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17 Posts
I've been following the forum for a while and have been able to soak up a lot of great information. I'm about ready to take the plunge, but I'm still debating whether I should get the gas or diesel engine. I've pretty well settled on the 159" WB, regular length. I plan to do a camper/RV conversion for trips in the US and occasionally in Baja (and possibly mainland Mexico). I plan to install solar, a roof fan, and possibly an awning. I don't normally tow a trailer, but might need to once in a while. I'm guessing that I'll probably only drive about 10K miles/year. Here are some of the pros and cons for the two engines based on what I have read. Any feedback would be appreciated!
Gas Engine
1. Lower initial cost
2. Worse fuel economy (15-18 mpg?)
3. Lower oil change cost and lower maintenance cost?
4. Easier to find service and spare parts (particularly south of the border)
5. Not a problem if you need to idle engine
Diesel
1. Better fuel economy (22-25 mpg?)
2. Less effort to drive efficiently?
3. Longer engine life (not a big deal at 10k/yr?)
4. More robust transmission
5. Better gear ratios
6. Issues finding ULSD and DEF south of the border (there is supposed to be ULSD down to where I normally go in Baja and I have read that there "might" not be any issues using higher sulfur diesel for periods of time).
Gas Engine
1. Lower initial cost
2. Worse fuel economy (15-18 mpg?)
3. Lower oil change cost and lower maintenance cost?
4. Easier to find service and spare parts (particularly south of the border)
5. Not a problem if you need to idle engine
Diesel
1. Better fuel economy (22-25 mpg?)
2. Less effort to drive efficiently?
3. Longer engine life (not a big deal at 10k/yr?)
4. More robust transmission
5. Better gear ratios
6. Issues finding ULSD and DEF south of the border (there is supposed to be ULSD down to where I normally go in Baja and I have read that there "might" not be any issues using higher sulfur diesel for periods of time).