The Most Reliable Engine for a Motorhome, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 7, 2024 06:55

Selecting the right engine for a motorhome can be a daunting task, given the impact it has on both the performance and longevity of the vehicle. Owners often rely heavily on reliability as a key factor, as a dependable engine can save significant time and money in maintenance and repairs. This is why constructing a credible and continuously updated list of the most reliable engines, based on direct user feedback, proves invaluable. Here, users are encouraged to contribute their experiences and vote on the engine models they've found to be the most reliable. By participating, they help build a resource that assists future buyers in making informed decisions. Each vote refines the accuracy of the rankings, providing an up-to-date reflection of user opinions and real-world engine performance.

What Is the Most Reliable Engine for a Motorhome?

1

58
votes
Cummins ISB

Cummins Inc.

The Cummins ISB is a reliable engine commonly used in motorhomes. It has a reputation for durability and longevity, making it a popular choice for RV enthusiasts.
The Cummins ISB is a type of diesel engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its reliability, efficiency, and durability. The engine was created by Cummins Inc., an American engine manufacturer. With its robust design and excellent performance, the Cummins ISB has been a popular choice for motorhome owners.

Displacement: 6.7 liters

Cylinder Configuration: Inline 6

Horsepower: 250-400 HP

Torque: 560-800 lb-ft

Fuel Type: Diesel
Cummins ISB in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable Cummins engine
2

41
votes
Caterpillar C7

Caterpillar Inc.

The Caterpillar C7 is another popular engine in motorhomes. It is known for its power and strong performance, which makes it ideal for larger RVs.
The Caterpillar C7 is a diesel engine commonly used in motorhomes and recreational vehicles. It is a medium-duty engine known for its reliability, performance, and durability. The engine was created by Caterpillar Inc., an American company specializing in heavy machinery and engines.

Engine Type: Diesel

Displacement: 7.2 liters

Cylinders: 6

Power Output: 250-350 horsepower

Torque: 860-975 lb-ft
Caterpillar C7 in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most reliable Caterpillar engine
3

29
votes
Mercedes-Benz OM 926

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz OM 926 is a diesel engine that is commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, which makes it a great choice for long trips.
The Mercedes-Benz OM 926 is a diesel engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is renowned for its reliability and performance.

Engine type: Inline 6-cylinder diesel engine

Displacement: 7.2 liters

Power output: 240 to 326 horsepower

Torque: 811 to 1,000 lb-ft

Compression ratio: 17:1
4

20
votes
Ford Triton V10

Ford Motor Company

The Ford Triton V10 is a popular engine used in motorhomes. It is known for its power and reliability, making it a great choice for larger RVs.
The Ford Triton V10 is a gasoline engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its reliability and performance. With its robust design and power output, the Triton V10 has become a popular choice among motorhome enthusiasts.

Engine Type: V10

Displacement: 6.8 liters

Power Output: 362 horsepower

Torque: 457 lb-ft

Fuel Type: Gasoline
5

25
votes
Chevrolet Vortec 8100

General Motors (GM)

The Chevrolet Vortec 8100 is a powerful engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its durability and strength, making it a great choice for heavy-duty RVs.
The Chevrolet Vortec 8100 is a powerful and reliable engine commonly used in motorhomes. It was created by General Motors (GM) and is part of their Vortec engine family. This specific engine is known for its durability and performance in heavy-duty applications.

Engine Type: V8

Displacement: 8.1 liters

Power Output: 340 horsepower

Torque: 455 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 9.1:1
6

9
votes
PACCAR MX-13

PACCAR

The PACCAR MX-13 is a diesel engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, making it a great choice for long trips.
The PACCAR MX-13 is a heavy-duty diesel engine specifically designed for use in commercial vehicles, including motorhomes. It is known for its reliability, performance, and durability, making it a popular choice among motorhome owners. The engine is manufactured by PACCAR, an American company specializing in the design and production of heavy-duty trucks and engines.

Engine Type: 4-stroke, in-line 6 cylinders

Displacement: 12.9 liters

Fuel Type: Diesel

Horsepower: up to 510 hp

Torque: up to 1,850 lb-ft
7

9
votes
Detroit Diesel Series 60

Detroit Diesel Corporation

The Detroit Diesel Series 60 is a popular engine used in motorhomes. It is known for its power and reliability, making it a great choice for larger RVs.
The Detroit Diesel Series 60 is a heavy-duty inline-six diesel engine known for its durability and fuel efficiency. It is commonly used in various applications such as trucks, buses, and industrial equipment.

Displacement: 12.7 liters (775 cubic inches)

Cylinders: Inline-six

Power Range: 350-600 horsepower

Torque Range: 1,250-2,050 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 17.0:1
Detroit Diesel Series 60 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable Detroit engine
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular diesel engine
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable diesel engine ever made
8

10
votes
Mangan02 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Volvo D13

Volvo Group Trucks Technology

The Volvo D13 is a diesel engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, making it a great choice for long trips.
The Volvo D13 is a popular diesel engine developed and manufactured by Volvo Group Trucks Technology. It is commonly used in heavy-duty trucks, buses, and industrial applications. The Volvo D13 engine is known for its performance, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement: 12.8 liters

Power Output: 375-500 horsepower

Torque: 1450-1850 lb-ft

Compression Ratio: 17:1
Volvo D13 in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most reliable diesel engine ever made
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular diesel engine
9

11
votes
Ottobdn · Public domain

International DT466

International Navistar

The International DT466 is a popular engine used in motorhomes. It is known for its power and reliability, making it a great choice for larger RVs.
The International DT466 is a diesel engine known for its reliability and performance, commonly used in motorhomes. It has been a popular choice among motorhome enthusiasts due to its durability and versatility.

Displacement: 7.6L (466 cubic inches)

Cylinder configuration: Inline 6-cylinder

Power output: 180-300 horsepower

Torque output: 520-860 lb-ft

Fuel system: Mechanical or electronic fuel injection
10

6
votes
John Deere Powertech

John Deere

The John Deere Powertech is a diesel engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its fuel efficiency and reliability, making it a great choice for long trips.
John Deere Powertech is a highly reliable engine commonly used in motorhomes. It is known for its durability, performance, and fuel efficiency. The engine is designed and manufactured by John Deere, a renowned American corporation specializing in agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery.

Displacement: Various options available based on model

Cylinder Configuration: In-line, 4 or 6 cylinders

Power Range: 115-500 horsepower

Torque Range: 380-1700 lb-ft

Aspiration: Turbocharged or turbocharged with air-to-air aftercooling

Missing your favorite engine?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable engine

Durability and Longevity

The engine should be durable and built to last, with a long life span to ensure that it can handle long road trips and frequent use.
Fuel efficiency

A fuel-efficient engine can save money in the long run and make it more practical for extended trips.
Power and Torque

The engine should provide enough power and torque to move the motorhome safely, especially while climbing hills and accelerating on highways.
Good Maintenance Records

A well-maintained engine is usually more reliable, so reviewing maintenance records is important.
Low Emission Rating

A low emissions engine is becoming increasingly important as more motorhome owners become environmentally conscious.
Availability of Spare Parts

The availability of spare parts for the engine's make and model is important if any repairs are needed.
Positive User Reviews

Looking at user reviews to see what fellow motorhome owners have to say about their experience can provide valuable insight into the reliability of different engine models and makes.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable engine for a motorhome. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or engine is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

4998 views
216 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each engine once every 24 hours. The rank of each engine is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable engine for a motorhome

When it comes to owning a motorhome, one of the most important aspects to consider is the reliability of its engine. A reliable engine ensures a smooth and safe journey for you and your family. There are several types of engines available in the market for motorhomes, including diesel, gasoline, and propane-powered engines. Each engine has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it's crucial to understand these before making a decision. Factors such as fuel efficiency, power output, and maintenance costs need to be taken into account when choosing the most reliable engine for your motorhome. In this article, we will explore the different types of engines available and help you make an informed decision about which one is best suited for your needs.