Response To: "An Open Letter to the RV Industry"

[DriVer]

Monaco issues response promoting EGR diesel emission soloution


By: Greg Gerber
RV D@aily Report



COBURG, OR -- Officials with Monaco Corporation today released a statement supporting the company's EGR diesel emission solution for meeting the Environmental Protection Agency's 2010 emission requirements.

The statement was in response to an open letter published last week by seven RV manufacturers in support of the competing SCR solution.
Here is the text of the Monaco statement signed by Kay Toolson, president of Monaco RV; and Jack Allen, president of Navistar North American Truck Group:

To all recreation vehicle dealers (US and Canada):

Why are so many RV manufacturers pointing at Monaco RV? Think they are worried? They should be! EGR is a proven technology and the latest advancement in emissions control for the next generation of diesel engines. SCR is not.

We were shocked and disappointed by an open letter that was recently signed by seven RV manufacturers, claiming SCR as the best 2010 emissions solution for customers. We disagree. Advanced EGR is the best solution for customers because it is as simple as turning the key. At Monaco RV, we’ve never been about following the crowd – we build products based on what’s right for our customers.

In their letter, there are claims that are either outright lies or don’t make sense.


EGR Works

• Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is a proven technology that has been in use for years. Navistar has advanced EGR to the next level. It is a simple, no‐hassle solution.
• Navistar has delivered over 20,000 Advanced EGR‐equipped vehicles, including Monaco RVs.

EGR is Simple

• Advanced EGR doesn’t require additional components or complexity to operate a motorhome. Our customers won't need to change anything about the way they go RVing.
• EGR doesn’t require “DEF” (urea) to run.

EGR Delivers

• MaxxForce engines in Monaco RV products are fuel‐efficient, quiet and powerful. Their letter claims that SCR elivers better fuel economy. Compared to what? Themselves?

The only thing the group’s SCR letter was right about is that Monaco RV is the only manufacturer to offer its customers Maxxforce Advanced EGR in an integrated coach product. Which makes you wonder: Why would seven manufacturers feel the need to write an open letter making a case for SCR? What are they worried about?

The answer to this question is anyone’s guess. But we can tell you why we chose the Advanced EGR solution. It’s simple: It reduces NOx inside the engine and it requires absolutely no changes to the way our customers go RVing. In other words, we put the customers first by utilizing a technological solution that is right for their needs.

And while we’re on the subject, here are some things you may want to consider about SCR and the required Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF):

• Running out of DEF causes the engine to derate and eventually shut down.
• At low RPM levels, such as at idle, SCR doesn’t work, creating higher, pre-2007-standard level emissions. Think about coach owners sitting in campgrounds or in traffic. This is a step backward for clean air.
• DEF freezes at 12 degrees F and storage isn’t recommended above 77 degrees F.
• DEF (urea) is a hazardous chemical.
• DEF and related components add to the complexity and cost of operating motorhomes.

Don’t believe us? Read the engine OEM owners’ manuals for details.
We ask that you experience for yourself the next generation of engine and RV technology by visiting our display at the upcoming National RV Trade Show at Booth 3200 and get more details at our website at www.monacorv.com/2010Emissions.

[DriVer]

in the "Open Letter to the RV Industry", I quote;

"Unfortunately, the sole manufacturer (Navistar) utilizing Advanced EGR technology, which is not yet available on the RV market nor a proven technology, has created confusion for the industry by misrepresenting the truth about SCR. Let’s let the facts speak for themselves."

I'm confused about the facts.

One of the 7 signers of this document is heavily invested in a new technology RDP product that uses Navistar's Advanced EGR technology. Why take a position that endorses SCR while the company is banking so heavily on the success of the new "Breeze" that is running EGR?

I would ask again; why sign a document and heavily endorse SCR and yet produce a vehicle and taut it's benefits on the non use of SCR technology? I don't get it, I'm sorry!