Community Forums

Okcmike54 · 05-09-2015, 07:08 PM

We sold our 43ft houseboat and thinking about getting a motor home. Thinking of something in the 28- 32ft range, A or C class and gas powered. Many questions to ask but my first will be about the differences between the 10cyl Ford engine versus the big block Chevy engine.. This will be our first motor home.
Thanks in advance..

TeJay · 05-09-2015, 08:03 PM

We've had three MH's. Unless you buy used Ford is the only one making a gasser chassis. If you find a coach with a Ford engine be aware that they upgraded in 2006 to a 3-valve engine and a 5 speed transmission. Anything before that is still a good engine but you don't have the better transmission and the extra power and torque.

The Ford engine itself is an excellent engine with few if any real mechanical issues over it lifetime starting in 1998 or 99. It is a solid power plant. Do a search on these forums and there's lots and lots of information regarding the V-10.

TeJay

**JohnRR** · 05-10-2015, 12:12 AM

Good luck with your search.

Medico · 05-10-2015, 03:17 AM

Welcome, glad to meet you!

Brian W · 05-10-2015, 09:08 AM

Are you buying new or used?

oldmattb · 05-10-2015, 09:37 AM

You will find that your houseboat experience will serve you well. You already know not to drive into situations without a plan to get out, how much space it can take to turn a big thing, stopping for fuel is a serious undertaking, and to unplug the shore power before you go out!

Matt B

Okcmike54 · 05-10-2015, 10:33 AM

Thinking of buying a later model used one. Preferably something 3 to 5 years old, stored out of the sun and ready to hit the road without doing much, if not any mods to it. There seems to be a ton of them out there.. I'm a otr truck driver by trade and the size of the vehicle will not be an issue.. The houseboat probably lessened the learning curve somewhat. On thing for sure, I will not buy unless the MH comes with the owner's manual. Our houseboat did not have the manual and figuring out just the basic stuff was a nightmare. My wife is looking forward to not having to corral the boat with a dock pole as I'm attempting to put the boat in the slip,, lol....

denlock · 05-10-2015, 11:14 AM

Good luck with your search.

Gordon Dewald · 05-10-2015, 11:23 AM

Good luck in your search. You will get better mileage with a coach.

ahicks · 05-10-2015, 11:30 AM

MH owner's manuals are generally a complete disaster if you are looking beyond generic basics. I would place far more value on a good set of maintenance records.

Most of the major component manf's will have pretty decent representation on the internet. Easily located with a google search of component make and model number.

IMHO, this leaves wiring diagrams the more difficult thing to come by......

Gordon Dewald · 05-10-2015, 11:47 AM

Check out the Winnebago site. They have manuals for most of their units as well as comprehensive construction diagrams.

I have found our operators manual is well written.

H-12Mike · 05-10-2015, 11:53 AM

I have been a boater for over 55 years and this year the wife decided to buy a MH (2015 25B Minnie Winnie). I was in shock when she did this but I agreed it was time to change from yachting on water to yachting over land. I have not looked back. We should have done this 10 years ago.