You have so many parameters to consider when choosing a motorhome, from how large it is to what kinds of amenities it contains, but one of the most important factors is the type of fuel 
it takes. Motorhomes come in both gas-powered and diesel-powered or “diesel pusher” styles, and each fuel type has its own advantages. The size of the motorhome depends on the fuel style, too, which also dramatically affects the cost of the motorhome.
If you’re not sure of the differences between these two fuel types, you should read Krenek RV’s breakdown of their traits below. Our dealership is located in Coloma, Michigan, and we carry a wide selection of motorhomes in several styles, so when you’re ready to buy, come see us!
Initial Price
Diesel pushers are inherently more expensive than gasoline-fueled motorhomes, sometimes costing up to twice as much as a comparable gas model. That’s an inescapable fact due to the way diesel-fueled motorhomes are built: their engines are heavier to accommodate higher compression weights, and the chassis used on diesel pushers is longer and weightier, too, to carry the extra poundage. However, spending more on this style might be worth the investment, as diesel motorhomes are very sturdily built and meant to last for a very long time.
Gasoline motorhomes are simpler, smaller, lighter and therefore much less expensive, so if budget is a big factor and longevity isn’t as much of a concern for you, they’re the way to go.
Cost of Maintenance
Another important consideration when purchasing a motorhome is the amount of maintenance it may require, as this will cost you both money and time down the road. Ideally you’ll get a model that has low maintenance requirements, but everything ages, so it’s going to come up at some point. Diesel pushers are resilient, with engines that can last up to three times as long as gasoline engines without needing replacement parts very often. You can put thousands of miles on a diesel engine, meaning it might be the only one you ever need, making it worth the investment.
On the other hand, a gasoline engine will cost much less to repair when it does need upkeep, as the parts are easily obtainable and don’t require a lot of skill to replace. So while gas-powered motors may require more frequent maintenance, you can rest assured it won’t be a pain to repair them because of the low costs involved in their service and parts.
Accessibility
If you value easy maneuverability, less strain while driving and being able to park in snug spots, then go with a gasoline-fueled motorhome. These motorhomes are compact and easy to drive, and when you get to the RV park or drive down narrow roads, you won’t be struggling to fit them into a parking space or past obstacles. Some RV parks even have size limits that make a gas motorhome more practical. Diesel pushers are huge, long motorhomes that are often more difficult to drive and park, as they can contain as many amenities as you’d find in a residential home. You’ll have to practice more with a diesel motorhome to master driving it and you’re more limited when it comes to where you can go, particularly in parks and on certain rural roads.
Fuel Economy
One last aspect of motorhome fuel types you should consider is their fuel economy. On long trips, a diesel motorhome, despite its size, can get more miles per gallon of fuel than a gasoline-powered motorhome can. Diesel burns more slowly, so if you’re traveling far across the country, you can save on fuel by using diesel, which is also cheaper at the pump than gasoline in many cases.
Now that you’re versed on some of the differences between gasoline and diesel motorhomes, you might be ready to check out some excellent models. Come down to our Coloma dealership location to see the motorhomes we carry, in both new and used condition. Krenek RV serves the states of Michigan and Indiana, including the cities of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan, and La Porte, Indiana.
