Is 300HP Enough
We are thinking of switching to a Class A or a Super C to use for towing our race trailer which weighs 7-8K when loaded. We like the Fleetwood Excursion which sits on a Freightliner chassis with 300HP...
Forum Discussion
prism wrote:thgoodman wrote:obgraham wrote:
Considering there are plenty of trucks on the road with the same engine and power, I don't see why it should be a problem.
So you have to slow down up the hills. Big deal.
I think I'd worry a LOT more about going down the hills with that load. The long steep grades in the west can easily incinerate brake pads with no help from an engine braking system. I doubt that size engine would give much help. May be equipped with an exhaust brake at best. Jake brake most unlikely. I highly recommend something in the area of 500 hp with a Jake for your application if you're going to be operating in the western US.
actually the ISL425/1200lb has a nice 2 stage engine brake system and would haul his butt just fine plus his trailer will have a nice set of brakes also
Ah.. I see you pretty much agree with my main point. You need an engine big enough to support an engine brake. The cutoff number seems to be 400 - 500hp, depending on the engine manufacturer and year. I also agree, I don't need to be the first guy to the top of the hill.
