After selling our 32' Class-C gasser, and considering whether to go with a TT or Class-A motor home, we've decided on a Class-A and are now working on our "short list" I thought I wanted another gas rig but, to my surprise, we've found a diesel pusher rig with which we are pretty well enamored. I know, you've probably answered these ad-nauseum, but here's a few questions I have. The rig were looking at right now is a fairly late model, used, 36' Winnebago on a Freightliner chassis, 26,350 lb GVW. It has a 275hp Cummins Turbo Diesel and Allison transmission. My question is, is that engine powerful enough so a rig that size can even get out of it's own way? I know diesels have different torque characteristics than gas engines but have no idea if the 275hp Cummins would be considered a bit anemic for this rig or not? On steep grades, will we be the slowest thing on the road? Also, in regard to the cost of fuel, the days of diesel being cheaper than gas are long since past especially in CA with the low sulfer diesel requirements. How does fuel mileage on a diesel pusher compare with that of a comparably sized gasser? Does better mileage offset the higher price of diesel or not? I won't ask the questions re maintenance costs etc., as I've seen those pretty well covered. Also, this rig will be out at least 2-3 weekends a month so the "can I let it sit" question is a moot point as well. Thanks

For a 36' coach the 275HP will do just fine. Check out the coach well, look at the tire date codes as new tires will cost a bit. Drive it and see how well it does. I think you'll be surprised....Dennis

The HP rating is in relation to weight. A 275 hp engine in a 26,350 lb. chassis, is about the right balance that you see in all coaches. Our previous 425 hp engine with 1,200 lb. ft. of torque in a 40,000 chassis was about right. Although it seemed slow on steep inclines, it was a good runner with good fuel mileage.Our current coach with 500 hp and 1,750 lb. ft. of torque, moves 53,000 lbs. quite well. We slow down on steep inclines but we can go 75 mph all day long in the interstates. I prefer about 60 mph but it's good to know that we could scoot right along if we need to make up some time.I think your 275 hp will get the job done.MM.

And I would buy a Cummins over a Cat any day.

Nothing wrong with that rig, have travelled all over North America in our rig, always kept up with the traffic, and good on fuel.

AstroRig57 wrote:After selling our 32' Class-C gasser, and considering whether to go with a TT or Class-A motor home, we've decided on a Class-A and are now working on our "short list" I thought I wanted another gas rig but, to my surprise, we've found a diesel pusher rig with which we are pretty well enamored. I know, you've probably answered these ad-nauseum, but here's a few questions I have. The rig were looking at right now is a fairly late model, used, 36' Winnebago on a Freightliner chassis, 26,350 lb GVW. It has a 275hp Cummins Turbo Diesel and Allison transmission. My question is, is that engine powerful enough so a rig that size can even get out of it's own way? I know diesels have different torque characteristics than gas engines but have no idea if the 275hp Cummins would be considered a bit anemic for this rig or not? On steep grades, will we be the slowest thing on the road? Also, in regard to the cost of fuel, the days of diesel being cheaper than gas are long since past especially in CA with the low sulfer diesel requirements. How does fuel mileage on a diesel pusher compare with that of a comparably sized gasser? Does better mileage offset the higher price of diesel or not? I won't ask the questions re maintenance costs etc., as I've seen those pretty well covered. Also, this rig will be out at least 2-3 weekends a month so the "can I let it sit" question is a moot point as well. Thankslow sulphur is North America wide. A 5.9L ISB 275 HP rig is Ok on flat areas. Once you Load that unit up and add a TOAD and it will be a dog on any mountain pass or real hilly areas.its not like it wont work as it will. Just Not for me as its a a dog in my opinion, others will vary

Considering Diesel A - 275 hp Cummins questions?

26 Replies

rr2254545
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
My 36 has a 360 engine and towing the jeep it gets down to 45 on some hills on the interstate including today on I5 south of Seattle
predawn
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
AstroRig57 wrote:
After selling our 32' Class-C gasser, and considering whether to go with a TT or Class-A motor home, we've decided on a Class-A and are now working on our "short list"

I thought I wanted another gas rig but, to my surprise, we've found a diesel pusher rig with which we are pretty well enamored. I know, you've probably answered these ad-nauseum, but here's a few questions I have.

The rig were looking at right now is a fairly late model, used, 36' Winnebago on a Freightliner chassis, 26,350 lb GVW. It has a 275hp Cummins Turbo Diesel and Allison transmission. My question is, is that engine powerful enough so a rig that size can even get out of it's own way? I know diesels have different torque characteristics than gas engines but have no idea if the 275hp Cummins would be considered a bit anemic for this rig or not? On steep grades, will we be the slowest thing on the road?

Also, in regard to the cost of fuel, the days of diesel being cheaper than gas are long since past especially in CA with the low sulfer diesel requirements. How does fuel mileage on a diesel pusher compare with that of a comparably sized gasser? Does better mileage offset the higher price of diesel or not?

I won't ask the questions re maintenance costs etc., as I've seen those pretty well covered. Also, this rig will be out at least 2-3 weekends a month so the "can I let it sit" question is a moot point as well.

Thanks

low sulphur is North America wide. A 5.9L ISB 275 HP rig is
Ok on flat areas. Once you Load that unit up and add a TOAD and it will be a dog on any mountain pass or real hilly areas.its not like it wont work as it will. Just Not for me as its a a dog in my opinion, others will vary
Johnny_G1
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
Nothing wrong with that rig, have travelled all over North America in our rig, always kept up with the traffic, and good on fuel.
sonora
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
And I would buy a Cummins over a Cat any day.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
The HP rating is in relation to weight. A 275 hp engine in a 26,350 lb. chassis, is about the right balance that you see in all coaches. Our previous 425 hp engine with 1,200 lb. ft. of torque in a 40,000 chassis was about right. Although it seemed slow on steep inclines, it was a good runner with good fuel mileage.

Our current coach with 500 hp and 1,750 lb. ft. of torque, moves 53,000 lbs. quite well. We slow down on steep inclines but we can go 75 mph all day long in the interstates. I prefer about 60 mph but it's good to know that we could scoot right along if we need to make up some time.

I think your 275 hp will get the job done.

MM.
Executive45
Explorer III
Jan 20, 2015
For a 36' coach the 275HP will do just fine. Check out the coach well, look at the tire date codes as new tires will cost a bit. Drive it and see how well it does. I think you'll be surprised....Dennis

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Considering Diesel A - 275 hp Cummins questions?

26 Replies

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