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Reading Time: 10 minutesLast Updated on May 20, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Gas vs Diesel RV – What is the Best Option and Why?
Regarding the open road, comfort and convenience are paramount, hence the rising popularity of RVs. The debate, “Gas vs Diesel RV – What is the Best Option and Why?” has various factors to consider. I have owned both. In this article, you will find essential facts about gas and diesel RVs to help you decide, so read on.
Key Takeaways
- Fuel Efficiency: Diesel RVs are ~20% more fuel-efficient and travel farther per gallon.
- Engine Lifespan: Diesel engines typically last twice as long as gas engines (up to 300,000 miles).
- Torque & Power: Diesel RVs have better torque, making them superior for towing and mountain driving.
- Maintenance Costs: Gas RVs are easier and cheaper to maintain; diesel repairs are more expensive and complex.
- Noise & Comfort: Gas RVs are noisier due to engine placement; diesel engines in the rear reduce noise levels.
- Initial Cost vs Resale Value:
- Gas RVs are cheaper upfront.
- Diesel RVs retain value better and command higher resale prices.
- Fuel Availability: Gasoline is easier to find, especially in remote areas.
- Size & Storage: Diesel RVs are larger, offer more storage, and support more weight. Gas RVs are easier to maneuver.
- Durability: Diesel RVs are better for full-time or commercial use due to their long engine life.
- Ease of Use: Gas RVs are simpler to drive, repair, and service — ideal for first-time RVers.
When buying an RV, you may need to skip the aesthetics and exteriors, as this can always be deliberated upon much later. Deciding whether you need a gas or diesel RV is essential for the best RV experience and should be your primary consideration.
About 15 years ago, there was no room to compare the two. Gas RVs could not comfortably climb mountains. They didn’t quite have the torque and horsepower, and you had to buy a diesel RV, which was way more expensive.
In today’s world, gas and diesel RVs are comparable. Thus, choosing one or the other can be pretty confusing and difficult. However, there are a few notable differences between gas RVs and diesel RVs that you must know about before you decide to buy either a gas RV or a diesel RV.
Can You Rent an RV for a Year?
Gas vs Diesel RV Options to Consider
1. Price
For most first-time buyers, the price is an essential consideration. The RV you opt for will ultimately depend on your budget. You must understand that RVs are luxury vehicles and cost a lot.
You need to plan and save to afford one. Most people buy gas RVs because they are relatively cheaper than diesel RVs. Whether they are brand new or preloved gas RVs, they are more affordable than used diesel RVs.
If you buy a brand-new diesel RV, you will pay way more than you would for a brand-new gas RV with similar features.
If you like this article, please check out our other RV articles here or our RV guides here.
While diesel RVs are on the higher side, they retain their value longer and can be a good investment for anyone seeking to RV for a long time. However, there are also high-quality and durable gas RVs, which cost way more than the average gas RV.
Thus, you should consider your budget and RV lifestyle before deciding which RV to settle for. You can go with a gas RV if you have less money to spend on an RV. If you’ll be RVing for a long time, you might want to save and get a diesel RV.
It may cost more, but it also has a higher resale value. However, if you can’t afford one, you can start with the gasser and upgrade to a diesel RV later.
2. Fuel Economy and Fuel Efficiency
Gas not only costs less than diesel, but it is also easier to find. So, if your travel itinerary includes remote areas and new places, you can count on a gas RV. You will more likely stumble on gas than diesel at any fuel station.
Also, gas is cheaper than diesel, making gas RVs an affordable option for travelers on a budget. You can save money on fuel costs with a gas RV. So, if you’re driving your RV across the country or taking a vacation on a budget, you should consider getting a gas motorhome.
However, gas engines aren’t as fuel-efficient as diesel engines, making diesel RVs relatively cheaper in the long run. Gas RVs consume a lot of fuel, and you may find yourself at the fuel station more often.
Diesel RVs are more fuel-efficient because diesel fuel has a greater energy value than gasoline. Thus, it can sometimes offer a better fuel economy than gas RVs.
It is important to consider fuel efficiency before you buy an RV. RVs consume fuel at a high rate, and fuel is costly. You do not want your cross-country trips to be cut short because you ran out of money to buy fuel.
3. Power
Diesel RVs are powerful because of the increased torque. This is notable when driving in mountainous areas. Driving a diesel RV up steep inclines is easier than driving a gas RV. You’ll also be able to maintain speed on an incline without going heavy on the throttle.
Gas RVs typically have less torque, which strains the engine when climbing slopes. It’s also difficult to maintain speed when climbing with gas RVs. If you’re traveling on slippery roads or towing with your RV, you should opt for a diesel RV as it’s more suitable.
4. Maintenance
Generally, maintaining an RV is expensive, but it costs a lot more to maintain a diesel RV. Apart from oil and filter changes, the parts of diesel RVs are more expensive, and repairing a faulty diesel RV is also more costly.
You may need to empty your wallet to fix a diesel RV, especially when the fault is technical and requires extensive repair. Thus, consider opting for a gas RV if you have a tight budget. Gassers are generally affordable and cheaper to maintain. The parts are also not as expensive as diesel RVs and are easily accessible.
Also, fixing a gas RV requires less specialization and technical expertise. You’ll find places to service a gas RV efficiently, as more mechanics can work on gas RVs than diesel RVs.
Thus, if you need a quick repair, you can easily find someone to fix a gas RV. But for diesel RVs, you may need to wait longer and search harder before you find someone who can.
Gas RVs are not so complex. You can do general repairs on gas RVs if you know your way around a car’s engine. It’s essentially the same engine but bigger with a few modifications. This is a great advantage of gas RVs, as you can save money by fixing your RV yourself.
If you know how to change oils, you should be able to change the oil in gas engines by yourself. Diesel engines, on the other hand, are pretty complicated, and you may need to hire a professional to change the oil.
Also, diesel RVs have specialized parts and require specialized labor. Thus, you might find it challenging to get places to service your diesel RVs. There aren’t many qualified persons who can service a diesel RV properly.
However, diesel RVs require less frequent maintenance than gas RVs, making the maintenance cost comparable, although a gas RV is more economical.
5. Size
RV size is another essential factor to consider before buying an RV. The size you settle for will depend on what you intend to use it for.
Diesel RVs are longer. They can be up to 45 feet long with much storage space. You can fit a lot into a diesel RV, which generally offers travelers a better traveling experience with spacious rooms and bigger windows to enjoy the view.
Because of their size, diesel RVs can take on more weight than gas RVs. You can fit refrigerators, washing machines, and other nice appliances to make your road trip comfortable. They support more weight than the average gas RV.
Gas RVs can’t handle much weight. They have limited capacity and cannot tow as much as diesel RVs. Towing heavy vehicles might be beyond their capacity, and you may need a diesel RV.
There is also a difference in the storage unit underneath the coach. Buying a gas RV will give you less storage space underneath the couch. Gas RVs have straight rail chassis, which limits what you can store underneath the coach.
Diesel motorhomes, on the other hand, have raised rail chassis and consequently offer more storage space to RVers.
However, the size of a diesel RV makes it challenging to get into some places like campgrounds and gas stations. This can restrict your movement and worsen if you’re towing with a diesel RV.
This can be frustrating for first-time RVers as getting accustomed to driving a large vehicle takes a while.
Gas RVs are not as long as diesel RVs. Gas RVs allow you to easily get in and out of campgrounds, boondocking spots, and fuel stations. You can easily maneuver narrow, winding roads and explore places with few restrictions.
6. Durability
Before buying a gas or diesel RV, consider your travel lifestyle. How long do you intend to travel, and how often? People buy RVs for reasons other than traveling. For some people, an RV is an alternative apartment.
Some live in their RVs fully, while others use them for commercial purposes. They rent RVs to travelers and campers for road trips or as temporary accommodation in parks and campgrounds.
Generally, diesel RVs last longer than gas RVs. This is a result of their engine. Diesel engines have a long lifespan and can cover more miles before their engines need to be rebuilt.
Thus, a diesel RV will outlast most gas RVs. Gas engines do not last as long as diesel engines before they need to be rebuilt.
If you’re traveling a lot or want to buy an RV for commercial purposes, engine life matters, and you should get a diesel RV. Moreover, the engine life of diesel RVs gives it a higher resale value. You can sell your used diesel RV for a higher rate than a used gas RV.
7. Noise Level
Have you ever driven in a car with a loud engine, and no matter how much you turn up the volume of your radio, it still doesn’t eliminate that engine noise?
Driving in a vehicle with a noisy engine can be annoying and very uncomfortable. While RVs are not as noisy as they used to be, the size and position of the engine make noise unavoidable.
However, diesel RVs have a lower noise level because of the position of their engines. The engines in diesel RVs are at the rear of the RV. If you sit in the front, you won’t hear much noise.
Additionally, diesel RVs do not make much noise when climbing mountains and inclines because of their superior torque.
On the other hand, gas RVs tend to be noisier because gas engines are located in the cockpit beside you. Thus, you would feel the heat and hear the noise.
No RV is generally quiet. You should remember that you are driving a mobile home with many things that can rattle, squeak, bang, and cause noise. You can reduce the noise level of your RV by insulating it, stuffing your cupboards with towels, and keeping items stationary.
Buying an RV with a rear engine is advisable if the noise is a big deal. Excessive engine noise might result from poor maintenance, so you may need to check your engine if it becomes excessive.
How many miles will a Diesel RV last?
The longevity of a diesel RV can span quite an impressive mileage, especially compared to other vehicles. On average, owners who regularly utilize their diesel RV or motorhome can anticipate a lifespan of approximately 200,000 miles.
This estimation, however, is not a hard and fast rule. In fact, with diligent care and maintenance coupled with optimal driving conditions, the lifespan of a diesel RV can extend up to an average of 300,000 miles. This longevity emphasizes the importance of regular service checks and routine maintenance to ensure the continued performance of the vehicle. It’s noteworthy to mention that driving conditions significantly influence the lifespan of a diesel RV.
As such, avoiding strenuous driving conditions will significantly increase the lifespan of your RV. Therefore, when asking, “How many miles will a diesel RV last?” It’s paramount to consider the vehicle’s inherent endurance and the role played by routine maintenance and favorable driving conditions.
How many miles will a Gas RV last?
Potential and current owners often ask, “How many miles will a gas RV last?” On average, a gas RV that is regularly used and well-maintained can be expected to last for about 100,000 to 200,000 miles. However, this mileage can extend up to 300,000 miles if the vehicle is not subjected to harsh driving conditions and is kept in good condition.
Therefore, the longevity of a gas RV significantly depends on the level of care and maintenance it receives.
How Can I Make My RV More Fuel-Efficient?
One key step to making your RV more fuel-efficient is maintaining a consistent speed, ideally between 55 and 65 miles per hour. This is typically the most fuel-efficient speed range for RVs. Scheduling regular service is also crucial to ensure the engine is running at its optimal efficiency.
Tire maintenance can significantly improve your RV’s fuel efficiency by keeping it at the optimum inflation level. Furthermore, it pays off to shop around for gas, as prices can vary. Lastly, reconsider your load; unnecessary weight can drastically affect your RV’s fuel consumption.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a gas and diesel RV—what is the best option and why? It can be a tough choice due to the distinctive advantages of both. Regarding fuel efficiency, diesel RVs travel about 20% more on each gallon of fuel than gas RVs.
After owning a class-B diesel and gas RV, I find it hard to recommend one. With today’s fuel prices, gasoline is an attractive alternative, especially considering diesel fuel is significantly higher. Repairs are less of a hassle, too.
Moreover, diesel engines last twice as long as gas engines, offering an extended lifespan for long-term users. Diesel RVs also provide superior torque and towing capacity, making them excellent choices for those who need to tow heavy loads or climb steep hills.
Gas RVs have their own set of benefits. One key advantage is lower maintenance costs. They are also easier to repair, and their components are typically more affordable than diesel engines.
For those with a tight budget, gas RVs are usually more affordable upfront due to lower initial costs.
Despite the higher initial cost of diesel RVs, they often boast higher resale values, making them a sound investment in the long run. Finally, gasoline is more commonly found than diesel, while both fuel types are widely available.
This could be a deciding factor for those who frequently travel to remote areas. In conclusion, choosing between a gas and diesel RV depends on individual needs, budget constraints, and long-term plans.
