Hey Cheapskate, a Diesel Motorhome Will Always Be Better Than Gas

Hey Cheapskate, a Diesel Motorhome Will Always Be Better Than Gas

When it comes to motorhomes, the RVing community is still debating gas versus diesel. We’re here to tell you that you should stop being cheap and face the facts. Diesel motorhomes are and will always be better than gas. Let’s look at why.

Face It: Diesel RVs Are Better Than Gas

A diesel engine has more power, lasts longer, and is more efficient. While a gas motorhome can do the job, it’s no competition when it comes to longevity. You may see a gas engine with 100,000 to 200,000 miles on it, but that’s just the beginning for a diesel engine.

Why Diesel Motorhomes Are Better

While it may be tempting to pinch some pennies on your initial investment, don’t be a cheapskate when it comes to buying a motorhome.

You’ll likely have buyer’s remorse, and by then, it’s too late to do anything about it. Here are 10 reasons why you should avoid being a cheapskate and buy a diesel motorhome.

Lasts Longer

It’s no secret that diesel engines are built to last. It’s pretty common to see diesel engines that are more than 30-year-old and still running strong. Diesel engines often rely on gears to help them run, which are less likely to get out of sync and are easy to fix compared to gas engines using timing belts and chains.

When you’re spending your hard-earned money on a motorhome, you want to ensure it’ll last for years to come.

More Power

You need an eight-liter gas engine to compete with a six-liter diesel engine when it comes to power. Diesel fuel is denser and contains more energy than gasoline. This energy is transferred to the pistons and creates more torque on the crankshaft.

The result is a stronger engine. You’ll often notice this when towing or traveling on a highway with an incline. The steeper the incline, the more you’ll feel the engine flexing its muscles. 

More Luxurious

There’s a noticeable difference between gas and diesel motorhomes. The drastic price difference isn’t just because of the diesel engine but also because manufacturers often use better materials as a whole. Many of the lower-quality diesel engines can go toe to toe with the most expensive gas engine motorhomes on the market. This doesn’t mean there aren’t nice or luxurious gas motorhomes. However, as a whole, diesel motorhomes are more luxurious and of higher quality than gas motorhomes.

More Eco-Friendly

Taking care of our environment and reducing emissions are a big deal these days. A diesel engine emits 40% less CO2 than gasoline. Not only are diesel engines better for the environment, but they spew fewer harmful pollutants like carbonaceous particle matter, which damages lung tissue. Research indicates that gas engines produce 10 times more carbonaceous particle matter than diesel engines and get even worse below 19.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

In recent years, governments have looked to diesel engines as a means of reducing emissions. This includes adding mandatory diesel exhaust fluid, DEF, on new vehicles to help limit pollution. These regulations and requirements have only helped to make diesel engines more eco-friendly.

Rear Engine = Quieter Ride

Diesel motorhomes are also known as diesel pushers. That’s because the diesel engine sits at the rear of the motorhome. Because the engine is at the rear of the coach, it’s a quieter driving experience than a motor in the front. Having a quieter ride makes it easy to have a conversation with your fellow travelers or co-pilots. A quieter ride is easy to appreciate during long travel days as well.

Engine Braking

Motorhomes are incredibly heavy and large. If you’ve ever driven a large vehicle, you know it can be tough to stop, especially when going downhill. A diesel engine enables the driver to downshift and slow the vehicle. 

Being able to downshift can be a tremendous blessing for going down big hills or mountain passes. Using the brakes on your RV for an extended period will create heat, which can cause brake failure. When your brakes heat up and stop functioning, you’re going to have a hard time slowing down or stopping. 

Air Ride Suspension

You’ll often find air ride suspension on diesel motorhomes. It provides a smoother ride. You don’t have to travel the highways long to discover that many roads aren’t perfectly smooth. The more you use your diesel motorhome, the more you’ll appreciate the smooth ride it can provide. A quick trip in anything that doesn’t have air ride suspension will convince you that you never want anything else.

More Fuel Efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy recently did a study that shows diesel engines can go 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel. This fuel savings can add up quickly when you factor in rising fuel prices. 

Lasts Longer Between Service Appointments

Both diesel and gas engines require regular maintenance. Diesel engines may cost more to maintain but are more reliable and break down less often. The construction helps minimize wear and tear. This means fewer trips to a mechanic and more time on the road.

Better Resale Value

RVs don’t retain their value. Simply pulling vehicles off the dealership lot instantly tanks their value. While diesel engines aren’t immune to this, they don’t lose quite as much as their gas counterparts. Diesel vehicles often retain their value and can get a better value when trading in the vehicle. However, this assumes you’re taking care of your vehicle and keeping it in good working condition.

Are Diesel Motorhomes More Cost-Efficient in the Long Run?

Yes, in the long run, diesel motorhomes are more cost-efficient. While routine maintenance and the initial investment cost more, these motorhomes can last for a considerable amount of time compared to their gas counterparts. If you’re looking to get the most out of your investment, a diesel motorhome is your best option. 

We all want to save a buck and catch ourselves being a cheapskate at one time or another. However, shopping for a motorhome isn’t the time to pinch pennies. When you consider how diesel motorhomes outperform gas motorhomes, it’s easy to see why you should consider a diesel motorhome. Knowing what you know now, would you choose a diesel or gas motorhome for your next RV?

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