Yes, Caterpillar is now out of the over the road engines. New diesel motorhomes come with Cummins mostly since they are still in the over the road engine business. Caterpillar decided that they could match the new emissions standards in a creative way and failed. They were so arrogant and thought they were going to make a fortune. Expect them to come back in the over the road market using a urea tank in a couple years. But Cummins (and Navistar) will have a couple years extra of perfecting their urea engines by the time Caterpillar comes back in the market.

We like our 2004 Cummins ISL engine and are glad it is old enough to run on high sulfur diesel and not need urea.



-- Edited by bjoyce on Sunday 21st of November 2010 01:34:07 PM

-- Edited by bjoyce on Sunday 21st of November 2010 05:56:21 PM

Yep, what Bill said. Two of my brothers are over the road truckers, so I have some pretty accessible and up to date sources for info on diesel engines. If buying used, big brother says Cats are good, but he prefers Cummins. If the MH also has a generator, consider that many (most?) generators are Cummins built. So if the engine is Cummins you only have to find one good service center...

So far big brothers advice has been to stay away from the urea systems. He's concerned about the cost and it being new technology that hasn't had the bugs all worked out yet. Also the availability of urea is a concern for him. Actually his advice is to go with a 2000 or earlier model Cummins. But then we don't want a MH that old! He says the older engines get better mileage and are a lot cheaper to maintain than the later model ones. But like I said, it's a big trade off in MH design going that old, so we will suffer a little less mileage for a comfortable home! Will try to ask him your other questions when I talk to him later.

A urea engine adds around 1000lbs and about $5K to a diesel pusher plus it takes more room for the urea tank. That is why for 2011 models many motorhomes are going with one size smaller engine and moving the batteries. The smaller engine reduces the weight and expense but reduces the torque and some of the horsepower. The batteries are being moved to give room for the urea tank, but this also takes away cargo space. Been told that the cost of the urea is similar to adding about 10 to 15 cents to each gallon of diesel. Personally if I had to get another motorhome I would buy used to avoid the new engines and the issues they have from a weight and volume viewpoint. Plus some manufacturers are getting in trouble violating the 20,000lb limit on the rear axle by specing it at 22,000lbs or the front axle at over 14,000lbs again a violation of federal roadway guidelines. These limits are so there is a uniform rule for bridge and road designers and some toll roads will check you on entry and not let you on them if any axle is over 20,000lbs. Newmar added a tag axle to their 40 foot DP to compensate, which makes it cost more.

My grandson works for a company that has a LARGE amount of diesel pickups. They used Ford this last purchase cycle. He reports the poor guys driving them are very unhappy, even though it does not cost them when they go bust. The company is not overly thrilled either. Seems the urea must be replenished before needed or the truck defuels and goes to limp mode. Capable of 5 mph until the ignition is turned off. Then it is call the dealer to come get it. Not for me. If I replace my present TV, it will be used, pre 2007.