I prefer diesel. There is not much difference in price between gas and diesel in fact I have been at gas station's where diesel is a little bit cheaper. Diesel also has more power too it.

Well, you could look at it this way.... most folks who own a diesel USED to own a gasser. And not too many gasser owners used to own a diesel. LOL I think once you *go diesel* you never go back?

Actually, after owning both, the diesels are bigger, more power, seem to be better made, and are much quieter to ride in (because the engine is in the back) The engines are made to run a million miles. They can usually haul more cargo and tow a vehicle without a lot of added stress or fuel consumption the way a gasser can. They carry more fuel in the tanks, more water, more propane and are generally more suited to full time RVing.

Of course those are just generalities... there may be exceptions to the rules.

But most guys like bigger engines, for the VROOOM factor!

I was happy with our last two gassers, but hubby wanted the diesel pusher. And we got it, cause he begged. LOL ... but now I don't regret it either. It will be perfect for us for full-timing.

This is a Great forum!

I have a budget of $35,000.  My husband wants a living quarters trailer and I want to try a motor home with a 3 horse bumper pull.  We will be hauling a lot starting in Dec. to April back West.

For the price of $35,000 you can't get a very nice lq trailer.  Maybe an older 16' short wall but that is tiny compared what you can get for a $35,000 motor home.

So now I am wondering gas or diesel.  Why are there not very many diesel motor homes compared to gas?

To convince my husband into buying a motor home I will need to find a good deal on a diesel. 

Also, I was told to buy an engine of at least 250 hp. is that a 8.3ltr?

What else should I look for?

Most diesel motorhomes are based on medium to heavy duty commercial truck suspension, engine and transmisson. Commercial trucks are designed for lots of hard miles of driving with large loads. A commercial truck will provide from 300,000 to 1 million miles of service with proper maintenance. So a diesel motorhome should last longer as far as the running gear is concerned.

From the frame up, most motorhomes are the same whether it's powered by gas or diesel. There are differences in floor plans, materials used and construction techniques, but a gas motorhome built by a manufacturer that also builds diesel motorhomes will probably be built exactly in the same way with the same materials.

Like Bill said it's doubtful that anyone would out last even a gas motorhome.

Our RV decision process (we are on our 5th) goes something like this. If she likes it, I like it. If she wants it, we buy it..... just kidding.

I decide on the functionality, will it work for where we go camping, lots of storage, high clearance, well built, be able to tow our toys, all the right stuff (big holding & water tanks, generator, good A/C, easy to get at dump valves and propane tanks, plus enough house batteries).

She decides on the asthetics (decor, living space layout, kitchen setup inside storage...etc).

If all of the required criteria is met and we like the looks and comfort, we buy it. It took us a year to find the 5th wheel we have now. But only 10 minutes to decide on it once we saw it.

If you needs lots of power (torque) for towing, a diesel may be a better choice.

What about miles per gallon?

We used to haul a large living quarters trailer that was a four horse, triple axle, 12' slide and pulled it with a Kodiak 4500.  There were times that I would get about 7 miles per gallon.

I was hoping to find something with better mpg. 

I want....

to pay under $35,000 and at least 12 mpg.  Am I dreaming?