very new to a forum and looking for our first rv in many years, looking at two class a's one is a ..2003 mountain aire gas 37ft with a 8.1 with a5 spd allison for 50k with 77,000 kms.. or a 2001 kountry star 37ft diesel pusher 300hp with a 6spd allison trans, 110000 kms for 40k, both looked after well, they look like it anyway .please can you tell me what way would you think is best.or is it a no brainer to you guys...thanks
Trabuco said
03:27 AM Jun 6, 2012
John welcome to the forum! Making a decision between gas and diesel is like the Ford/Chevy debate. A gas coach will normally be cheaper to purchase than a diesel.
I have a diesel, the first diesel I've owned and I really like the low end torque that a diesel delivers. The rear engine makes it a little quiter going down the road.
If you decide on one of the coaches above I would have an independent serivce tech go over the coach front to back and top to bottom.
Check the date code on the tires any thing older than 6 to 8 years will need to be replaced. Tires can be expensive, 22.5" can run $600 to $800 each.
I'm sure others will chime in with additional info.
johnkelowna said
03:39 AM Jun 6, 2012
thanks ken ..for your quick reply i am quite nervouse and realy excited about getting into rving again its been 22 long years, i just dont want to make a mistake, i am ok around mechanics i'm not scared to take things apart but the cost of diesel repairs does worry me thanks, john
Trabuco said
03:56 AM Jun 6, 2012
Diesels can be more expensive to repair but if you do regular maintenance their bullet proof.
As far as maintenance it's a little more expensive but the intervals are further apart. On my Cummins 400 ISL an oil change is once a year or 18,000 miles. The Allison trans is 240k or once every 2 years. I'll never chnage oils on mileage just time intervals.
Change the filters oil, coolant, air and fuel at recommended intervals. Drain the fuel/water separater a couple of times a month or so.
it sounds a little daunting but once you get your head wrapped around the process it's just not that bad. I know because I had the same issues but I'm starting to relax around the diesel.
Speedhitch said
01:20 PM Jun 6, 2012
What ever you decide to get I hope you have fun seeing all the places it can take you to.
very new to a forum and looking for our first rv in many years, looking at two class a's one is a ..2003 mountain aire gas 37ft with a 8.1 with a5 spd allison for 50k with 77,000 kms.. or a 2001 kountry star 37ft diesel pusher 300hp with a 6spd allison trans, 110000 kms for 40k, both looked after well, they look like it anyway .please can you tell me what way would you think is best.or is it a no brainer to you guys...thanks
I have a diesel, the first diesel I've owned and I really like the low end torque that a diesel delivers. The rear engine makes it a little quiter going down the road.
If you decide on one of the coaches above I would have an independent serivce tech go over the coach front to back and top to bottom.
Check the date code on the tires any thing older than 6 to 8 years will need to be replaced. Tires can be expensive, 22.5" can run $600 to $800 each.
I'm sure others will chime in with additional info.
As far as maintenance it's a little more expensive but the intervals are further apart. On my Cummins 400 ISL an oil change is once a year or 18,000 miles. The Allison trans is 240k or once every 2 years. I'll never chnage oils on mileage just time intervals.
Change the filters oil, coolant, air and fuel at recommended intervals. Drain the fuel/water separater a couple of times a month or so.
it sounds a little daunting but once you get your head wrapped around the process it's just not that bad. I know because I had the same issues but I'm starting to relax around the diesel.