Forum Discussion

jvernon's avatar
jvernon
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013

2001 monaco knight 36r with 260 cummins

will I be happy pulling a light trailer thru the mountains with this engine ? or should I find one with the 300 hp ?
  • jvernon wrote:
    Thanks very much. Would a thor hurricane 33ft v 10 out pull this dp ?


    You're not comparing apples to apples. The Cummins ISB will last longer and pull longer without wearing out as fast as a gas engine. Gas engines are designed for brief periods of full throttle. Diesel engines can tolerate wide open throttle much better than gas engines, although WOT isn't good for either one.

    That said, since you plan to pull a heavy trailer, look for a coach with the larger 8.3 Cummins, known as the ISC. Even if you have to settle on an older rig, you'll be happier.
  • jvernon wrote:
    Thanks very much. Would a thor hurricane 33ft v 10 out pull this dp ?


    what year? 2006+ had more power
    A 36 diesel pusher is a LOT heavier than a 33 gasser
    My guess is it would be better
  • Thanks very much. Would a thor hurricane 33ft v 10 out pull this dp ?
  • I agree, you won't be happy. 6 spd Allison is a must! I had a coach with the 300HP Cummins AND Allison 4 spd and hated it!...Dennis
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    BIG DIFFERENCE in the torque between a 5.9L ISB and a 8.3L ISC... 600 or 1000. You also want the 6spd Allison.
  • tiffinboy wrote:
    jvernon wrote:
    will I be happy pulling a light trailer thru the mountains with this engine ? or should I find one with the 300 hp ?


    very simple honest answer is find the 300HP unit


    Find a 350 HP engine
  • jvernon wrote:
    will I be happy pulling a light trailer thru the mountains with this engine ? or should I find one with the 300 hp ?


    very simple honest answer is find the 300HP unit 8.3 ISC
    ISB suck
  • We had a 5.9 230hp Cummins with the 4 speed. Fine on the highway but painfully slow off the line and up the hills. If you get corked during a climb, forgetaboutit. Go for more HP and torque.
    jor
  • Here is the brochure on the Knight:

    http://www.monacocoach.com/StaticFiles/monaco/brochures/2001/01Knight.pdf

    I'm guessing you won't be happy. If you go with the old rule of thumb of 1 hp per 100 pounds then you are on the line with coach only. Add your trailer & cargo and you will be below that benchmark. Also that coach is equipped with a 4 speed Allison instead of the 6 speed. The hitch is also rated at 5k or below.

    Bottom line is it will be slow off the line and up grade.

    That year coach had an option for a Cummins ISC which would perform substantially better.