Diesel Engine options

[jeryan59]

Looking to replace a 40' American Eagle with a 42'. I had a 350 Cummins, 400 hp or 425hp is the smaller option available on the years I am looking at for 42 American Eagle's or the 500 hp Cummins. I do pull an enclosed trailer and never felt I needed more than my 350 hp with a 40', but no experience with a 42' American Eagle. Thanks for your opinions!

[Gary RVRoamer]

I have 370 hp in my 2004 American Tradition 40 and tow a 5000 lb vehicle. When it comes to the grades, I wish I had 400 or 425 hp.

The rule of thumb is a minimum of 1 hp per 100 lbs and that's exactly what I have (coach and toad combined). It's adequate but no more than that. Estimate the weight of the new cach and trailer and pick an engine that has enough oomph. If you like performance, go for 80-90 lbs per hp rather than 100.

[rmmpe]

To quote the immortal Carrol Shelby:
"If some is good, more is better. And too much is just enough".