My self I'm a "diesel guy". A diesel, depending on size, will have more torque and will be much handier for pulling. Cost on a diesel will be much higher for repairs and maintenance. However if maintained and operated properly should outlast any gas-job as far as any major repairs. I know some people with the V-10's pulling their race cars in enclosed trailers with no problems. A buddy of mine had two Dolphin Motorhomes. One with a V-10 and one with a 5.9 Cummins Diesel. He had used the one with the 5.9 Cummins a few times but always prefferred to always use the V-10 for some reason.

If you love the MH I wouldn't let the v10 engine hold you back. Sure it will cost you more for gas, but you'll save more initially as it should be several thousand dollars cheaper - which will buy you a lot of gas. I think the biggest advantage of a diesel is durability. A good diesel will easily go 1/2 million miles if maintained, some over a million miles. With gas you can count on a little less than 1/2 of that. Of course if you don't plan on keeping one that long it won't make much difference, other than at trade-in time.

A diesel has much more torque, but pulling power is also affected by gearing (torque applied to the wheels), and the speed at which you can climb a hill is determined by hp (which is torque/time) and gearing. This means that an engine with more HP, (not more TQ) will get you over a hill at a higher speed, assuming it is geared sufficiently low (high numerically.) It is interesting to note that each manufacturer uses the same diesel engine from their 250's to their 550's (some with minor differences in tuning.) The difference in pulling power is determined by their gearing, not the power output of the engine.

Chip

Paul,

I don't know what your Silverado 1500 weighs, but from the specs on the motorhome, you might be cutting it close. You need to weigh the Chevy with a full tank, all accessories, the tow bar, and anything else you would carry in the truck while travelling. The hitch rating on the motorhome is 5,000# and you need to have enough capacity between the actual weight of the motorhome and the GCVWR of the motorhome to accommodate the pickup.

Rob

I know a diesel engine is better for heavier loads and constant use and easier turn around maintenance than gas engines but I am also seeing many used class A RV units for sale that were bought with diesel engines that have never been used anywhere near their full potential.

I have looked at several used diesel units here that have run mostly flat lands and interstates while also towing that were not used enough to justify the purchase cost considering the low mileage and low use. Several of the owners of these units have told me that their original intentions were to cover more miles and distances on longer trips from home for longer periods and also maximize the resell price , but they say they could have accomplished what they actually did with a gas engine for less outlay.

If money were no object, I would always opt for a diesel motor and heavy duty drivetrain in any type truck, but I am carefully considering how we will actually use something for several years before spending the extra cash. There are so many used units for sale now around here that some of the diesels are very reasonable in a tight market.

I believe you can always spend more money up the road if the actual need is there. This just my opinion though.
Do I need rugged drivetrain and horsepower more than my money at this point in a depreciation ? The jury is still out on that as I look around.

The Ford V-10 is a good solid motor and I have had several in pickups used towing , but can get expensive around 100k mileage when the plugs need changing and usually break off.       

-- Edited by DEWhit on Monday 16th of June 2014 12:09:07 PM