2551 with a diesel vs gas

Hi all! I am a new member, looking to purchase a 2551, I really like the twin beds and not having to crawl out of the bed space or sleeping on a couch.

There is a 2006 2551 with the Ford 6.0 diesel for sale in my area that we are contemplating purchasing. We are diesel people, I think we had a gas Chevy sometime in the 70's and diesels since then. I am surprised that so few of the motorhomes have diesel engines, since they usually have more power than a gasser.

We are aware of the issues with the Ford 6.0 and that is part of our hesitancy in purchasing it. It is quite loud, so I don't think PC put enough sound insulation between the engine and the cab. How is the engine noise in a gas unit?

I would like to see some comments about the power of the v10 and diesels in the mountains. I just read a couple threads about gas mileage ( or rather lack of...) and that seems to be an irritant!

We have had 5th wheel campers, we will be keeping our Montana on a season site, and pulled with our 3/4 ton diesel PU. This will be our first motorhome. Hubby wants to be able to move around a bit to easy his back pain and such. I'm fine pulling the 5ver.

Thanks in advance for your comments.
Judi

Hi Judi,

If you seek a Phoenix Cruiser diesel with great fuel economy, then a Sprinter chassis is really the only good choice.  Unfortunately for you, only models 2350 and 2400 are offered on the Sprinter.  Not any other model including the 2551.

Just got back from a trip in the mountains including La Veta and Raton passes with a 3500 Sprinter towing a Tracker, 11mpg low, 17mpg high, 55mph over Raton from South and 60 in cruise over La Veta both ways..  Sprinter is conversation level quiet and from the rear while idling you can't tell it's running.  The 188 hp and 324 torque is very misleading in this unit - it will get the job done.