Thoughts on resonator

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Thoughts on resonator

July 13, 2022, 02:21:27 pm

Quote from: Elliott – July 13, 2022, 01:51:31 pm

Mike, tell me more. I've heard anecdotal reason about why to do so but would love to hear from someone with your background. I'm not fond of making the coach louder though.

Elliott,

This is like the Ford/Dodge/Chevy or boxers/brief discussions, but you ask so here are my thoughts under a new thread to keep from running the other one off the tracks.

The old muffler is huge heat sink that is nice in the wintertime for the bedroom but not so good for the summer. Our stripes were overheated in that area causing them to peel. The weight loss is great just (ask any Dr.) that alone is probably a good 1/4 mile to the gallon. They (the old muffler) are reported to cause more back pressure but I have no dino proof other than with a resonator the turbo sure spins up faster. This was even noticeable from the copilot on the first outing after the install. Faster turbo related to faster throttle response and this tricks the brain into thinking that you don't need WOT to get going or stay going resulting in better mileage. The noise can vary from one maker to the other so if you want less noise then look at a Vibrant or Walker rather than an Aero or Aero XL.

Others will chime in as to their experience but these are what comes to mind to start with.

Mike

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #1 – July 13, 2022, 02:59:07 pm

My thought: I did the swap and have never regretted the decision. If you have some spare time, read through the whole LOOOONG thread linked below for a number of different O-pinions.
(My installation post starts on Reply #226).

Resonator and muffler replacement

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #2 – July 13, 2022, 03:25:51 pm

I put a resonator in my coach and on the highway I can barely hear the Jake brake when I
put it on which I like to hear. The extra space under there makes working on that side of
the coach way easier.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #3 – July 14, 2022, 12:05:05 am

Elliot - I agree with the posts above... Lots of posts on the forum regarding Resonator installs.
I found the change out to be a very easy DIY project. We changed ours a few years ago, used the 5050XL. You are definitely not sneaking out of campgrounds, it IS louder, however with a soft foot, the increased noise isn't totally obnoxious...

The power and mileage gain I can't "calibrate", however two significant pluses we've noticed: definitely cooler iin the bedroom, and related to performance and mileage. I've noticed that on Cruise control, much less down shifting on hills. Ancedotally, I think/feel the Turbo spools up faster too.

Added benefit, you gain significant room in the rear left area around the batteries. Enough room to easily service the batteries and room to build a rack to hold tools...

At a Rally last spring we attended, another U320 had the MagnaFlow Resonator installed next to us. It was significantly quieterwhen we pulled put . If I were to do this again I think I'd Install the Magnaflow. Would be interesting to hear from those with the Magnaflow Resonator installed?

Best, J & K

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #4 – July 14, 2022, 09:09:15 am

A resonator was installed on our coach with the help of guru Scott (DSD) and have not looked back. The 5050XL was the unit we installed! Plus 1 on Jeff's thoughts!

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #5 – July 14, 2022, 09:16:36 am

Quote from: Beeman – July 14, 2022, 12:05:05 am

If I were to do this again I think I'd Install the Magnaflow. Would be interesting to hear from those with the Magnaflow Resonator installed?

I installed the Magnaflow 12771 about 7 years ago. I am still 100% pleased with the product. It has zero rust or corrosion evident. It still sounds exactly the same to my ears as when first installed. I like the sound on our C8.3, but of course that is purely subjective. It might sound "different" on the the larger Cummins engines...I don't know.

Current resonator opinions

Amazon.com: MagnaFlow 7in Round Center/Center Performance Muffler Exhaust...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #6 – July 14, 2022, 09:19:35 am

Elliot i used the 30" magnaflow. It was twice the weight of the next choice. 5050xl I ran around the neighborhood before and after and couldnt tell much of a noise difference, but it is louder. No difference inside. It does reduce to 4" inside that concerned me but im unable to compare to what it could be without. Im satisfied with how loud it is but am aware that it is louder and drive accordingly. But the bedroom is noticeably cooler. Also added 1" insulation on sides of engine cover/bed stand and 2" on top. Also added radiator fan control override switch to run fans on hi before shutdown. For 20 minutes prior to parking. Those three changes make it possible to sleep in bedroom during stops when we drive across the states every year. Huge improvement.
Ism exhaust resonator options

Hydraulic fan controller DIY

Scott

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #7 – July 14, 2022, 09:37:15 am

To install, are these clamped or welded? Is this a DIY or does an muffler shop have to do this?

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #8 – July 14, 2022, 09:46:45 am

I think most bolt on.

If you have a Jake, it will be louder, probably a lot louder. A long one would not makes as much noise.

Detroit 2 cycles will need a 5 inch minimum as all the exhaust is 5 inches.

Pierce

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #9 – July 14, 2022, 11:40:39 am

Weld on is best . Or clamp and weld later if you get parts creeping.
This subject comes up every couple of years. Never have I seen a response that said that they had made a mistake and would put a muffler back on.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #10 – July 14, 2022, 11:53:59 am

For mileage I took the same trip many times in my coach both before and after the resonator. I noticed on silver leaf I had more boost pressure and on a cross country trip following the exact same roads and stops we used 178 gallons less diesel after I installed it. That is over 5 plus years with he old muffler and 5 years with the resonator. I added up the gallons on each trip and averaged them and the mileage was the same give or take 10 miles due to getting fuel on either end when I needed it and it was cheaper.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #11 – July 14, 2022, 01:45:30 pm

I installed the 5050XL and have been very happy with the results. Made a s/s wire basket to hold all my sewer hoses and fittings. 6 bolts to remove basket for access to the eng batteries, works very well.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #12 – July 14, 2022, 01:58:19 pm

If anything I wish my exhaust with resonator was a tad bit louder. I hear none of the rumble from the drivers seat and wish I could hear a LITTLE.Call me strange and it won't be the first time.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #13 – July 14, 2022, 02:20:24 pm

I can tell you with a straight pipe you ain't sneaking up on nobody.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #14 – July 14, 2022, 03:40:58 pm

Straight may be a bit raunchy.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #15 – July 14, 2022, 06:29:35 pm

We also switched to the resonator and experienced all the benefits. The old muffler was really rusty, didn't perform well, took up a lot of space and kept things pretty hot back there. I don't notice the increased sound unless driving under an overpass while accelerating.
It was an easy install, once I was able to find the needed pieces. I posted the photos on this site.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #16 – July 14, 2022, 06:39:05 pm

I had to go look at mine, that's a monster. It appears clamped on. I need to get the dimensions and see what's needed to replace this

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #17 – July 14, 2022, 07:49:36 pm

Something that has not been talked about is that new mounts will need to be fabricated.I wouldn't want to take on without someone with welding skills available. If your determined most of the pieces may be reusable but will need to be modified. Also a heat shield for the AC condenser would be nice. If your cutting and welding you'll need a extra 45 deg to finish. If corroded they all may need to be replaced.shorter resonator are easier compared to long to install. Im not a fan of using a lot of the flex pipe because it doesn't retain a memory and then your exhaust is rubbing on something expensive.
Scott

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #18 – July 14, 2022, 08:13:54 pm

Mine was very easy to do.

Another resonator install

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #19 – July 14, 2022, 08:40:51 pm

Thanks for the input everyone. This has been added to the list for when we get back this fall.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #20 – July 14, 2022, 10:54:55 pm

On the list for the November trip to Nac.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #21 – July 14, 2022, 11:49:56 pm

Quote from: Dub – July 14, 2022, 03:40:58 pm

Straight may be a bit raunchy.

we'll you said you wanted to be able to hear it. 😎I assure you can hear it from the drivers seat, going to tame it down a bit this winter.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #22 – July 15, 2022, 12:35:19 pm

I want to hear it B, I just don't want it to interfere with Grand Funk Railroad and Merl Haggard. It's a fine balance.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #23 – July 15, 2022, 12:45:34 pm

Been thinking about this for a while after afew good times of chiming my bell on that massive drum of a muffler.

Where are folks getting the fab up pipes, etc? resonators see em everywhere, with amazon being a common link. Dont really want to rip the old out then spend weeks trying to get all the parts.

Re: Thoughts on resonator

Reply #24 – July 15, 2022, 01:27:06 pm

Quote from: mkc1962 – July 15, 2022, 12:45:34 pm

Where are folks getting the fab up pipes, etc?

I found everything I needed at a local muffler shop that does work on big trucks. They should stock appropriate sized band clamps, hangers, and 4" and 5" OD aluminized exhaust pipe in both straight sections and 45 and 90 degree bends.

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