CHOOSING BETWEEN GAS AND DIESEL MOTORHOMES

With so many options and features to choose from, you may want to limit the number of considerations you make when choosing the right motorhome. But there’s one more that we here at Campers RV Center want to add to your list: choosing between gas and diesel. This is most often associated with Class A motorhomes, but you may also run into this with Class C motorhomes. And while it may seem like a personal preference situation, you might be surprised at some of the benefits and challenges that come with each.

We’ve listed some of these differences here so when you stop by our location in Shreveport, Louisiana, you can let us know exactly which models you’ll want to check out. We proudly serve Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, as well as Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas.

Initial Price

When it comes to initial price, hands down the gas motorhomes are cheaper. We’ll get into these reasons later, but it’s important to keep this in mind. Most people don’t have the money to pay for an entire RV upfront, so you’ll probably have to finance. Because you’ll be paying for your rig over a long period of time, you won’t want something that’s going to become a financial strain when it should be a means of escaping the more stressful parts of your life. While diesel motorhomes come with a lot of great benefits, you’ll still want something that’s going to be affordable for your budget.

Maintenance Costs

Another part of budgeting long term is thinking about maintenance costs. The sooner wear and tear starts causing damage to your vehicle, the sooner you’ll be dealing with maintenance on a regular basis. This is where the diesel engine makes up for it’s initial steeper price. Diesel parts are generally tougher and more durable than gas parts. This is partially to support the diesel engine, but it also means that you won’t be looking at serious repairs any time soon.

Then again, you often need to special order diesel parts and find a technician specifically trained in diesel repairs. This can jack up the maintenance costs when you do go in. Because gas motorhomes are more common, you’ll probably have an easier time locating a qualified mechanic and readily available parts manufactured at faster rates. This means that while you’ll be running into repair issues sooner and more frequently, the individual visits will most likely be cheaper.

Accessibility

Diesel motorhomes are often bigger than gas motorhomes. Again, this is to support the bigger engine, but it can translate into more interior space for you. However, bigger rigs are harder for some campgrounds to accommodate. You’ll already be pressed for space with a Class A motorhome, but throwing in a diesel model can limit the number of campsites available to you. Not to mention, you’ll have to figure out how to drive such a large vehicle. For some RV owners, this isn’t an issue, but you’ll want to take it into consideration in case it is for you.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy can also depend widely on what kinds of trips you’ll be taking. Diesel burns slower so you’ll have to fill up less frequently. However, the next time you pull into the gas station, check out the price differences between the two different fuel types. You’ll probably notice that diesel fuel is slightly more expensive. This can add up over time, so think about what kinds of traveling you’ll be doing and which fuel type would save you the most money.

In fact, most of your decisions will boil down to what kind of traveling you’ll be doing, including whether to choose gas or diesel. Either way, you’ll be getting a quality motorhome that you and your family can enjoy with each camping trip. When you’re ready to check out some models for yourself, or if you need help making some final decisions on your priorities, stop by Campers RV Center and let one of our experienced staff know how we can help you. We welcome all patrons from Shreveport, Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, LA, as well as Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, TX.