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Chassis Info and More
Bad title I guess because it's too vague and there are probably 1001 threads discussing what I'm looking for. I do use the search function and haven't found this bit of information compiled into a single (or 2 or 3) threads so that a noob could compare the wisdom of experienced owners. I just finished reading several opinionated posts on several threads about 8.1 vs V-10 and Workhorse vs Ford's F53.
Wifey and I are going tomorrow locally visiting a couple of the larger established motorhome dealerships to walk in the floorplans and look over the various offerings to expand our search for our first Class A gasser (pre-owned). I read every single word in a multi-paged thread about the 8.1 reliabilty issues (the poll thread about "Is your 8.1 in pieces", etc). I haven't found a similar thread about the V-10 but it probably exists somewhere within this iRV2 forum. My job is to discover that just-right-for-us chassis and powertrain...hers is more amenity-related and if I may say...happy wife, happy life (we've been married for over 40 years now and I have learned something along the way about how that adage applies in most decisions).
Questions I have are about the chassis at this point and I'll have to figure out the engine stuff after. Being an OTR Peterbilt guy for almost 40 years and having spec'ed and driven my own trucks, I am aware of the importance of spec'ing to meet the job. While the motorhome may not be as involved as in my commercial endeavors, I still want to make the right decisions about a used unit. Right meaning...good foundation chassis that's possibly over-built to handle the task with comfortable ride and braking. Squeaks in my big truck drive me crazy until I find them and stop them...and I always do. Not sure if it's possible in a rolling home but I'll be found dead or trying.
I have a notebook full of notes from this forum to start my search with...I've done a lot of homework. A mountain of bookmarks to service issues and trouble-shooting, etc and several recommended books on the subject of finding my RV.
Having said all that...is there a gathering of information comparing the WorkHorse models to the F53 chassis and the year/s that each were made available or were superseded? That would narrow the search a great deal I think. What years were the W-22 available and when did WH begin with the W-24? How long has the F53 been utilized and is it still? Can anyone offer a link to this kind of info either here or externally from unbiased experience (Consumer Reports, etc?). I'm probably looking at anywhere from a 2003 to 2005 to start with but I am not against looking at a well-maintained, well-kept 2000 model either.
Ride, braking, CCC, & solid stand-up chassis service is most important to me at this point in my overly cautious search. Having been the captain of many Class 8 rigs over the years, I have come to expect that if spec'ed correctly and maintained properly, one can go down the road with 80,000 lbs with an almost car-like grip on the wheel without having to worry about ducking and dodging and fighting every rut and bump in the highway. Air ride seats sitting in air ride cabs riding on air ride suspensions are not to be compared in a class 6 chassis I guess but you get my drift...there must be a properly built, stand-up chassis that has satisfied the full-timers and part-timers alike. And to note...I am not at all biased when it comes to man-made mechanical items. The Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge thing has no effect on me...they all eventually break. The old adage "If it's got ____'_ or wheels, it's gonna give you trouble". In each case, whether ___'_ or wheels, over my many years on this rock, the trouble has been met and a solution to the problem has been discovered...so far. A quality reputation will obviously influence my decision but after reading many threads, there doesn't seem to be a great consensus with a single (or 2) manufacturer taking the high spot. Well...maybe Prevost...but I'm not at that point yet unless I bought that wrecked one on eBay listed now with a million dollars of damage. I can fix stuff, but I can't fix that one.
Thanks in advance.
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EXPERIENCE...what you get right after you needed it
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