Now, MPG is higher, life of a gas truck is longer, fuel is cheaper, the truck costs less, repairs are less, and matainance is less. I went to gas. I pull a 24 ft stock/horse trailer and a Thompson 240 Fisherman HT boat (hard top weighs a bit more).

First owned – 1972 19′ Winnebago Class A with Dodge 318 running on propane. Average MPG was 7~8. Complete with shower, bathroom, small 3way refrigerator, slept 6 very tight. Run 55-60 mph comfortably but not much more.

Second owned – 1983 26′ Winnebago Class A with Chevy 454 on gas. Average MPG was 5~6. Complete with shower, bathroom, rear bunks, larger 3way refrigerator, gas 3kw generator, dash and roof air, slept 8 very tight. It ran 60+ mph but very high rpm for a big block.

Third owned – 1987 32′ Triple E Class A with Chevy 454 on gas. Average MPG was 5~7. Complete with shower/tub, bathroom, rear bedroom, very large 3way refrigerator, gas 3.5kw generator, dash and roof air, slept 7 well. This unit ran 70+ mph with ease but very high rpm as well.

Currently owned – 2000 36′ Monaco Knight with DP 300hp Cummins Turbo Diesel. Average MPG 10.5~14. Complete with neo angle fiberglass shower, bathroom, rear queen bedroom, huge 4 door refrigerator c/w ice maker, diesel 7.5kw generator, dash and 2 roof air, sleeps 4. Cruises @ 75mph @ 2100 rpm with little effort.

To summarize my experiences:

Gas (propane) pro’s – simple to understand and maintain, most common tools can be used to repair, quick start and drive, readily available parts, older units can be “patched” on the road to keep running.

Gas (propane) con’s – noisy, hot, poor fuel economy, frequent service intervals, poor rough ride.

Diesel pro’s – fuel economy, extended service intervals, quiet, very smooth ride

Diesel con’s – expensive to repair requiring specialized tools, harder to understand systems and limp home, extended oil changes but more expensive, not practical to drive on cold start, heavy, harder or impossible to start in extremely cold weather.

There is also one factor not often written about that to some is the biggest buying factor……..prestige. They are beautiful machines that are admired by many. It’s a great feeling to pull into camp sites and RV parks driving one of the “big boys”.

Bottom line – to each their own and regardless of big/small, old/new, gas/diesel, it’s important to enjoy the purpose of ownership……get out and enjoy life!!!

I don’t use the truck a daily driver as fuel prices here are $4.00+. Living in Colorado, we wouldn’t have been happy with a gas truck.

BTW, I retied from the AF 5 years ago. We aren’t full timers but this summer we are planning to live out of our new 34ft 5th wheel for a week or two at a time (I telecommute so it doesn’t really matter where I dial in from).

r/Mike

Here’s my story, time-line, and direction. I would really appreciate your input and opinions. All responses appreciated.

Me- Active duty (AD) military (mil), single, no kids

Past- Had a nice house. Life happened (not bad, but bad enough). Moved out of the house and decided to get a small camper untill I could buy some property at my next duty station to build a house. Bought a lite wtt 28ft Keystone Outback tt w/ one wall slide to pull with my Ford Ranger. Pulled ok, but did struggle on hills, and couldn’t see the big rigs coming with the narrow truck cab. Was only 1-2k over weight. I felt like a safety hazard quite often. White knuckles in traffic, so I traded the Ranger for a 99 Dodge 1500 w/ 120mi. Overhauled for $1500. Nice truck. Runs like a champ. Pulls this little thing with no problem.

Present- Now that I’ve been in this for a yr; I really enjoy the RV family atmosphere and had no idea I would be as comfortable as I am as a full timer. Loving the lifestyle so far. I’m also able to save more $ towards a property to buy now and build in 6-8 yrs when I retire from active duty. However; I would like to move up into a 30-32 ft Fifth wheel that I could really enjoy. Just to have a little more room in the shower, a recliner, and storage space. I would have no issues what-so-ever at that point and could see myself remaining a full time RV’r till mil retirement.

Future- Knowing this, I must move up in truck first. Looking to get a 2500 or F-250. Have no truck brand, engine, or transmission loyalty at this time. As AD mil, I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of traveling for long distances. On-call for work often. I may take the occasional extended weekend fishing trip to the lake, or a week or two to deer camp, but not a lot of long distance towing. Most of my next 6-8 yrs would be moving to different camp grounds, or changing camp sites within one or 2 campgrounds close to base. With that said, the majority of miles on my new truck will be local stop and go traffic and the occasional 10-12hr trip home without towing.

As a full timer who doesnt travel to much, or pull long distances, what would be my best option? Gas or Diesel? And whichever you suggest; Which configure of engine/transmission should I get to maximize my fuel mileage and towing needs?

Thank you all for sharing your knowledge.
Respectfully,
Jeff

As for torque, HP, and fuel economy, I get 23 mpg when I go 55mph and 20 when I go 65mph. Towing a 7000lb trailer at 65mph I get 16mpg I am currently putting out about 800 ft lbs and about 400HP. My 0-60 is better than most stock sedans.

I do better offroad than any stock jeep.

I payed about 3000 more for this truck than a gasser.

My only complaint: I pay 20 cents more per gallon, which is well outweighed by the fuel economy.

Show me a gas truck or any vehicle that can do even close to that…

Yes diesels cost much more to repair, but it helps if you can do at least some of the maintenance and repairs yourself. I find that most people choose diesels for their superior power, not the economy. Their better fuel economy is usually offset by their higher initial cost, maintenance and repair costs, with the edge going to the diesel in power and reliability rather than economy. IMHO

Chip

Another consideration is availability. If you only travel on Interstates or major highways and stop in citys, the availability of diesel and urea is not an issue. If however you routinely travel on secondary roads, it may be a problem, especially in the wee hours of the morning when the one gas station in town that sells deisel fuel is closed. If you have sufficient fuel capacity and plan ahead, this can be worked around, however remember that every little one-horse town on the map usually has gas, but far fewer have diesel, and even less urea, especially in remote areas where I like to camp.

Chip