If you are looking for the best way to live while on the road, then the RV gets the trophy. It is amazing that you can be in any part of the world without needing to pay exorbitant amounts for travel—all while remaining in the comfort of your home! Since there are different kinds of RVs, you want to make sure that you choose the type that is best for you. In this article, we will look at both the gas RV and the diesel RV. We will compare diesel vs gas RV to help you decide which one would suit you best.
Factors to Compare Diesel vs Gas RV
When comparing between these two RVs, we will consider the factors below:
- Price
- Fuel Economy
- Upkeep and Mechanical Considerations
- Oil Consumption
- Brake System
Price
If you are working with a budget, then the gas RV is the top contender. The price of a brand new gas RV ranges from $80,000 to $150,000. These prices will vary, though, depending on the specifications you want to include in your RV.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an RV that will serve you for a longer period of time, then the diesel RV would be the ultimate choice. A brand new one ranges between $170,000 and $200,000. And this does not include accessories such as RV bike rack and RV vent fan.
While both are great options, depending on your preferences, the diesel RV has higher value and is certainly in higher demand, which is a factor to consider if you think you may resell it down the road.
But price wise, comparing diesel vs gas RV, a gas RV is definitely cheaper.
Fuel Economy
We can acknowledge that fuel is expensive all over the world, but what’s even more is that the prices are unpredictable and keep adjusting from time to time, which will keep tampering with your budget.
When it comes to the gas RV, you are at a greater advantage. Gas is less expensive than diesel, and it is available anywhere at any time.
Diesel, however, is not always available. You will find it in some petrol stations but not in all of them, so it can be very inconvenient to take a detour to a specific station when your RV runs low on diesel.
Upkeep and Mechanical Considerations
The gas RV is easier to service, and you can find replacement parts for its engine more easily than parts for a diesel RV.
The only disadvantage is that the gas RV’s engine tends to work harder than the diesel RV’s, so it needs to be maintenanced more often to ensure that it is running well. It is helpful, though, that you do not need any special expertise to maintain your gas engine.
The diesel RV’s engine is a little more complicated and expensive. You need to go through a specialized training to learn how to service the engine so that you do not accidentally tamper with any of its parts.
The one advantage of the diesel RV is that it does not require frequent servicing like the gas RV.
Oil Consumption
A gas RV’s oil consumption is three times less than the diesel RV’s. Even so, the oil in a gas RV needs to be replaced every six months while the diesel RV only needs its oil changed once a year.
If you know how to change oil, then you can change the oil in a gas RV yourself . The diesel RV, however, requires a professional mechanic to change the oil for you.
Brake System
The diesel RV’s braking system is not as straightforward as the gas RV’s. The diesel RV’s brakes may experience fatigue and strain due to increased torque, especially when going down a steep road. This is no problem for the standard gas RV braking system.
Diesel vs Gas RV: Which should you choose?
The RV that is right for you is the one that will best serve your personal needs and preferences. You need to consider the factors, such as your budget, how long you intend to use your RV, your specialty when it comes to maintenance, and whether you may need to resell the RV at some point in the future. If you keep these things in mind, then you’ll have an easier time choosing the best RV for you.