Is VW VR6 engine strong enough for an RV ?

I too am skeptical about this engine being used as a truck engine. You need a lot of torque to haul an RV around. How many miles on it?

I looked up the specs on this RV. Fully loaded they can weigh 9,200 pounds which should have something like a Ford Triton 5.4 V8 or a Chevy V8, not a V6. They did sell these RV's for quite a few years so maybe they were not that bad. I would want to talk to a few owners of these before buying one.

Not sure about the mileage, it's on craiglist and the poster doesn't have very much info (which is another gripe for a different forum), I was just trying to at least know a little something about before calling, thank you for responding, I agree on using the true pulling engines (one trip over the smokies will make you appreciate that).

OH P.S. : I just read this morning that Fiat-Chrysler has been also accused of emissions testing fraud on it diesels using apparently similar software as VW. All Ye that owns such engines best be prepared to have your vehicles De-tuned or whatever it is they do to limit Nitrous Oxides .

I own a 1999 Rialta with the VR6 and travel up and down the east coast. Typically I cruise at 65 mph but occasionally get it up to 80. I get 16-18mpg and put 80,000 miles on it. It still runs strong, expect to get 150,000 or more like fellow owners before major work. The Rialta is a convenient sized RV that gets good mileage and you can take it anywhere. If you travel light, and don't tow, the VR6 is dependable and efficient.

I have a 2004/2005 qd. We have taken it from Placerville Ca. to Alaska Washington D.C and every state in the union. The soyltion is in using the shifter as needed.. Its at 50 k and has never let me down. Hope this helps.

Depend on what you use with an RV. A short weekend trip or full-time retirement rig. All smaller van-based RV is for former and some people can make an exception. The 2.8 liters V6 24 valve engine has plenty of power for the 7000 lb coach. It can tow another 2000 lb with 1000 lb payload. I would not be towing which adding stress to the vehicle and defeat the purpose of a small RV. The advantage of the Rialta is small and light as RV goes. If it fit your style, that is a very good vehicle. But if you looking for more power and taller/larger RV, Sprinter or RAM base is better choice. Those engines are larger or diesel. But you pay more accordingly. So depend your budget and style.

I love it when people who don't have a clue what they're talking about, have to voice their knowledge. The Rialta, not Rialto, only had a 2.5-5 cylinder, or a VR6. Never had what this guy claims. If you don't know anything, just shut-up. "Rialto models have experimented with a lot of engines in the past, Renault, VW, Audi, I even saw one with a GM V6 in it, all have failed, just too small. If your looking at Motorhomes stick with ones with gas V8's or Diesels, 6 cylinders and larger. Stay away from these minihomes."

I have a 05 Realta with the 201 hp VR six with 250,000 miles on it it’s been all over the United States through the mountains at 9000 feet elevation this thing is fantastic I pass a lot of vehicles going up the grade it does work hard but so does most motorhomes, the engine runs like a Swiss watch only thing done to it is the timing chain and tensioner‘s This camper is great for traveling probably not so good for long-term staying in one part because it’s pretty small Happy trails. Mike

I own a Rialta HD 2001, I've had it for 5 years and LOVE IT! It goes up hill and mountains and purr's like a kitten. I get 18 miles to the gallon, never had an issue and maintain my motorhome like my car. These are solid well made RV's, way better than the cheap crap they throw together these days. If your looking for a compact full functional RV the Rialta is pretty hard to beat IMHO!

What an old post. Rialta engine is good enough and actually perfect for most users who buy this size of RV. Most RV and its engine are just enough for the vehicle. Rialta is no exception. The limit of Rialta is plenty like interior height, low carry capacity, transmission cooler, and tire. Since it is no longer in production for a while, it becomes a classic car category. A DIY vehicle. You can have a bigger engine but suffer mileage. Its a balance. Sprinter or Ram along with Ford has a bigger engine and can do more, but you pay more gas and high cost from the chassis alone. It's a trade-off. If you look for an RV that has everything but low in budget. Rialta is it. So it become classic. If you have a budget of $75,000, a used Sprinter is great, but if your budget allow only $35,000 or lower. Rialta is a great choice.

I'm thinking about buying a 2004 with 10,000 original miles. What would be a reasonable price?

It all depends on the mileage from what I can tell. Also, a 2004 is a popular year. My guess it’s between $35,000 and $40,000. By the way, if you don’t buy it, let me know where it is! Good luck

I own a 5 Cylinder Rialta in Colorado it run great up the hill and runs 75 mph on flat with plenty of power left.

I have a '95 w the 5 cyl and 132k miles on it...no problems to date, hardly anyone works on them. I don't even know if it has a timing belt or chain as I really have only done oil and coolant changes, brakes, tires and axel boots; never had a tune up but runs perfectly, still gets 17-20 mpg.

We have a 2004 Rialta HD and it is great unless we are trying to go up a steep grade like the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. We have a transmission cooler on our rig too but to go from stop to uphill we basically have to floor it and then it just creeps up the hill with what seems like a lot of difficulty so we just stay away from steep grades. Is there something we should be doing differently so we can get up these step grades?

Take a running start. With the small amount of torque you have all you can do is try to maintain momentum.

what HP/torque vs weight ratings are best for getting up steep grades in RV's?

I have a 99 Rialto and l love it. However l overheated it,water pump issue. I am now looking for a low mileage 2.8 vr6 or someone to rebuild mine. It has 245000 on it. Call mike 902 672. 3724 l live in eastern Canada.

I just got a 2000 Rialta QD with 28,787 original miles on it, so I plan to find out! :-D

My newly purchased 2002 HD Rialta will be out off of storage soon. 18000 miles and stored for 14 years correctly. Lol It has the original tires. Six weeks after my purchase I was offered $10000,00 over my purchase price!@!!