Hello All! I currently have a Renegade IKON with a 575hp DD15 Allison 6 speed. We are selling it and getting a pusher. My hangup is will the 450 hp units make me happy with their power and ability to accelerate, after having 575hp/1800lbft torque I am hesitant as to what to look for. I would think my IKON is considerably heavier than the pusher but I do not know that for sure.Please post your thoughts and opinions for me to ponder!

Consider Banks Power modifications.

Mr. Chipmaker,As you know, it will all depend on weight. Diesel Pushers never seem to be over-powered. Our 425 hp Cummins in our '08 Dynasty had 1,200 lb. ft. of torque at 40,039 lbs.We now have a 500 hp Volvo with 1,750 lb. ft. of torque. We weight 55,500 lbs. and move quicker than the previous coach. I'm sure it also has something to do with which rear-end you have in the coach.I would say you can count on not being faster but you will do just fine.Safe travels,MM.

I've never said, "I wish I had less horsepower." Aftermarket might be a good answer.

Welcome, why don't you weigh your current rig and divide by 560 to see how much above the 100lbs/1 HP rule of thumb for MHs. At 425-450 HP you cannot just chip or Banks for more HP as the 3000 Allison is already at its max torque.I'm at 45K lbs and 400 HP and other than passing and when above 10,000' (turbo runs out of boost) I'm happy with my power but you are probably going to have to get off your wallet to be happy.

You likely will NOT duplicate the power/weight you enjoy currently in your truck conversion with a new DP.

Diesel push HP recommendation | Good Sam Community

Snomas
Explorer
Jun 28, 2017
Mr.Mark wrote:
chipmaker31 wrote:
When we picked up the IKON in AZ we took the southern route through the mountains to Cali. it pretty much made a joke of the mountains. Poor semis where in the crawl lane and you could count the tire revolutions, we went over the top holding 60 easily. We hauled two sprintcars in a 32ft stacker trailer behind it and could roll 75-85 all day long. So yes shes a brute but way too much machine for our use now.

You really can't compare an RV to a semi truck combo, they could weigh 80,000 lbs. going up the same hill that you are climbing weighing 50,000 lbs.

I know the hill in Southern, CA, that you are talking about (the 8 freeway)...we would probably go up at about 40-45 mph pulling a towed at best. On a flat freeway, we could cruise at 75 mph all day long with power to spare.

The speed limit in CA is 55 mph max when towing. I like to travel at 55-60 or 65 when the speed limit is 70+.

X2
MM.
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2017
There are a lot coaches available with engines rate from 500 to 600 hp but the hp/wt ratio still dictates performance.

I remember my beaver PT with 425 hp was a virtual rocketship compared to many but it only weighed in at 31,000 lbs. Turns out the C-12 could be dialed up to 455 with a simple visit to the Cat dealer.

You should be able to find something is OK for you needs.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2017
If you have at least 1 HP for every 100 pounds of weight you should be quite happy. More than that is even better. So, your 40,000 pound coach should have at least 400HP. It's just a quick rule of thumb but something you can use as a very basic guideline.
John_S_
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2017
Look for the ISX. It will move a coach along ok.
Mr_Mark1
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
chipmaker31 wrote:
When we picked up the IKON in AZ we took the southern route through the mountains to Cali. it pretty much made a joke of the mountains. Poor semis where in the crawl lane and you could count the tire revolutions, we went over the top holding 60 easily. We hauled two sprintcars in a 32ft stacker trailer behind it and could roll 75-85 all day long. So yes shes a brute but way too much machine for our use now.

You really can't compare an RV to a semi truck combo, they could weigh 80,000 lbs. going up the same hill that you are climbing weighing 50,000 lbs.

I know the hill in Southern, CA, that you are talking about (the 8 freeway)...we would probably go up at about 40-45 mph pulling a towed at best. On a flat freeway, we could cruise at 75 mph all day long with power to spare.

The speed limit in CA is 55 mph max when towing. I like to travel at 55-60 or 65 when the speed limit is 70+.

MM.
Mile_High
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
Also whatever you tow may tame the 450 even more. Mine sometimes feels like a rocket when I take the Jeep off the back, even though it is still sluggish (400hp allison 3000) Our XCL chassis is 44K GVWR, and 59K GCVWR.

Within the first few months, I starting missing the raw acceleration we used to get from our Ford 6.7 pickup pulling a 17K 5th wheel, but I adjusted to characteristics of the MH after a while.
Smitty77
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
Choose your coach first, but then if available, get the BIGGEST BLOCK ENGINE you can for that coach.

Cummins ISM or above

CAT C12 or above

Detroit (Which you know well.)

And it is not just about power to climb hills, it's also about reserve power to accelerate if ever needing to get out of a situation. And one that is often overlooked, the bigger block engines usually have 2 or 3 Stage Jake Compression braking - and that adds to safety on the way down the hill. (Or transmission retarder in like the Foretravel.)

If shopping now, you've got a clean slate to come up with your 'Must Have's' list... Then choose the coach that meets your needs with those Must Have's...

Best to you,
Smitty
chipmaker31
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
When we picked up the IKON in AZ we took the southern route through the mountains to Cali. it pretty much made a joke of the mountains. Poor semis where in the crawl lane and you could count the tire revolutions, we went over the top holding 60 easily. We hauled two sprintcars in a 32ft stacker trailer behind it and could roll 75-85 all day long. So yes shes a brute but way too much machine for our use now.
Two_Jayhawks
Explorer
Jun 19, 2017
You likely will NOT duplicate the power/weight you enjoy currently in your truck conversion with a new DP.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jun 19, 2017
Welcome, why don't you weigh your current rig and divide by 560 to see how much above the 100lbs/1 HP rule of thumb for MHs. At 425-450 HP you cannot just chip or Banks for more HP as the 3000 Allison is already at its max torque.

I'm at 45K lbs and 400 HP and other than passing and when above 10,000' (turbo runs out of boost) I'm happy with my power but you are probably going to have to get off your wallet to be happy.