I made a mistake

[garyde]

I went to the Stienbauer website. I could not find anything about the DD 515. The information on the site regarding how the electronics work says that it works in parrallel with the engines computer more or less, not changing the settings but elongating some of them to paraphrase.
When I had a Monaco with a Cummins engine, Cummins changed my settings electronically . It helped a small amount for passing, etc. Then, Banks developed a electronic conversion product for that size of engine and I had that installed which helped acceleration. The only problem was, Cummins would no longer warrenty the engine.

[chtree]

Gary

I'll ask our mech where he got it I think it was from one of their regular suppliers. I couldn't find the DD 515 on the Steinbauer site either but that is whats on my box. I'll get all the details and info I can. I believe I'm out of warranty on mine because of age, we have about 55k on coach. The guy that hauls our logs has a 550cat and he uses the Pittsburgh Power module which has 7 settings that really can ramp you up but I think you could hurt your drivetrain with it. He specs his out extra heavy and even with that he typically only puts it on #3 if he has some big hills to pull on a particular job. You should visit their site it has a video of a Newell and you can plug in your engine and it will give you the specs on their product. If nothing its fun to watch the videos :-)

Chris

[chtree]

Jon

Do you know Steve Ford from up that way? I'm pretty sure he still has his Prevost. Also we bought some land from a Gary Linn. He has a sprinkler co up there somewhere in Jamestown.

Chris

[garyde]

The added accelleration and torque might be useful on Hills, on ramps, passing, etc. but its 50,000 lbs of weight I have to stop as well. Most of us don't put enough miles on our Coach to have the purchase price pay for itself over 3 years for the added mileage.
Lets say I run 5000 miles per year. At 5000 miles at 7 miles a gallon , which I average now, is about 714 gallons. At $3.30 per gal. = $2356.00
At 8 MPG / 5000 =625 gal. x $3.30 = $2062.50
The difference is only $294.00 per year.

The cost of the unit is approx. $2350.00 before tax.

So if the unit last more than 8 years it will pay for itself. It only has a 3 year warrenty.

For those who run 15000 to 20000 miles a year, and they are a small group, the savings would pay of in 3 to 4 years. As fuel prices increase, so would the incremental savings.
Also, how you drive your coach would also play a part. If you live in country with a lot of hills it might be more useful.

Anyway, I had a little too much time on my hands today so I thought I would go thru the numbers.

[Prevost1111]

I am now enjoying my second Prevost and i can say since owning a Prevost i have never had an occurance that i needed more power or more accelaration and i have never been worried about 0 to 60. Maybe i just go too slow. Have fun finding your first Prevost that is all part of the journey. We all have our own stories and experiences in buying our toy but my suggestions are don't buy new unless you just love to throw money at people you don't know. Try to buy direct from an owner or at least get to know the prior owner. In my opinion you have zero upside buying a used unit from a converter unless it just happpens to be the best deal. Good luck

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Jon

Do you know Steve Ford from up that way? I'm pretty sure he still has his Prevost. Also we bought some land from a Gary Linn. He has a sprinkler co up there somewhere in Jamestown.

Chris

Don't know Steve Ford. Do know Gary. After I fired an accountant for embezzling, he hired the guy without checking with me. He got ripped off to the tune of 6 figures.

[chtree]

Jon

Wow! thats not good. He purchased a sawmill and large quantity of land. We bought a piece that he was getting rid of. After talking to him it sounds like he is into several different ventures.

Chris

[chtree]

Gary

I dont drive any faster, and I absolutely agree about stopping. I always maintain a more than adequate following distance. I'm not in a hurry but in Va and WV its nice to have. Economically feasible? I had a friend tell me once if you think about it long and hard enough you could economically justify any purchase:-) ( the coach itself :-) ). I guess we are having fun so its somewhat justified.

Chris

[Sawbonz]

I like your math garyde. It is a good way of looking at it.

[Sawbonz]

Yesssss, but....... Buying from the owner means that I have to figger out what to do with my unit too. I don't want the hassle of working with the public, many of whom are just looky-loos.