You have heard from who? Saying what about CAT engines? There's only about a few million CAT powered pieces of equipment on the road today. And that not only is motor homes, over the road haulers, delivery trucks, Fire engines, Cement trucks, tow trucks, Industrial fork lifts, and dozens and dozens more.
Motor homes are or were, I should say, a somewhat small market for CAT. Yes, they quit the "over the road" engine production a while back due to not wanting to keep up with the smog requirement systems. But, those that were made prior to that departure, are still running strong. Of course you'll find some that get sick once in a while but, don't think that doesn't happen to Cummins, Detroit and others.
All of them on occasion, have their own set of issues. Those that know Cummins engines real well can speak of some series of those that have a history of "potential" issues. But, all in all, about 98% or more of the CAT powered motorhomes are enthusiastically happy with them.
Not many motor homes were or are powered by the 3116 earlier CATs but, there are quite a few with the later version, the 3126, that are putting thousands and thousands of miles on them as we speak. Then there's the version I have. That's the "C-7" version. It came in three delights. A 300HP, a 330HP and, a 350HP for motor homes. In marine applications, those C-7s were produced with even higher HP.
Our C-7 presently has 63K on the clock. We've been thoroughly happy with it. It's pushing a 27,000 lb. 2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD. And, along with that, it's pulling 6,700 lbs. worth of 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 4x4 Extended Cab that's carrying a Rampage lift, holding a 2008 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing.
It hauls that entire load, without very much stain at all. We hover around 6.5 mpg to close to 8.0.
So, not sure who or where you've heard about CATs or, just what kind of issues but, I'm sure there's way more happy CAT owners out there than what you're hearing about.
Scott
Scott and Karla SDFD RETIRED2004 Itasca Horizon, 36GD Slate Blue 330 CAT
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Ext Cab 4x4 Toad
2008 Caliente Red LVL II GL 1800 Goldwing KI60ND