Community Forums

TLGPE · 11-14-2018, 09:11 AM

I am about to sign papers on a beautiful 08 Mountain Aire 4528. Sounds nice, but now I'm worried. I asked the salesman if the engine has DPF. He assured me that it does not. From what I can tell here, it must have it. The chassis is a K2 with (supposedly) a Cummins ISM 450 engine.

So my question is; does anyone have any good or bad input about this coach? It's a 2008 with 41,000 miles. It's not cheap, so I'm really concerned here at the eleventh hour.

Tom

Road Hawg · 11-14-2018, 10:13 AM

Hello Tom.
Cummins had two versions of the ISM. The 450hp version with 1450ft lbs of torque and the 500hp with 1550ft lbs.
I have read that Cummins had some "EPA Credits" that allowed them to sell this engine for motorhome applications without adding the DPF. They discontinued this engine in 2009 and it was replaced by the ISX 12.
My Essex has the 500 hp version and it does not have a diesel particulate filter.
Hope this helps with your purchase decision.

tom chelbana · 11-14-2018, 10:28 AM

The 08 Mountain Aire with the Spartan K2 450 HP is a great coach with a lot of 1st for Newmar. We had a 04 Essex we purchased new and after 14 years and over 140K miles we purchased a 18 London Aire. After 21 years of owning 3 high line coaches ( 2 London Aire's and a Essex) have thought the 08 and 09 Mountain Aires as a great coach. The ISM with 4000 trans plus the Spartan K2 chassis are some of the best from Newmar.
Newmar Man

TLGPE · 11-14-2018, 11:13 AM

Thank you both for your kind reassurance. This makes signing things easier.

tom

BW in TX · 11-14-2018, 11:38 AM

I have this exact coach. Mine does not have DPF and has been a great coach. Regarded as one of the best Newmar put out and just before they got loaded with more emissions goodies.

patrickemb · 11-14-2018, 04:51 PM

I have a 08 MADP 4523. No DEF. Had it since last February. Love it. No complaints. Few minor issues but I have fixed them.

BrokeDown · 11-15-2018, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickemb

I have a 08 MADP 4523. No DEF. Had it since last February. Love it. No complaints. Few minor issues but I have fixed them.

I bought mine in April 2016 with 123,000 miles on it. It now has 137,000. Most of the new build bugs were work worked out by 1st owner.

Plan on staying on top of the things that break.

There is no such thing as a trouble free motorhome. My neighbor has a 2017 Prevost Marathon, he has been in the shop twice in the past year.

-B

BrokeDown · 11-15-2018, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLGPE

The chassis is a K2 with (supposedly) a Cummins ISM 450 engine.

It has a K2 frame. If you take the coach to Cummins you probably find out that you have the 500 engine with a 450 label on it.

Our engine/trans combo is solid. Plan on doing an engine top end and cylinder rebuild around 600,000 miles

My setup is in my signature. With the bike on, the coach weight is maxed out. With the bike and Jeep attached, I can maintain 65 to 70 on all but the biggest hills. On those big hills there are no trucks passing me.

-B

FLJOE · 11-15-2018, 07:40 AM

I would look for a DEF tank and/or fill to make sure, but I'm thinking if the dealer is telling you it doesn't have one then it probably doesn't.

I'm not sure that would be any kind of deal breaker or concern for me anyway. There would be a ton of other stuff I would have inspected on a coach of that age prior to purchase.

BW in TX · 11-15-2018, 07:56 AM

OP is asking about DPF, diesel particulate filter. It’s inline in exhaust system. Not DEF, which this coach absolutely does not have.

Indyspecrace · 11-16-2018, 07:00 PM

I have an ‘07 4528. No DPF . The difference between the 450hp and 500hp versions is a simple software flash. Mine was upgraded before I purchased it. I like mine a lot. Other than batteries and tires, you will probably want to replace the refrigerator, if it hasn’t already been done.
Feel free to PM me with any questions.