today, as I write this, gas in WNY State (where I'm from) ranges from $2.97 to $3.19 per gal. Open Roads discount fuel at the closest T/A Travel Plaza is $2.99, and Speedway across the street is $3.00 (no .9 either!) I've found that leaving high-tax NY State (and PA), the diesel prices will be even lower compared to gas.

I admit last year's prices and this year's haven't been the norm since I purchased my DP in 2018.

 

[Cuervo CAT]

Not the case out West, where diesel is more expensive than gasoline...

 

[Rollin Ollen]

My main reason is expense of ownership.

I Just want to make it clear, We do not own a diesel nor have we ever dealt with NIRV so I am not in any way endorsing their company. I was curious about the cost of a diesel and I found this video interesting.



I was surprised to hear the owner of the coach say that when he performed a basic oil change himself it cost in the area of $2000.00!! Wow. Next I was not overly surprised when the cost of the 30,000 mile service cost in the area of $4000,00. I actually expected it to be higher. My question, to you folks that have a diesel pusher, are these costs the norm?

 

[Cuervo CAT]

Last year, the average price of 87-octane gas was around $3.29 per gallon. For the entire 2024 season, I averaged less than $3.20 per gallon, with a low of $2.77 and a high of $3.49 in Pennsylvania. This was for 119 nights camping and 9000 miles.

Today, as I write this, gas in WNY State (where I'm from) ranges from $2.97 to $3.19 per gal. Open Roads discount fuel at the closest T/A Travel Plaza is $2.99, and Speedway across the street is $3.00 (no .9 either!) I've found that leaving high-tax NY State (and PA), the diesel prices will be even lower compared to gas.

I admit last year's prices and this year's haven't been the norm since I purchased my DP in 2018.

All I can tell ya is that diesel costs 40 cents more per gallon than gasoline at this time in Silver City, New Mexico... but when I attend the rodeo this weekend, the primary fuel will be methane, lol.

 

[DennisT]

I Just want to make it clear, We do not own a diesel nor have we ever dealt with NIRV so I am not in any way endorsing their company. I was curious about the cost of a diesel and I found this video interesting.



I was surprised to hear the owner of the coach say that when he performed a basic oil change himself it cost in the area of $2000.00!! Wow. Next I was not overly surprised when the cost of the 30,000 mile service cost in the area of $4000,00. I actually expected it to be higher. My question, to you folks that have a diesel pusher, are these costs the norm?

Have a Superstar so may be a bit different for pushers.

First year chassis and engine maintenance was about $1200.

Just had the 2 year done (same as the 30k) along with generator maintenance. Was little over $1400 this time mostly because we added the generator service.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Didn’t watch the video about the cost of oil change, but sounds like it is sensationalized.
On our SuperC, in which an oil change requires a bit over 12 gallons (not quarts), it costs us a little over $300 for the oil change, filter and chassis lube (at a truck service shop. Tack on another $125 for the fuel filters change (2 fuel filters).
We do the 12.5k gen service myself each year, IIRC, around $75.

 

[Underboss]

Yes maintenance will cost you more but not the drama in that video. Two idiots making money with clicks. There is a difference between gassers and diesel. In general you have a much better chassis, engine and trans. The better brands, diesel coaches are a better build then the gassers, but that is what you are paying for, its not just a diesel engine. You are buying a coach that is built better, better suspension and more amenities.
Now its a personal decision on how deep you want to be financially in a coach. Gassers, proper brands, are good coaches. I have owned four. I would ignore the videos made by idiots to get clicks. Its all about the drama. Do your own research, there are pros and cons to every decision

 

[Boat Bum]

I could handle the initial cost, it's the ongoing costs of everything that puts me in a gas motorhome. Same with my past boat, a 31' gas powered. The gas powered, in both cases, satisfied my usage. YMMV

If cost was no object, diesel all day.

 

[Vint]

area of $2000.00!

No freaking way. I mentioned in my prior post, and first on this forum, that an oil change for my 6.7 Cummins costs around $150. That's for 16 qts. of oil and an expensive Fleetguard filter, around $40. The price depends on where I buy the oil, whether it's on sale, and Amazon's latest price for the filter. Now, I know bigger diesels like the 8.9 Cummins take more oil, but not enough to bring the price up to $2K.

 

[JBright11]

I could handle the initial cost, it's the ongoing costs of everything that puts me in a gas motorhome. Same with my past boat, a 31' gas powered. The gas powered, in both cases, satisfied my usage. YMMV

If cost was no object, diesel all day.

Exactly the same for me.
Though I could make both fit in the budget, the gas unit was a much more comfortable squeeze both initially and ongoing maintenance. It fits our travel style just fine as well.

 

[wildebill308]

I Just want to make it clear, We do not own a diesel nor have we ever dealt with NIRV so I am not in any way endorsing their company. I was curious about the cost of a diesel and I found this video interesting.



I was surprised to hear the owner of the coach say that when he performed a basic oil change himself it cost in the area of $2000.00!! Wow. Next I was not overly surprised when the cost of the 30,000 mile service cost in the area of $4000,00. I actually expected it to be higher. My question, to you folks that have a diesel pusher, are these costs the norm?

I am trying to figure out how anyone could claim it cost $2000.00 to do a basic oil change/filter doing it your self. Did he charge himself labor?
The last basic oil change I did cost me $234.00 for the oil. My ISM Cummins takes 40 qt. and I run Shell Rotela T-6. The filter added $37.00. That would leave me $1729.00 for shop rags/disposal?
By the way this is what NIRVC has on their website for oil change.
$169 LABOR + FILTER + QTS OIL. . . . . . . . . $375–$700
COST OF OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARKET VALUE
Interesting, he could have had NIRVC do the oil change cheaper than the $2.000 he claims it cost to do it himself.
Bill

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I am trying to figure out how anyone could claim it cost $2000.00 to do a basic oil change/filter doing it your self. Did he charge himself labor?
The last basic oil change I did cost me $234.00 for the oil. My ISM Cummins takes 40 qt. and I run Shell Rotela T-6. The filter added $37.00. That would leave me $1729.00 for shop rags/disposal?
By the way this is what NIRVC has on their website for oil change.
$169 LABOR + FILTER + QTS OIL. . . . . . . . . $375–$700
COST OF OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARKET VALUE
Interesting, he could have had NIRVC do the oil change cheaper than the $2.000 he claims it cost to do it himself.
Bill

Aha! So the huge additional cost was rags!! I guess he was messy. Thanks to for the critique people. I did note that there was no actual invoice shown for the NIRVC work. We will never know the real cost.

I will say that I kinda liked what I saw in the video about the level of service provided by NIRVC. Has any used them and is what is portrayed in the video accurate? I have had difficulties finding a decent service shop in the Calgary area that will work on our gas class A. It would be my preference to have any services done close to our home base but, if we have to find one away, so be it. I would like to find one similar to NIRVC so I will just keep looking I guess.

 

[Holdmybeer]

I am trying to figure out how anyone could claim it cost $2000.00 to do a basic oil change/filter doing it your self. Did he charge himself labor?
The last basic oil change I did cost me $234.00 for the oil. My ISM Cummins takes 40 qt. and I run Shell Rotela T-6. The filter added $37.00. That would leave me $1729.00 for shop rags/disposal?
By the way this is what NIRVC has on their website for oil change.
$169 LABOR + FILTER + QTS OIL. . . . . . . . . $375–$700
COST OF OIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARKET VALUE
Interesting, he could have had NIRVC do the oil change cheaper than the $2.000 he claims it cost to do it himself.
Bill

For the most part I avoid the RV youtuber testimonials and instructional videos, most of them, but not all, are thinly disguised promotional videos, others are some young couple trying to make a buck yammering on about subjects they know little to nothing about. Anyone who says it cost them two grand to change their own oil is obviously not that bright.

 

[Vint]

over 12 gallons

Are you sure your rig takes 48 Quarts? 8.9 Cummins?

The 8.9L Cummins ISL9 engine has a lube oil capacity of 7.3 US gallons (27.7 liters). The L9 and ISL9 engines are inline-6 diesel engines. For the L9, Cummins specifies 24-28 quarts (23-26L) of oil capacity. The ISL9 engine is used in various applications like well servicing, and also has a 7.3 US gallon oil capacity.

idiots to get clicks

Love the line

shop rags/disposal?

Cashmere?

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Are you sure your rig takes 48 Quarts? 8.9 Cummins?

The 8.9L Cummins ISL9 engine has a lube oil capacity of 7.3 US gallons (27.7 liters). The L9 and ISL9 engines are inline-6 diesel engines. For the L9, Cummins specifies 24-28 quarts (23-26L) of oil capacity. The ISL9 engine is used in various applications like well servicing, and also has a 7.3 US gallon oil capacity.

Love the line

Cashmere?

Yes, the capacity is 12 gallons.
We have the Cummins ISX 15 600 engine.

https://mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0032935.pdf

 

[wildebill308]

I will say that I kinda liked what I saw in the video about the level of service provided by NIRVC. Has any used them and is what is portrayed in the video accurate?

I think the Video is accurate. I bought my current coach from them. This was a used coach. They were great fixing the usual items like my wife had a hard time with getting the washer door open so they replaced the latch. We had a dedicated delivery team and were encouraged to spend a couple of days in their lot with water and eclectic hook ups. We had their phone number and told to call any time. They also checked on us often.
Where they went above and beyond was after we had signed all the paperwork and it was a done deal they kept finding things they didn't like and fixing them. Things like a crack in the mounting flange on the Oasis overflow tank so they ordered a new one to replace it. One of the teaks didn't like the struts on the wet bay they were letting the door sag down, so he ordered new struts for all the doors that open up. What amazed me was they decided the date code on the tiers were a little to old for them so they put 6 new Toyos on the back on their dime. The fronts were only10 months old.
Can you see camping world doing that?
Bill

 

[Underboss]

Aha! So the huge additional cost was rags!! I guess he was messy. Thanks to for the critique people. I did note that there was no actual invoice shown for the NIRVC work. We will never know the real cost.

I will say that I kinda liked what I saw in the video about the level of service provided by NIRVC. Has any used them and is what is portrayed in the video accurate? I have had difficulties finding a decent service shop in the Calgary area that will work on our gas class A. It would be my preference to have any services done close to our home base but, if we have to find one away, so be it. I would like to find one similar to NIRVC so I will just keep looking I guess.

I recently bought a coach from NIRVC. Some issues came up after the sale. They jumped right on it to make it right. I will only buy fro NIRVC in the future AND their service was impeccable