50pascals
rochester, ny
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Joined: 01/10/2008
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For the record - my 160Hp 5.9 does not drop out of 4th gear and will maintain 55 on the hills.
I have read (DodgeRam.org?) about every little iteration of the different Cummins builds. The 160 & 190 can be turned up to 250 or so without internals. Once you approach 300 you need different headbolts.
I think a point here may be lost. More power is ALWAYS better, but is it necessary? A 16,000# coach doesn't need 300 hp. If you expect seat of the pants feel like a car, then you will need to burn alot of fuel to do it. There are many other limitations to a vehicle of this size to negate "car like" performance other than brute HP.
Personally, I don't have a problem with 55 on the hills. 65 on the flats is too slow though. Once I re-gear, I'd rather focus more on improved ride quality and reduced interior noise levels. Which are already quite reduced, but there's always room for improvement.
And to top it off, the 16000# coach with a 190 diesel with a tweek to the gearing. Will do almost as well as that fancy new 15mpg Damon.
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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FWIW there is a lot of wrong information in the post by KOG.
Jim
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
Trippe-Lite 1800w inverter 4-6v GC batteries
3- Kyocera 130w solar panels
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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50pascals
rochester, ny
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A bumped up 5.9 is at the limits of the 542, no argument here. However, how often will you be at peak torque and full throttle?
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Dog Trainer
Richmond Mi.
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Joined: 08/17/2006
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A couple of things come to mind here. In 1994 the 230 HP version of the B 5.9 was out. The MD 3060 was also available. So why does this coach have a 190 B 5.9 the only reason I can think of is that the builder did not want to spring for the upgraded tranny to handle the few extra HP.
My 1993 coach has the 230 hp. It is adaquate but not overpowered. You will find that if you build this motor up that you will be up against or over the tranny limits. You will be operatung at peak torque and power curve more often than you think if you do any mountain driving at all. Just know all the variables and this may still be the right unit for you. I would not be happy with any less than what we have myself. BTW I do not think the weight is right on that title. I am at about 19,600 loaded and ready to roll ( no toad) no slide.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow (fur Bearing Children)
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KOG
Winterville GA
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Joined: 01/31/2001
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And that wrong information would be?
The 190 4 speed was continued in production for several years because it was lower priced due to the transmission as noted above.
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50pascals
rochester, ny
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The wrong info referred to is likely about the needing to rebuilt from the inside out.
I disagree with that as well. So does the truck shop.
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tomlang
Los Angeles area
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Joined: 06/11/2007
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Another thing to keep in mind is that chassis used in motorhomes often predate the model year and build date.
My 1988 Winnebago was built using a 1987 John Deere chassis. The motorhome was built in October of 1987, and I have no idea how long the chassis sat at the Winnebago plant before it was used.
Tom and Lynne
Tom is an Electronics Engineer, Lynne a retired teacher.
old rig is a 1988 Winnebago Superchief, just back from being on tour with the Blue Turtle Seduction (band)
new (our dream rig) is a 2003 Foretravel 38' U295
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TEO
Inverness, FL, USA
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Joined: 08/07/2003
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The best idea is to drive the motorhome and find out for yourself if it has the power and acceleration you want. I drove a National RV a few years ago with the 190 and was very dissatisfied with the performance. I don't know how fast it would go on the highway, but it could hardly pull away from a stop. Later I drove a Forest River 36 footer with the 260 Cummins and was not happy with that either. It couldn't get to 60 mph on a level section of highway and was very slow to get going from a stop.
You have to try for yourself and see what you will find acceptable.
Paul
Paul & Helen
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
1999 Jeep Cherokee toad 
Yellow Lab, Jodie and Chocolate Lab, Coco 
FMCA 98905
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50pascals
rochester, ny
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Hi TEO,
I think yours could have been a rear gearing. Mine will pull away from a stop so fast I can keep up with car traffic, but I have no top speed.
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blueflag6b
S F Bay Area
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Joined: 04/13/2007
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50pascals,what you might look at is an Allison 2000 with an aftermarket engine speed sensor.The 2000 gives you the overdrive(5th gear) and the ability to add an exhaust brake as you now have a lock-up convertor.Add to this a starwheel "adjustment" with an intercooler and you have 230 hp,additional braking,and another couple of mpg.Some pretty sharp folks on "Barthmobile" and Dodge Truck Resource(DTR Cummins) boards.Just my $.0275 worth.
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