Is 350hp enough?

[Rush2]

we're researching trading our '16 Montana 5th wheel & '16 RAM 2500 for a Class A. The Toad will be a RAM 1500 hemi (weight 7700#). The MHs we like have the Cummins 6.7L engine. We like the shorther MH due to the lesser weight. Don't know which DP have the CAT engine. Any suggestions on a 2020 35' DP with a CAT engine?

We're interested in the Tiffin Alegro Red 33AA, 360hp (don't know torque) and Winnebago 34T, 340 hp,700 ft/lb torque. Both DP have 10,000# hitch so either can pull a RAM 1500.

We're also looking at a gas Thor Axis RUV 24.1 (shorter length=less weight) E450 chassis, 6.8L V10, 305 hp, 420 ft/lb torque, 8,000# hitch.

We're open to any thoughts and suggestions. We're very satisfied with our RAM 2500 torque but hubby is medically unable to climb all the stairs in the 5th wheel (4 to inside + 3 more to the bathroom & bedroom).

[Rob_M]

Originally Posted by Jagob

Thank y’all, yea I’d love 600 hp, but these 2007 models don’t seem to have that option lol.

Since your budget has got you in the early 2000’s models be sure to stay pre-emissions (2007 and older I believe). CAT and Cummins both great engines. (I work for CAT). CAT got out of the on-road diesel business due to the pain in the ass emissions requirements and the potential warranty issues... which become your issues after warranty runs out.
As others have said opt for the larger displacement for the extra torque, and be sure and get the serial# to verify the hp is really what the seller says it is.

Our ‘02 40’ DP with 8.3 C was 350hp originally and the previous owner did a Banks upgrade that brought the hp / tq to 431 / 1200+ because they felt 350 wasn’t enough in the CO mountains pulling a 4k# toad.
You probably have more hp upgrade options with the 8.3+ Cummins.

[Dgreen1069]

Originally Posted by Rush2

we're researching trading our '16 Montana 5th wheel & '16 RAM 2500 for a Class A. The Toad will be a RAM 1500 hemi (weight 7700#). The MHs we like have the Cummins 6.7L engine. We like the shorther MH due to the lesser weight. Don't know which DP have the CAT engine. Any suggestions on a 2020 35' DP with a CAT engine?

You won't find a CAT in a newer motorhome. CAT stopped producing over the road diesel engines in 2009 I believe. Pretty much everyone is running Cummins diesels.

[Rush2]

Dgreen, yeah, if something works and works good, they take it off the market

[MRUSA14]

You still haven’t told us the weight of the coach. Without that, a HP number is meaningless. I had a 2003 Beaver weighing 33,000 lbs with a Cummins 350 HP ISL engine 1050 lbs torque. I pulled a 5000 pound car with it up the toughest climbs in the nation and it was totally adequate.

I now have a 42,000 pound coach with a 450 HP Cummins ISL with 1250 pounds torque. It pulls the same car up the same mountains at the same speeds.

By the way, Cummins 350 HP engines have more torque than Caterpillar engines of the same horsepower. If I recall the Cat 350 HP has 900 pounds torque or less. Some coaches were sold with a choice of either engine, and the Cummins engine cost more and performed better on hills.

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Jagob

I’m looking at a used Tiffin w 350 hp Cat. I’m planning on towing a Jeep Wrangler to Colorado every year. Is this gonna be enough HP? I’m pulling a 40ft 5th wheel right now w a F350 diesel, any thoughts on how it would compare? I know it’s gonna slow it down up steep grades, but overall is that enough umph? Thanks in advance

Simply depends upon how big of a hurry you're in

[Gordon Dewald]

The formula for HP is

Torque X RPM / 5252 = HP

[lwmcguire]

We towed a Landmark with all the options for several years across the country with a 6.7 F350 for over 100k miles

I haven't been in any motor homes that would come close to that performance simply due to the Fords HP, transmission and rear end

Our 450 does the job but would never outrun the F350