Hello All, Looking to upgrade my tow rig/Motorhome - I need some help with descriptions of powerplants found in class A coaches. I have been advised to stay away from the 5.9l (3208??) setups and look for the the 8.x engines. I need help in identifying these engines as some places will list the size and HP, or only HP, or model number. Is there an identification guide or manuals online I can study that will help me inspect or ask the right questions when I am talking to a dealer? I am looking for a class A pusher, 35-40', with a good chassis and the bigger engine. This is an option to the recent post of mine about toy haulers. Any comments?
just ask what engine. a cummins 8.3L is common and a good engine ranging from 250-300hp just do not let anyone try to sell you a detroit 8.2L.
The 3208 Cat isn't all that bad. It just isn't too good on fuel economy, and doesnt burn so clean. The up side, smoooth running, good torque, and very quiet. The Cummins 8.3 is the ideal. There's others that are good too, Cat 3126, and Cummins 5.9.
You won't find a 6.0 Ferd in a Class A and you find a Chebby D-max in a class A, so I'll bet it will either be a CAT or an Cummins. Depending on the GVW of the Class A will depend on what you get. I've seen the 5.9 Cummins in Class A's up to 37ft. After that its the 8.3 ISL and above that the ISM. As far as Cats go, the C-9 is in the range. Like said before the 3208 is a good engine but its 30 years old. Started at 165hp and it grew to 450hp in a marine application. Don't last long at that rating. If your going over 40ft, you'll need something with 1000ft/lbs of torque. Good luck. Dave
Thanks for the comments and help! Spent the last 3 days looking at class A's - refined my searches to only 8.3l units. Most I looked at had 300hp, the occasional 350 and 1 400 imp: I will be taking a trip to Mesa Az or Texas (forgot where) as the prices out here in Ca are about $10k above the equivalent units in the 50-60k range. Anyone in the area want to go play inspector??
Before you take that long trip, and I'm not a salesman, have a look at the RV Forest at Lazy Days here in Florida at least for price, and personal preference. There located almost at the intersection of I-4 and I-75 on I-4 west bound side. I also have a friend that has a older Monaco Dynasty with no slides, wide body, low mileage 8.3 cummins/allision, found it in a barn in PA last year. He's been looking. Price is right. 38-40ft. In great shape. New tires and alot of TLC. Here the web site for Lazy Days; www.lazydays.com If your interested in seeing the Monaco, drop me a line at DavHaw@Aol.Com and I'll put some pictures together. We're headed for the Gatornationals Thursday morning. Dave
