Motorhome Gas vs Diesel

Q:   My wife has talked me out of a 5th wheel, so now I am shopping motorhomes. I have always heard that diesel had better longevity, had a better ride and performed better on inclines.  I have been told that I was wrong--this seems to happen a lot with me.  Do you recommend gas or diesel?  Do you have a preference?  Does a gas engine hold up well after several years of full-timing?  Will a gas engine die on big hills?  Etc.? I would prefer to pay the lower price for a gas engine, but don't want to regret it later.  
---Thanks.

A: There is no black and white decisions on buying one of these beasts. As for the gas vs. diesel I don't know who told you you were wrong, all the plus items you listed were correct in my opinion. Diesel has more power, engines are good for at least twice as many miles, and because of the extra weight they always come with upgraded suspension which gives them a smoother ride. That said, You would be hard pressed to wear the engine out on a gas motorhome. We travel a lot and I have only put 41,000 miles on the motorhome in 15 years. We tow a car so the motorhome is only being used to get from place to place. The car takes the mileage hit. Our friends just went from a gas Winnebago Sightseer to a 40 ft. monster diesel pusher (engine in rear), they said it is as quiet and smooth as riding in a luxury car. Our old Class "C" rides a little rough but nothing harsh. One way to feel the difference for yourself is to have a dealer take you for a test drive in both. You will pay a premium for a diesel, maintenance will cost more and depending on the market, diesel fuel can cost more as it is at this time. Better mileage will depend on how big you go. We like to stay short so we can get into all the National Forest campgrounds we love. Slide-outs will give you extra room without being too long. Manufacturers are beginning to make shorter diesels now. It used to be they were all monster rigs. I got all excited about one but when I look at the cost of buying a new depreciating vehicle for 150 grand I figure I can buy a lot of gas with the money I saved by finding well maintained used rig with low miles.
So bottom line is find a rig with the floor plan you love. I think the advantages of a 5th wheel would be many great floor plans, bigger rig for total length, as it extends over truck. Cost is a wash because you still need a powerful truck to haul it. Downside for me would be having to drive that big truck everywhere. I love the fact that we can, in seconds, unhook from the mothership and take our Saturn on side trips.
These newer gas motorhomes usually have a Ford Triton V10 or a Chevy Vortec. They have 5-speed transmissions and seem to do well in the mountains. If you keep your foot out of the carburetor you should see 6.5 to 9 mpg depending on terrain.
--Keep Smilin', Dr. R.V. Shrink