Community Forums

trebot · 08-27-2017, 07:57 AM

Looking at gas powered Class A's in 30' range (2000 -2010).
What are pro's and con's of Ford V-10 and Chevy V-8 chassis ( Power, Fuel economy, Reliability, Ease of service, etc.)
Thanks, Kurt

sbleiweiss · 08-27-2017, 08:00 AM

Unless you are looking used Chevy is long gone. Ford is the only MH chassis now. We have had two Ford F-53 chassis and they have been very good.

biggcrisp · 08-27-2017, 10:28 AM

I owned and operated a 1985 gmc 454.

The 8.1 fuel injection roller motor has to be a beast. Allison transmission is also known to be good.

Honestly, I would pick the 8.1 gmc if given the choice.

I'm pleased with the 2015/16 ford performance -- other than the poor fuel efficiency. Where is that dern eco switch..

ThePowells · 08-27-2017, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biggcrisp

I owned and operated a 1985 gmc 454.

The 8.1 fuel injection roller motor has to be a beast. Allison transmission is also known to be good.

Honestly, I would pick the 8.1 gmc if given the choice.

I'm pleased with the 2015/16 ford performance -- other than the poor fuel efficiency. Where is that dern eco switch..

The 8.1 is a 496 CI.
The 454 was 7.4.

Either way, the 8.1 is a beast and very hard to kill. The Allison is almost as bulletproof until a $12 switch in the top of the casing fails and requires the entire assembly to be replaced. Allison figured that one out when they won't sell individual parts and only sell a reman unit and require the exchange.

Winemaker2 · 08-27-2017, 11:00 AM

8.1 w Allison would be my choice if ypu have a choice.
Allison trannys are bullet proof if cared for.
Just sold our 31 Wbgo Adventurer w that combo and it was a good unit and very livable layout.

89sandman · 08-27-2017, 12:18 PM

Have owned both, would buy either again. The only advantage I see is the Workhorse has the 22.5 tires...

sbleiweiss · 08-28-2017, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89sandman

Have owned both, would buy either again. The only advantage I see is the Workhorse has the 22.5 tires...

The larger Fords have 22.5 inch tires too. Our 22K does.

4x4van · 08-28-2017, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89sandman

Have owned both, would buy either again. The only advantage I see is the Workhorse has the 22.5 tires...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbleiweiss

The larger Fords have 22.5 inch tires too. Our 22K does.

And the smaller Workhorses have the 19.5" tires.

89sandman · 08-28-2017, 11:26 AM

Then I see no advantage one over the other

However all the Fords I've owned have the overdrive cancel switch on the shift lever where all the Workhorse chassis I've had have them on the dash, and I sure do like it on the lever!!!

puttin · 08-28-2017, 11:32 AM

The Workhorse chassis had many problems over the years it was in production. Probably the worst was the brake issue in the earlier ones. I think by about 2002 or 03 they had it ironed out finally. Some of the dealers even tried to blame owners for riding the brakes and causing the calipers to stick. Then there was an issue with the air intake mounted in a way that it was sucking in water. The dash module has a defect that seems to show up later on and the problem includes a very dim readout as well as something with the odometer. There are lots more issues and most have been discussed somewhere here. I don't doubt the engine and trans are strong but there are a lot of other components you have to look at as well.

Winemaker2 · 08-28-2017, 11:48 AM

Bosch brake caliper problem WAS a nightmare but we had zero problems after the redesign replacement.
True WH tried to weasel out of paying for many owners out of pocket costs but many fought back and held their feet to the fire. WH reimbursed me fully for 2 full brake jobs and a WH dealers incorrect appraisal after I pushed back and didn't give up /in.

deputybubba · 08-28-2017, 12:01 PM

I have owned the Kodiak chassis with a 8.1 engine.
Look at the cab area of both. The chevy has MUCH more room around the seats.
The Ford always had more of the engine/dog house into the cab area.

The kodiak's had a water capacity around 100 gals ( with Hot water heater ).

Never had an issue with the allison/8.1 combo.

MoCoTom · 08-28-2017, 06:53 PM

The biggest shortcoming Ford chassis had prior to 2005 was the four speed trans. I don't think they had major problems with the four speeds but when trying to pull these behemoths down the road with a gas powered engine the five speed that was introduced in 2005 is a big plus.

Scotter · 08-28-2017, 07:10 PM

I have a really nice unit in the classifieds for sale, rock solid 2005 Holiday Rambler on a F53. Been a great coach. Drives great, no complaints here on the ford.