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RE: Cat Mechanic says to buy Cummins (!)
Went down the same path you are about to go down, choosing a used coach with 10K miles, repo unit with no history with a CAT 350. I would have bought the coach if it had a Cummins as well. Researched both motors as you are and came to the conclusion they both have issues and as long as a good preventive maintenance plan is adhered to, hopefully the serious stuff will be dialed out.
Prior to singing on the dotted line, I did have the complete drive train tested and inspected by an independent CAT dealer and received a clean bill of health, so I think it would be money well spent on your end. You need to know if there are any issues now, not after driving off the lot, as that's where the big money might be needed to correct a serious issue.
As for future service shops to perform emergency repairs, unfortunately we can't pick the place beforehand for an unscheduled breakdown, but as an example, the heater hose blew last summer, loosing all the coolant on US101 coming through the Redwoods just north of Leggett, Ca. and if you have ever been up there, it's just trees, trees and more trees. Repaired the hose on site, added coolant and onboard water and limped into Willits, Ca. where there was a CAT dealer, primarily for heavy construction equipment. They took us in the very next morning, replaced the hose, did some other adjustments to hoses and got us on our way in very short order and what I thought was a great price, expecting a much larger bill.
Another recommendation, if the purse strings can afford it, since you may not have a service history like ours, we replaced all fluids, belts, hoses, tires and filters to create a starting point for long distance, hopefully trouble free travel.
Go for the floor plan and coach type no matter which motor. BTW, having owned a Coachmen product in the past, we were very pleased with it after using a little Eternabond on the roof, rewired the TV stuff and added a few screws here and there. Good luck with your choice!
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phredsee
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12/29/11 12:24am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Ultra-gauge type insrument for CAT engines
You might want to look at a company called Silver Leaf Electronics in Albany, OR.
Had a very interesting conversation with one of their techs at the GS Rally last summer and it seemed very high tech type of electronics and software for motor homes. Explained they provide these systems for the higher end custom coaches and might be what you're looking for. Website is www.simply-smarter.com.
Let us know if this might be an application for you as I have a CAT engine as well and would be interested in how this might apply.
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phredsee
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11/10/11 10:32pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Mount Shasta California questions
Mt. Shasta KOA is very easy to access from the freeway with good roads in and out. 50A service,wide spots, and an exceptionally helpful staff. You can walk to town for the exercise and enjoy the view of Mt. Shasta. Can't say much about sightseeing in the area, as we use this as a stopover when traveling.
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phredsee
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10/17/11 11:22pm |
Roads and Routes
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RE: Maiden voyage, Itasca D/P w/ Motorcycle and towing Jeep
Scott, you might be interested in upgrading that CAT like I did. Check with either Redlands Truck & RV in Ca. or Brazel's RV in WA. for a performance package involving an engine module, air cleaner and muffler. Made quite a difference on my 350HP Cat with more torque and HP. If you do, ask them to dyno before and after with print out. Increases MPG as well.
Very nice combination of toys, enjoy the trip!
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phredsee
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09/03/11 01:34am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Best West Coast Shows
Additional suggestions would be the following rallies on the west coast:
-FMCA Western Area Rally, January 2012, Indio, Ca. www.fmca.com
-Good Sam Western Rally, Marcy 2012, Phoenix, AZ
Both I'm sure will have most all the RV manufacturers'.
More importantly are the friendly, knowledgeable and many full time people that also attend these events that I'm sure would be more than willing to share their opinions of RV's.
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phredsee
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08/29/11 11:49pm |
Full-time RVing
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RE: Service center in Portland
Just left that area today heading back to Ca.
Not knowing what type of motor home you have, we used Olinger Travel/Camping World in Wood Village, east of Portland on I84. Needed emergency service for roof lifted along the entire left side. They took us in the next day and completed the repairs at a reasonable cost. Not sure about chassis work.
We have also used Brazel's RV in Centralia, WA for engine and chassis and recommend them highly. Only 100 miles from Portland but well worth it if heading in that direction.
Not sure of any other chassis shops in Portland but locals should be able to help out.
Enjoy your trip.
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phredsee
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07/25/11 12:15am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: California to Disney World, Florida
You will absolutely love this trip. We did it this past December through January and didn't want to leave. Ft. Wilderness is an awesome park with easy transportation to wherever you want to go.
I10 is good road all the way with no problems. Be aware of the Houston traffic and either go around on the loop or time it later in the morning or early afternoon. Never thought Texas would end!
Keep your camera handy as you'll see lots of great scenery for pics.
Some of the parks we stayed at along the way in both directions are listed below and good for overnight stays:
-Desert Gold RV Resort,Brenda,AZ
-Butterfield RV Resort,Benson,AZ
-Las Cruces KOA,NM
-Lordsburg KOA, NM
-Ft. Stockton RV Park,TX
-San Antonio KOA,TX
-Columbus KOA, Weimer,TX
-Junction/No. Llano River KOA, Junction,TX
-Van Horn KOA,TX
-Gulf Coast RV Resort,Beaumont,TX
=Cajun RV Park,Biloxi,MS
-Lafayette KOA, Scott,LA
-Tallahassee RV Park,FL
-Big Oak RV Park, Tallahassee,FL
Enjoy your trip!
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phredsee
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06/12/11 12:54am |
Roads and Routes
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