This video is 3 yrs old but we just purchased (2-23) our A.C.E. 30C with the 7.3 Godzilla engine. Since we have only been camping once or twice a month and within approximately 150 miles of home we have only put on about a thousand miles or so, so far! I’ll have to agree with you about everything you’ve said about gas v diesel! It is a little noisy but I’ve been considering some heat/sound shielding for the engine compartment to lower the noise a bit. So far the 7.3 has been very smooth and reliable and the F53 chassis has been around for quite awhile so I don’t anticipate any problems there. We did add some steering stabilization for windy days after having had to remove the drivers seat from my butt after one particularly windy ride but now the wind is very reasonably handled!

I bought a used Tiffin Phateon 40 footer DP. When I bought this DP 4 years ago, I had to have the diesel., I was an owner operator of 18 wheelers most of my life. Now I wish I would have went with a gas 33 footer. The diesel will cost you 30 grand more on a used coach , and that’s being conservative. 30 grand will buy 75,000 miles of gasoline. The cost of the diesel for the miles a person drives it from camp spot to camp spot, is not worth it in my book. I have a big coach and wish I had a gas rig for what I do with it. One can make the argument on both sides of this issue. I think either way, at one time or another they will wish they had the other. Not many folks alive that is ever content with what they have lol. Whichever you have, enjoy it, be proud of it, take care of it and it will take care of you. Safe Travels to all RV’s , no matter what your in !

Although this video is 3 years old, we appreciate your comments. After 30 years of pulling trailers, we’re buying a motorhome and going back and forth between a gas and diesel pusher. We too want a 30’ coach and leaning towards the Winnebago 29v. Great points

I ran across this video and was interested, because I chose a gas rig on an F53 chassis with a V10. I then noticed your from Orlando and we're from Kissimmee. I thought I'd give you some insight as to why I chose gas. First, I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic (retired) and I can work on gas. That in itself saves me a bunch of money each year. If anybody is thinking this way, please buy a Ford service manual. My average oil change costs about $30.00 using mobil 1 and a filter. A good tune-up cost me around $50.00 If I lose an ignition coil, I carry 10 extras that cost me about $50 on line. That all being said, the first thing I learned was boats and RV's are not an investment! Houses and real estate are. I had a friend in the car wholesale business so I put him searching years ago for a class A motorhome. He finally found a Fleetwood Southwind 36t with two slides on an F53 V10. It was a 2000 with 24,000 miles and this was 2010. We bought it for $25,000.00 which was under book value at the time. We've put over 35,000 miles on it in the last ten years and have had a great time with it. The only sacrifice is the towing capacity, but, we only need a car and we tow a Jeep liberty. I keep the exterior in nice shape and have had people comment that they thought it was "brand new" when they ask about the purchase. I've been out west in the rockies and now-a-days for the last 8 years each May we head to Vermont (1340 miles) and don't come back until September (summer with the grand children) and some of the mountains in the Carolinas and Virginia can be a challenge. We've done many a improvement inside to make things more comfortable for us and of course there's the annual "Oh Crap" that something broke just before we leave. This year it was the RV Fridge. So now we have a residential fridge with an inverter system for in-between stops. Making these projects work intrigue's me. One of the things we learned a long time ago, was that staying Walmarts and Truck stop for free is OK, but we found ourselves spending $35 to $45 for dinner etc. when we could spend $30 for an overnight pull-thru at a campground, have water, electric and sewer with cable TV and eat a meal at home in my PJs for usually under $15. Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. We're home for the winter here in Kissimmee, except for using our RV as a beach front condo and we have our choice of which cost this way. Good travels, stay safe. Ron & Kathy

Kenny - We think this is one of your better videos. It is very helpful to those of us who are looking to hit the road fulltime in the near future. The practicality you and Sabrina bring to this topic is very much appreciated. Thank you!!

I would have to say that your video is one of the most Honest videos i have come across.

I love my old gas class C 10,000 miles 16 months so far so good. Easy to find Mechanics to work on my chevy. Quartzsite was out of diesel during the big event. Best part all Paid for

Excellent video! I owned my own semi for 15 yrs so understanding pros & cons comes 2nd nature. It's funny how some of your audience is so stuck on what they they want they aren't willing to consider anything different. We would definitely give gas a try. Currently in Texas diesel cost .60 cents more per gal than gas.(sometimes more) Its difficult to overcome that cost with fuel mileage, not to mention the other cost. Will a diesel out pull, outrun, out perform a gas? Sure! But why do you need to? Glamping is about the journey. Slow down folks. There is a beautiful world out there to see. At 650, 700 miles a day, I didn't get to see what I wanted to see.(I've been in all 48) My bride & I don't want to drive more than 300 miles in a day & we want to spend a couple of weeks in each place we like. Thank you for this video and may God continue to bless your travels. Much respect, Gator

That cost of the “ oil change “ on the pusher isn’t just an oil change, it’s an oil change, fuel filter and fuel separator filter and usually the air dryer service for the air brakes.

We have a 1988 Triple E Signature (36') with a 454 and full airbag suspension. It drives like an over-sided car, Super impressed with it. The diesel pushers I have had the opportunity to drive, drive like big trucks. our overall costs are much lower with a gas engine and we are able to do any engine work for ourselves.

"If you like the video, give it a thumbs up. If you dislike it, share it with everybody you hate" 😂😂 Never heard that one before lol. Great video.

This is GREAT advice!!! We're not ready to buy right now, but when we do( my wife & I) I just might go this route, especially when we go back to our Music gigs(road guitar shows), & since Deb & I have driven school buses in the past, both flat nose & conventional buses, these 'A' class RV's will be very easy for us to handle!!! Great advice on the Ford chassis & it being gas, you have a lot more places to fuel up & Ford Dealership's are plentiful!!! Thanks for sharing, I just subscribed to your channel!!! Stay safe, Rock On & God Bless!!!

Great comparison. Never owned gas but I know that once they get to 100,000 miles, no one can get financing to purchase one. If you sell at that point, you will need to find a cash buyer or get a low trade in value. Most people don't use a new RV and drive it to its death so you need to know what the residual value will be along the way. We love diesel because of the quiet ride and the systems that go along with it like AquaHot and the beefy generator.

At the End of the day it’s the Trip, the Experience of seeing this beautiful Nation. Staying warmer in winter. So I am thankful mine gets me where I need to go.

Wow! I really appreciate you sharing. It's really been helpful for me. Thanks.👍

Thank you for sharing! This is a lot of helpful information!

Very good video, lot's of good information to help make an informed decision about what to chose for your needs. I live in my 36ft Gulfstream Sunstream Hi Rise Class A gasser. I have a big Ford V8 and the Bank's Power Pack. I've run into a very few situations that I didn't have enough power to climb a hill. I chose the gasser because at the time it was best for what I wanted to budget for the coach. I needed the payment to not exceed a specific amount. The Gulfstream is a high end coach that fit my needs best as a permanent home. The diesel would have put me over budget that I had planned. At the time the bank tried to get me to buy a more expensive coach asking me "well, don't you get overtime" everyone knows you don't count overtime into your budget. If you don't get it you can loose your coach and in my case my home. I stuck to my original budget. It's easy and tempting to over spend. But not worth the worry of if something happens. I have a basic rule the rent, the coach the car payment including insurance none can exceed the amount of one paycheck. And one paycheck to cover food, gas and other expenses. Your savings account should try to have 1 year's salary but at a minimum 3 months salary. Most Americans live paycheck to paycheck and are 2 paychecks from homeless. Our economy sucks. Try to avoid the trap and remember credit cards are EVIL!

I know this doesn't have to do with gas or diesel, but the one thing I really like about your rig is the turning radius. I think the turning radius on your rig is better than our small class C. Great information. ~Lucy

Great points for and against gas vs diesel, very practical.

Great Expo Ken. Loved it!

What a great and honest video. I always push myself toward higher end toys, my truck is diesel and I couldn't imagine using a gasser to tow. But looking into gas vs DP there is not much difference in mileage. In fact the closest I saw was a comparison on a cross country trip from CA to VA was about 250 bucks difference, not enough to justify the cost. I've decided on a class A gas RV because of the factors you mention. I know I will not get the higher quality finish and amenities, the engine brakes, the air ride, the quiet horsepower pushing you up hills. And I can live with that. I am disabled and have to live on a budget now. If I was still in the oilfield there's no doubt I'd get the 200K DP. Instead I'll spend more like 60 to 70K on a used gasser and still enjoy glamping. Thank you for the video.

We retired in 2007 and bought a diesel pusher to fulltime RV. Thirteen years later we have a 26 ft class C. The main reason is the class C's have drivers and passenger safety airbags and you sit lower to the ground, with ABS brakes. The class C's drive almost like a pickup truck. We felt while driving our class A that if we ever got rear-ended and into an accident, we'd be smashed into that big windshield. We like having the motor out in front of us. We like the maneuverability of the class C, the available of getting into gas stations easier.

Very good logic. I bought a Silverado 2500hd, they pushed the diesel on me. I went with the 8.1 with the Allison transmission and 4:10 rear end, it has been very dependable. I pulled a bobcat skid steer 5 days a week for six years, no problems. I bought it new in 2004 and still have it.

My first RV was a DP and I have owned several gas class a models. I prefer the gas because of the price savings and availability of fuel but I really do love the amazing torque and engine braking of the DP.

Thanks for a concise perspective

Very well thought out and presented. Thanks for your perspective as well.

Well fellows, one of the problems here is the honesty of Mechanics in the industry. DPs and Gassers are fine vehicles, it is an anticuted tech that has not been reengineered for 100 years. Upgrades here and there, think about 10 mpg going down hill, and very proud of it, after 100 years. The problem here is finding Honest Mechanics to work on this internal combustion engines.

Thanks for the video folks!

If your stuck in eastern NC my neighbor fixes anything. He used to be an aircraft mechanic at cherrypointe. He also works at a heavy equipment shop in Sneads Ferry . Great mechanic. He also has a 5th wheel.

Hello, Kenny and Sabrina, At the current time my wife and I have a diesel pusher. However, I agree with everything you said about gas and Diesel. One of the major differences that we found out with the Diesel Pusher, is that not every place that works on diesel engines will work on an RV. There are fewer diesel RV repair shops out there. We have an excellent repair shop that we take our motorhome to comment. It's only about a mile away. In fact, they know us by first name basis. So I kind of figured what does that tell you. We spent a lot of money there. However, it's not unusual to have a six-week waiting time to get your motorhome in there for repairs. Plus. It might take two to three weeks before the repairs are completed. When you have a service contract or warranty work? They have to get approvals naturally before their work is started. And lot of extended warranty service programs do not get back to the repair shops in a timely manner. As much before I do on a diesel, however, I tell people if this is the first motorhome. Go with the nice gas one. Save yourself the money. However, if they tell me they're going to be towing a large or multiple cars and motorcycles in a stacker trailers and they're going to be going up the hills and stuff. I tell them it probably be easier on the engine and the chassis to go with a diesel... Take care, May you and your wife have plenty Pleasant Adventures ahead.

Thanks for sharing ! Good points !!

First 4700 miles in our 2002 cummins 5.9 fleetwood expedition model 36t (5k lb tow limit) got us 8.3 mpg, worthy of note. That also included some generator use. 1 month trip.

For those that have problems with stairs, Gassers have shallower steps and wider doors.

Great analysis for the vast majority.

Excellent video!!! Just subscribed!

Good explanation and comparison... We've owned both gas engine and diesel Class A coaches... I would compare the two as the difference between driving a bread truck and a city bus... Two totally different experiences... One thing we like about the bus chassis is that when you're parked the air comes out of the suspension and it's basically self leveling... The coach settles in at a very low height.... I cannot tell you what a difference this makes in comfort and convenience while camping... Worth the difference right there in my view!...

Bumped my last dock in 2013 but didn't retire from driving. Presently pulling a 5er and seeing America for the first time. Amazing what a guy doesn't see, driving a big truck. Couldn't agree more with you, about the diesel motor vs the gasser. Even gooder, Ford putting the 7.3 dyna certified V8 on their f53 chassis for 2021. FYI ''2021'' chassis may not be under your 2021 coach so all y'all do need to verify before buying. Did I mention, were eagerly waiting the arrival of our new Class-A gasser.... with the V8.🤫 Enjoyed your video, nicely done, thanks for taking the time.🍻 Update: [08/21] The gasser has arrived.... not me🤭, our Class-A ya sillies Now we just need to wait for dealer prep then it's ”on the road again”. 🤗

Very true in what you've said. Good video to help someone make up their mind for picking a classic A. I've had both, V-10 Ford Terra 32 ft. that was great, but now 38 ft diesel. The only reason to go to the diesel was I now pull a 10,000 # enclosed car hauler. Guaranteed the longer the unit have you need to pre-plan due to getting your self in a jam with the extra length.

Makes a lot of sense - thanks for the video.

Good reasons! Thanks for sharing!

This channel definitely should have more subscribers.

One very important consideration is the licensing requirement. Check your drivers license to determine what you need to drive a diesel pusher. Some states, provinces require a truck license with an air brake endorsement and medical to operate a diesel pusher due to the weight and air brakes. You may require the same license as a dump or cement truck driver. Most gas rigs are within the automobile license requirements.

what a great video and breakdown and reasons for both

I own a gas class A but if I had the 🧀 I would switch to a same size diesel in a heart beat! But not for the engine, for the solid built chasis! That's the feature you can't squeeze into a gas motor home!

I’m glad you enjoy your motorhome it really does not matter what motor it is driven by .The most important thing is that you and your family enjoys yourselves.

great video, we chose a diesel pusher and love it. We are full timers also, and wanted the size and space be cause we travel with 3 dogs.

Great video and excellent size of motorhome. We tow a 27ft 5th Wheel, had a F350 diesel years ago, last 2 trucks now gas. Current is F250 6.2l and is a great truck. Agree that diesel might go up the mountain quicker and exhaust brake would be nice but the big thing for us, diesel here is almost 20% more per liter and $10k more for the cost of the truck. I would loose all mpg efficiency anyway, agree that diesel for sure will outlast the gas, but they both have advantages and disadvantages. All the best and safe travels.

Great video! Thanks, really answer all my questions!

Very good analysis. Bottom line. Get what you want and like. Trade offs with both types. We got a pusher for the lifestyle. Expensive to maintain. I'm fortunate to have a local mechanic that can take care of most everything. His shop rate is 1/2 the current rate and his 20 plus years of industry experience is good enough for me.

Hi guys, nice to see you, great vid. :)

They are both good and a gasoline RV will last very long also it will be repairable no matter what breaks but to each his own.

Safari also produced short diesel motorhomes but sadly not any more. I am on my second gas motorhome, and I agree with your comments. Both of mine were Chev powered, and I do my services myself. Super easy with the onboard jacks. The reason that I will continue to buy gas, apart from the overall economy, is that I have learned that shorter is better. My current RV is 26 ft bumper to bumper with a full size queen size bed and a large bathroom. Neither of my RVs have been short on power but because my RV is so short I dont have to tow anything. I have a motorbike on the back so I can get to those very few places my rv cant.

ALL good points

Love my Monaco pusher!

Really good video. I have been looking at motorhomes for quite some time and one of the reasons was fuel savings. Unfortunately, the cost for diesel fuel has kept going up. I remember when diesel fuel was less than unleaded. It really diminished the diesel fuel savings that was normally achieved over regular gasoline. I also have found that I agree with many of your points for staying with a gas RV since I am looking at a similar size rig. All that being said, if money wasn't an issue and I wanted to spend an extensive amount of time (miles) on the road, I would certainly prefer a diesel.

Great info!! Appreciate yous sharing your MH experience! Thx!!

A very honest and informative review of gas and diesel RVs. Thanks!

Very interesting comparisons. Thank you for sharing!

Mine is under 30 feet and so easy to get in and out of parking lots. I totally enjoy how convenient these are

Having moved many DPs and gassers over the years...owned a couple flairs ,bounders....most people end up selling gassers as they are not as easy to drive. As a mechanic the v10 has been a great money makers....they have so many problems that they end up junked/ parted out in the 350 pickup class if 100,000k ...You my friend are lucky...your up against the problems coming in the next 30k. Deprecation is horrible on a new gasser....so a good deal used. Ford dealerships also will refuse RVs unless they are truck shops.....so lots of bad info. But some good info. Price of gas is cheap now. But when it was 4.75 a gallon....500 mile trip i might as well stay in high end hotels and ride a motorcycle 😂. Thanks for taking the time to do a vid👍👍

Wow great video (and thank you YT for the algorithm that brought me here)! I already shared the video with my husband and am subscribing. We have been asking these questions and you have answered all of them in an honest video. Thank you!!

My fiance and I did a similar thing we have a travel trailer GD Reflection 297RSTS and decided to get a F250 with a 6.2liter gas engine, the problems with diesels are maintenance and when they break they are outrageously expensive. They do tow more they are faster but for our budget the gas made more sense and still has all the power we need.

I bought mine in June of 2019 I have driven 18,000 miles. It’s great and I prayed $68,000. Before it had been in 3 RV shows and it was discounted. I have totally enjoyed it.

5 star tuning does an ECU flash that gives a bit more power but also changes the shift points so it doesn’t downshift as much

No emissions issues no costly diesel repairs you will be able to enjoy the damn thing at least. I am a retired technician from CAT dealership. I have seen the issues of the diesel coaches first hand .

I love my class A gaser.

I have a 2005 Ford Excursion with the 6.8l V10 and I love it. I pull a ‘96 Fleetwood Prowler TT that’s 31’ and approx 7k lbs. the X has no problem going over the mountain passes of the Washington Cascades. I get about 9 mpg towing and 11-12 driving empty. The 9 seat X is awesome for my family of 8.

Great video!!!

Same reasons i have a ford class with a thor coach which i know i can work on it and find otheres to repair it easy if i need to ! SO far no need for repairs and ive traveled everywhere without worry .

Good video. In the end it's entirely a personal decision. For 90% of folks out there, a Class A gasser WOULD be enough.

I tow a 38 foot travel trailer camper with a 2005 3500 5.9 dodge diesel SRW 8 foot bed . It's a towing machine. 14 mpg at 60 mpg on flat roads and some moderate inclines. Your right diesels are gonna cost you more but when I go up a hill there's no nail biting because I'm afraid I won't make it. However that FORD V 10 is a great engine it would be my gas choice.

We had a brand new Gas Tiffin Open Road in 2017. We only lasted 8 months before we sold it and bought a Diesel Tiffin Pheaton. We are so much happier in the Phaeton. Day and night over a gasser. The gas coach is good for a month max. If you live full time or almost full time get a diesel pusher period. Get a used one if you can’t afford a new one. Even if it’s 10 years old. It’s worth it in the long run. Resale is much higher as well.

thanks so much for the insightful and personal perspective. everyone has their preference; as you said your gas MH fits your lifestyle and needs. we will now be looking at gas MH as an option. thanks again for the video!

You guys are very smart. Stick with gas and you’ll have a great time and money to.

Good discussion. Usually come down to budget and preference. However, you made the correct choice of brands. Just can't beat Winnebago, for several reasons. We have been RVing for about 50 years. Are just now selling our 24th unit. Many 5th wheels, but lots of class A's. At least 8 Winnebago Cl C, Cl A gas and Diesel. Our 35' Meridian 34B has to be our all time favorite. Both late 70' and, sadly, looks like time hang up the keys. But, we have learned to never say never. Happy travels.

Wouldn’t have been my choice. Of coarse I have a diesel pickup and drive big rigs so I know fair amount about diesels. Also, most dealers and shops have a diesel mechanic because of diesel pickup popularity. No doubt maintenance on a diesel is higher but I’ve had my diesel in the shop less than our gas. I’ve never been to a town where I couldn’t get diesel. Mileage and power is worth the diesel. If you’re a weekend close to home camper then gas is fine. Cost is a big factor too. If your RV serves your purpose then it’s good enough for you. Like my dad used to say, if you aren’t paying for it, it’s only your opinion. V10 has respectable power.

You are a smart man I'm thinking about buying one it will be gas

great Video very helpful

Great video. I think you nailed it except for lp propane gas. That can be a little bit of a pain in the neck to find a fill station.

Really good points. We want to haul a 6,000 lb Jeep so you helped us decide. Thanks!

You missed a very important feature of a diesel pusher engine, the Jake breaking system.

Thanks, we will be heading out to shop in the next few weeks this was helpful imo hubby might disagree 😉

I agree. You made the right choice for you. The other key is maintain what you have and it will last just fine. Diesel pusher more power but if you don't need it why pay for it.

Very helpful video and info...thanks.

Great points. Ford has a 7.3 gas engine now. It is unproven as the 6.8 V10 is, but promises to be outstanding for gas power. I agree with you, initial price and maintenance costs are deal breakers on the diesel, unless size and pulling power is a must...Thanks

Very nice video. It answered several of my questions. I pull a 35' fifth wheel with a 2006 Dodge Ram 250 now. It gets the job done. But I think we would do more boondocking if we had the Class A. Our tanks are not large. One thing you didn't bring up is gas mileage. What do you get? I live in Washington state and I have some hills to contend with. Just curious. I hope you will comment back. Happy travels to you and your wife. Tom

I'm on my second Excursion with the 6.8 Triton V10 & like my previous one, I've passed over 300K miles & no engine issues whatsoever!

Thx for teaching this 💯

All great points !

I agree with you I have had diesels and unless you need the towing capacity I can't justify the cost. Not only are they more expensive to purchase maintenance is also more expensive. Are they more powerful, yes. Are the chassis better, yes.

He speaks truth, We went from 38 ft Fleetwood F53 to 42ft Dutch Star DP 8.3 Cummis ISC. We feel like we really stepped up as far as living conditions. The gas RV was cheaper to maintain, 6 quarts of oil compared to 24 quarts in the DP. I do 90% of my own maintenance and the maintenance in the DP requires more parts because of all the filters. I admit that if I wasn't doing my own maintenance we would've been overwhelmed.

And that’s exactly why I did the Same thing and I have found Ford Service everywhere even fort Stockton Texas. It’s much more comforting to just be about to take care of it. I get my oil changed at WallMart mostly. Under $60.00 for Mobil 1

Cost per mile will always give the gas MH an advantage. I had a DP and it turned into a money pit.

Great video 👍 One other point for the diesel pusher is you have the engine brake for going down the big hills. On another note I have a question. Can you get a washer and dryer in a gas coach or are they in diesels only? Not that that would stop me from buying a coach if I really liked it, but I can tell you I love watching TV at night and doing laundry. We have a 42' tag axle diesel pusher and we love it. We average 10,000 miles a year. This year we are hoping to up that number a little.

Great video. Excellent. Thank you bro.

I like the way y’all’s look,good choice.

It’s going to be interesting to see how the F53 platform does with the new 7.3L V-8. I suspect that the after market mods will make for a lot of “sleeper” class As. So, yeah, there are a lot of great reasons to go with a diesel pusher, but lots of good reasons to stick with a gasser. What I’d like to see is the F53 with a PowerStroke.

I love Wawa's stations

Thank you for very nice and simple explenations. Great video. A+++

I agree with most of your opinions, liked a lot of things about our V-10 class A but we had 2 near misses of a big bird and a canoe nearly coming through the big front windshield. Other big negative for us was the squirrelly driving in windy or less then ideal roads. Spent $2K on suspension upgrades, alignments, tire inflation changes, which helped but never a comfortable driving experience in wind, busy big truck traffic. Class A, gas is great for low cost of ownership and particularly good at local/regional travels in our experience. Ford v-10 had a lot of power/torque, pulls