Hi RQ,

You don't buy a diesel to save money.  You buy it for the torque.

Diesel fuel is more expensive, diesel engines are more expensive,
repairs are more expensive (but rarely needed) and oil changes are
more expensive.

Fuel used to be cheaper but in the last year I've found it to be more
expensive than regular gas...and sometimes hi test.

It sure is nice to have a diesel though, when you are pulling a heavy
trailer over mountains.

Hunter
http://members.aol.com/hhamp5246/roadtrip2005.htm

Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy sh.t...what a ride!"

I see where "RQ" <qurandc@shaw.ca> contributed:

Here are my non-emotional thoughts to consider when deciding on
gas vs diesel:

NOISE (-).  Despite claims that the latest GM diesel is so quiet
people are engaging the starter after it's running,  for many people
(especially the ones not in the cab!) diesel clatter is a serious
drawback.  (Yeh, I know some love it, too!)

FUEL EFFICIENCY (+).  Diesels are a clear, hands-down winner in this
category, though this isn't a big deal in economic terms because the
price of fuels fluctuates and diesel is often higher... much higher at
the moment.

LONGEVITY (+).  Though often wildly exaggerated by diesel proponents,
the kinds of diesel engines commonly used in rv's do have a longer
life-expectancy than competing gas engines.  This is not because
diesels are inherently that way, but simply because the ones in use
are originally designed for commercial service.  Most can outlast the
vehicle they are shipped in!

DEAD WEIGHT (-).  With the possible exception of the GM Duramax,
there is a significant weight penalty. The engine is a lot heavier -
harder on tires, chassis, etc.

COST (-) While proponents rationalize this issue, you pay a big
premium to own a diesel.  You may of course get some of it back when
selling, but those of us who buy for ourselves rather than for the
next buyer really can't justify the cost on economic grounds unless we
drive so many miles that the fuel efficiency offsets the cost -- and
that is a LOT of miles! No, I dunno how many.

TORQUE (+/-)  The rhetoric about diesel "torque" is mostly bafflegab.
Most truck diesels _are_ designed to produce their power at moderate
engine speeds (compared to gas engines) in order to last a long time.
The perception that they "pull better" is not imagination, but so
what? They also require more gears because they are not as flexible.
The typical truck engine also will not produce the raw horsepower of
an equivalent gasoline engine, and would self-destruct if revved up to
try.   In this regard they are simply *different*, neither better nor
worse.

REPAIR COSTS (-)  Arguments to the contrary notwithstanding, it is
going to cost MORE to fix a diesel if/when it breaks.   Modern gas
engines have very long service intervals, and if you do suffer an
actual engine-related failure, you can replace the whole engine for
the price of a repair job on a diesel.  

SERVICE AVAILABILITY (-)  The increased popularity of diesels is
changing the situation, but at this time you can find more people
competent to fix your small-block Chevvy than are available to fix
your PowerSmoke.

FUEL AVAILABILITY (-)  While widely available, even off the beaten
path,  even die-hard diesel owners admit you must be careful where you
buy to avoid getting contaminated fuel,  and much more finicky to keep
water out of it.  And there are many MORE places where gas is
available.

ENGINE BRAKING (-)  Not a Big Deal but nevertheless a fact - diesel
engines are more efficient in part because they don't pull a vacuum on
the intake, and thus have less drag with the throttle closed.  That is
part of why there are so many engine brakes sold.

WINTER STARTING  (-) Face it - even tho modern diesels are much
improved in terms of cold-weather starting, they do NOT handle bitter
cold as well.  Gasoline does not turn to jelly on cold days, nor does
it grow algae in humid conditions!

BIG RIG? (+) Diesel is the only way to go even if the disadvantages
bug you.   While Chrysler & Ford have recently built V10's for
light-duty trucks, nobody builds any gas engines that are really
suitable for hauling heavy loads.  IMO if you are running a GCW over
8-10 tons, you probably ought to be running a real diesel truck engine
rather than a stressed-out  gasser.

BOTTOM LINE:  Diesel vs Gas need not be an emotional choice, and it is
virtually made for you if you feel you must have a really large rv.
But for the rest of us,  a gas engine might actually be a better
choice.  When it comes to getting the job done, what counts is not
whether the engine is diesel or gas, but whether it is well matched to
the load, the transmission, and your expectations.

    =============================

This lecture brought to you free by Will Sill KD3XR, who hopes you
are not offended by anything you read, inferred, assumed, presumed
or otherwise guessed I might have possibly meant as demeaning -
unless of course you are personally a humorless nitwit who WANTS
to be insulted.  In which case be my guest.

Will Sill
The Curmudgeon of Sill Hill

I think I'd trade some noise in on longevity.
My E350-460 Is making a lot of noise and the power up hill isn't that great.
I run the heater.

My next RV will only be diesel.

My thoughts, not yours!

Ed