According to one study, 11 million families in America own an RV. If you’re interested in being one of those families, you’ll have to decide between gas vs. diesel RV.
There are many differences between both of these types of RV, and they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re interested in buying an RV, keep reading to discover which RV would be the best fit for you.
RV Engines
When you buy an RV, you’ll be able to choose either a diesel or a gas engine. Normally, the larger RVs will have a diesel engine.
However, the smaller Class B and C could also have a diesel engine. But normally, they use gas. You may even be able to find some models and floorplans that come with different types of engines.
There are many different models to choose from, and you can view some at lakeshore-rv.com.
Gas RV
If you want to buy the best gas RV, there are some advantages to buying one. If you’re going to only travel every now and then, it makes sense to have a smaller gas engine.
You should get something that is 35 feet or smaller. You will also be able to find more fuel stations that can fill your RV up.
Another advantage is that gas is normally more affordable and accessible than diesel is.
Gas engines are also more resistant to any cold weather. So if you’re going to be traveling in a lot of cold climates, this might be an important factor to consider.
These RVs also have a higher RPM which means that you can have more acceleration and a quieter ride.
One of the disadvantages of owning a gasoline RV is that there is a strong odor from the engine. And it also has a short shelf life because it evaporates.
The gas engines normally have a weaker towing power as well compared to diesel engines.
Diesel RV
A diesel RV is a good choice if you’re going to be traveling a lot for a long period of time. They are normally more fuel-efficient, which means that you won’t have to stop and refill at the gas pump as often.
They also have better torque. This means that they’re better at towing, which is also important if you need more space.
Diesel engines also normally last longer than gasoline ones, and they are more reliable for long distances.
This means that you can often get more if you try to resell it later on.
However, some of the disadvantages are that it’s harder to find pumps that offer diesel for your RV. Diesel is also normally more expensive as well. But sometimes this cost is offset by having a great fuel economy.
RVs with diesel engines normally have a lower RPM as well. This means that they might not accelerate as fast as a diesel RV.
What to Consider
When you’re trying to decide between different factors for whether or not a diesel or a gas RV is right for you, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.
However, first, you’ll have to figure out what you want from your RV and what you’re going to be using it for.
Comfort
For example, you might want an RV that focuses on comfort and luxury. If that’s the case, you’ll want to consider what type of chassis the coach is built on.
You’ll also need to figure out if the engine has enough power and if you’re getting a good value for the price point.
When buying an RV, it can be trouble focusing on the small details until you’re actually living in your RV. However, you’ll still want to spend time looking at the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
You don’t want to buy an RV and then realize that it’s not big enough or the small details weren’t good enough.
However, regardless of whether you buy a gas or a diesel RV, you should be amazed at the interior.
Keep in mind that a diesel RV might be bigger and be able to weigh more, so you may have more luxury and comfort items in a diesel RV.
Fuel Efficiency
You’ll also want to consider the fuel efficiency. In general, diesel is more fuel-efficient, which should lead to you having to pay at the pump fewer times.
Gas vs. Diesel RV: Which Is Best for You?
But diesel fuel also costs more.
When you’re buying a recreational vehicle, you might want to consider if the engine maximizes power and efficiency. Keep in mind that fuel prices can fluctuate, so you’ll need to ensure that you buy a motorhome that you can afford to fill up.
You’ll also want to consider what type of terrain you’ll take the vehicle over. If you’re going to be driving on a cross-country road trip on asphalt, you’ll have more fuel efficiency.
However, if you’re just going to be taking short trips in a local area, it might make more sense to save a little bit of money and buy a gas RV. Since you won’t need as much gas, these could be the better option for you.
Learn More About a Gas vs. Diesel RV
These are only a few factors to consider between gas vs. diesel RV, but there are many other factors to consider before making a big purchase.
We know that buying an RV or any vehicle can be challenging at first, but we’ve got you covered.
Check out our website for even more content on vehicles and how to choose one.