Community Forums

roscott66 · 05-14-2025, 07:30 PM

Hey everyone,
I’ve previously owned two Class C RVs with Ford V10s and one diesel pusher, but this is my first Class A gas rig. Took her (Charlie) out on her maiden voyage today and overall, she ran great.

At 60 mph, she cruised smoothly at around 2000 RPM. At 65 mph, the RPMs were closer to 6200. What caught my attention, though, was a recurring high-revving engine sound—almost like it was revving higher than the tach showed. The RPM gauge didn’t change when this happened, and I didn’t feel any loss in power or weird shifting. The noise would come and go.

I’m wondering if this is just normal behavior for a gas Workhorse chassis/engine? It drove fine otherwise, just trying to understand if this is something to watch or just part of how it runs.

Any insight or similar experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!

**Lt Dan** · 05-14-2025, 08:24 PM

The sound you are hearing is probably the engine cooling fan going into and out of high speed mode. Our Workhorse had the same sound when running in warm weather.

Arch Hoagland · 05-14-2025, 09:24 PM

OP said "At 60 mph, she cruised smoothly at around 2000 RPM. At 65 mph, the RPMs were closer to 6200"

Is this a typo error?

RottenRalph · 05-15-2025, 05:19 AM

The Workhorse that I used to own would do the same but only in hot weather and usually in hills. I don't remember the cooling fan engaging at 65-60MPH on flat roads.

FWIW I think the 2003 Tiffin on the W22 drove better than my current 2022 Jayco on F53.

roscott66 · 05-15-2025, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

OP said "At 60 mph, she cruised smoothly at around 2000 RPM. At 65 mph, the RPMs were closer to 6200"

Is this a typo error?

Yes it is: should have said 2200.

roscott66 · 05-15-2025, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

The sound you are hearing is probably the engine cooling fan going into and out of high speed mode. Our Workhorse had the same sound when running in warm weather.

Thanks, that makes sense. Didn't dawn on me that it could be the fan. It was a bit warm out.

House Husband · 05-15-2025, 06:41 PM

And if the dash air is running, the fan will engage often.

Richard

Extarheel · 05-15-2025, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roscott66

Hey everyone,
I’ve previously owned two Class C RVs with Ford V10s and one diesel pusher, but this is my first Class A gas rig. Took her (Charlie) out on her maiden voyage today and overall, she ran great.

At 60 mph, she cruised smoothly at around 2000 RPM. At 65 mph, the RPMs were closer to 6200. What caught my attention, though, was a recurring high-revving engine sound—almost like it was revving higher than the tach showed. The RPM gauge didn’t change when this happened, and I didn’t feel any loss in power or weird shifting. The noise would come and go.

I’m wondering if this is just normal behavior for a gas Workhorse chassis/engine? It drove fine otherwise, just trying to understand if this is something to watch or just part of how it runs.

Any insight or similar experiences would be appreciated. Thanks!

That sound is, as someone stated, the cooling fans. My W22 has two of them. They come on and off based on the engine temp. Note your temp gauge on the dash when they come on and again when they turn off. You should see a drop in the temp gauge reading. FWIW: I replaced both of mine when one stopped working, cost for EXACT replacement of both was about $100. They are easily seen on the front of the radiator. And yes, they are loud.

PappaBull · 05-16-2025, 08:59 AM

just a FYI there is a very helpful Workhorse forum on irv2.

Flyer15015 · 05-16-2025, 10:05 AM

Welcome to "Workhorse" world Roger and Chris.
You found the sweet spot with your '04 PA 37c.
That was the year they raised the roof in the coach to make it feel more spacious. If cared for properly, the GM 8.1 / Allison 1000 is a bulletproof combination.
I did some mods to mine per my signature below, and I rewired my 2 pancake fans up front to a 3-way toggle switch so that when we climb our mountain passes, I can run them without having to turn on the AC. It sure keeps the transmission a lot cooler, and the BIG fan does not run quite so much.

Mike in Colorado

BigDogLife · 05-23-2025, 09:04 AM

I’m a first time RVer and kinda stumbled into a 2002 Fleetwood Fiesta with the Workhorse Custom Chassis. With 96k on her I’m glad to be reading lots about the engine/trans compatibility. It’s a 26Y that I’m living in full time and it’s been a learning curve for sure! I’m super curious about gas mileage so I know what to budget for fuel economy. I’m going to head over and check out the workhorse forum!
Cheers!