Community Forums

RAYBURNCPA · 05-26-2011, 08:52 AM

I have narrowed my MH search down to a used Scottsdale (2004 or 2005). I previously owned a 1999 Georgie Boy w/ chev chasssis. Which chassis gives the best ride and gas mileage Ford (19.5 wheels or Chev 22.5) ? I plan on using it 3 to 4 months annually with trips to FL and West. I would appreicated any or problem areas that I should be looking for.

tncruiser · 05-26-2011, 11:21 AM

not to get in a skunk spraying contest i would say ford they are still building chassis
could help with parts down the road .never drove any other brand except a dodge back in 80,s either way if a problem arises i think someone on this board will have an answer
good travels
brianj

njs42 · 05-26-2011, 12:17 PM

Since 2003 with my Workhorse 8.1 vortec I have averaged 7.5 mpg---sometimes higher (9.1 once) sometimes lower--head wind mountains etc; depending---but overall( I keep records ) that's what I can depend on----over hill and dale---- a mixture of back country and freeway. I travel pretty much loaded to capacity---towing. My rig is stock, from the factory, mechanically.

I have no idea what a Ford gets. I do remember that when I made my choice I ruled out Ford---but not because of mpg. Nothing against Ford more just prefered the Workhorse.

Good luck---I really do not think this is about making a mistake as much as personal preference.

Now here is where the Ford people can give you their experience.

njs42 · 05-26-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42

Since 2003 with my Workhorse 8.1 vortec I have averaged 7.5 mpg---sometimes higher (9.1 once) sometimes lower--head wind mountains etc; depending---but overall( I keep records ) that's what I can depend on----over hill and dale---- a mixture of back country and freeway. I travel pretty much loaded to capacity---towing. My rig is stock, from the factory, mechanically.

I have no idea what a Ford gets. I do remember that when I made my choice I ruled out Ford---but not because of mpg. Nothing against Ford more just prefered the Workhorse.

Good luck---I really do not think this is about making a mistake as much as personal preference.

Now here is where the Ford people can give you their experience.

I forgot to mention my Workhorse tracks fine hot straight and normal and I like the ride-----occassional fish ladder freeway or pot hole excepted and some rockin and rolling on rough ground.

I have avoided opinion in favor of the facts on my rig, my rig only----good luck.

Cousin Ed · 05-26-2011, 03:52 PM

We had a Winnebago Adventurer 35B, 2001 on the Ford w/19.5" wheels. We kept it for 35,000 miles and liked it. Then an Itasca Suncruiser 37B (same as Winne Adventurer) on the Workhorse w/22.5" wheels for 63,000 miles. I think Workhorse rode a little better but both were fine. The Ford the got 7.3MPG and the Workhorse 6.7MPG but was heavier. I would make my choice by floorplan not chasiss.
Our current is on a Freightliner and it's way way better then either, but for a lot more $$$.

mikron · 05-26-2011, 04:23 PM

On our 3rd Ford, no problems. Workhorse from what I have heard is just as good after brake and engine probleems.

ga traveler · 05-26-2011, 04:53 PM

As a ser. mgr. for 15 yrs, i got to drive both chassis on a regular basis.(daily) I always thought the chevy rode better.(coil springs) I despised the auto park system on the chevy.(tons of problems) The chevy tended to overheat in atlanta traffic and on steep hills.(mont eagle 7%) The ford had slat springs on the front which resulted in a harsh ride. finally firestone came out with front Ride Rite airsprings. I installed them on many of my customers coaches. I thought the ford ride was as good with the airbags as the chevy. After 4 chevy chassis's I bought a Ford chassis 35' Pace in 2007. I have been very satisfied with the Ford. The best thing about the Ford is the fact it is Overcooled. The engine temp. hand never moves after warmup. I have been in atlanta 5 oclock traffic and up 12% grades out west and no hint of overheating.

okgc · 05-26-2011, 04:57 PM

Ford may still make the chassis but they do not seem to support their customers. There is a Fleetwood Pace Arrow on 2000 Ford Chassis just sitting for weeks at a Michigan Dealer because Ford has obsoleted the needed computer parts.
None available and no aftermarket replacements.

Wanabee FTer · 05-26-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okgc

. There is a Fleetwood Pace Arrow on 2000 Ford Chassis just sitting for weeks at a Michigan Dealer because Ford has obsoleted the needed computer parts.

Auto and truck manufactures are required by federal law to supply repair parts for 10 years. Missed it by that much.

Dixieray53 · 05-26-2011, 05:18 PM

Yep...the can'o worms opened again..

I have owned both, my 1999 Winnie Cheiftain on a Ford with Banks added, a 2003 Bounder on a WH W22, and now a 2009 Gulfstream DP on a WH...Will take WH over Ford everytime

. Now I will probably never buy a new coach so WH not making RV chassis doesn't bother me...I have gotten great help and service from WH and thier shops

. They still stand behind thier product. All this IMO, owned 2 on Ford and 2 on WH...Peace and Safe Travels...D

JMonroe · 05-26-2011, 05:23 PM

Each has it's fans (Ford vs Workhorse). Bottom line, I wouldn't let that be a major factor in the decision. I'd be more interested in the floorplan and apparent care the coach has had over it's lifetime - ie: which coach do you like best?

Good luck.

Camping4fun · 05-26-2011, 05:53 PM

I own a Hummer H2, three Corvettes, Acadia, two Chevy service trucks but when it came to buying our motorhome I wanted a Ford. Workhorse is to hard to get parts from, there to independent.

njs42 · 05-26-2011, 06:06 PM

I do not know if all this remains true: I said earlier I chose WH over Ford---well in 03 the dog house in the Ford products was much higher than the WH---at least the ones I looked at-----I prefered lower and the room in the basement was taller.

I also liked the Allison transmission set up---one more gear than the Ford as I recall and I liked that. If I remember correctly on the models I drove w/Ford they seemed noisier.

Again---I've owned Fords, Chevys etc, and over time they have all had their strengths and weaknesses but I have never owned what I would consider a "bad" one.

IF my MH has a real reliable strong component above all it is the WH chasis and trans and engine set up---not a whisper of problems.

It only took three tries but I have said everything I can think of about my own experience----good luck.

frankdamp · 05-26-2011, 09:26 PM

When we were looking for our rig a year ago, WH was in the middle of its Bosch brake problem and didn't have a solution. We bought an 02 rig on the Ford F53 frame.

If you decide on Workhorse, my feeling is you should avoid the "pigeon-toed" version(where the front track is the same as the inboard duallies) and also not get one with the GM transmission and the dreaded "Autopark" system.

We're comfortable with our F53. Sure, it rides like an 11-ton truck, but that's because it IS an 11-ton truck! If I wanted Rolls Royce ride quality, I wouldn't have a motorhome.