FRED Torque / Horsepower figures.

[Jack Foster]

Hi All

I'm trying to compare the new Fred Chassis with the new Workhorse UFO chassis. What I need to know is what the horsepower and torque rating is on the Fred at the rear wheels. So far the only information I've been able to get are numbers at the engine flywheel. That's not a true picture.

Thanks

Jack

[Jack Foster]

Hi All

I'm trying to compare the new Fred Chassis with the new Workhorse UFO chassis. What I need to know is what the horsepower and torque rating is on the Fred at the rear wheels. So far the only information I've been able to get are numbers at the engine flywheel. That's not a true picture.

Thanks

Jack

[Gary RVRoamer]

You will have to pick an engine option on the UFO to compare. The FRED only comes with the 5.9L Cummins 300 HP but their are engine options on the UFO.

[depchief]

The 300HP and torque are going to be lost in the long drive shaft.The thoughts of a center mounted bearing assembly scare me with this configuration.

I have never driven the FRED but I wonder what the engine noise will be when cruising. At times the 8.1 is loud when at high RPM, but is acceptable at cruising speed, the diesel is normally a louder engine.

The UFO has the short drive shaft thus not the loss of HP as in the front mounted gas engine models.

If you have not had the opportunity to drive the UFO please try to arrange your schedule to get to a ride and drive site, it truly is a new experience

[Jack Foster]

DepChief

They say the Fred is not too noisy because of a lot of sound deadening by the MH manufacturer. Hard to believe though. If you figure the long drive shaft compared to the UFO 2 ft one, the Fred only has a 5 speed transmission compared to the UFO speed I certainly like the UFO better. Plus, add in the high maintenance cost of diesel vs gas I'm not sure it's such a good deal.

Jack

[Jack Foster]

Gary

It's my understanding that the only engine available now is the 8.1 liter GM. I know the other engines will be offered shortly, but not as yet.

Jack

[Monkey Wrench]

I cant tell you about the 8.1 liter GM, but the Cummins has a oil change interval of 15,000 miles and a valve adjustment of 150,000 miles. Much longer engine life, better resale value with the Cummins. I suggest that you go to www.cummins.com for details. Engine builders will not be able to tell you what the horsepower will be at the wheels, flywheel only. There are too many variations, transmission, tires, gear ratio. Every model of vehicle will differ.

[Route 66]

I agree that flywheel horsepower and rear wheel horsepower are two different things, but the only info published is flywheel ratings.

That's about all we have to go by.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Monkey Wrench:
Engine builders will not be able to tell you what the horsepower will be at the wheels, flywheel only. There are too many variations, transmission, tires, gear ratio. Every model of vehicle will differ. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>An outfit like Brazel's RV Performance can since they have a dynamometer.

[Jack Foster]

Monkeywrench

You should check the fine print on the diesel warranty regarding oil changes. I don't know about Cummins but Detroit (and I understand Cat very shortly) are requiring oil and filter changes every six months even if you don't reach the mileage. Also, most gas engines don't require a valve adjustment at all. It's common knowledge that when you factor in higher cost of fuel, maintenance, diesel engines are approximately 30% more to maintain. And it's even worse on motorhomes because they are stored more than driven which results in more problems. Diesels have to be constantly driven. These costs are the big downside to diesels. Most other issues are a plus. ie: Torque and power.

Jack

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jack Foster:
These costs are the big downside to diesels. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Jack, If you also include the up-charge for the 07 emission controls you could be talking some real money. The 8.1 is emission compliant and will be so for the foreseeable product life span of the engine. I believe the 8.1L will go out to 2010 before it is sunset.

[Route 66]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">You should check the fine print on the diesel warranty regarding oil changes. I don't know about Cummins but Detroit (and I understand Cat very shortly) are requiring oil and filter changes every six months even if you don't reach the mileage. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Cummins is still 1 year for the time limit.

[Pusherman]

I just attended the FMCA Rally in Perry, Ga, and attended a CAT seminar. They specifically talked about the oil change interval on the CAT engines, and there was no mention of a 6 month change, if mileage is not met. I also asked about first year operation of a CAT C7, and the chief tech told me to change the oil at 1 year or 11k miles.

[Jestme13]

Hi Don, hope yer trip is going well. I have spoken to Cat a few times myself and understand that 11,000 miles is if you are running 21 qts of oil. 9,000 if you are running 19 qts. Myself I prefer to run the 21 qts and have had no problem with the blow by from the slobber tube. My particular C7 likes 21 qts, some don't, go figure