Yes, I suspect cavitation or cylinder wall pitting (cavitation causes cylinder wall pitting) is the issue you are referring to.
The only diesel engine I am aware of (no experience with Navistar/Ford engines, as very rare in Class A motorhomes)that do not require SCA or the new-generation OAT-based coolants is the Cummins B engine.
But, not sure that the chassis makers don't use the same "low silicate for diesel with added SCA" coolant in the cooling systems for chassis with the B engine as well-- you would need to check with your chassis maker.