Community Forums

Catang · 12-11-2019, 03:09 PM

So although I am a member for about a year, I haven't posted in about 11 months, as this forum helped me a lot to learn about toterhomes for RVing and being able to pull a trailer in the 24,000 pound range. I have several leads right now. But I am trying to find out information on the Cat 3406 diesel engine, Aquat Hot 431 heat and hot water systems and Grizzly Luxury Coaches. I seem to be having trouble finding anything at all on Grizzly. I believe they went out of business in the 2008 - 2010 time period but those companies normally get bought up and melded into other existing companies. Any help on this history and contact info would be great!

The Aqua Hot 430 system is used on a number of motorhomes and seems pretty cool. Can anyone tell me more about them and whether they are as good as they seem and are they reliable? Where can I get specs and an owners manual?

And last but not least, I see some general info on the Cat 3406 diesel but I can't seem to find the specs and a blog talking about the good points and weak points.

I would really appreciate any info you folks can point my way. Thanks so much!

Doug

momdoc · 12-11-2019, 06:11 PM

Welcome to the forum. Sorry i cannot really help with your questions but wanted to welcome you.

Read the various threads here and maybe you will find some answers there.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure.

MSHappyCampers · 12-12-2019, 08:29 AM

Hi Doug! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

ThePowells · 12-12-2019, 06:18 PM

A properly maintained 3406 is pretty much bullet proof.

KanzKran · 12-13-2019, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePowells

A properly maintained 3406 is pretty much bullet proof.

Yeah, they were super popular in heavy trucks for a couple of decades. 350 and 425 hp (the "four and a quarter Cat") especially, if I remember, but they came in many power and speed varieties. They were used in stationary, dirt, and road equipment until the pollution requirements led to creation of the C15. Caterpillar still lists them on their web site, though they would be for direct replacement of an existing unit. Or overseas.

Can't help much with specifics, though. We have a couple of stationary 3412's that have tens of thousands of hours on them, but they're retired now. I can ask about the problems they've had over the years, but I'm not sure that translates to anything useful in the straight six in a vehicle application.

Sandy Swede · 12-14-2019, 10:49 AM

Now that's what I'd call a Super C! Is this the one?

https://www.racingjunk.com/RVs-and-M...-Coach.html#14
Twin screw and 14.6 L Cat. One would think that it would have no trouble pulling a 24,000 lb trailer.

Ivylog · 12-14-2019, 11:58 AM

Engine is bulletproof, AHot is an expensive, nice unit, and I know nothing about Grizzly but based on the pictures in the above link... someone knew what they were doing and didn’t cut corners.

AHot 431: http://rvhydronicheaterrepair.com/431-1.htm
I like that this review to service when the exhaust gets smoky/smelly (which is what I do) instead of the annual maintenance BS regardless of hours on the diesel boiler. The electric element provides all the heat you need unless you’re in a cold climate. Going down the road the engine provided heat to all of the rig and enough hot water for 2 showers at the end of the day.

Catang · 12-15-2019, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Swede

Now that's what I'd call a Super C! Is this the one?

https://www.racingjunk.com/RVs-and-M...-Coach.html#14
Twin screw and 14.6 L Cat. One would think that it would have no trouble pulling a 24,000 lb trailer.

Yes that is the Toterhome I was asking for info on Cat motors, Grizzly, and aquastats. I did buy the toterhome on Friday. So anxious to start going thru it once I pick it up.

deandec · 12-15-2019, 12:04 PM

Beautiful Rig! Congratulations.

How many miles on the odometer?

I am no expert, but that is one of the best interior layouts and finish that I have seen in such a rig.

Catang · 12-15-2019, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivylog

Engine is bulletproof, AHot is an expensive, nice unit, and I know nothing about Grizzly but based on the pictures in the above link... someone knew what they were doing and didn’t cut corners.

AHot 431: http://rvhydronicheaterrepair.com/431-1.htm
I like that this review to service when the exhaust gets smoky/smelly (which is what I do) instead of the annual maintenance BS regardless of hours on the diesel boiler. The electric element provides all the heat you need unless you’re in a cold climate. Going down the road the engine provided heat to all of the rig and enough hot water for 2 showers at the end of the day.

Thanks so much for your input and link provided. This has been very helpful. I did buy the toterhome that is in the link and am anxious to check everything out. I live in Connecticut so I need to understand a lot more about this system and winterization or even temporary winterization. I plan to use it in January and am going to a warm climate like Arizona but need to get there from cold weather states.

Catang · 12-15-2019, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KanzKran

Yeah, they were super popular in heavy trucks for a couple of decades. 350 and 425 hp (the "four and a quarter Cat") especially, if I remember, but they came in many power and speed varieties. They were used in stationary, dirt, and road equipment until the pollution requirements led to creation of the C15. Caterpillar still lists them on their web site, though they would be for direct replacement of an existing unit. Or overseas.

Can't help much with specifics, though. We have a couple of stationary 3412's that have tens of thousands of hours on them, but they're retired now. I can ask about the problems they've had over the years, but I'm not sure that translates to anything useful in the straight six in a vehicle application.

Thanks for your input about the Cat 3406 motors. Yeah I don't think the 3412 info would be that much relevant. So I have found some info on the 3406E engine and almost all of it is good, as long as the serial number doesn't start with 5EN as those motors had a casting issue that ruined cranks. My biggest concern is how to know the specific hp of this engine. How can I confirm it is actually 450 hp and 1,600 torque? Any ideas? And of course what the maintenance requirements are?

Thanks! Doug

Griffin379 · 12-15-2019, 01:08 PM

I would worry more about that Eaton auto transmission than I would the 3406.

KanzKran · 12-15-2019, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catang

My biggest concern is how to know the specific hp of this engine. How can I confirm it is actually 450 hp and 1,600 torque? Any ideas? And of course what the maintenance requirements are?

Get the engine serial number, and talk to your local Caterpillar service location. They can look up that exact build and give you a data sheet on it with everything you want to know, and then some. You’ll need the S/N anyway for parts, as they typically won’t do anything without it.

You might want to have them give it a once over anyway, so you know where you’re starting.

Catang · 12-15-2019, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griffin379

I would worry more about that Eaton auto transmission than I would the 3406.

That is what I love about this forum. So much knowledge and willingness to speak up. So I really don't know anything yet about the tranny. Sounds like you do. Please adivse what I should be concerned about and possibly look for?