| When it comes to petrol and diesel engines, the | | | | If your diesel is lacking in power, there are ways to |
| petrol engine is more traditionally associated with fast | | | | boost the torque by aftermarket engine tuning. This |
| cars, whereas the diesel engine has been | | | | may sound like it's only for boy racers, but engine |
| synonymous with buses and heavy goods vehicles - | | | | tuning (especially on diesels) can actually improve the |
| and there are good reasons for this. | | | | fuel economy of the motorhome (that's providing |
| Petrol engines produce maximum torque at a much | | | | you go easy on the accelerator!) as well as increasing |
| higher RPM (revolutions per minute) than a diesel | | | | the power as the extra torque will mean the engine |
| engine, meaning in order to pull a heavy load, the | | | | doesn't have to work as hard to pull the load. |
| petrol engine would need to keep the revs high and | | | | There are many companies that now specialise in |
| the gear low, increasing the stress on the engine not | | | | diesel tuning providing 'remaps' or 'chips' to reprogram |
| to mention the fuel consumption. The diesel engine, | | | | the ECU. Make sure you do your homework and look |
| however, reaches its maximum torque at much lower | | | | for a reputable company. Expect to pay in the region |
| revs so can therefore pull a heavier load with much | | | | of £350 to £500. If a company is charging much |
| less effort and without the need to change down a | | | | less than this, beware, as their methods may actually |
| gear. | | | | harm your vehicle, causing bugs with the ECU such as |
| The diesel engine, therefore, is much smoother to | | | | disabling the engine immobiliser. If in doubt, always |
| drive when pulling a heavier vehicle and much more | | | | ask questions about how the map actually works - |
| economical to run, making it perfect for your | | | | do they sound like they know what they're talking |
| motorhome. | | | | about? Look for a company who will offer a money |
| The downside to diesels is their reputation for being | | | | back guarantee and some form of warranty. And if |
| slow, heavy and noisy engines that put out a lot of | | | | your motorhome is under manufacturer warranty, |
| smoke, but things are improving. Diesel engines are | | | | ask how the modification will affect this. |
| often fitted with a turbo to increase power at higher | | | | As a modification you may be wondering about your |
| revs, giving that extra boost for overtaking or | | | | motorhome insurance. Not all insurance companies will |
| getting up to speed on motorway slip roads. Some | | | | increase their premiums, but it's worth checking |
| more modern engines are fitted with a twin turbo, | | | | before you plan any modifications to your |
| providing the extra boost both at low and high RPM, | | | | motorhome. Some specialist motorhome insurance |
| giving an even smoother power delivery. Diesels have | | | | brokers will not charge additional premium providing |
| recently featured in British Touring Cars and even Le | | | | the brake horse power (BHP) is not increased by |
| Mans teams have adopted them, proving they can | | | | more than 30%, but it would be advisable to notify |
| compete with petrol engines on power whilst still | | | | your insurer that you have modified the motorhome. |
| beating them on economy. | | | | |