Workhorse Endangerred Species

[Jerry1909]

There were a couple of small local RV sales events here in Las Vegas. We talked to a couple of salesman who said that the GM Workhorse is no longer going to be used in RVs because of emerging Federal emission requirements.We have been looking at buying a new Class A and are concerned that the Workhorse chassis will not be supported in the future by factory or parts. Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated.

[az bound]

Thats not exactly correct. Workhorse Is no longer bulding the 8.1 gas engine but chassis production is underway. I would expect that if there is a market they will be looking for a replacement engine. Right now the only one in the game is the Ford v-10.
Chassis parts should not be a problem as all sub assemblies are provided by vendors.

[gbs2320]

Slight correction. Workhorse did not build the engines but rather got them from GM who is no longer building the 8.1 for various reasons. As noted above Workhorse continues to makes thousands of commercial chassis' and the components for the RV chassis' made in the past are available from the component suppliers directly or through Workhorse. No worries about buying an existing Workhorse chassis. Greg

[DriVer]

About that "No engine deal" One must not forget to consider Navistar's capability to make things happen (albeit slowly)

Navistar and Ecomotors International Reach Development Agreement

These engines (Opposed-Piston, Opposed-Cylinder) can make hundreds of HP and more torque that one could reasonably expect. The engine will burn any type of fuel from E85 to diesel fuel apparently.

Lead, follow or get out of the way .... somebody is going to have to take this RV thing to the next level. Why not Workhorse? Ford has already said that they are committed to the V10 so I don't believe that they are going to move off center on that idea. Perhaps a diesel in the future for the Blue Oval? Rumors abound about LP as a primary fuel as well.

The lead manufacturer at this point is TMC and they are the largest RV producer in the country. They buy and use all the W20D and W22D chassis that comes off the line in Union City.

The rumor of the demise of Workhorse is exaggerated and Navistar and its parts organization is formidable. Don't expect any problems obtaining parts over the long term. Chevy hasn't made a motorhome chassis in over 10 years and there are lots of parts for Chevy P Series. Being in the parts business just to support the installed base of Workhorse chassis is a big chunk of business and nobody is going to want to leave that unsupported or the money left on the table.

[rewaters49]

I have an '03 Bounder, W22 w/8.1L. I'm having to replace a front wheel bearing. It's not likely, but possible, that I may need a new hub. How can I find out who makes those for Workhorse? How can I get a cross reference, or crossover, part number for that? Thanks.

[az bound]

Both the bearing and race are available at most auto or truck parts stores. The part numbers would be marked on the old bearing. Someone may have the part numbers and will help shortly. Don't replace the bearing without also replacing the race. They are generally sold as individual parts.

[rewaters49]

Quote:

Originally Posted by az bound Both the bearing and race are available at most auto or truck parts stores. The part numbers would be marked on the old bearing. Someone may have the part numbers and will help shortly. Don't replace the bearing without also replacing the race. They are generally sold as individual parts.

I'm sorry, but my question wasn't clear. I've already got the bearing and race. What I would like to know is who makes the hub? Thanks!

[az bound]

Send a PM to driver. He has access to much of this kind of information. He will need your chassis VIN or at least the year and model number.

[rewaters49]

Quote:

Originally Posted by az bound Send a PM to driver. He has access to much of this kind of information. He will need your chassis VIN or at least the year and model number.

Will do. Thanks.

[Jeepster47]

Slight correction. I believe the chevy 8.1 engine is still in production for marine use "only", as stated by Alan Stegich at Workhorse/Navistar.

Ed

[ron55]

volvo has a 8.1 boat engine they are selling. I supect it is a gm

[az bound]

They are also available at many places,new and rebuilt. Crate engines, short and long blocks.

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by az bound Thats not exactly correct. Workhorse Is no longer bulding the 8.1 gas engine but chassis production is underway. I would expect that if there is a market they will be looking for a replacement engine. Right now the only one in the game is the Ford v-10. Chassis parts should not be a problem as all sub assemblies are provided by vendors.

That is not quite correct either. Workhorse has NEVER built an engine.. GM is no longer building the 8.1L

Workhorse has other engine options. and is still making motor home chassises with those other engines.

Alas, I think the only GAS engine is now the ford V-10, and since I do not much care for Ford, I hope my 8.1 lasts a long time.

[UFO Pilot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm Alas, I think the only GAS engine is now the ford V-10, and since I do not much care for Ford, I hope my 8.1 lasts a long time.