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Dogpatch · 01-21-2013, 08:07 AM

We are looking at a 37' 2001 Travel Supreme. GVWR is 22000. It's on a Spartan Chassis. It has a Cummins Diesel 260 hp (24 valve ISB 5.9 Liter Turbo)
The seller claims 12mpg and PLENTY OF POWER!!!

Anyone got a comment? Could this be true? Wouldn't the 260 hp be underpowered or does the turbo make up for that? Seems to me uphill and towing would be an issue.

As always, comments are appreciated.

dieselclacker · 01-21-2013, 08:38 AM

Les, any chance of you giving the rig a trial run? I would question the power output of the 5.9 260, especially towing.

Dogpatch · 01-21-2013, 08:46 AM

I kinda wanted some opinions before I set out on an 10 hr round trip to view and test drive.

You were the first. Thanks.

Route 66 · 01-21-2013, 08:59 AM

The turbo is what makes the 260HP.

Plenty of power and acceptable performance is all relative and personal opinion.

I'm sure 260HP will go wherever you want it to, but maybe not as fast as you want it to.

Unlike gas engines that lose power at altitude, the turbo will prevent power loss.

Ray,IN · 01-21-2013, 01:31 PM

I agree with Dirk. That medium-duty diesel engine is a workhorse, not the fastest perhaps, but will dependably get you where-ever you want to go. You can have it upgraded for more HP if desired later. Last time I ran the numbers each HP increase was about $10. I think the marine version of this motor comes standard with 350 HP, why? Because it has unlimited cool water to keep the engine at proper operating temperature.
A diesel (heat) engines power is derived from burned fuel, divided into approximately 1/3 slices of the heat; One third is wasted through the exhaust system, one third through the cooling system and underhood radiated heat, leaving 1/3 for HP.. That is why the claim of 12 MPG might be true. Less fuel = less power = better fuel mileage.
The biggest difference between a gas engine and a diesel is, you can safely floorboard a diesel up an 8 mile grade, not so with a gas engine.
That's my opinion, take it with a grain of salt.

Jack1234 · 01-21-2013, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogpatch

We are looking at a 37' 2001 Travel Supreme. GVWR is 22000. It's on a Spartan Chassis.

Are you sure about the GVWR @ 22,000? This doesn't sound correct for a 37' TS on a Spartan. I'll bet it's GVWR is 32,000 and...IMO the 250hp ISB is nowhere near adequate.

Cat320 · 01-21-2013, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack1234

Are you sure about the GVWR @ 22,000? This doesn't sound correct for a 37' TS on a Spartan. I'll bet it's GVWR is 32,000 and...IMO the 250hp ISB is nowhere near adequate.

Agree. TS is a high quality coach, and, if 37' I would think heavier than 22k. If it is 32k, it would need more engine.

Gary RVRoamer · 01-22-2013, 01:34 PM

The figure of merit for horsepower in a coach is 100 lbs per horsepower, so 260 hp is considered acceptable to power a 26,000 lb rig. That won't accelerate fast or lead the pack up steeper grades, but it's an ok all-around performer. RV manufactueres typically set engine size to match the GVWR, but for practical usage it should be matched to the combined weight of coach and whatever you will tow.

I didn't think TS had any coaches with a 22,000 lb GVWR, but it might be around 26,000 GVWR with an empty ( or near empty) weight of 22k.

Hooligan · 01-22-2013, 02:57 PM

Travel Supreme 2001 M-36DS 37ft is rated at 22,000# GVWR..

My Landau, 36ft, Dp has a GVWR of 22,000, with the Cummins 260 ISB. The Allison 1000 transmission is limited to 22,000 pounds GVWR and is the reason for that limit. My Chassis axle limits are 8000 front and 15,000 rear but again not to exceed 22K total in any combination of loading.. GCWR (towing) for the Allison and the Freightliner chassis is 26,000#

Since new, the overall average mpg, has been 11.2 to 11.6 with the toad, it is now right at 11 since they went to the low sulfur diesel. Power is more than adequate. Pulled 6-7% grades at 45, towing, and maintains 35 on steeper grades.I normally cruise at 65 to 68 mph.

As far as upgrading the engine, again the limiting factor is the Allison tranny, it is rated for 550ft# torque which is the rated output of the ISB 260.

I've been very satisfied with the engine/tranny combination.
Hope this helps...

rsflight · 01-22-2013, 03:05 PM

I looked at the NADA listing for that year and they did make a 37' with a 260 HP engine. The ISB engines are often used in large pickups and smaller lighter motorhomes. My guess is that the one you are looking at was the lowest of their model offerings for that year. My view is that 260 HP is low for that coach due to its lower torque output as compared to the other RV engines offered. It will get you where you want to go but it will slow down on the hills and not be very quick when starting from a light. I'd guess that the GVW is likely 26000#. Our 2002 is a 38' with a 350HP ISC engine, GVW of 32000#, and we have all the power we need.

Jack1234 · 01-22-2013, 03:24 PM

Looks like the GVWR @ 22,000 is correct. At this weight this MH at 37' would be s very light weight weekend warrior....would be little capacity for extra passengers, pets or "stuff" and your toad limit would be 4000 max.

Hooligan · 01-22-2013, 06:21 PM

Jack
Carrying capacity depends on empty and loaded weights. MY MH empty (factory) weight was 17493#. Recent weight fully loaded, clothes, tools, food etc, full fuel and fresh water tanks, 20260lbs. (With only the driver). Still plenty of capacity (1700 lbs) for DW, pets etc. Again this is the Freightliner XCS chassis.
No idea how the weight runs on the OP's Spartan chassis. It could also be very efficiently designed...

While the Landau may not be my choice for full timing, (no garage) - it is a very capable motorhome.

Dogpatch · 01-22-2013, 07:12 PM

Thanks All so far.

So is the Travel Supreme a well made Coach? Anyone know?

rsflight · 01-23-2013, 02:59 AM

Travel supreme was on our short list before we got it. I went to the Entegra (current brand name) factory to see how they made them. Very impressive. No regrets on our decision. All parts are still available from component suppliers.

I like the Spartan chassis too. I had an opportunity to visit Spartan after the fact, also an impressive place. There are many common parts between the fire & emergency vehicles and the RV chassis, all that they make. Their staff continues to be very knowledgeable & helpful.

No regrets.