wolfe10

No personal experience with that late a model.

Roland, You can call the Caterpillar RV Hotline and ask them for a history on the engine. 877 777-3126.

No question, play in a steering box and/or slop in suspension components make handling worse. Same in virtually any vehicle. Again, the chassis manufacturers knew how to make a better handling/riding chassis, but that is NOT what sells (most) coaches. The company that spends an extra $5,000 on chassis will loose market share to the company that spends that $5,000 on interior upgrades. Just a fact of marketing. But, some of us DO ask questions about the chassis and are willing to seek out coaches that fit OUR desires. So, long wheelbase, good suspension, upgraded shocks, side radiator, larger engine, accessibility of engines/components that may need service are things I am willing to pay for.

Just to be clear, with modern 4 stroke diesel engines (not the old two stroke engines) lugging is defined as operating at high throttle positions below PEAK TORQUE RPM. For our 2003 ISL that RPM is 1,300. So I do not operate below that RPM except at very light throttle (like when slowing down coming into a town. If you can climb a grade at or above peak torque RPM (different for each engine) AND, repeat AND you are not overheating, that is your most economic way to climb. I would add that I want a little throttle left as well (so, just short of wide open throttle). If coolant temperature starts to rise, gear down and raise engine RPM, which spins the water pump faster, cooling fan faster, etc.

Not sure I would call it a "red flag". But a 41' coach would be better off with the larger engine (the ISL of that vintage was 425 HP, and I believe 1,200 lb-ft of torque) for both going up grades and the engine compression brake for going down them. The ISC will get you there, but your power to weight ratio is not as good as you might want. Again, just one of the trade-offs when looking at coaches.

David, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. Does seem excessive. But call Cummins with your engine serial number for their advice: Cummins 800 343-7357.

Roland, You might want to verify that that 360 HP is indeed the ISL. Could also be a "lesser" engine. And if an ISL that it has the much more desirable engine compression brake, not an exhaust brake. The exhaust brake was the less expensive option.

Cross winds are where two physics principles come together" Long wheelbase/overall length WINS. Good weight distribution (i.e. properly loaded front axle on a DP) WINS. And, where things like proper sway bar, shocks, etc come in. That is why we drive the coach we do. Don't expect any coach to "defeat" physics. Sadly, most coaches are sold on interior layout and decor, NOT how they drive.

Checking water level every 6 months may be OK in cold climates, but in hot weather, a monthly check of water level will save you a lot of $$ on batteries. This is particularly true if you do not have a smart charger THAT HAS BEEN PROPERLY PROGRAMMED.

Did you loose 12 VDC to "house items"? OR Did you loose 12 VDC to chassis items (like the Allison shift pad)? OR Did you loose 120 VAC to "house items"?

Am I in TIMEOUT---------- AGAIN???

Which Maxxforce engine? What chassis? What coach?

F455594, Welcome to the FMCA Forum. First suspect is low battery. Electronic devices throw all kinds of codes when operating on low voltage. So, what is voltage at the chassis battery? And, with the Allison transmission, you can check for diagnostic codes from the driver's seat: Ignition on, engine off. Push up and down arrows at the same time. Repeat. That will bring up d-1, then either - - if no diagnostic code or a two digit code if there is a problem. If there is a d-1, push the mode button to bring up d-2. Continue until you get a - -. Turn off ignition and look up the codes in your Allison owners manual or Allison on-line.

Sharon, Yes, there is some danger when you smell that "sulfur" smell, which indicates overcharging, as Hydrogen gas is the other byproduct of overcharging. As to the cause: 1. A battery with a bad cell. So, even the best charger will try to charge that 10 VDC battery as if it were a 12 VDC battery. So, one dead cell and the other 5 will be severely overcharged. If wet call batteries, this is best diagnosed with a hydrometer (under $10 at any auto parts house) 2. Charge voltage is too high, which can overcharge even a good battery bank. Correct float voltage (after being plugged in for at least a few hours should be 13.2- 13.5 VDC. WHAT DOES A DIGITAL VOLTMETER READ AT THE BATTERIES (digital voltmeters start under $20)?

Yes, welcome to the FMCA Forum. Questions that will help you diagnose this: 1. What is chassis battery voltage when the key is turned to start? 2. With key turned to first notch (acc), do all things that should only run with the ignition on run (dash HVAC fan, for example)? 3. Exactly what does/does not happen when you turn the key to start (as Jim said, does it click)?

Again, Continental DOES have that size-- I am holding their sales piece showing that size that I picked up 3 days ago at their booth at the FMCA Convention in Chandler. Contact them on Monday.

I do it the same way Carl does-- in fact, that is my stored favorite for getting to the FMCA Forum.

I picked up literature at the Continental Tire display at the FMCA Convention in Chandler this week. I am holding in my hand a sheet on the HSR2 SA. It DOES show 295/80R22.5. You are correct, it does not show on the FMCA/Continental website. The guys from Continental said they would do some fine tuning of the website listings when they get back to from the Convention.

From the pictures, looks like the coach will have an engine with an EXHAUST BRAKE.

No idea-- Have been doing seminars all day. Logged in just now. Probably got swallowed up by the dust cloud here before it got to the cell tower.

Sam's Clubs normally stock 3 packs of gallons-- enter a location for a price: https://www.samsclub.com/sams/delo-400le-heavy-duty-sae-15w40-3-1gal/prod741009.ip?xid=plp:product:1:2

MAN, spent the day giving seminars and look what happens. Must be (actually almost is) a FULL MOON!

Yup, you should be able to find all your old favorites in the new API designation.

Boy did this tread take a LEFT TURN!

BTW, just got off the phone with the Service Manager for the large Caterpillar shop in Houston. His recommendation is the same: CK4 15-40.