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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Motor Vehicles and Their Mechanical Parts -> One more thing to consider when choosing between a gas and a diesel MH
Post Info TOPIC: One more thing to consider when choosing between a gas and a diesel MH
Old Snipe


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One more thing to consider when choosing between a gas and a diesel MH
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I recently purchased a Cat Diesel powered pusher MH for our almost here fulltiming departure.  I previously owned only gas powered motorhomes.

As a former diesel mechanic, I always do as much of my own maintenance as possible.  With my gas MH's it was a breeze, 6 1/2 qts of oil, an oil filter, a fuel filter, an air filter and a chassis to lube.  About an hour's worth of work.

My DP, I have 6 GALLONS of oil, an oil filter, a primary fuel filter, a secondary fuel filter, an air filter, a brake system air dryer filter, coolant filters and test strips to test the for the proper amount of corrosion inhibitors in the anti freeze, annual change of the differential fluid, and the chassis to lube with additional fittings on the air brake slack adujusters that require a special clay based grease.  Also, a valve adjustment is required around 15K miles.  Plus several minor issues that escape me at the moment.

I knew about the extra maintenance when I bought the MH, and will continue to do as much as I can myself. 

However, for those that are trying to decide about a DP MH, be aware that if you are not too handy, the maintenance will be much more costly than a gas MH and it may be next to impossible to do some of the items on the road, ie, where will you be able to catch 6 gallons of oil and how will you be able to dispose of it properly? (Storm drains are not good places for used motor oil) furious

So this is just one more item to consider when trying to decide. confused

Best Regards!

-- Edited by Old Snipe at 11:59, 2007-09-19

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Paul D
2007 Winnebago Journey 39K, Cat C7
 AKA "R-SANITY III"
2003 Honda Element 4WD Toad
 AKA "JRNYZ-END"
www.rsanityrvtravels.blogspot.com
bago40


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Thanks for posting this. I've heard that Diesels require yearly maintenance and that it is expensive. cry Is everything you listed done as part of the yearly maintenance project or, (other than the valve adjustment) is some of that list done more frequently? Thanks, Bago.

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Bago, 1997 Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour 7.4 290hp Chevy Vortec SFI. Focus Toad.
RVDude


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Not to scare anyone away from a DP - the advantages are numerous - but the maintenance is NOT like a gasser. I do all of my routine maintenance and these are the DIY costs. My Cummins ISM (w/ Alison tranny) takes 10gal or motor oil (fortunately from Wal-Mart at $8/gal), a $55 oil filter, a $150 air filter, an $85 fuel filter, a $90 air desiccant cartridge, transmission fluid at $65/gal (8 gal needed) and a pair of transmission filters at some $175. Now, before you get too alarmed, the oil change interval is 15,000-25,000miles, the transmission fluid is at 75,000 miles, the air filter probably around 40,000 miles. And yes, it isn't easy dealing with draining 10 gals. of oil. The little drain pan for the car just won't work!

Every DP engine will have its own maintenance schedule something like the above. But, it is prudent to be aware that the maintenance costs on a DP will be significantly different than a gasser.



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Old Snipe


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Bago,

Yes, most of these items are either on a yearly schedule, or in my case about 11,000 miles for the oil change.  The air brake filter change is a 3 year/36K change, unless operated in high dust conditions.

Considering the average MH is used only about 5K miles a year, the cost can add up when compared to a gas MH.

This being said, there are certainly many positives to a diesel MH, somewhat better MPG, much higher Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC), more basement storage, air suspensions and air brakes.  If these items are a better fit for your needs, then the diesel maintenance costs are worth it.

Best Regards!



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Paul D
2007 Winnebago Journey 39K, Cat C7
 AKA "R-SANITY III"
2003 Honda Element 4WD Toad
 AKA "JRNYZ-END"
www.rsanityrvtravels.blogspot.com
bago40


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Thanks guys, I've always admired the quality of the DP's and of course the luxury and power. Honestly though the DP's most likely exceed my needs. If I ever get married though that will probably be a different story.smile Bago.

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Bago, 1997 Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour 7.4 290hp Chevy Vortec SFI. Focus Toad.
RVDude


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bago: Turning your quote back on you - You don't need to be married to enjoy "the quality of the DP's and of course the luxury and power".

If you want one and can swing it, why not?

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bago40


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True Dude, As a matter of fact I am trying to decide what to do about upgrading. Gas or Diesel. I emailed Winnebago industries this week and got a suprise. cryThey stated that all of their MH are for temporary use.  Which means even the diesels. confused Now I know folks full time in those as well as other manufacturers ie Allegro, Gulf Stream ect. so I'm thinking that as long as you get a quality unit it should be ok. I may need to switch threads to discuss this more fully. Thanks Bago.


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Bago, 1997 Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour 7.4 290hp Chevy Vortec SFI. Focus Toad.
RVDude


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Bago, I think most manufacturers will state "for temporary use only." The lawyers (not our Howard of course) make them do it. I suspect there can be liability and "fair housing" issues that can arise if they said any differently. Now what a dealer says is often quite a different story. Heck, if I am not mistaken, there may even be a Federal statute (in addition to length, width, weight, etc.) that limits the sq. footage of a rolling rig. Again, some housing legal stuff. These topics all appear every so often on other forums and the opinions expressed are quite entertaining. I do not know the specifics, only hearsay.

-- Edited by RVDude at 18:08, 2007-09-25

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bago40


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Wow, That figures. However, anything they can do to keep regulation furious fingers evileye out of the Rv lifestyle - I'm all for that!  I definetley have to look at some of those "opinions"laughing.gif. Now to look at more Rv's. Thanks Dude. Bago.

-- Edited by bago40 at 22:45, 2007-09-25

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Bago, 1997 Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour 7.4 290hp Chevy Vortec SFI. Focus Toad.
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