New Force HD vs DX3 and XL for that matter

[Invisibleman]

I went with a Force 37TS HD over the DX3 (and XL but different reasons)
Reasons:.
1. I've heated my homes with forced warm air and hot water. I prefer the forced warm air. Its almost instant.
2. I like being electric independent. You can run the LP furnace and the Truma hot on-demand domestic water on the inverter/batteries. Or set the gen to start on low batt voltage which works great.
3. I wasn't liking the idea of cold floor tiles.
4. I don't like to be dependent on a 50 amp shore line or running generator. I spend plenty of nights in a rest area, truck stop, or Walmart.

I am a bit squeamish on the Detroit DD8. But after as much research as I had energy to do, it seemed solid, and there wasn't any choice if you order a new Force or DX3. I guess I will be writing about the DD8 in a few months when my order gets it.

Thanks for all the feedback. It helped.

[Jim34RL]

Good luck and I believe you will like the DD8 engine from what my friend has stated about the DD8.

Did you check to see if DD8 you have ordered will have the true engine brake on this engine?

[Invisibleman]

No I did not, and I have no idea what that means. But I would like to. I know there was no VIN available on Thursday when I placed the order.

Here is a link to a thread I think I started all about the DD8 change on the Force and DX3. Maybe the brake info is in there.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...el-219473.html

[Invisibleman]

The latest FR Dynamax Force HD brochure lists the Detroit DD8 engine, and Dual Stage C-Brake by Jacobs with High/Off/Low Braking dash switch. Still not sure of the question, as not sure what "true engine brake" is.

[bclemens]

FYI, if someone did not want the tile in the XL, we could always do a special request for a different flooring.

As a side note we have completely changed our install process. Then Snap Stone went out of business...coincidence? (lol probably not).

Today, we lay down thin set to level the floor, then Schluter-Ditra membrane, then mortar and then the tile.

[Jim34RL]

Originally Posted by Invisibleman

The latest FR Dynamax Force HD brochure lists the Detroit DD8 engine, and Dual Stage C-Brake by Jacobs with High/Off/Low Braking dash switch. Still not sure of the question, as not sure what "true engine brake" is.

The C-Brake by Jacobs is a true compression engine brake that will last as long as the engine does. The VGT (variable geometry turbo) exhaust brake does work but some have had issues with them.

I do not know if you knowthis, but a diesel engine does not have any compression engine braking like a gas engine does. So, you need to add a device that will provide some engine braking to assist the wheel brakes when hauling or towing a heavy load. Thus the compression brake that the Jacobs device provides this braking. The VGT exhaust brake which is realitive new, uses the exhaust to provide braking by putting back pressure on the engine exhaust.

[krampot]

So I think I'm following this thread but am I reading that right that mid model year 2021 the DX3 is going to a Detroit diesel vs the Cummins? And this is driven by a Freightliner decision. We bought our DX3 only less than 2 months ago (hot off the factory line) and have the Cummins. Though I think the chassis is technically a 2020 and Dynamax completing it made it a 2021 model officially.

Curious to hear how the performance compares.

[Invisibleman]

Yes, yes and yes. You think you are curious?

[Jim34RL]

Hal, in my last sentence about the VGT I left out the following information. The sentence should have read: The changes are in RED.

The VGT exhaust brake which is relatively new, uses the turbo chargers exhaust side to provide braking by putting back pressure on the engine exhaust through a sliding vane to close down the exhaust omitted from the engine.