Questions about buying first DP / Engine size

[SuperDad]

Looking at a 2001 Allegro Allegro Bus Series M-37TP with the Caterpillar 330hp motor. Where these 330hp Cummins motor a good motor? Or should I look for a certain year?

It's a 2001 Allegro Allegro Bus Series M-37TP Caterpillar 330hp with 60k miles on it for $57,000

[1doodadd]

The coach is worth IMO $42,000.00

[SuperDad]

Originally Posted by 1doodadd

The coach is worth IMO $42,000.00

My question was more about the motor, But thanks

[Ljwt330]

I have no familiarity with CAT engines, only Cummins, but I have not heard of any disqualifying comments about that size and vintage engine. CAT engines are well built and reliable overall, and if there is a weak point (and every engine from every manufacturer has one) it may be the fuel pump from that vintage.


Do you know the actual model of the engine?



My suggestion to you is to use the rule of thumb for horse power vs weight. Generally, it is recommended that you shoot for 1 hp for every 100 lbs. of gross vehicle weight. Just a recommendation, not a hard and fast rule. It puts you in the ballpark for a motorhome that meets your overall needs for towing, cargo capacity, and performance.


99% of the motorhomes you will shop for, of that vintage, will have the CAT or Cummins engine. Later built engines, post 2007, CAT got out of the over the road market, but that had nothing do do with their reliability.


IMO, the brand of the engine should not be a deciding factor, only its current condition and record of maintenance.

[Smitty77]

Believe in that era, the 330 CAT was the 3126(?).

Suggest you post this question under the CAT section vs Cummins. And Larry gave some good input on understanding the coaches Power to Weight Ratio.

And here is an IRV2 search for 'CAT 330', which can give you some good info on this engine in RV usage.

Good luck on you hunt, best,
Smitty