Community Forums

jimmyjnr · 11-04-2010, 05:58 PM

I am looking at a 91 country coach sarasota gillig cat230hp and a 94 Monaco dynasty cummins 230hp , both low mileage and in nice condition and similar price, any one have thoughts on quality reliability, thanks Jim

W5DOK · 11-04-2010, 07:13 PM

Personally, I would go with the Cummins engine if all other factors were the same.

jimmyjnr · 11-04-2010, 08:52 PM

better reliability or preference

jimmyjnr · 11-05-2010, 11:21 AM

I know everyone wants more hp but is 230hp enough for these units, not worried about speed, just pulling over mountains, we live in colorado

HarveyP · 11-05-2010, 04:10 PM

I own the Cummins 230 in a 94 Motorhome and love it. We pull over mountains going to the East Coast every year, and have been through Colorado on the Interstate and secondary roads. Highway 6 was slow, but that was due more to the hairpin curves than the grade of the hills. You won't be the first up the hill, but you will get there. My last was a Class C with the Ford V8, and we get uphill much better now.
Among farmers that I know, it is generally accepted that to get parts or repairs on a Cat engine will cost more than on a Cummins engine. I have no personal experience, but that is what I have heard. Good luck, HarveyP

Downsizer · 11-05-2010, 04:54 PM

We have 2000 Monaco with Cummins - love it & coach! Just a smoothhhhhh engine!

pawpawboyce · 11-05-2010, 04:57 PM

tough decision. both good coaches are good brands. i have a mh w/350hp cat and have had no problems, but it would not make a difference if i chose a cummins.

W5DOK · 11-05-2010, 06:05 PM

I have owned 4 diesel coaches. 3 Cummins and 1 Cat powered. The Cat is why I prefer Cummins. From the day it was new, it was an oil burner. Cat's response was that it was supposed to burn a "little" oil. I usually had to add a gallon between changes. With the Cummins, I have never had to add a drop between changes. Other problems with the Cat were, blown turbo, bad injector pump, leaking seals and not near the torque that I get from the Cummins. I might add that I also own a heavy equipment business where we sell a lot of Cat products and for construction equipment, they're hard to beat. However, I also sell Komatsu products and some of them are Cummins powered. We have far fewer problems with the Komatsu machines. So, you might say that I'll sell the Cats, but drive the Cummins.

Doc
07 Monaco (400 ISL Cummins)

Papa_Jim · 11-05-2010, 10:39 PM

Well, they're both good coaches. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I prefer the Dynasty for the Roadmaster chassis and the semi-monocoque body, with the outboard airbag suspension. Just my personal choice.

The old Cummins 8.3L engine is a real workhorse, easy to increase HP, and will last a long, long time. Because it's been so popular in so many different markets, parts and service for these engines is usually very reasonable.

Mine left the factory set at 275HP. The previous owner purchased a Banks Stinger kit, which is basically a different fuel pump ramp plate, different turbo. He had it dyno tested and recorded that the engine was delivering 375HP. I have no way to deny or verify that statement.

I do know that it has enough power to do whatever I want to do, very comfortably. Mileage is about 8 MPG, depending on conditions.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

justimagination · 11-06-2010, 12:47 AM

Jim, I wish I had experience with a diesel to help you out, but I have none. I can tell you by reading these reply's which one I would choose. The proofs in the pudding. Good luck, happy trails and travel safe. JMHO...........I gotta believe my next one will be a Dynasty, I really like them!!!!!!!!!
David G.