Cat 3126E vs. Cat C7 vs. Cat C12
Several motorhomes we're interested in have these various Cat engines. (I'm not trying to avoid Cummins, it just turned out that the coaches we've found had the Cat engine.) The C12 will clearly pro...
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I have a C7 and live out west. We are not driving in the Indy 500, so going up hills is not a speed race. I manage to maintain 65 over the Grapevine. My BIL has a 3126 in his, and he can stay with the flow also.
The C7 and 3126 get around 8-9 MPG, so budget diesel accordingly, and both will get less if you you have a lead foot.
As for maintenance, I get the oil, oil filters, and both fuel filters changed yearly at a nearby Oasis Freightliner Dealer, which also includes a generator service, and DOT Check (DOT Check is not required, but they check the slack adjusters, brakes shoes, etc) and this past year it was $600. You will need to budget in every 5 years or so, to change out the rear axle, front axle, radiator fluid with thermostats, and tranny service. Every 7-8 years you also need to figure in tires, and with no tag axle will run you between $2300 and $7,000 depending on the brand and size, so it pays to shop around.
I also put back $50 a month for what I call misc maintenance, air filter ($67 from Freightliner), batteries, windshield wipers, and other minor little things that may be done one year and not the next.
The C7 and 3126 get around 8-9 MPG, so budget diesel accordingly, and both will get less if you you have a lead foot.
As for maintenance, I get the oil, oil filters, and both fuel filters changed yearly at a nearby Oasis Freightliner Dealer, which also includes a generator service, and DOT Check (DOT Check is not required, but they check the slack adjusters, brakes shoes, etc) and this past year it was $600. You will need to budget in every 5 years or so, to change out the rear axle, front axle, radiator fluid with thermostats, and tranny service. Every 7-8 years you also need to figure in tires, and with no tag axle will run you between $2300 and $7,000 depending on the brand and size, so it pays to shop around.
I also put back $50 a month for what I call misc maintenance, air filter ($67 from Freightliner), batteries, windshield wipers, and other minor little things that may be done one year and not the next.
