Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

December 25, 2010, 07:58:24 pm

Hello,
    New to forum and need info on first FT. Difference in performance between Cummins ISC 350 with U295 and M11 450 U320 36ft. Also is aqua-hot worth the wt and cost.

                                                              Thank you,
                                                                    Pedalman

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #1 – December 25, 2010, 11:19:58 pm

I can not speak to the ISC  engine, but the ISM450 in the 36' 320 is what I am using, I love it, great on mtountains, and good fuel mileage.

As for the Aqua Hot, I will never have a coach  without one, It is so easy to get spoiled and the Aqua Hot does that real quick.

Welcome to the Forefourm gang, trust you will wind up with a Foretravel.

If the coach your looking at is the 320 without a slide, the ISM will be a true hot rod motorhome, Mine has the slide and it sure runs fine despte being a little more heavy.

Merry Christmas

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #2 – December 26, 2010, 12:11:34 am

Huge. Yes - but demand it be serviced and have a clean bill of health.
Aquahot parts prices are stiff.

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #3 – December 26, 2010, 07:20:08 am

I had a 2002 non-slide, 36-foot, U-320 w/ ISM 450, and w/ Aqua-Hot.  A wonderful combination!!  Yes, A-H can be a problem sometimes when there is a malfunction, but competent service is much more widely available today, and Roger Berke's presence and and ability to help, has leveled the playing field.

Also, mine was built with the house batteries on the center-line, and the A-H was fully accessible in the first cabinet on the left side.

There were very few 36/320/ISM coaches ever built - if you find one, grab it!! 

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #4 – December 26, 2010, 08:00:43 am

I had a 34 foot with the 350 and the 36 foot with the ISM.  I will say that there is very little difference between them but you can run the ISM at about 1400 RPM instead of 1700 while at cruising speed.  Also, the aquahot is a mixed bag as well. Much simpler without it but very nice to have...If you do not plan to use the coach in cold winter climates or run north in the winter, I do not know if I would spend extra on the Aquahot.

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #5 – December 26, 2010, 12:17:23 pm

I found on line  a place called Sure Marine that is way cheaper on parts then the dealer, they are the ones that make the head for the unit, also they are very knowledgeable  Sure Marine

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #6 – December 26, 2010, 12:22:09 pm

Oops!    Sorry forgot to say, Sure Marine is parts for Aqua Hot.

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #7 – December 26, 2010, 01:56:34 pm

Speaking of the Aqua Hot system, I waited until Roger Berk was available for my service. 
The big reason I waited for Roger, he has a great reputation, and he knows how the system operates, sounds and smells and can and did find a small issue with my unit. I thought it operated correctly, but upon initial start up, Roger said either the fuel pump or the control box had an issue and before he was done with the rebuild, it became appearant the control box was the culprit.
After checking and setting the fuel pressure, adjusting the electrode settings, etc,
He installed new control Box, new filters and nozzle, all worked great ever since.
Have seen other workers playing with other systems, guessing this or that.  Made me feel real good that Roger had done mine, it runs smooth, clean and makes great heat.
So a win-win for me.
Next service, I will find another Certified A-H repair, not one that also works on em.
Yes, they are not cheap, but good equipment is never cheap, but a great bargin when you want great performance and comfort for your family.
FWIW, As usual

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #8 – December 28, 2010, 05:55:26 pm

Thanks for all the info. It is helpful to get input from someone who uses the product. I have decided to buy a U-295 with ISC 350 and propane heat and hot h20 tank. Just want to keep things as simple as possible.
                                                                    Thanks,
                                                                        pedalman(Josh)

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Re: ISC 350 vs M11 450 in U295 36

Reply #9 – December 28, 2010, 06:55:29 pm

The nice thing about the ISC 350 is that if you want to 'bump up' the power, the Banks kit integrates perfectly with the computer controls. You essentially get ISL power (~400hp) with egt and boost cutback protection.
I did Banks with my 36 foot C8.3 U280 and was astonished at how it woke up. And I've been tweeking Audi turbos for nearly 15 years.

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