Community Forums

Flyer15015 · 11-21-2022, 06:37 PM

I've been reading a lot of the threads here about the trials and tribulations of class "A" gassers that have Ford motors in them. Everything from rusted manifold bolts to blown motors.
It has me afraid to even look around for a "newer" class "A" gasser coach.
Since it is just me now, I do not need a big diesel, and I do not want a small class "C or B". For you Navy guys, I love my flying bridge.

My current coach is well sorted and has a bulletproof 8.1 Chevy, which I do not read too much about here in the "troubles" threads. Why did they go away ?

So, I guess my question is, Is Ford the only engine available in the newer Class "A" gassers regardless of the name on the side?

I do enjoy looking at the newer coaches, but I'm thinking with new tires and only 45K on the clock, I need to stay with what I have for now.

Mike in Colorado

Ray,IN · 11-21-2022, 07:22 PM

A few Class A mfgrs. offer FRED's = front engine diesel configuration option. The engine of choice is a Cummins B6.7L medium-duty diesel engine.

But yes, Ford is the only brand chassis available other than the FRED's.

Others will remember better than me what happened to Workhorse chassis, which IMO was a better choice.

Psneeld · 11-22-2022, 04:45 AM

Hard to say.

Most of my research of the most common Ford engine used lately was the Ford V-10 which seems to have an excellent reliability reputation.

Mine had 44,000 miles on it when I traded it and it only had one minor emissions issue handled quickly under warranty.

The Ford replacement is already getting accolades because of it's old school tech that should make it very reliable/long lasting but like any new engine may have a few issues in the early years like all manufacturers experience.

A few horror stories compared to the number on the road and just reading posts gives me the impression many RVers lack basic vehicle knowledge all tell me there isn't a Ford pandemic of failures, just over statement of normal vehicle issues.

scbwr · 11-22-2022, 06:55 AM

The Ford engine in my 2012 Bay Star has been problem free since purchasing it in 2018. I have the 5 speed transmission which was an improvement over the 4 speed transmission, and the 6 speed transmission has gotten good reviews. I would suggest getting at least the 5 speed transmission, and I've been happy with the results of doing a 5 Star Tune.

wildtoad · 11-22-2022, 07:02 AM

My 2016 F53 has been flawless except for a minor weld issue on the power steering reservoir. Powerful engine albeit a bit noisy at time, and thirsty compared to my previous Chevy engined MH.

pasdad1 · 11-22-2022, 08:02 AM

I believe the new Ford chassis is getting the new 7.3 liter V8 engine instead of the V10.

V8 has more low end torque, and revs at lower RPM than the V10 it replaces.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f84/what...ne-537892.html

George Schweikle · 11-22-2022, 08:18 AM

I have read that the gas 8.1 engine was intended to be an alternative to the early Duramax Diesel engine (Of course, today's Duramax has far more power than the 8.1 gas). Chevrolet produced the 8.1 in their Tonowanda, NY, plant, and stopped around 2008; said to be a result of the sub prime related GM government bailout. This left Workhorse without an engine for their chassis that resulted in their demise.

Back when some motorhomes could be had with either a Ford or Workhorse chassis, the Workhorse chassis & 8.1/Allison powertrain were considered superior. Ford has been the only gas chassis since then and they continued with engine & transmission improvements.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

...My current coach is well sorted and has a bulletproof 8.1 Chevy, which I do not read too much about here in the "troubles" threads. Why did they go away ?

Mike in Colorado

edgray · 11-22-2022, 09:00 AM

George has it pretty much right, except for the date of demise for the GM 8.1 L motor. It became unavailable in 2011, I believe. The owner of WCC, Navistar, made a feeble attempt to continue the WCC products with their Maxxforce diesel engines, but couldn’t and closed down WCC in 2012.
There were other factors at play besides the lack of a proper gas engine, but that would stray off topic.

creativepart · 11-23-2022, 09:18 AM

Don’t let forum threads about Ford F53 engine repairs give you the false impression that it is unreliable. It’s a super reliable drivetrain with few serious problems.

Forums are where people with problems turn to for help so it’s bound to look like engine problems are much more common than they really are. The 95% with zero problems year in and year out are not all posting “no problems here posts.”

It’s not perfect and sure, some unlucky folks have serious engine repairs. But that’s a small minority not all that common. Now, Ford chassis suspension complaints? Yes, that’s a super common problem we all seem to have. But, engine issues are comparatively few and far between.

Crasher · 11-23-2022, 09:41 AM

If you like your current floor plan and are happy with the 8.1 engine with Allison (which is a great combo) why even consider changing to the Ford V10? Our business had a serviceman with the 8.1/Allison in a one ton dually who refused to accept a new service truck if it wouldn't have the same. It was no longer available, so he ran it another 5 years with no issues.

blueridge-fl · 11-24-2022, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creativepart

Don’t let forum threads about Ford F53 engine repairs give you the false impression that it is unreliable. It’s a super reliable drivetrain with few serious problems.

Forums are where people with problems turn to for help so it’s bound to look like engine problems are much more common than they really are. The 95% with zero problems year in and year out are not all posting “no problems here posts.”

It’s not perfect and sure, some unlucky folks have serious engine repairs. But that’s a small minority not all that common. Now, Ford chassis suspension complaints? Yes, that’s a super common problem we all seem to have. But, engine issues are comparatively few and far between.

Couldn't have said it better. The Ford drive train has been very reliable. Now if you want to talk about the 1890s chassis, pull up a chair.

Shadow5501 · 11-24-2022, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueridge-fl

Couldn't have said it better. The Ford drive train has been very reliable. Now if you want to talk about the 1890s chassis, pull up a chair.

And to be fair, the chassis is crude, but again it’s reliable. Ride and handling is the major complaint on the F53. Other than sway bar brackets, I can’t think of any chronic failures on the chassis side of things.

It’s simply what you get at about $40k on the Munroney sticker. I’m not sure what an entry level Freightliner XCS is priced at, but suspect it starts at double the Ford, and goes up from there.

Flyer15015 · 11-24-2022, 11:45 AM

I think Crasher has it right.
Being an 81 year old widower, with a paid off gasser that is more than enough coach for me and the puppy, I think I have our "forever" coach.

Thanks to Yeloduster I've made the handling a whole lot better (see signature), and with only 44K on the clock, I think the kids will get a nice coach that will give them many years of service.

Pop always said, it's as easy as ABC, Always Buy Chevy.

Mike in Colorado

tuffr2 · 11-24-2022, 12:07 PM

Not only is the 7.3 Godzilla V8 engine more powerful than the V-10 Triton it is also quieter. Ford also tweeked the chassis for better handling with less lean.

I keep waiting to read someone on this forum to post but I have not seen anything yet.

Be careful because the 7.3 V8 was spoon feed into the Class A motorhomes. This was because companies had the old chassis stock piled. I would say by 2022 all the old chassis were used up and the 7.3 was being used. But again - be careful.