Still have one eye roving for a diesel

Roll · 03-07-2014, 09:32 AM

Just can't let it go. My head says no way. The Encounter is now just where I want it, I can get it serviced for $60 compared to $350 to $500 for a diesel and though the mileage may be a little less than diesel, I pay less for gasoline which looks like a wash in my book.

But the heart thinks there is something about the heavier chassis, more solid handling maybe, (after spending many $ on the Encounter it handles fine), and an air ride that is appealing. Especially the added torque to motor up grades.

I wish I could put this to rest once and for all but it floats to the surface now and again and soon I'm perusing late model used diesel coaches.

Do I want to trade out an improved gasser, with all the problems ironed out, and the extras I wanted installed, for a used diesel with a whole new set of problems to tackle. Hmmmm (Any logical brain would say H___ no! )

Gary

CSMRetired · 03-07-2014, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roll

Just can't let it go. My head says no way. The Encounter is now just where I want it, I can get it serviced for $60 compared to $350 to $500 for a diesel and though the mileage may be a little less than diesel, I pay less for gasoline which looks like a wash in my book.

But the heart thinks there is something about the heavier chassis, more solid handling maybe, (after spending many $ on the Encounter it handles fine), and an air ride that is appealing. Especially the added torque to motor up grades.

I wish I could put this to rest once and for all but it floats to the surface now and again and soon I'm perusing late model used diesel coaches.

Do I want to trade out an improved gasser, with all the problems ironed out, and the extras I wanted installed, for a used diesel with a whole new set of problems to tackle. Hmmmm (Any logical brain would say H___ no! )

Gary

Yes a logical brain would, I can say I was sitting where you are at one time....We had a Georgetown and was set up the way we wanted it.....BUT...the diesel wouldn't leave me alone, so we looked...talked....looked and talked more.
Well, you know the end result.....yep, had to handle the need.

We did some math on the fuel economy, true gas is cheaper....however, when you figure 10 mpg deisel vs. 6.5 mpg gas....for example the trip we have coming up this summer, approximately 5300 miles.....'IF' we can maintain the 10 mpg....we will not spend (I didn't say save) up to $750 on fuel in lieu of what we had figured originally on our gas budget. Even at 9 mpg, we don't spend as much.

My reasoning, we averaged gas at $3.30 per gal and deisel at $4.00 per gal. I have also noticed when gas prices 'fluctuate' it can be anywhere from .15 to .20 a gal, depending on the oil companies mood that day. When diesel prices 'fluctuate' it tends to be maybe a nickle, if that. Diesel prices seem to be a LOT more stable than gas. You do have to factor in the DEF, that is a minimal use though...it ususally ranges around $2.60 to $2.70 a gal, ours only holds 10 gal.

Another plus with diesel...when fueling you seem to have an easier go at it....truck stops/plazas are much easier to get in and out of than a gas station.

We had an 80 gal tank on our Georgetown and were looking for gas at around 300 to 350 miles. We guesstimate in our Cross Country, 100 gal tank we should be able to go at least 700 to 750 miles before we are looking to stop for fuel.

The air ride suspension...awww man ....WAY different

I could name a a lot more 'advantages' to diesel, these are just a few

Phil57 · 03-07-2014, 10:34 AM

It's not like one is good and one is bad. We have a diesel and love it. We also spent a good chunk of money getting it set the way we want it. If you buy a new diesel you will spend it all over again. I do love the air ride and the Millage. We have the 340 ISB and get a consistent 10 mpg towing a Buick Enclave. Without the toad we get 12+. I would like a newer MH and one with a larger motor but the cost of setting them up in time and money is keeping me from doing it. We have two friends that have Newmar gassers and they wouldn't triad them for anything. One has taken his all around Mexico and to Alaska twice. He is always on the road with it. Good luck I have to go look at motorhomes now. Just say no or maybe or I have to think about it.

CSMRetired · 03-07-2014, 11:42 AM

You are absolutely correct Phil. It's not like one is better than the other at all. It's simply what you are comfortable with and what you like. I like the diesel more so than the gas. It's a matter of personal preference when it all boils down to it.

Like my Mother always said.....take an asprin, that feeling will go away.

Roll · 03-07-2014, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSMRetired

Like my Mother always said.....take an asprin, that feeling will go away.

LOL

Gary

go6car · 03-08-2014, 06:15 AM

I was still looking at diesels the same day we bought our new rig. I TOTALLY understand this need.

The thing I struggle with is that we only weekend/vacation, so not sure if we'll end up having more trouble with a diesel or not. That, plus the horrible service/maintenance dealers here in our area have me worried. But, not so worried that I don't keep looking.

Roll · 03-08-2014, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by go6car

I was still looking at diesels the same day we bought our new rig. I TOTALLY understand this need.

The thing I struggle with is that we only weekend/vacation.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I want to spend more time out, a month at a time, some long trips, that kind of traveling. But... the DW is still working and its just not possible for us to spend such long periods out in the coach. We are also limited to weekends and vacations just as you mentioned; at least for the time being.

That's the key. When she retires, maybe another 4 years or so, we could look at diesels if we are still interested in a heavier coach at that time. For now what we have is fine and has served us well (once the bugs were out). Practically, it is only while moving I think a diesel might be more comfortable; once we are parked there is no difference.

Thanks for the touch with reality.

Gary

CSMRetired · 03-08-2014, 11:17 AM

Roll, you took an asprin didn't you? works every time!

go6car · 03-09-2014, 06:38 AM

I'm thinking in about 5 or so years as well! (We may be fostering the diesel addiction together then too!)

(I totally need that aspirin, LOL!)

CSMRetired · 03-09-2014, 06:50 AM

Both being retired would / does make a difference I think. I am retired, hence the log in name, DW retires in 4 weeks, count'em 4 weeks!
Now that that is about to happen, we plan to take a hard run at it....enjoy as much of this great country as we can at our own pace of course.
We look at it this way, we kind of earned it.

Are you folks, Roll, go6car coming to Goshen?

another one my Mom always use to tell me...."Son, just mail that casino a check and save yourself the drive"

go6car · 03-09-2014, 07:07 AM

Probably not this year, but we may at some point. (Jealous over your retirement, LOL!! We've got a ways to go yet, unfortunately, so we have to plan our longer trips around how much time off we can get.)

CSMRetired · 03-09-2014, 07:15 AM

don't be jealous, just look forward to it.

so far, 'planned' this year, we only have about 50 + nights scheduled. You wouldn't think you would 'schedule' trips being retired. I may need to rethink this whole ordeal

It's bad enough I still get up early, this time change thing has me messed up again.....I had to wake the chickens up this morning, they forgot to set thier clocks forward and they can be a real testy bunch when they haven't had their coffee.

Roll · 03-09-2014, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSMRetired

Both being retired would / does make a difference I think. I am retired, hence the log in name, DW retires in 4 weeks, count'em 4 weeks!
Now that that is about to happen, we plan to take a hard run at it....enjoy as much of this great country as we can at our own pace of course.
We look at it this way, we kind of earned it.

Are you folks, Roll, go6car coming to Goshen?

another one my Mom always use to tell me...."Son, just mail that casino a check and save yourself the drive"

What's going on it Goshen and what does CMS mean unless it's your initials.

Marrying a younger woman (7 years) has been interesting. When you are young it makes some difference when in middle age it makes no difference and now that 60 is behind me by 3 years it's starting to make a difference again. She does keep me "frosty" though.

LOL

Congrats on the DWs pending retirement and I'm envious that you will be able to "head out" without a timed agenda. Sounds like such fun.

Gary

CSMRetired · 03-09-2014, 07:36 AM

Actually it's CSM. I retired from the Army after 30 years as a CSM 'Command Sergeant Major'. It was (kind of still is) my rank. I am kind of proud of it.

You see, what I did was marry a beautiful lady that is a couple of years older.....(she is a cradle robber)....I chased her til she caught me, 40 years later...still going strong...well stronger really.

CSMRetired · 03-09-2014, 07:47 AM

Forgot to answer the Goshen question.
August 3 - 9 in Goshen Indiana is the F.R.O.G. International Rally
FROG - Forest River Owners Group

I believe this is the 3rd year and from what I understand it is well worth it.
Service techs available to repair/replace things, in and out of warranty in some cases.
Not to mention being able to meet some great people from this site. This will be our first run at it and we are really looking forward to it.

Phil57 · 03-09-2014, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSMRetired

Actually it's CSM. I retired from the Army after 30 years as a CSM 'Command Sergeant Major'. It was (kind of still is) my rank. I am kind of proud of it.

You see, what I did was marry a beautiful lady that is a couple of years older.....(she is a cradle robber)....I chased her til she caught me, 40 years later...still going strong...well stronger really.

Command Sergeant Major is something to be very proud of. Thank you for your service. I had forgot about the time change and couldn't figure out how I slept in so long. Thanks for the update. We (Dianna and myself) will be at Goshen. There is a bunch of Berkshire owners that have asked to be parked to gather. You are most welcome to join in is you want just drop Bob a e mail.

BombDoc · 03-09-2014, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CSMRetired

Actually it's CSM. I retired from the Army after 30 years as a CSM 'Command Sergeant Major'. It was (kind of still is) my rank. I am kind of proud of it.

You see, what I did was marry a beautiful lady that is a couple of years older.....(she is a cradle robber)....I chased her til she caught me, 40 years later...still going strong...well stronger really.

You should be proud of it. You earned it.

Semper Fidelis

CSMRetired · 03-09-2014, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil57

Command Sergeant Major is something to be very proud of. Thank you for your service. I had forgot about the time change and couldn't figure out how I slept in so long. Thanks for the update. We (Dianna and myself) will be at Goshen. There is a bunch of Berkshire owners that have asked to be parked to gather. You are most welcome to join in is you want just drop Bob a e mail.

Phil,

Yeah, I am real proud of it in fact....and thanks
Also, thanks for the invitation, we already asked to be parked with the Phat Phrog Stunt Team, but we sure can look you folks up...shouldn't be too hard to find a bunch of Berks parked together, if you are over where we may be...stop by, you can see what our coach looks like in the picture and if you still aren't sure, there is a clear stick on sign on the lower windshield....it says 'Pa Pa's Palace'
we would be pleased to meet you.

CSMRetired · 03-09-2014, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BombDoc

You should be proud of it. You earned it.

Semper Fidelis

Thanks Doc, you're right, it didn't come easy.

"This We'll Defend"

1nshort · 03-09-2014, 07:25 PM

Thank you my fellow veterans from the Sister Services for your service. Back INCONUS at last (I am getting too old for field work). Retired from USN as a ('lotta letters), STSCM/SS, 0416. Literal translation; crazy bubblehead (Sonar Technician Master Chief Submarines/Qualified Submarines, Intelligence). Retired in '87 after 23 years, went to work at ONI as a subject area specialist who is going to retire for the final time this coming September. 67years old Mar 15, and want to wander the country in MH. Flirted with diesel, decided to stay gas. Diesel/Gas is a personal preference; Pros and Cons for both and ALL have their problems/concerns. We (DW and I) went for the floor Plan we liked and let the Floor Plan govern the propulsion system. Yeah, yeah we're fussy. There are retro kits out there for AirRide you can have installed on a gas coach. There are a few more things you need to concern yourself with diesel (and stay on top of) one of which is covered in this thread: Algae In Diesel Fuel - Type A motorhomes - FMCA Motorhome Forums

1n

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