Allegro power to weight question

[Elf]

I'm trying to get information about the 36LA Allegro. I have not been able to see one yet in person since they are "on order" and not yet in at the dealers I have contacted.
The question I have is in regard to the power available for the size. Currently we have an Allegro 30DA on the W-20 chassis with the 8.1. It has done well for us but is also the shortest/lightest of the line on the W-20.
The 36LA, on the other hand, has the Ford chassis with the 6.8L V10 and is at the large end for that setup.
The 35QBA is probably comparable in weight. Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, with this? I feel like this is on the border of needing the extra power/torque of a diesel for any real mountain driving.

[Full.Monte]

I don't know the answer from personal experience with these rigs, but I will tell you how I would figure it out.

The first thing would be to gather all the weight ratings from the stickers on the rigs. GVWR, GCVWR (if you tow). Second, I'd figure out the actual weight that you plan to haul in each rig. This will tell you the "allowable luggage weight", or how much weight you will be able to put in the coach. On some coaches, this number is surprisingly low, and people get surprised. Then I'd look at the HP and Torque at about 2000 rpm (which is average running RPM for my rig). This will give you an idea of number of pounds of load per HP. Not super scientific, but ballpark to tell you if there will be a big performance change from your rig.

Then there is the transmission. If you get a fancy Allison with 5 or 6 speeds and auto downshift when you touch the brakes, that might give you better performance than just the average three-speed or three-speed with overdrive combination.

Diesels are a bit of a different animal. The engines are bigger and heavier, and more reliable than most gassers. The fuel also is getting to cost more. If you are going to be driving a lot of miles, you may save enough on maintenance and repairs to make it worthwhile. If you are going to leave it parked most of the time, you might be able to get by with a gas unit.

Good luck with your decision!

[woodburner]

I think for the size there shouldn't be a problem.
The other major Mfg's make them even larger than the 36LA and I've never heard anyone complain about the ability of the engine versus the weight.
You might try asking the same question on one of their forums. Fleetwood or Winnebago and see what the consensus is.

[mfire1339]

ELF, I think you will notice a lack of power compared to your current rig. That said it should perform ok.


Mike

[Bay37QSB]

We have a 2009 Allegro Bay 37 QSB with the Ford V10. We have about 14,000 miles on it and have been pleased with the power. I installed the 5star system on the engine ECM at 10,000 miles and it made a big improvement on the engine performance!

[wazone3]

The current Ford V-10 has more HP and torque than the last 8.1 Workhorse V-8.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazone3 The current Ford V-10 has more HP and torque than the last 8.1 Workhorse V-8.

But at a higher RPM and some people don't like to run an engine at that RPM. even though it's built for it.
Our diesel is limited to 2200 RPM, that's well over 90 mph if I want to push it. It all in what you want.
Most RV's built today have sufficient HP and torque for what they are built for.

[Elf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D But at a higher RPM and some people don't like to run an engine at that RPM. even though it's built for it. Our diesel is limited to 2200 RPM, that's well over 90 mph if I want to push it. It all in what you want. Most RV's built today have sufficient HP and torque for what they are built for.

Thanks. I was just a bit concerned about going from the light end of the scale vs power to the heavy end. I now need to make sure that there is enough available cargo weight capability to not put it over the top.