Diesel Pushers: Are they Really Better?

Now that you’ve decided exactly what you’re looking for in a recreational vehicle, and are almost ready to purchase . . . there is one last question you have to ask yourself: Do you stick with gasoline, or head over towards the diesel pushers? The question is more relevant today than in years past due to the fact that more and more manufacturers are offering diesel pushers – at least one model. So, in order to ensure that you will be nothing but happy with your recreational vehicle, read on for the pros and cons of diesel powered engines vs. traditional gasoline engines and decide what’s right for you.

First, consider the size of the vehicle you are going to be purchasing. Diesel pushers are inevitably better for longer vehicles. The longer the vehicle, the more likely you’ll be better off with a diesel engine. I guess that’s why you see a lot of the 35 feet and longer RV’s out there pulling up to the diesel pump.

You’ll also need to think about the types of places you’ll be taking your vehicle. Diesel engines have more power in terrains that require climbing. So, if you’re going to be going up and down and through several elevations, you should think seriously about the added power diesel pushers provide. Although, a hilly terrain doesn’t necessarily require a diesel powered engine . . . there are those out there that make out fine on gasoline.

Typical buyers will at first be annoyed at the higher price the diesel engine attaches to the model they are looking at. This is just normal. The diesel pushers cost more than their gasoline powered counterparts. You have to remember that with the positives come the negatives and decide which is more important for you.

With rising prices of fuel, you might at first lean towards the engine that uses the cheaper of the two common fuels. This seems logical, but you also have to take into account the fact that diesel pushers, while using a fuel that is typically higher priced, also offer better fuel economy in most cases.

While you will spend more on your diesel pusher up front due to the higher cost, you will save money in the long run not only through the fuel economy, but through the long lasting, and hardworking nature of the diesel engine. Diesel pushers have excellent reputations when it comes to staying power. This is a plus not only because you have purchased an RV you can count on, but because they hold their value due to their good reputation.

Diesel pushers will probably also need less routine maintenance than gasoline powered RV’s, although when they do need maintenance it will cost more. For instance, an oil change may cost up to $100. As mentioned before, diesel engines are known for their staying power. They tend to just keep going. There are tales out there based on truth, no doubt, that diesel pickups can best the 500,000 mile mark. And that’s saying something.

The traditionally acknowledged downside of diesel pushes is the smell, the noise, and the hard start ups. While these factors still exist, they are not as large a problem as they once were. Diesel pushers today are much quieter, while retaining their noted characteristics of being hardworking and long lasting. While the start up problems still exist in cold weather, the diesel engine has evolved in this area as well and you won’t find that you have problems with start up unless the temperature dips below 30 degrees. And if you’re engine is electronically controlled and properly maintained you probably won’t find a problem even at this low temperature.

The only way to decide in the end whether or not a diesel powered recreational vehicle is the way to go for you and yours is to make a thorough comparison and then try out the two options. See if the negative aspects are really a problem for you and then go from there.