Community Forums

drtuck · 09-15-2015, 07:56 PM

Does anyone have the Banks Power System or have any knowledge about it on the 1997, 275 HP 5.9 L Cummins engine?

H. Miller · 09-16-2015, 05:54 AM

There were MANY "Banks Power Systems" in that era... You'll need to be MUCH MORE specific to obtain any meaningful answers.

Smitty77 · 09-16-2015, 09:15 AM

Most of the Banks systems are well designed and do what they claim they will do in a relative safe manner. They're not inexpensive, and only you can do the math to determine if you want to pony up for the extra ponies

!

Banks Power | Diesel Motorhomes, Cummins

If the above line works, you will see two major options, at different price points. I know some with your engine have been pleased with only doing the Stinger mod... So, you could look into doing this in phases, stopping when you feel you have what you need.

Smitty

H. Miller · 09-16-2015, 01:13 PM

Can only relate my experience with Banks.. Our MH has an ISC 8.3 which HAD the full blown OttoMind system installed to the tune of nearly $4,000! Primary parts were new turbine and computer. Worked for 6 years then lost 25-30% power and overheated easily. Local shop who once represented Banks (they don't now) narrowed the problem to the computer. It was removed and sent to Banks for repair or replacement. They confirmed a bad computer but would do neither! The system was no longer supported by Banks! There were no spares and no program to obtain any..
Interestingly, an iRV2 member proudly announced the same month my problem was happening that he had just purchased the same system (new)!! We discussed my problem and I've always wondered if he had problems during the warranty period and if so, how it was handled.
I would best describe dealing with Banks as "You're on your own".

Mr_D · 09-16-2015, 01:21 PM

Some years ago I installed the Banks system on our '02 DSDP with ISC 350/1050. Never had any problems with it and it did work well.
And yes, the company that built the Ottomind "box" quit doing it for unknown reasons so Banks can no longer support the units out there or make anymore. The Ottomind unit is encased in epoxy so it can't be repaired and must be replaced. There's no one to do that now.
It's too bad too as it was a worthwhile upgrade even to the the ISC 350. Went from 350/1050 to 435/1200 and it did make quite a difference.

Smitty77 · 09-16-2015, 02:04 PM

I should have mentioned that small deviation from Banks normal solid support of their products. Not insignificant, due to the costs of the unit. Ottomind boxes due show up for sale used from time to time. Have known one gent that bought used one to keep as a spare, in case his goes out.

I never heard the what and why on the Ottomind no longer being produced. And I do feel that Banks should have done whatever it takes to have a replacement like unit developed and available. It would have cost money to do so, as I suspect full recertification would be required.

Frankly, I feel that RV business for Banks is such a small percentage of their total sales - they've basically could not justify the expense to cover those with the ISC unit.

That does not mean that the ISB units are not a good design, and of course they have the Dodge Truck crowd to really spread the costs of development and support over. So for the OP, he should be OK... maybe

!

Smitty

drtuck · 09-17-2015, 05:14 PM

Thank you Hal & Smitty
I went to the above mentioned site and asked for the nearest authorized Banks Dealer and installer to get in touch with me with additional information. I have not heard from them as yet. Will just have to wait and see I guess. I would not mind doing the work IF I thought that I had adequate instructions and "knew" that I had all the parts needed for the job. I hate to keep returning to a parts place needing more parts for what I wanted to do. I am sure you have heard of the 3 trip rule for any plumbing/electrical/mechanical problem. LOL
Dan