Community Forums

Russ T Nut · 01-02-2011, 10:18 AM

Hello and Happy New Year everyone.
I'm new to this forum and need info on the 8.1 Chevy. My research shows that the 8.1 is no longer being produced, but Fleetwood dealers are showing this engine as available in the 2011's. I assume that when the engine plant shut down there were still some engines that went to MH manufacture's. If so what year would these be and what chassis would it come in. Being a Chevy fan I want one before there all gone.
Also is there any difference between the workhorse and the power platform ?
Thanks for any replys.
Russ
Hope to see you on the road soon.

DriVer · 01-02-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ T Nut

Also is there any difference between the workhorse and the power platform ..

Russ T Nut, If Fleetwood says that they have 2011 products with 8.1L engines, I would get that is writing that's for sure. They may have some 8.1L engines however I'm sure that it's not going to be a significant number.

A Power Platform is just a value added feature that Fleetwood installs to the chassis which is added on top of the Workhorse chassis. The Fleetwood box sits on a Power Platform extension which is attached to the base rail. They also do the power platform on Ford and other RV chassis as well.

Fred and Bonnie · 01-02-2011, 12:32 PM

Russ, if you can view the units, check the 10th digit of the VIN, which will be the model year of the chassis.

It's not unusual for RV manufacturers to have bought lots of chassis and use them as the go along.

I have never been a fan of buying a unit with mismatched model year chassis and coach.

I believe some owner complaints concerning chassis rust are due to manufacturer outside storage awaiting a build.

fred

RetiredBob · 01-02-2011, 04:29 PM

My 2011 Canyon Star is on a Workhorse chassis built in Jan. 2010 with an 8.1L built late 2009.

DriVer · 01-02-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetiredBob

My 2011 Canyon Star is on a Workhorse chassis built in Jan. 2010 with an 8.1L built late 2009.

Heads up. The 10th digit in the VIN# number for a 2010 WCC chassis would be an A. A 2011 would show a B.

Fred and Bonnie · 01-02-2011, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer

Heads up. The 10th digit in the VIN# number for a 2010 WCC chassis would be an A. A 2011 would show a B.

Thanks Mike, I was wondering how the later models would be identified.

fred

DriVer · 01-03-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie

Thanks Mike, I was wondering how the later models would be identified.

The VIN# positions are comparable to GM. For example the 10th digit on my 2008 Saturn Vue is an 8.

If they stay true to the last use of alpha characters, they will run all the way out to "Y" (25 years worth) before they switch back to 0 to 9 then they will start all over again.

The use of alpha characters in a numbering scheme provides 26 positions plus 10 positions when using numerals. Do the math and you get 36 years out of 1 number position.

Russ T Nut · 01-03-2011, 10:43 AM

Thanks for all the info. My research continues as I will be making calls to the dealers that are advertising the 8.1.
Thanks again.
Russ

DriVer · 01-03-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ T Nut

Thanks for all the info. My research continues as I will be making calls to the dealers that are advertising the 8.1.

Russ, Good luck and let us know what you find!

Fred and Bonnie · 01-03-2011, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer

The use of alpha characters in a numbering scheme provides 26 positions plus 10 positions when using numerals. Do the math and you get 36 years out of 1 number position.

Hope my life span lasts as long as the digits.

fred

Lakeman1 · 01-03-2011, 07:34 PM

Mike explain the "Power Platform" again, I didn't follow you. Does it add height to give better basement storage?

DriVer · 01-03-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete & Linda

Mike explain the "Power Platform" again, I didn't follow you. Does it add height to give better basement storage?

Pete & Linda, I have seen where it's a combination of the 2. The power platform does raise the box about 2 or so inches and it adds to the storage volume. Basically it's Fleetwood's framing that they overlay and weld over the chassis to build the storage compartments, install the tanks and provide spaces for the generator set and all that before they start building the box.

Everybody does essentially the same thing, they just present the details differently.
The Power Platform®. Built for strength, stability
and pass-through storage.

Fleetwood's patented Power Platform® is the envy of our competitors. The ultra-strong chassis provides enormous storage space, lined with molded polyethylene for easy cleaning and lit to help you see after dark. The holding tanks are positioned in the bottom to enhance balance, and enclosed so they can be heated in cold weather to help prevent freezing.