DLM Distribution

When shopping for a small RV or Class B campervan, one of the most debated decisions is whether to go with a gasoline or diesel engine. While diesel has a long-standing reputation in the world of long-haul trucking and 45-foot motorhomes, the story changes dramatically when you're talking about smaller RVs and campervans.

Here’s why gas-powered Class B campervans often come out ahead—and why diesel may not be all it’s cracked up to be in this category.

Upfront Costs: Gas Wins Every Time

One of the biggest advantages of gas engines in small RVs is the lower initial cost. Diesel Class B vans often come with a price tag that’s $10,000–$20,000 higher than comparable gas models. That’s a huge difference—especially when you consider that the MPG savings from diesel often never make up for the upfront investment.

Maintenance: The Diesel Myth Busted

There’s a myth that diesel engines last forever. While it’s true that big-rig diesel engines can be rebuilt and resleeved for million-mile service, this simply isn’t the case with small diesel engines in Class B RVs.

Modern diesel vans—especially those in campervan form—are not built for the kind of easy rebuilds common in semi-trucks. When problems arise, repairs are often complex, expensive, and harder to source. The maintenance costs for diesel—fuel filters, DEF systems, emissions components, turbo issues—add up quickly.

Gas engines, on the other hand, are simpler to service, cheaper to maintain, and have far wider parts and technician availability across the U.S. You’re much more likely to find someone who can work on a gas-powered Ford or Chrysler at a local shop than you are to find a diesel specialist when you're far from home.

Fuel Economy: Diesel Gains, But at What Cost?

Yes, diesel engines tend to get slightly better MPG, especially on long highway drives. But with diesel prices often higher per gallon, and the cost of oil changes and maintenance significantly more expensive, the real savings disappear quickly.

A gas-powered Mini-T Campervan, for example, gets 14–28 MPG—which rivals or beats many diesel Class B vans when you factor in the cost of ownership.

Cold Weather Performance: Gas Has the Edge

If you plan to travel year-round, gasoline engines outperform diesel in cold weather. They start easier in low temperatures and don’t require glow plugs or cold-weather additives. While diesel tech has improved, cold starts are still a concern—especially in remote or high-altitude regions.

Functionality: Diesel Is Overkill for Small Vans

Diesel engines shine in applications that demand power and torque—think 40+ foot motorhomes, fifth wheels, or heavy-duty tow rigs. In a compact Class B campervan, that level of torque is often unnecessary.

Many Class B diesel models are overbuilt for what they actually need to do—leading to a heavier vehicle, more complexity, and a higher cost, with no real gain in usability. In contrast, gas-powered campervans are nimble, quiter, some fit in a garage and are more cost-effective, making them better suited to everyday use and practical road trips.

Why Gas Campervans Like the Mini-T Lead the Way

The Mini-T Campervan by DLM-Distribution, available on the Ford Transit Connect and Chrysler platforms, is a perfect example of why gas-powered Class B RVs make sense. These vans deliver:

-     Exceptional fuel economy (up to 28 MPG)

-     Low maintenance requirements

-     Easy serviceability anywhere in the U.S.

-     Garage-friendly dimensions - other than the Mini-T HR Model.

-     Off-grid capability with solar and inverter systems

Whether you're a weekend traveler or a full-time road explorer, a gas-powered Mini-T offers a smarter, simpler, and more cost-effective ownership experience than diesel alternatives.

Bottom Line: Gas is Better for Most Class B RV Travelers

While diesel engines have a role in heavy-duty rigs and long-haul trucking, they’re often the wrong tool for the job when it comes to Class B campervans. For small RVs, gas engines are more affordable, easier to maintain, and more practical overall—especially when the real-world savings are added up.

Don't fall for the diesel hype. When it comes to compact campervans, gas-powered RVs offer more value, better usability, and fewer headaches over the long haul.

Happy RVing!

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