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Class A Gas Motorhome versus Class A Diesel Motorhome

Published: Thursday, July 26, 2007

Considered in the past as the exclusive pastime of the rich and elite, holidaying in recreational vehicles, has today become the favorite recreation of almost all classes of the American society. As with improvement in the nation’s overall economic conditions, a larger section of the population is enjoying disposable income on hand, people from diverse age groups are today resorting to travel by recreational vehicles as modes of enjoying quality family time and relaxing holidays. In order to cater to the specific requirements and special preferences of different people, most manufacturers of recreational vehicles today are designing vehicles in a wide range of structures, internal designs and equipped with a variety of comfort facilities. Available primarily as towable and motorized entities, the recreational vehicle industry today enjoys a market of $15.75 billion per year. Depending on your budget, space requirements and lifestyle preferences, you can select from the various travel trailers, fifth wheels, Motorhomes, truck campers and park models available today. Among the rest, Class A Motorhomes are some of the best recreational vehicles you can opt for in modern times. Spacious, luxurious and provided with all comfort facilities of home, Class A Motorhomes provide you home away from home with all comforts you have ever dreamt of. Powered either by diesel or gas, Class A Motorhomes are, no doubt, expensive units to maintain, but once you experience traveling in them, holiday trips will acquire a whole new meaning for you.

For large families and people preferring to enjoy their holiday trips with large groups of families and friends, diesel pushers form the best options. While the best quality diesel powered Motorhomes available in the present day recreational vehicle market are priced far higher than their gas powered counterparts, these diesel pushers are also some of the most spacious and luxurious travel vehicles available today. As a diesel powered Class A Motorhome is more fuel efficient than a gas engine, in the long run, you get to save more in running the vehicle. Whereas, the engine of a diesel pusher is situated at the rear of the vehicle, the fuel tank of these vehicles also has larger capacities. Another main advantage of diesel powered Motorhomes is that because of their strength and power, you can conveniently tow along a boat or car while going on RV trips. Once you reach the destination site, you can simply detach the towed entity and use it independently for exploring the new locale. If you are planning to holiday in steep mountainous regions, diesel pushers can prove more convenient as they are better geared to travel uphill with lesser engine strain. Whereas, brand new diesel pushers are some of the most expensive vehicles present in the recreational vehicle market, today, you can also get second hand diesel powered vehicles that are available at prices comparable to that of gas powered Motorhomes. While diesel Motorhomes are more expensive to maintain, life span of these vehicles is also usually longer. In comparison to gas powered Motorhomes, however, diesel pushers generate more noise and are slower in movement. However, diesel pushers are quiet in their cockpit areas and because of air suspension offer smooth rides.

Spacious, comfortable and equipped to provide you all comforts of home, gas powered Motorhomes are more affordable than diesel pushers as far as initial investments are concerned. With a starting price usually around $70,000, you can select gas powered Class A Motorhomes complete with comfortable living, dining, sleeping areas, kitchens and private baths. For small families looking forward to relaxing weekend getaways and short trips, conventional gasoline powered Motorhomes form both affordable and luxurious options.

When properly maintained, a gas chassis can efficiently serve for at least 150,000 miles if not more. Although for diesel pushers, this mileage is better, the fact that the cost of oil and filter change and other labor rates are far higher for diesel driven vehicles, make gas powered Class A Motorhomes a more affordable option. Diesel pushers are equipped with air brakes and air rides, but as these entities require regular, expensive servicing, gas Motorhomes prove more economic to maintain in the long run.

While both diesel and gas driven Motorhomes have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, there are certain factors you should always keep in mind while purchasing either. Quality always comes at a premium. Make sure all parts of the motorhome you are selecting, both in its external structure and internal infrastructure, are in best working conditions at the time of purchase. The price of new recreational vehicles depreciate quickly; so before investing in one it is wise to calculate how much you stand to gain out of the deal. Class A Motorhomes come in a variety of lengths and sizes. As many camping grounds have facilities to accommodate vehicles up to specific dimensions only, make sure to select a model that will be allowed entry at most places you visit. Deciding on a budget from beforehand goes a long way in making wise RV selection. While purchasing a Motorhome, you can compare the facilities provided by diesel and gas driven models available within the same price range. As the basic advantages of a diesel pusher can be best experienced only after covering a lot of mileage, it is better to keep in mind the type of leisure travel plans you have while selecting a Motorhome. From the general perspective it can be said that while for a family traveling less than 6000 miles every year, a gas driven Motorhome forms a better option, for those intending to indulge in extensive cross country travels all through the year, diesel pushers may prove more profitable. Starting and smoothly operating the vehicles in cold climatic conditions and hilly roadways are other factors that significantly differ in gas and diesel driven engines. Unlike gas powered Motorhomes, as diesel driven engines are more susceptible to bacterial growth, regular addition of fungicides in the fuel tank, especially at hot humid times, is absolutely essential for the upkeep of diesel powered Motorhomes.

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