Community Forums

czike · 03-30-2020, 05:21 PM

ok so were looking to upgrade motorhomes.we like the 06/07 fleetwood southwind 32. weve looked at a couple we like and in budget,one is a workhorse w22? the other is ford f53 also 22k.looking for some opinions on both.we have a workhorse now p32 8.1l but doesnt have the allison trans..im fine with the power but not the braking really. thanks

CJ7365 · 03-30-2020, 05:39 PM

I have a W22, the W22 comes with the Allison, I am satisfied with the braking on the W22, I tow a 3500 Jeep behind mine and have gone up and down numerous 6-8% grades with no problems, but make sure the recall is done, WH had a recall to replace all the calipers, if the seller cannot tell you it has been done, you can post the VIN in the WH chassis forum and Ed or Driver can run it to see if the recall has been done.

If I had a choice, because I have never driven a F53 chassis, I would drive both and see which one you prefer. Both chassis I believe are decent chassis that are comparable to each other.

Unicorn Driver · 03-30-2020, 05:46 PM

I owned a 2004 F53 on the 20500lb chassis and it was a dog to drive. I test drove a 2013ish or so one and it was not bad.

I drove a 2005ish W24 and really liked it. Our 2008 r26 UFO is by far the best of lot to drive.

twinboat · 03-30-2020, 05:58 PM

I think the Workhorse chassis is a better handling rig and the Allison is a plus.

Just don't like all of the complaints about the exhaust manifolds cracking.

Winemaker2 · 03-30-2020, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I think the Workhorse chassis is a better handling rig and the Allison is a plus.

Just don't like all of the complaints about the exhaust manifolds cracking.

Agree that the workhorse & Allison tranny are a good combo. I had no manifold problems but did have a broken bolt but it came out OK so wasn't a major problem.
Just make sure the brake recall was done. No brake issues after calipers were replaced with the new design... lots of issues before.

Waiter21 · 03-30-2020, 09:48 PM

I believe either one will do a good job. I prefer the F53, mainly because I'm familiar with it. Parts are easy to come by. it has a know history, and no bad habits.

robertkathy · 03-31-2020, 07:35 AM

i have the 38t adventurer with the 8.1 with banks power system allison tranny and the w24 (not the w22) i tow a 8.5x20 car hauler loaded with a 4 piece roll away toll box a mini cooper and a harley inside and a custom dual anti sway weight dis hitch. i did add an extra leaf in the rear leaf packs since i do drive with my water tank full with 108 gal. of fresh water. brakes on the w24 are upgraded from the w22 and are great with the grade brake. the ride is fine with the safe t steering stabilizer and new shocks. so i would highly say the workhorse

Mike8253 · 03-31-2020, 07:58 AM

I've never owned a Workhorse chassis MH, but I have owned a 2004 F53 chassis Class A, so I recall very well all comparisons in the various forums between the two. I think the Workhorse/Allison combo prior to the 2005 model year was the better product. In 2005 when Ford introduced the 3-valve V10 with 5-speed transmission and 22.5" tires, they closed the gap considerably. From that point, it's personal preference with proponents on both sides. I do think that you have to consider service and parts availability given Workhorse's withdrawal from the field. Good luck with your search.

Russ Silber · 03-31-2020, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike8253

I've never owned a Workhorse chassis MH, but I have owned a 2004 F53 chassis Class A, so I recall very well all comparisons in the various forums between the two. I think the Workhorse/Allison combo prior to the 2005 model year was the better product. In 2005 when Ford introduced the 3-valve V10 with 5-speed transmission and 22.5" tires, they closed the gap considerably. From that point, it's personal preference with proponents on both sides. I do think that you have to consider service and parts availability given Workhorse's withdrawal from the field. Good luck with your search.

Had both. 2006 bounder and now have 1999 Dutch star. Ford drives and brakes Better . Also it's quieter the GM big block. GM no longer makes those motors.
Ford transmission is solid.
Disk brakes all Round.
Ford dealer in every town if needed. Most shops work on Ford products . GM harder to find.
[emoji44][emoji765][emoji373]

Waiter21 · 03-31-2020, 01:24 PM

Heres a checklist I use for my F53.. This should give you an idea of things to look at. Your's will be similar

F53 inspection / maintenance checklist – 1999 Southwind 35S

..

GeeWillakers · 03-31-2020, 06:40 PM

I haven’t driven an F53 but do have the W22 in a MH which is in the same configuration as the Southwind 32VS (almost bought one). I’m very happy with my configuration but have done a few upgrades. If I had a chance to get the W24 or UFO I would go for it but they aren’t available in a 32.

czike · 04-01-2020, 07:50 AM

i would go bigger to get the w24 but im limited on storage space and all ready pushing it. im just a little worried with the brakes,my smaller p32 brakes are not the greatest for sure. so hard to test drive one how would normaly use, loaded,trailer etc... power wise im good with 8.1 tho. im capable of doing some suspension upgrades if needed. thinking of going with the ford

Gary RVRoamer · 04-01-2020, 02:20 PM

The 2006 F53 Ford was a major upgrade of the prior version (2004 - there was no 2005 F53) and added a 5 speed tranny, the 3-valve V10, a track bar and 10 lug wheels on all models. I still prefer the Workhorse W22 in 2006-2007, but the F53 in those years was a solid competitor. Either one is a substantial improvement of the P32 Workhorse that you make you happy.