All that said, I'm not convinced that a diesel is the best choice for me. No, I've never ridden in one but have had 3 A's, 2 C's, truck camper, and more. The front noise doesn't bother me too much but then I've never been without it. Reading the posts and many other forums lately I see what appears to be much more maintenance and restrictions for diesel. More filters, fungus additives, temp watching, cold starting (not a prob, I live in Calif), injector issues, fuel turning to jelly, and more. One poster said you shouldn't take one out unless you go 25 miles to warm it up...I have to move mine around the lot once in a while to switch garages for cars. All these caveats make me kind of wonder if it's the right decision. I always pull into Costco stations with 32' plus a toad and never have issues. Gas is cheaper, diesel is not sold at Costco's although fuel cost is not really that much of a consideration since we usually don't go more than a few hundred miles. A yearly vacation of 2000 or so is also the norm.
That said, I like the different floor plans, the potential silence, front entry, torque, etc. I'm not afraid of more maintenance and I can do most myself but do I want to? I know the answers are subjective but the bottom line, is it worth the trouble nowadays with the dependable V10's out there on larger coaches? Over this holiday weekend I will see a nephew who's a former truck driver, has a 34' Winnie diesel and a lot of experience. I think talking with him may help make up my mind. That plus if the Mrs likes the different interior plans of a rear engine. One more thing, I can't go over 34' and still keep it at home, so a V10 would power anything I'd buy. I appreciate all the input from those that own one.
BTW Gary, I just read some of your posts on another thread, interesting comments re the stronger chassis, air suspension, braking, etc. All the more to consider.