Comments on 2007 Itasca Meridian 36g diesel Cat C7 350 hp

I have a bigger brother to that unit. I have the Itasca 39K, C7 Alison. We pull a 2013 Ford Explorer for a toad. Plenty of power in the mountains of California, Oregon and Washington. Sure, the bigger motors will out pull us, but we still do 45 over the Grapevine on I5 or 35 over Conway on 395.

We had the Freightliner/Cat combo in our last MH, it worked well. No problems whatsoever with either. While the Cat didn't have the power of our current MH it was more than adequate - and much better than the gasser before it, which wasn't bad.

As a technical clarification, our Cat was the 3126 rated at 330HP. The C7 you are asking about is basically the same engine, just the next generation of emissions on the C7.

I have a 2005 Fleetwood 39S with the Cat C7, 350 and similar weights. Have been up and down the AlCan, over the Continental divide I don't know how many times. I'm pulling a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. As long as you pay attention to your driving, the C7 350 does just fine.

And what do I mean by paying attention to your driving? Little things like pay attention to the upcoming hills, make sure you're not loafing along at 45mph and 1500rpms when you start up the hill. That will kill you every time. Pay attention to the traffic in front of you. Often the trucks will pass you on the flats and then bog out on the hills. If they're bogged down and it's going to cause you to slow down and drop out of your power RPMs, then pass them. You'll often outpull the trucks if they're loaded. If they want to go faster out on the flats again, let them pass you. Learn where your rpm power bands are.

The transmission is fine. Make sure it has Transyn fluid in it. If it's never been changed, change it and they you should never have to worry about it.

Get the radiator cleaned and make sure the slobber tube extends out beyond the radiator and you shouldn't have any overheating problems. Mine never has.

Bill

I am heavier than you and been all over the Rockies.
Engine and tranny very reliable.