I don't think experiences before 2007 have much relevance. The game changed when Ford, about that time, introduced the Ford F-series, super duty class A motorhome chassis.
-There are a lot of dp's sold, but there are a lot of gas mhs sold as well, so that is not a useful argument.
-General statements are not useful.
-Yes the gas is not as quiet, but current owners, especially of the quality gas like Newmar don't consider it an issue and I'm told aren't bothering trying to upgrade the sound deadening like the "older" gassers. '
- What is really amazing and unsaid are all these tough built dps with low mileage and high years being sold. So, why weren't they being driven????
-Gas owners like doing their own maintenance and getting service is easier across the country.
-If you want to impress the oldsters, buy a dp, but don't forget to buy a tag axel, and you must be new, and something like an Essex, then you can park and impress.
- If you want an hydronic heating system, then it is a dp for you.
- You can "stress" that gas mh now to 200,000 miles - that is forever as mhs go. The V10 was built for that stress, just maintain it and change your fluids regularly and don't forget the transmission.
- If you go full time you will want the longest coach you can get...that's a dp. If you don't drive it you would be better in a mobile home or a 5th wheel.
- If you want disability access, probably a dp, for the bus like hydraulic entry way.
From another forum:
"I was asked this question hundreds of times as a service manager. If you are going to full time and travel a lot. The diesel is usually a better deal. It rides better because of the heavier weight. The engine and transmission are heavier duty and will last longer. The rear engine is MUCH quieter. If you are going to use it on some weekends and vacation, the gas is a better deal. Maintenance is much, much cheaper on the gas. Some will tell you that a gas will not last long. That is a bunch of crap. We had several commercial customers who put well over 200,000 miles on their coaches."
From another forum:
The owner of a short dp Tiffin Breeze 32, who loves the suspension, is planning on turning it in for a 36 ft gas.
They took it on a 6 month trip.
Just a thought. A 36 ft gas is a very sweet spot for a gas mh.
My personal estimate is that if you buy that 10 year old dp, you will spend at least $20,000 getting it ready for the road. Not just on undone maintenance, appliances that need to be replaced, but also upgrading that old interior. And this assumes you can find one that hasn't been smoked in or had pets inside. It isn't uncommon for that excellent condition coach to have all sorts of problems from undone maintenance that "excellent" somehow and mysteriously didn't cover.
Last question: How much time will you drive and how much time will you actually get out of the mh and enjoy yourself??? And how much time will you spend inside??? Would someone who bought a new dp ever argue it is cost justified and they "needed" it because of it was quiet?
If I buy a 10 year old dp, it will be for the "challenge" of buying used and the "fun" of doing the upgrades to personalize the rig. And no, I'm not being sarcastic. And yes, I would like an hydronic heating system. Old age and comfort go together, and I would kill for a "quiet" ride and I really like exhaust breaking, don't care about how fast I climb, and my butt gets tired easily these days, so the softer ride the better. Yes, if I was a young stud, I would buy gas and leave the dps to the old farts.
And yes, I have the cash for the old dp and the upgrades. Old farts like me generally don't like monthly payments. And we have more time to fix things and kind of like doing so.