Diesel RV

When it comes to RV motors, there are two kinds: diesel and gasoline. Most people are more familiar with gasoline engines. After all, that's the kind of engine our car, our boat, or motorcycle has. Gasoline engines are great--and if your RV is under 23 thousand pounds, then it's an acceptable choice for your motor home as well. However, be advised that many experts feel that diesel engines are superior to gasoline engines for a number of reasons.

Diesel engines produce more heat, and therefore energy, than do gasoline engines. Because they produce more heat, they must be made of sturdier, heavier parts. Some people think that these more durable individual parts, in and of themselves, make for a compelling argument to opt for a diesel engine. In any event, a stronger engine is always handy when maneuvering 20 thousand-plus pounds uphill.

Diesel Pushers: Hardworking, More Efficient

Motorhomes with diesel engines are often called "diesel pushers" because, unlike gasoline engines--located in the front of the vehicle--diesel engines in RVs are usually located in the rear. Rear engines don't have the space restrictions from which front versions suffer. As a result, diesel engines run less risk of overheating.

According to some sources, a typical RV gasoline engine will get 5 to 9 miles to the gallon; a typical diesel engine is reported to get 8 to 14 miles to the gallon in comparable conditions. Further, the "shelf life" of a diesel engine is said to be twice that of a regular gasoline engine, often reaching 500,000 miles. Talk to your RV rental/sales agent about which type of engine best meets your vacation needs.