We have been trying to find someone to replace/repair the muffler on our 2001 U270. The muffler is barrel shaped. Its rear end morphs into a truncated pyramid shape (with rounded edges and which itself curves toward the tailpipe). This further morphs into the tailpipe. Both the rear of the 'pyramid shaped' part and the tailpipe are badly rotted.
I haven't had any luck with the usual Nac people and am looking for alternatives. All suggestions are welcome.
Thanks, Robert
Search "resonator" and "muffler replacement" on this Forum. You will read more than you ever thought possible about this hotly discussed and controversial subject. Everybody's got a opinion. 8) See my personal solution in the thread linked below, Reply #226 and #237:
Resonator and muffler replacement (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15111.msg206944#msg206944)
Rob and Di,
Use search function on forum and search for 'resonator' Cheaper, lighter, more power. I am told even the factory goes that way now rather then replace original muffler
When my was corroded I put in a resonator as well. The 8.3 will not get as much of a benefit but the resonator allowed me to run cooler and saved my batteries and I got better milage as well.
When you read those threads keep in mind the context as many of us made the change before replacement was required. It was an option not a requirement.
Robert,
Here is our improved performance story after we changed to an Aero resonator. Our old muffler was not rusted on the outside, but it made sense to get rid of the big muffler and open up the exhaust flow.
Exhaust System Replacement - 1997 U270 (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/exhaust_system_replacement-1997_u270.htm)
There are many more write-ups on Foreforums, search on the word resonator to find them
Once you decide if you want to change to an Aero, other resonator or another big muffler, you may do better to buy the part and have a truck muffler shop do the install. Explore local heavy duty muffler shops and go from there. Motorhomes have many common parts to big trucks, and some truck shops will work on motorhomes.
I paid dearly for my local Cummins shop to mount our 5050xl. Eight hours shop time plus parts.
Beautiful curved pro parts. Beautifully welded. Commercial job. Reused my previous wrap around the resonator.
Would pay again for a pro level commercial job
You pay for what you get. If your lucky...
Noisier. More top end runout power. Better pull at low rpms.
That and the change of tires and fan drive thermostat resulted in 1 mpg increase at ten miles per hour faster towing.
Three mpg more at 60. Can't stand going that slow. So just a test.
I had mine replaced with resonator at Bernd's while getting other work done.
Beau Reece was the guy who installed it while he was working at Bernd's and did a good job.
Try either of them if you haven't already.
Did you try MOT or Old Town?
I googled both Barnd's and Old Town in Nac but couldn't find either. The reason I ask is that we are planning to get some other work done at MOT in the next few months. I have a feeling that MOT doesn't want to do this job but it would be convenient if I could get it don in Nac while I'm there. I can't really do it myself due to my age and broken/unrepairable right shoulder joint.
Old Town Motorcoach (http://www.oldtownmotorcoach.com)
JohnH
Bernd's is AKA
WorldLine Motors, LLC
1719 E. Main St.
Nacogdoches, TX 75961
Good Luck, Dave A
Thank, I'll call both of them next week when their open.
I replaced mine with a friend last weekend. The job, removing old muffler and replacing it with AT5050XL resonator, 3.5 hours.We fabricated the hanger and welded a piece of angle, (5 feet long) In the direction, front to back of the coach just above the new resonator so the hangers are on a direct vertical support. I will post pics next week. Very easy job, no removal of side panels or anything else. Imho, I think its a good job for most people with a little skill, welding etc.... The cost is about 250.00 in total.
"Remember" Disconnect batteries before welding on coach!
Did mine by myself without any welding involved. Took my time so was most of one day to install.
Did mine myself with no welding lying on my back in the rock drive...I FULLY understand why you would prefer not to. The original muffler is like dropping a small Volkswagen from under your coach. Ok, maybe not quite, but it is heavy and cumbersome and doing it by yourself when on a timeline is stressful. The resonator option is much louder. Not for everyone but I wouldn't have it any other way. I slide my window open when accelerating just to hear the echo. I suppose I never matured past age 16...my wife may agree.
On my u-320 450 HP the difference at ear level 7 meters from coach was 2 dB at idle and 4 dB at 2000 Rpm according to .99 app for sound pressure meter on my iPhone MUCH different tone or sound though
Same here but did take the end panel off, then made a cabinet to go into vacant opening in panel to left.
JohnH
John, my panel is hinged so was no problem. I also made a removable wire basket to hold all my sewer hoses and fittings thus keeping them away from the fresh water compartment.😀