A Diesel Pusher is a Class A motorhome with a diesel engine installed at the rear. The fundamental difference between diesel pushers and other Class A RVs is that diesel pushers are driven by a diesel engine, whilst the others are fueled by gasoline (petrol).
What are the benefits of using a diesel pusher?
One of the most popular models of Class A motorhomes is the diesel pusher. What is the reason for this?
The majority of the enormous, luxury motorhomes on display are diesel pushers, albeit not all must be appropriate for a rock star lifestyle. Diesel pushers are also available for families and full-time RVers.
There are numerous advantages to having a diesel engine powering a Class A motorhome when it reaches the size of a bus.
When it comes to longevity, diesel engines are nearly legendary they can easily double the life of a gas engine. Oil changes are more expensive with diesels since they demand more oil and the oil filters are more expensive.
On a practical level, a diesel pusher refers to a motorhome with the engine located in the rear. This implies that there is substantially less engine noise and heat in the passenger compartment, as well as no smell of exhaust, when you’re driving.
Because there is no driveshaft from the front end to the rear wheels in a diesel pusher, there is often much more space available underneath the camper for storage and wastewater tanks. This extra storage can be crucial if you plan on spending a lot of time in your motorhome or are a full-time RVer.
Diesel engines often have slightly greater fuel economy. In the past, diesel fuel was less expensive than gasoline, but diesel has become more expensive in recent years. In Alberta, gasoline has suddenly become more expensive.
When driving a diesel pusher, you’ll notice the benefits in two scenarios: 1) when towing a trailer and 2) when climbing a hill
Because most diesel engines are turbocharged (some are supercharged), they will lose less power as you climb higher in the mountains (common when driving in western Canada and the U.S.). They’ll also produce more torque (pulling power) at lower engine RPMs, which means your engine won’t scream when you climb a steep mountain pass.
If you undertake any towing, the higher torque of a diesel engine means you’ll have plenty of power. So, if you’re driving across North America and towing a car behind you, you might not notice it!
Diesel pushers require a larger duty drivetrain due to their increased power and weight. This will raise the price of your RV, but it will also make it more durable in the long run. Better brakes and an air-ride suspension are common features of a heavy-duty drivetrain.
Another benefit of a diesel pusher is that the onboard generators are frequently diesel-powered. Using the same fuel for your generator and driving will increase the onboard generator’s operating time. This will allow you to dry camp for extended periods of time (away from serviced campgrounds).
So, do all of the benefits of a diesel pusher imply that gas-powered RVs aren’t any good? The opposite could not be further from the truth. The trick is to plan ahead of time for how you’ll use your RV and how much you’ll use it.
The diesel pusher is definitely the best option if you’ll be operating your Class A frequently, if not full-time. A gas-powered Class A motorhome could be the ideal solution if you use your Class A motorhome seldom and don’t do a lot of hauling or hill-climbing. Motorhomes with gasoline engines are also less expensive.
Whatever path you choose, we’ll be pleased to assist you in determining which Class A motorhome is perfect for you and your family. Come see our assortment of diesel pushers, which is one of the best in Western Canada.
Why is it referred to as a diesel pusher?
While the type of engine is probably one of the most important characteristics of a diesel pusher, this classification encompasses a wide range of vehicles. These RVs, on the other hand, can be up to 45 feet long, sleep 2-4 people, have a queen or king size bed, at least one sofa sleeper, and plenty of storage. They often have the largest windows of any type, allowing for improved sight on lengthy journeys and a bus-style front that makes it easier to maneuver.
It’s dubbed a diesel pusher since the engine is constantly near the back and can deliver a lot more torque for climbing hills and towing heavier tow cars or trailers.
These vehicles are frequently more expensive than their gasoline-engine counterparts due to the additional perks and capabilities. Prices for new homes can range from $250,000 to $600,000. Used machines, on the other hand, can cost anything from $40 to $60,000, even for higher-end versions.
Of course, such enormous cars would not have the same fuel economy as smaller versions, but RVing is more about the destination than the journey. It may take some getting used to driving something the size of a bus, and the length and height of the motorhome may limit where you may camp, but this is an opportunity to unplug from the daily grind and reconnect with nature in style.
What is a diesel pusher and how does it work?
Diesel pusher motorhomes are a type of Class A motorhome that differs from its gasoline-powered predecessors in that it has a diesel engine situated in the back. This setup is comparable to that of a commercial motorcoach or bus line, however it may not be ideal for all families.
Is it worthwhile to invest in a diesel pusher?
With better fuel mileage, it’s more efficient. Diesel fuel burns much more effectively than gasoline and has around 10% to 15% more energy than gasoline. As a result, a diesel class A RV can travel 20 to 35 percent further on a gallon of gasoline than a gasoline RV.
A diesel pusher gets how many miles per gallon?
A diesel pusher is the way to go if you want the benefits of a Class A motorhome with slightly better fuel economy (plus a smoother ride and higher-end equipment in general). A diesel engine is slightly more fuel efficient than a gas engine, though not by much. A Class A diesel pusher should get between 7 and 12 mpg on average, depending on size and weight.
What is the life expectancy of a diesel pusher?
If the maintenance and driving conditions are appropriate, a diesel RV will last on average 300,000 km. Despite this, if the motorhome has been mistreated, the engine is unlikely to go beyond 125,000 miles.
Over time and miles, you will notice the engine wear, which will cause it to start a bit worse, increase its consumption, or leak more and more gases to the outside.
How many miles will a gas motorhome last?
Standard gas engines, on the other hand, have a limited lifespan of roughly 200,000 miles if properly maintained. Because of the need for compression, gasoline engines wear out more quickly and so have a shorter usable life.
Is it worthwhile to purchase a diesel motorhome?
Diesel engines have a lengthy service life and outlast gasoline ones. This is a significant advantage of the engine type. However, if you only expect to drive your RV 5,000 miles a year, this isn’t much of a benefit. Longer engine life, on the other hand, translates to a better RV resale value. A diesel engine can run for longer periods of time without needing to be serviced. This is a significant benefit for full-timers.
The diesel RV’s higher low-end torque availability is another advantage. When it comes to towing and climbing mountains, this is critical. In the mountains, diesel RVs function better than gas RVs. On a rise, you’ll be able to sustain speed without stressing the engine by slamming on the throttle. If you’re looking at larger RVs, better torque is particularly vital because they’re heavier and require more torque to move and get up to speed.
Diesel fuel is usually more expensive than gasoline. Nonetheless, many RVers believe that the superior fuel economy of a diesel RV overcomes the disadvantage.
The useful powerband of a diesel engine is in the lower RPM range. When you increase the RPMs, the power decreases. Gas engines are unique. When compared to diesel engines, they provide more power at higher RPMs. As a result, acceleration and top speeds are increased. Of course, while RVing, that isn’t a big deal.
Another consideration with diesel engines is the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). DEF is not required for older diesel RVs, however it is required for modern diesel RVs. DEF was once pricey and difficult to come by for some RVers. That isn’t always the case nowadays, but it is another cost and concern to consider. Although having to locate DEF is a consideration, it is readily available at most fuel stations and virtually all big-box merchants such as Walmart.
Diesel RVs are more expensive than gasoline-powered RVs. Your budget and, most likely, the size RV you want will determine how much this influences your decision. Due of the specific parts and personnel necessary, diesel maintenance is considerably more expensive. However, because a diesel RV requires less maintenance, some people consider this a worthwhile sacrifice.
What does a diesel pusher RV cost?
Cost. Due to their size and powerful engines, Class A diesel motorhomes are among the most expensive models available. A brand-new model can cost anything from $250,000 to $600,000.
What is the life expectancy of a Class A diesel motorhome?
The largest of the three motorhome classifications is a Class A. Class As are the tour-bus style motorhomes you see on the road large RVs that are ideal for full-time living or camping and provide plenty of space. They are also the most expensive motorhome class. If you take good care of your class A motorhome and do routine maintenance, it should last roughly 200,000 miles. For additional information, see our in-depth look at class A RVs.
A 25-foot RV gets how many miles per gallon?
The weight of this RV also contributes to its excellent gas mileage. This is the smallest and lightest motorhome available. Weight plays a big role in deciding how hard the engine has to work to power and draw the car, which affects how good or terrible the gas mileage is. Because of the reduced weight of this RV, the engine does not have to work as hard, resulting in better gas mileage.
This sort of RV gets an average of 18 to 25 miles per gallon on average. This is actually better than the performance of some larger diesel trucks.