2011 Discovery power?

[J3c7l]

We're considering moving up to a 2011 Discovery 42A from a 2006 Jayco Seneca. We really like the floor plan with the rear bunkhouse but have a few concerns I'm hoping I can get some feedback on. First, at over 44,000 lbs, is the 380 HP cummins enough? I haven't been all that impressed with the Seneca's 330 HP (with Banks power pack) and that's on a 22,000 lb motorhome. We frequently travel mountains and tow a Chrysler Aspen (about 4,500 lbs). I don't want to move up to less power. The Seneca is 36 feet, will the extra 7 feet make much difference in driving? Finally, have found some "deals" on the Internet, but how important is it to buy from a local dealer who will be handling all of the warranty work? Any feedback is appreciated.

[gmanatl]

I would not think you would. Be happy with the power in the mind of use you describe. I have a 2008 Winnebago tour that weighs 32,350 that I tow a grand Cherokee with. The coach has a 400isl and I consider it adequate. The new 2011winnebago tour tag Axel weighs 44,000 and they Are putting a 450 in it. You be the judge .

[pcurt23]

I would compare the specifications of the power trains. The 380hp has 1050 lbs of torque. That is a lot of muscle. The last time I compared gear ratios Fleetwood was a little lower in the first 3 gears. Somewhat the same in 4 and 5. And a little lower in 6th. Torque and gear ratios are usually more important in diesel than the hp rating. I am running a 300 hp Cat with 860 lbs of torque 31000 gvw. Does not win any races but climbs the mountains with ease. And I have not had nearly as many issues has have my Winnebago friends.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I would consider 100 lbs per HP to be pretty much a minimum for adequate performance. I've got 370 HP and 1200 ft lbs in a coach weighing 37,700 (including toad) and I would not want any less. And on a 6% grade I definitely wish for more!

I think you will be disappointed with a 380 hp ISC in a coach that heavy. Regardless of gearing. See if it can be upgraded to the larger ISL engine. If not, consider switching to the Providence, which comes with the ISL. Yeah, it costs more.

[Daytripper63]

I have the ISC in my 08 fleetwood Providence 40X (pretty much same coach) and it gets over the mountains just fine some hills have got me down to 50 for a short bit but for the most part I cruise. Not sure of your location but I am in NorCal and take regular trips over the sierras to Reno and can do 55+ the whole way.
As for the weight of the 2011 Discovery, you are posting the GCWR of 42,400 the GVWR is only 32,400 and I doubt your towing 10,000lbs so you should be good
Heres a linkhttp://fleetwoodrv.com/brandtomodel/...rand=discovery

[Gary RVRoamer]

Quote:

As for the weight of the 2011 Discovery, you are posting the GCWR of 42,400 the GVWR is only 32,400 and I doubt your towing 10,000lbs so you should be good

Not so - he is talking about a 42A and the GVWR of the 42 footer models is indeed 44,600. The GCWR is 54,600! However, the coach may not weigh the full GVWR, even fully loaded. It will likely have a toad, though, so the total weight will almost surely exceed 44k lbs.

[Daytripper63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer Not so - he is talking about a 42A and the GVWR of the 42 footer models is indeed 44,600. The GCWR is 54,600! However, the coach may not weigh the full GVWR, even fully loaded. It will likely have a toad, though, so the total weight will almost surely exceed 44k lbs.

I just noticed that it also has a tag axle, with that kinda weight I personally would want an Cummins ISL
The ISC will probably do fine the majority of the time but there will be times with that much weight that I would want a little bit more

[J3c7l]

Thanks for the input. Responses were pretty much what I expected in that the power for this weight maybe a little questionable. My next question is that since this appears to be a very unique floor plan and I can't find any others like it and there is no option for a more powerful engine, would anyone recommend "chipping" this engine and would that void the warranty or do I just need to settle for a little less power if we choose this model? Thanks for any opinions.

[Daytripper63]

Quote:

Originally Posted by J3c7l Thanks for the input. Responses were pretty much what I expected in that the power for this weight maybe a little questionable. My next question is that since this appears to be a very unique floor plan and I can't find any others like it and there is no option for a more powerful engine, would anyone recommend "chipping" this engine and would that void the warranty or do I just need to settle for a little less power if we choose this model? Thanks for any opinions.

You said in your original post that you spend alot of time traveling in the mountains, where about? The one thing I noticed with my coach is I dont spend as much time as I thought going up hill. I would suggest taking one on a test drive where you can try a hill or two.
Good luck I like the floor plan you are looking at but that tag axle adds alot of weight
And yes a chip would affect your warranty

[J3c7l]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daytripper63 You said in your original post that you spend alot of time traveling in the mountains, where about? The one thing I noticed with my coach is I dont spend as much time as I thought going up hill. I would suggest taking one on a test drive where you can try a hill or two. Good luck I like the floor plan you are looking at but that tag axle adds alot of weight And yes a chip would affect your warranty

Colorado and Wyoming mountains primarily. There aren't very many of these floor plans around, but I think I'll have the opportunity to drive one next week, but in southern CA and doubt I'll get the opportunity to try too many hills.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I can see that the 42A floor plan is unique, so maybe you just have to live with the performance. It should be fine on the level and up to 3% or so grades, but will slow down noticeable at 4% or more if you don't have a good running start. Long twisty 6% climbs are going to be in the neighborhood of 40 mph, if my experience with my 370 hp ISL are any measure. I've just learned to relax and let it go at its own rate.

I don't know of anyone with performance chips for the late model ISC, but odds are it would void the engine warranty if anything actually failed. Maybe Brazell's RV Performance would know if there is anything.
Brazel's RV > Cummins/Carerpillar Performance

[hooverbill]

I may be wrong, since my info came from a salesman, but he said all new 2011 MHs must have the new regen system on the engines...came on the diesel pickups on 2007. Any way, he said the regen system adds considerable cost to buy and operate, and reduces MPG, that's why I got a pre 2011 when we bought in Dec.

[Tha_Rooster]

The only real way to find out about it's power is drive it like you own it put it on the highway I test drove several fleetwoods before settled on the revolution.

[J3c7l]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hooverbill I may be wrong, since my info came from a salesman, but he said all new 2011 MHs must have the new regen system on the engines...came on the diesel pickups on 2007. Any way, he said the regen system adds considerable cost to buy and operate, and reduces MPG, that's why I got a pre 2011 when we bought in Dec.

The 2011 use the DEF with more HP than the 2010 and quite a bit more torque. Like you my info is from a salesman, so who knows, but he says the 2011 are more powerful than 2010. But you do have to add the DEF which I think is still a bit unproven. My understanding of the regen is that it does reduce power but the DEF doesn't.