Engine/Trans Combo Most Desirable???

07-27-2013, 12:49 PM

Just curious, I want to buy a Barth with in 6 Months (would like to sell my boat 1st) but wondering about HP requirements. I've never owned a class A before & I know there not a hot rod but... I read here where some have the 8.2 L w/a Allison 5 or 6 speed, & one member mentioned that it won't shift into 6th before 70MPH. Another member said his shifts at about 55 or so.

A 34ft coach with a 240hp Cummins & 4 speed trans, how will this one perform? Say compared to one with a 3208 Cat & 5 or 6 speed trans? I sure that the unit with a 5 or 6 speed will be turning a slower RPM (therefore better milage?) versus one with a 4 speed, however this one may perform better on the hills??
I know these won't perform like a 40ft'er with a 425 hp Cat but I don't want one of those (can't afford to buy one or maintain it).

I don't need to climb the steepest grade @ 60MPH but would like to maintain around 50 or so?. Anyway thanks for any info, I just would rather try & get the right one the 1st time, (wouldn't we all). I also know that one can't be to choosy when you find one of these classic's you just have to take what its got.

I also changed my user name to my real first name, thought it would be better on this forum than what I use elsewhere, thanks

07-27-2013, 02:20 PM

bill h

quote:
Originally posted by ScottyB:
I want to buy a Barth with in 6 Months

May we assume that you are wanting to buy a diesel Barth?

07-27-2013, 03:20 PM

Mogan David

This has the optimum chassis and driveline, short of moving up to a Gillig chassis w a 40% larger engine. IMHO
https://www.barthmobile.com/eve...1087061/m/7893923977
http://www.smartcarguide.com/listing/28084738/

07-27-2013, 04:08 PM

Rusty

Don in Niagra has his 34' Regency for sale - Cummins 8.3L, 240HP. This is an excellent coach - I've seen it.

You wouldn't have to go to the Gillig/Cat 3208 chassis, as there are several Spartan/Cummins 8.3L combos. Either setup would be more practical in the mountains due to the extra torque over the C5.9L. From what I hear, the Cat 3208 gets around 8 mpg, while the C8.3L gets around 9-10. The C5.9L can get 10-11 mpg.

The 8.2L is a Detroit Diesel rated at 205-215 HP. The original engines tended to be quite fragile. They were installed in the MCC chasses of the original Regencies. There have been Cat 3208 conversions of these. The MCC chassis, with a few upgrades, makes an excellent handling and riding coach.

Rusty

MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP; built-to-order by Peninsular Engines: Hi-pop injectors, gear-driven camshaft, non-waste-gated, high-output turbo, 18:1 pistons. Fuel economy increased by 15-20%, power, WOW!

"StaRV II"

'94 28' Breakaway: MilSpec AMG 6.5L TD 230HP

Nelson and Chester, not-spoiled Golden Retrievers

Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering. - Arthur C. Clarke

It was a woman who drove me to drink, and I've been searching thirty years to find her and thank her - W. C. Fields

07-29-2013, 07:13 PM

ScottyB

Thanks for the ideas & info. I know Don has his Regency for sale, would love to have it. But its so far away from WA. The logistics involved are just to complicated at this point. I checked air fare on Air Ca out of Vancouver to Ottawa, but still would have to drive a long ways to Niagra Falls I believe?. Unfortunately the timing just isn't rite,as I would like to sell my 50ft yacht before I buy a Barth.(I know that this may take a while). I talked to Don & he prefer's to sell it locally & not take it to AZ, ( which would be ideal for me out of Wa). I would have no problem buying it site unseen, as Don seems to be highly regarded on this site. Its the time & expense getting it out here & importing it back into the US. Anyway maybe it will happen if its meant to be I guess?? Thanks

08-07-2013, 01:33 AM

wally povajnuk

quote:
Originally posted by ScottyB:
Just curious, I want to buy a Barth with in 6 Months (would like to sell my boat 1st) but wondering about HP requirements. I've never owned a class A before & I know there not a hot rod but... I read here where some have the 8.2 L w/a Allison 5 or 6 speed, & one member mentioned that it won't shift into 6th before 70MPH. Another member said his shifts at about 55 or so.

A 34ft coach with a 240hp Cummins & 4 speed trans, how will this one perform? Say compared to one with a 3208 Cat & 5 or 6 speed trans? I sure that the unit with a 5 or 6 speed will be turning a slower RPM (therefore better milage?) versus one with a 4 speed, however this one may perform better on the hills??
I know these won't perform like a 40ft'er with a 425 hp Cat but I don't want one of those (can't afford to buy one or maintain it).

I don't need to climb the steepest grade @ 60MPH but would like to maintain around 50 or so?. Anyway thanks for any info, I just would rather try & get the right one the 1st time, (wouldn't we all). I also know that one can't be to choosy when you find one of these classic's you just have to take what its got.

I also changed my user name to my real first name, thought it would be better on this forum than what I use elsewhere, thanks

wally 34ft monarch-8.2 Cummings-6speed Allison.I lucked in to a well kept beauty.Dont plan to sell at this moment.I am quite close by,You are welcome to visit me,lots of parking and can power you up.Lots of good fishing around here salmon or trout.I live right on lower Campbell lake.Regards,Wally-van-isle bc

08-10-2013, 12:08 AM

Rusty

I think it was bill h who said, "Diesels do not accelerate - they gather momentum..."

I have a Barth with one of the highest power/weight ratios, and it's not a tire-smoker.

I haven't heard of a 3208 with a 6-speed.

Rusty

08-10-2013, 08:38 AM

Tom and Julie

Air fare more than 14 days out from Vancouver to Buffalo is about $300 one way. Then you are 35 miles from Niagara Falls.

08-14-2013, 03:39 PM

ScottyB

Wally P Thank you for the offer of coming over to view your coach sometime. Very nice indeed, I hope you see my response, would have been sooner. However I was away for sometime. I may have to put my desire for a Barth on hold for awhile as somethings have changed. However I still am very interested in these coaches & will continue to watch this site. Thank you