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Post Info TOPIC: Caterpillar Diesel Engines


RV-Dreams Family Member

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Caterpillar Diesel Engines


Since we are helping our relatives in researching and looking for an RV for them, Richard has expressed that he would like to have a Class A with a Caterpillar diesel engine.

For some reason, I'm wanting to think that I have heard that Caterpillar has gotten out of the "over-the-road" diesel engines.  So, with that in mind, do any of you know for sure that they are, and if so, would it be beneficial for them to find a used Class A with the Caterpillar engine?

If you know of issues with Caterpillar engines that would be important to consider, I'd appreciate that information as well.  Sadly, my knowledge of them dates back about20-some years and then only in 18-wheelers.  So, any information that any of you can provide will be valuable to us.  They will be here in OKC this next week, and we'll be out looking.

I'm sure that this will be an interesting week, what with Roxie insisting on an RV with room for her musical keyboard and Richard wanting a Caterpillar.  They have been looking online and in publications at Tiffin Allegros.

Thanks to all.

Terry


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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug



RV-Dreams Family Member

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Yes, Caterpillar is now out of the over the road engines. New diesel motorhomes come with Cummins mostly since they are still in the over the road engine business. Caterpillar decided that they could match the new emissions standards in a creative way and failed. They were so arrogant and thought they were going to make a fortune. Expect them to come back in the over the road market using a urea tank in a couple years. But Cummins (and Navistar) will have a couple years extra of perfecting their urea engines by the time Caterpillar comes back in the market.

We like our 2004 Cummins ISL engine and are glad it is old enough to run on high sulfur diesel and not need urea.



-- Edited by bjoyce on Sunday 21st of November 2010 01:34:07 PM

-- Edited by bjoyce on Sunday 21st of November 2010 05:56:21 PM

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Bill Joyce,
40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com
Full-timing since July 2003



RV-Dreams Family Member

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Yep, what Bill said. Two of my brothers are over the road truckers, so I have some pretty accessible and up to date sources for info on diesel engines.

If buying used, big brother says Cats are good, but he prefers Cummins. If the MH also has a generator, consider that many (most?) generators are Cummins built. So if the engine is Cummins you only have to find one good service center...



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Carol

Carol Kerr Welch

Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident

2018 Winnebago Horizon 40A,  Jeep Cherokee Limited, Harley Davidson Trike 

Realtor specializing in RV and 55+ Communities in the Rio Grande Valley

 

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

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OK, Guys.  Now I have a follow-up question.  I keep forgetting about the new engines having the Urea addition for "better" emissions, but I'm not quite convinced on their effectiveness yet.

From something I heard somewhere, supposedly the manufacturers of over-the-road semi's have been using Urea for some time.  So, do any of you know whether the Urea system will be good or bad?  Is it already a proven system?

Part of the reason that Jo and I went with the 2008 Ford F450 was to avoid the Urea system.  Well, that and the LOT lower price for the used F450 vs new F450.   It seems like I've read where some claim their 2011's get better mileage, but does the Urea system really affect that?  Will the Urea system come about at the expense of pulling power or torque?

Good Grief!!!!   That was more than one question.  Oh, well.  I know the folks here aren't into counting questions....  YET....

Terry


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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug



RV-Dreams Family Member

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So far big brothers advice has been to stay away from the urea systems. He's concerned about the cost and it being new technology that hasn't had the bugs all worked out yet. Also the availability of urea is a concern for him.

Actually his advice is to go with a 2000 or earlier model Cummins. But then we don't want a MH that old! He says the older engines get better mileage and are a lot cheaper to maintain than the later model ones. But like I said, it's a big trade off in MH design going that old, so we will suffer a little less mileage for a comfortable home!

Will try to ask him your other questions when I talk to him later.

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Carol

Carol Kerr Welch

Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident

2018 Winnebago Horizon 40A,  Jeep Cherokee Limited, Harley Davidson Trike 

Realtor specializing in RV and 55+ Communities in the Rio Grande Valley

 

 



RV-Dreams Family Member

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A urea engine adds around 1000lbs and about $5K to a diesel pusher plus it takes more room for the urea tank. That is why for 2011 models many motorhomes are going with one size smaller engine and moving the batteries. The smaller engine reduces the weight and expense but reduces the torque and some of the horsepower. The batteries are being moved to give room for the urea tank, but this also takes away cargo space.

Been told that the cost of the urea is similar to adding about 10 to 15 cents to each gallon of diesel.

Personally if I had to get another motorhome I would buy used to avoid the new engines and the issues they have from a weight and volume viewpoint. Plus some manufacturers are getting in trouble violating the 20,000lb limit on the rear axle by specing it at 22,000lbs or the front axle at over 14,000lbs again a violation of federal roadway guidelines. These limits are so there is a uniform rule for bridge and road designers and some toll roads will check you on entry and not let you on them if any axle is over 20,000lbs. Newmar added a tag axle to their 40 foot DP to compensate, which makes it cost more.

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Bill Joyce,
40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com
Full-timing since July 2003



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My grandson works for a company that has a LARGE amount of diesel pickups. They used Ford this last purchase cycle. He reports the poor guys driving them are very unhappy, even though it does not cost them when they go bust. The company is not overly thrilled either. Seems the urea must be replenished before needed or the truck defuels and goes to limp mode. Capable of 5 mph until the ignition is turned off. Then it is call the dealer to come get it. Not for me. If I replace my present TV, it will be used, pre 2007.

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Ken and Fran 2006 Sunnybrook F250 SD CC PSD
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