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Topic: Class A Motorhome Gasser
Posted By: wtmtnhiker on 05/17/23 06:49am

Hi all,
I'm trying to decide between 2 motorhomes. One is a 2005 with a GM drivetrain 8.1 engine and Allison transmission with 11,430
miles. The other is a 2006 with the Ford V-10 drive train and 34,000 miles. I remember reading that the Fords had trans issues on some earlier years but were improved upon later. To those of you who know what year did they make that upgrade to the Ford tranny? Also should I be worried about the very low mileage on the 2005? Both of these coaches meet my price point and look to be in very nice condition with floor plans that I like. Thanks for reading , any thoughts and input are appreciated.

bgbassman(bluegrass bass man)


Posted By: pianotuna on 05/17/23 09:43am

I'd never buy a diesel again.

Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

Posted By: TechWriter on 05/17/23 09:52am

I had a 2004 with a 8.1 and Allison transmission and while both performed flawlessly, the ride quality, especially steering, was awful.

On the other hand, our new to us 2001 has a V10 and ?? transmission which drives like a dream.

Best to base your buying decision on how INDIVIDUAL coaches perform, not generalities.

2004 - 2010 Part Timer (35’ 2004 National RV Sea Breeze 8341 - Workhorse)
2010 - 2021 Full Timer (41’ 2001 Newmar Mountain Aire 4095 DP - Cummins)
2021 - ??? Part Timer (31’ 2001 National RV Sea View 8311 - Ford)
www.rvSeniorMoments.com
DISH TV for RVs

Posted By: way2roll on 05/17/23 11:15am

If memory serves - GM stopped making the 8.1 in 2006 and Ford continued production of the v10 until 2019. That may affect parts availability.

2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS

Posted By: Sandia Man on 05/17/23 12:28pm

Production of 8.1 liter GM motor continued until 2009 according to online sources, parts available at workhorseparts.com or ultrarvparts.com, actually same company that specializes in all things workhorse/8.1 liter engine.

Four years ago we purchased our current class A with 8.1 liter/Allison 2100 tranny, it has been bulletproof thus far. We live NW of Albuquerque at 6K' elevation and coach robustly handles mountain driving, easy to maintain powertrain.

Posted By: Bruce Brown on 05/17/23 01:12pm

Between those 2 chassis I'd go with the Ford simply for the better support.

As to any transmission issues, keep the fluid clean. The last gas MH we owned was on a Ford chassis, it was flawless.

There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910


Posted By: Dutch_12078 on 05/17/23 07:19pm

The only occasional problem I'm aware of with the early R100 transmissions Ford used with the Triton V10 engines was an occasional check valve failure in the transmission cooler bypass line on the side of the body that led to overheating. The quick and easy fix was to just crimp the steel bypass line so the fluid always went through the cooler. The longer fix was to buy a set of bypass eliminator fittings and remove the bypass completely. In 2003 Ford eliminated the bypass. With the exception of doing the bypass crimp about 5 years ago and replacing the starter a couple of years ago, our 2001 F53 V10 equipped motorhome has performed quite well for about 65,000 miles.

Dutch
2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A
F53 chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS
Bigfoot Automatic Leveling System
2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/Blue Ox baseplate


Posted By: rjstractor on 05/17/23 07:41pm

Given the age of these two motorhomes, condition of the coach part IMO is more important than mechanical condition. I'd pick the one that was the cleanest, had the most complete service records, and gave me the impression of being the best cared for. I would certainly invest in professional inspections to help you make a decision. All things being equal, I'd pick the Ford chassis for the aforementioned parts availability. Nothing wrong with the GM chassis either, both have roughly the same performance and MPG. The Ford will rev a bit higher to do the same work.

Posted By: wa8yxm on 05/18/23 03:50am

I had a 2005 with an 8.1 and an allison. the only engine/drive train issues I had were either 1: broken serp belt (Hey that happens on all engines) and 2 "Externally caused" problems.. By that I mean the problem was caused by something OTHER than design or engine failure.. Like a road hazard or a rodent. and that too can happen to any engine.

I've heard of Ford having design issues on some of the V-10's (not sure which model years)

Now when it comes to who makes the best engine. Ford or Chevy.. That's dang near a religious argument or if you like a political one (You get a lot of folks who yell one or the other)

But if you ask who makes the best transmoission.... ALLISON ALLISON ALLISON (wispered.. Another make) ALLISON.

Even Ford says ALLISON. (Their latest tranny they advertised as "The answer to Allison" thus admitting Allison was the best).

Home was where I park it. but alas the.
2005 Damon Intruder 377 Alas declared a total loss
after a semi "nicked" it. Still have the radios
Kenwood TS-2000, ICOM ID-5100, ID-51A+2, ID-880 REF030C most times


Posted By: RetiredRealtorRick on 05/18/23 05:27am

A 2005 model with 11K indicates it was only "driven" about 600 miles per year, or has it been sitting idle, never even cranked, for a number of years? I'd certainly be sure I had the answer to that question before pursuing that particular coach.

. . . never confuse education with intelligence, nor motion with progress

Posted By: camper19709 on 05/18/23 08:27pm

I have a 2006 Ford V10 drivetrain. 60,000 miles. No issues so far. "knock on wood"

Chip
06 SurfSide
30ft class A
2 slides
Ford V10 chassis
04 Chevy Astro van toad

Posted By: pianotuna on 05/19/23 11:08am

camper19709,

Mine has about 134837 miles. So far one o2 sensor and replace catalytic converter (done 200 miles ago). The tail pipe rusted out just in front of the converter.

Posted By: ArchHoagland on 05/19/23 12:32pm

pianotuna wrote:

camper19709,

Mine has about 134837 miles. So far one o2 sensor and replace catalytic converter (done 200 miles ago). The tail pipe rusted out just in front of the converter.


Is it a Ford or a Workhorse?

2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD
Workhorse W22 8.1 Gas Allison 1000, 7.1 mpg

2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
US Gear Brakes


Posted By: Rick Jay on 05/19/23 04:45pm

wtmtnhiker,

Well, since they are both on floorplans you can live with, I think you've settled on the most important part.

As for Workhorse vs. Ford, those years were pretty competitive between the two manufacturer. You'll find proponents & opponents of both. For rigs that old, I have to say that overall condition is a major factor which would effect my decision. I don't necessary agree with those that say the WH will have parts issues. I haven't, yet. The low mileage on the WH does cause one to raise an eyebrow, but perhaps it was just driven to a relatively close campground several times per year or left there for the season. So it was driven every year, but just not far. On the other hand, if it's just been sitting with NO activity (and this goes for the Ford as well), I think I'd be more worried about possible water or rodent damage if it hasn't had regular attention.

Unlike TechWriter, our WH drives and rides very well. It's no DP, but I've driven much worse. The first thing that needs to be done for steering control is to make sure the front tires are at the proper pressure. Dealers and tire places inflate them to the maximum on the sidewall of the tire, and I can tell you that driving mine that way was a handful. Lowering the pressure to the proper psi made a HUGE differece. I also did upgrade the shocks a few years after I bought it which helped the ride over expansion joints and rough surfaces.

One thing you should know IF you're trying to compare specifics of each chassis, that it's quite possible that the 2005 WH is on a 2004 WH chassis, and the 2006 Ford is on a 2005 Ford chassis.

You also probably noticed that there are a lot more Ford mohos in the era than WH. The main reason for that is because the WH had anywhere from a $2,500-$5,000 premium on it over the Ford on the EXACT same floorplan. Most of us that bought the WH felt that premium was worth paying for (Allison transmission and lower doghouse, in our case. For what it's worth, I usually preferred Ford to GM). Anyway, dealers ordering models for their stock or customers who didn't know the difference, would order the Fords because of the cheaper price tag.

Can you see them for an in-person visual inspection and take each of them for a test drive?

Good Luck,

~Rick

2005 Georgie Boy Cruise Master 3625 DS on a Workhorse W-22
Rick, Gail, 1 girl (27-Angel since 2008), 1 girl (22), 2 boys (23 & 20).
2001 Honda Odyssey, Demco Aluminator tow bar & tow plate, SMI Silent Partner brake controller.


Posted By: pianotuna on 05/19/23 10:57pm

ArchHoagland wrote:

pianotuna wrote:

camper19709,

Mine has about 134837 miles. So far one o2 sensor and replace catalytic converter (done 200 miles ago). The tail pipe rusted out just in front of the converter.


Is it a Ford or a Workhorse?


Ford E-450 with the V-10

Posted By: FloridaRosebud on 05/24/23 06:49am

Our 2006 V-10 has 117,000 miles and no issues. Does not use/burn oil either.

Al

Posted By: John&Joey on 05/24/23 06:44pm

The V10 was designed for commercial applications and was never installed into personal use cars. Bullet proof.

Posted By: Chum lee on 05/25/23 09:25am

The 2006 Ford should be the 2nd generation V-10 (3 valve engine with 315 HP) coupled to the 5R110W five speed automatic/overdrive transmission. It has improved head design that doesn't tend to blow spark plugs. It should have 10 lug wheels, not 8. That's a good thing. It is possible that the chassis is NOT a 2006 model year so it's IMPORTANT to confirm that before you buy if you choose the Ford.

At that age, check the roof condition, in person. Look for water leaks. Seriously deduct your offer if you find ANYTHING wrong with the roof or exterior walls. (leaks, bubbles, delaminations, etc.)

Chum lee

Posted By: camper_ron on 06/18/23 01:48pm

I am afraid this will not help, but after looking at all the replies I can only add My 2004 8.1 Vortec has 100,000 miles plus and runs great don't burn any oil and has pulled my 38 foot moterhome towing a Jeep Liberty over the rockies many time. Good Luck.




Posted By: 4x4van on 06/20/23 04:02pm

pianotuna wrote:

I'd never buy a diesel again.
And that is relevant how? [emoticon]

We don't stop playing because we grow old...We grow old because we stop playing!

2004 Itasca Sunrise M-30W
Carson enclosed ATV Trailer
-'85 ATC250R, '12 Husky TE310, '20 CanAm X3 X rs Turbo RR
Zieman Jetski Trailer
-'96 GTi, '96 Waveblaster II

Posted By: pianotuna on 06/21/23 05:29pm

4x4van wrote:

pianotuna wrote:

I'd never buy a diesel again.
And that is relevant how? [emoticon]


If you take it out of context you are the one making irrelevant.

Posted By: rjstractor on 06/21/23 07:59pm

pianotuna wrote:

4x4van wrote:

pianotuna wrote:

I'd never buy a diesel again.
And that is relevant how? [emoticon]


If you take it out of context you are the one making irrelevant.


Maybe you could explain the context. The OP was comparing two gas powered coaches and never mentioned a diesel.

Posted By: LouLawrence on 06/21/23 08:13pm

This should be an interesting answer! I sometimes discuss the advantages of diesel despite someone asking about gassers but I can't figure where this comment came from. Just to inject a bit more worthless info, I would never buy a gasser!

Posted By: Grit dog on 06/22/23 10:09am

John&Joey wrote:

The V10 was designed for commercial applications and was never installed into personal use cars. Bullet proof.


Say wut?
I mean of course the Triton V10 never made it into a production CAR, but there are 100,000s of them in light duty trucks and vans.

2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Posted By: Grit dog on 06/22/23 10:11am

rjstractor wrote:

pianotuna wrote:

4x4van wrote:

pianotuna wrote:

I'd never buy a diesel again.
And that is relevant how? [emoticon]


If you take it out of context you are the one making irrelevant.


Maybe you could explain the context. The OP was comparing two gas powered coaches and never mentioned a diesel.


Pretty sure the tuna just misread something. Because the word diesel was never even part of the original conversation or any sidebar stuff.

Posted By: ArchHoagland on 06/22/23 02:20pm

wtmtnhiker....What did you decide on?

Posted By: Grit dog on 06/22/23 04:09pm

A diesel…lol

Posted By: wtmtnhiker on 06/22/23 04:17pm

ArchHoagland wrote:

wtmtnhiker....What did you decide on?

Hello,
I have looked at 7 motorhomes from 2006 to 2012 and every single one had a serious water leak that the owners denied any knowledge of. Some i believed some not. Still looking. Likely will end up with a Ford chassis just because they're more numerous but never know.

Posted By: wtmtnhiker on 06/22/23 04:17pm

I do greatly appreciate all the replies too.

Posted By: Cider on 06/30/23 02:20pm

Between the two, based on engines and parts, I'd look hard at the V10, assuming the layout works for you.

2017 Tiffin Allegro RED 33 AA
2020 JLUR
Roadmaster Baseplate
Sterling AT Tow Bar
Demco Air Force One Brake System

Posted By: dodge guy on 07/01/23 05:33am

Yes, keep looking. Water leak repairs are the worst! I stumbled across mine at a dealer, but I found info from the previous owner that he kept it stored indoors. And when I looked it over you can tell it was stored inside! I would keep searching. There are plenty of nice RVs out there that are well taken care of. I would even spend more on one that was stored inside.

Wife Kim
Son Brandon 17yrs
Daughter Marissa 16yrs
Dog Bailey

12 Forest River Georgetown 350TS Hellwig sway bars, BlueOx TrueCenter stabilizer

13 Ford Explorer Roadmaster Stowmaster 5000, VIP Tow>
A bad day camping is
better than a good day at work!


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