If this is the year you finally take that cross-country road trip, you’re not alone. Nearly 80% of Americans (that’s over 200 million people) plan on hitting the road. Before prices skyrocket, it’s time to start looking for an RV.
But where do you start?
Gas prices are at an all-time high, and choosing the right type of engine could make or break your bank. If you’re wondering if you should even consider diesel motorhomes, we’ve got you. Keep reading for some of the benefits these beasts have over their gasoline counterparts.
Benefits of Diesel Motorhomes
More historic than Ford vs Chevy, auto enthusiasts have debated the differences between diesel and gasoline engines. There’s no question about what camp we’re in; here are the advantages of buying a Diesel RV camper.
Better Low-gear Torque
For those unfamiliar with “car talk,” torque refers to the amount of force applied to an object. In this case, diesel engines assert much more pressure on a vehicle’s axles at low gears.
RV classes often need help climbing hills or traversing rugged terrain. With the help of a diesel engine, they navigate these with ease. And with all that low-gear torque, they’re also ideal for those towing personal vehicles or boats.
Longer Life Expectancy
Due to the method in which they consume fuel, diesel engines are built thick. Their density helps them withstand the high temperatures from combustion.
As a result, diesel engines tend to last much longer. It is not uncommon to see diesel engines with 200,000 miles or more. The Mercedes Sprinter is renowned for its “unkillable diesel engine,” which can run strong for nearly 500,000 miles.
Stronger Chassis
Because of the engine’s monstrous low-end torque and ultra-heavy design, diesel motorhomes typically have a chassis built to last. It further helps its towing capacity and makes the RV camper less likely to fail in the field.
Considerations Before Buying an RV
These homes on wheels aren’t used as your typical vehicle; they see lots of highway miles, take on challenging hills, and find themselves in rugged terrain. When buying a used RV trailer, you’ll want to take time to consider your purchase.
It’s easy enough to scour your local craigslist and buy the Class A RV that’s sat in their side yard for years (it runs fine, guaranteed). But if you know little about the vehicle, how can you expect them to know more?
When buying an RV, you might consider working with a reputable dealer. Not only can they find you great deals on RVs for sale, but they have the knowledge to guide you through the buying process.
More on Buying an RV
When choosing an RV to buy, it’s hard not to recognize the benefits of having a diesel engine. However, if you know how you plan on using it, you might find the aspects of diesel motorhomes not so critical.
For more information on choosing the right RV for you, check out our other lifestyle articles.
