The Good
Its primary advantages include robust construction, ample living space, and the potential for a powerful diesel engine on an International chassis, offering strong towing and hauling capabilities. Emotionally, it promises freedom, adventure, and a luxurious "home away from home." Practically, it provides self-sufficiency, durability for long trips, and a high residual value for well-maintained units.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses include notoriously low fuel economy typical of large diesel RVs, high maintenance and repair costs for specialized components, and the sheer size can make maneuvering and parking challenging. Water intrusion, appliance failures, and chassis-specific issues (e.g., air suspension) are common concerns to inspect thoroughly.
2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: Given the assumption of an International chassis for this heavy-duty motorhome, common diesel engine options from Navistar (International Truck and Engine Corporation) in 2006 would likely include:
- Navistar DT466 I6 Diesel: Known for its reliability and commercial-grade durability.
- Navistar DT570 I6 Diesel: A larger, more powerful variant for heavier applications.
Horsepower:- DT466: Typically ranged from 215 hp to 300 hp.
- DT570: Typically ranged from 310 hp to 330 hp.
Fuel Economy: Expect very low fuel economy, typical for large diesel motorhomes. Averaging 6-10 miles per gallon (MPG) is common, heavily dependent on load, terrain, and driving style.
0-60 Times: Not a primary metric for motorhomes, but acceleration is leisurely due to massive weight. Expect 0-60 times in the 20-30 second range, or even longer for fully loaded units.
Towing Capacity: A significant advantage. With an International chassis, towing capacity would likely range from 10,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs, allowing for towing large trailers or multiple vehicles.
Trim-Level Features: Motorhomes like the Pilgrim International typically offered various "floor plans" rather than traditional "trims." Features would be extensive and customizable:- Interior: Full kitchen with residential-style appliances (refrigerator, microwave, oven/stove), solid-surface countertops, hardwood cabinetry, spacious living areas with multiple slide-outs, queen or king-sized beds, full bathrooms (shower, toilet, sink), dinette, sofa beds, washer/dryer hookups or combo units.
- Exterior: Large pass-through storage bays, power awnings, outdoor entertainment centers, full-body paint options, hydraulic leveling jacks, slide-out toppers.
- Utilities: Large fresh, grey, and black water tanks, powerful generators (diesel or propane), multiple air conditioning units, propane furnaces, electric water heaters, inverter systems.
2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2006 |
| Make | PILGRIM International |
| Model | Pilgrim International |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Recreational Vehicle |
| Category | Special Purpose Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | MIDDLEBURY |
Dimensions
| Doors | - |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | - |
| Engine Size | - |
| Engine Cylinders | - |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | Not Applicable |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Not Applicable |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | Not Applicable |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Have?
- Water Intrusion: This is a perennial problem for RVs. Sealants around windows, doors, roof seams, and slide-outs degrade over time, leading to leaks that can cause delamination, wood rot, and mold. Regular inspection and resealing are critical.
- Appliance Failures: RV-specific appliances (refrigerators, water heaters, furnaces, AC units, microwaves, generators) have shorter lifespans than residential units and are prone to failure, especially after years of use or periods of disuse. Dometic and Norcold refrigerators, for instance, were known for cooling issues or even fire risks in certain models from this era, leading to recalls.
- Slide-Out Mechanisms: Hydraulic or electric slide-out systems can develop leaks, motor issues, or alignment problems, leading to costly repairs.
- Electrical System: Issues with 12V DC house power, 120V AC shore power, inverter/converter failures, and battery degradation are common. Wiring harnesses can also suffer from corrosion or chafing.
- Chassis-Specific Issues: While International chassis are robust, components like air suspension systems (air bags, compressors, valves) can fail. Brake systems, especially on heavy vehicles, require diligent maintenance. Diesel engines, while durable, will eventually require significant maintenance like injector replacement, turbocharger issues, or exhaust system repairs. Allison transmissions are generally reliable but require proper fluid and filter changes.
- Tire Age: RV tires, regardless of tread wear, should be replaced every 5-7 years due to sidewall degradation, a critical safety concern for heavy vehicles.
- Recalls: Specific recalls for the 2006 Pilgrim International Pilgrim International are difficult to pinpoint without a precise model number. However, general RV recalls in that era often involved propane system issues, certain appliance models (as mentioned), seatbelt components, or specific chassis components from the chassis manufacturer (e.g., brakes, steering components from International). Owners should check NHTSA archives using the VIN.
How long will the 2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
- Built-in Tech & Entertainment: The cockpit would typically feature a basic AM/FM CD player, possibly with a cassette deck, and a multi-speaker sound system. An optional upgrade might include a navigation system, often an aftermarket unit integrated into the dashboard, or an RV-specific GPS. In the living area, entertainment would revolve around one or more CRT or early-generation LCD televisions, a DVD player, and a surround sound system. Some units offered satellite dish prep or automatic satellite dishes. Home-style conveniences included central vacuum systems, energy management systems for electrical loads, and tank monitoring systems for fresh/grey/black water and propane levels.
Driver-Assistance Features: Driver-assistance features as understood today were largely absent in 2006 RVs. Basic cruise control was standard. Rearview cameras were a common, crucial optional feature, sometimes integrated with side-view cameras activated by turn signals. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were standard on the International chassis, but advanced features like stability control, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring were not available.
Safety Features: Safety for large motorhomes focused more on passive structural integrity and basic vehicle safety rather than advanced electronic aids. The International chassis would include robust air brakes with ABS, and heavy-duty suspension for stability. Inside the coach, safety features typically included:- Multi-point seatbelts for the driver and front passenger, and lap belts for designated seating positions in the living area.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- LP gas leak detectors.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Emergency exits (windows or doors).
- Strong steel or aluminum frame construction for the coach.
Crash-Test Ratings: It is important to note that large motorhomes, due to their size, weight, and low production volumes compared to passenger vehicles, are generally not subjected to the same standardized crash-test ratings by organizations like NHTSA or IIHS. Information on specific crash performance for the 2006 Pilgrim International Pilgrim International would not be available. Safety is largely derived from the robust commercial chassis and careful driving practices.
What Colors Options are Available?
2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Prices and Market Value
Today, its used market price varies widely, typically from $40,000 to $90,000, and sometimes higher for exceptionally well-maintained, low-mileage examples with desirable floor plans and recent upgrades.
Depreciation for RVs is steep in the initial years, but then it levels off significantly. Factors affecting current resale value include the overall condition of both the chassis (engine, transmission, tires) and the "house" components (appliances, roof, slide-outs, interior finishes), evidence of water damage, functionality of all systems (generator, AC, heating, leveling), mileage, and the presence of any desired upgrades (e.g., solar, updated electronics). A comprehensive maintenance history significantly boosts resale appeal.
2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Cost of Ownership
2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Fuel Efficiency
2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International Compare to Other Recreational Vehicle?
Key Rivals:
- Luxury Class A: Foretravel, Monaco (Dynasty, Executive), Tiffin (Phaeton, Allegro Bus), Country Coach, Newmar (Dutch Star, Mountain Aire).
- Super C (on medium-duty truck chassis): Gulf Stream, Four Winds, Renegade (though Renegade was more niche in 2006).
Performance: The Pilgrim International, with its International diesel chassis, would offer comparable or superior towing and hauling capacity to many Freightliner-chassis Class A RVs, and certainly more than Workhorse or Ford gas chassis. Acceleration would be slow, but sustained power for mountain passes would be excellent, similar to other big diesel pushers.
Features: It would likely offer a similar suite of luxury "house" features: multiple slide-outs, residential amenities, full-body paint, large storage, and generator. High-end rivals like Foretravel or Monaco often had more sophisticated insulation, quieter operation, and more refined interior materials or innovative floor plans.
Reliability: The International chassis and diesel engine would generally be very reliable for the powertrain itself, often surpassing the longevity of gas engines. However, the "house" component reliability would be on par with, or potentially slightly below, more established luxury brands like Tiffin or Newmar, which sometimes had better quality control on cabinetry and plumbing. Common RV issues (leaks, appliance failures) would be shared across all brands.
Price: When new, Pilgrim International likely offered a competitive price point, possibly slightly below the most premium brands, providing good value for its size and features. On the used market, it would likely fall in the mid-range for comparable diesel RVs, potentially offering more "bang for the buck" than a similar vintage Tiffin or Newmar that might command a premium due to brand reputation.
Alternatives: For someone seeking robust construction and diesel power, a used 2006 Tiffin Allegro Bus or Newmar Dutch Star on a Freightliner chassis offers excellent build quality and a strong owner community for support. A Winnebago Journey or Itasca Meridian also presents good value. For a Super C specifically, a Gulf Stream Class C built on an International chassis would be a direct alternative, offering similar heavy-duty advantages.
Final Verdict: Is the 2006 PILGRIM International Pilgrim International a Good Recreational Vehicle?
It is definitely worth buying on the used market, but only under specific conditions. A buyer must prioritize a meticulous pre-purchase inspection by an RV specialist, focusing on signs of water damage, the functionality of all "house" systems (appliances, slide-outs, generator), and a thorough check of the chassis, engine, and tires. A comprehensive maintenance history is crucial.
Avoid units with significant unrepaired water damage or multiple non-functional major systems, as these repairs can be exorbitant. If a well-maintained example is found at a reasonable price, it can offer excellent value and a comfortable RV lifestyle for years, provided the owner is prepared for the higher fuel, maintenance, and repair costs associated with large diesel motorhomes. It's a commitment, not a casual purchase.