Hi allFormer lurker but now newbie chick. Sorry for long post!I came across a 2010 sightseer 35J(BH with 2 slides) with a W22 V8.1 workhorse engine (FRED). We are also looking into the '14 Vista 35B with the ford V10 -BH model with 3 slides. We have had our E350 ford Class C '96 Jamboree for the past 5 years which has been awesome engine-wise and low maintenance. My brother in law got a 40' Newmar Dutch Star DP for eventual FT-ing soon, which interested us in taking a look at a diesel coach.Our daughter shows her puppy (toy dog) and she is getting bigger (will be 10yo), and we like to go on 1-3 week camping trips and shorter weekend trips each year, hence the need for the increased space of a class A. Current coach is 30' no slide outs and we tow a fiesta on a dolly for reference.Now some Q's: 1. Are FRED's harder to maintain than gas? 2. Are they louder than gas from the inside of the coach?3. Should we just stick with ol' reliable? 4. Do the V10's have enough power for hills/mountains.5. Will the V10 be able to haul the weight of 3 slides, tow a small car, and have 1/2 or more filled tanks and passengers without running like a dog? We get around 9 MPg no matter towing or not with our E350. I believe I read the V10 gets 6-7Mpg and the W22 around 8Mpg?I know there's a lot, but I uberly appreciate your time and advice!Thank you so much!MNMsFam (fam of 3)

Are you certain you are looking at a FRED, Front Engine Diesel? Everything I read says the Chevy 8.1 is a Vortec GAS engine.The F53 with V-10 is powerful. It will take you where you want to go. It can be noisy when it downshifts and revs up to get up inclines. Cruising down the road it is quiet. If you want quiet you need to buy a DP.

afrescop wrote:Are you certain you are looking at a FRED, Front Engine Diesel? Everything I read says the Chevy 8.1 is a Vortec GAS engine.The F53 with V-10 is powerful. It will take you where you want to go. It can be noisy when it downshifts and revs up to get up inclines. Cruising down the road it is quiet. If you want quiet you need to buy a DP. Thanks for the quick reply. I assumed with an Allison tranny and 22.5" wheels that it was a diesel. I rechecked the brochure and now see they did offer a workhouse diesel chassis but it is called a MaxxForce with an Allison tranny. http://media.gowinnebago.com/models/globalElements/brochure/wb_4bfd84e8_10_sightseer_brochure.pdfSorry for the confusion!I've heard some prefer the 8.1 workhorse with an Allison tranny over the V10 because in their opinion, it is a more reliable combo? Is this true?If the V10 would be fine with the weight of the 3 slides and such, we'll take a look at it. The dealer by us just so happens to have one in stock.Sure appreciate your wisdom!

Workhorse chassis and GM 8.1 are no longer in production. Will V10 handle everything you want, owners of comparable rigs say yes. Personally I would look at DP's in that size and configuration.

topflite51 wrote:Workhorse chassis and GM 8.1 are no longer in production. Will V10 handle everything you want, owners of comparable rigs say yes. Personally I would look at DP's in that size and configuration.Hello and thank you!The 8.1 was in the 2010 sightseer mentioned in original post.The 2010-2012 sightseer 35J's we were looking at has 1 bathroom and 2 slideouts. The 2010 sightseer is the only year, if I read it correctly, that offered the 3 different chassis (see brochure link above if interested).The 2014 Vista 35B has 1.5 baths and 3 slides.I was aiming at the sightseer's because they have 2 slides and less weight (?). I was worried about the 2014 weight and power/gas mileage. But it sounds like it may be fine power-wise though. Just didnt want to dog up any mountains when we go out west or east.

I had the V10 in the Regency. It was the easiest engine to change oil and filter I have had in years. Can save a lot of money owning the V10 over a diesel engine in servicing.

2010 Workhorse W22 or newer gas V10? | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

CT_WANDERER
Explorer
Oct 30, 2013
Gjac wrote:
CT_WANDERER wrote:
I have a 2006 Coachmen on a W22 with the 454. In the past we have traveled down the east coast mountains and out in the west mountains with out a tow we were able to between 8 & 9 MPG and did OK going up the hills. Granted not a jet, but did OK.
We added a tow doing just able the same traveling. We were in the 7.8 to 8.5 MPG with a tow under 3000#.
Now, we are towing a Wrangler putting the MH to its Max. We are a little slower going up the hills, if you don't get a good jump on them. But still doing good going up them. I just let the engine and tranny do what it has to. However the MPG sure have changed. Running around 6MPG. Will get into 7MPG with flat land. But once you hit the hills what I gained I lose fast. But I am still happy with the gas engine. I go between 5,000 to 8,000 mile a year. I just don't think I can justify the extra cost of a diesel. And for what I do. JMHO Gary
If I understand your post you are saying you went from 8-9 mpg without a tow down to 6 mpg with a tow? 3 mpg drop seems like a lot. If so is that because you were at the upper limit of your weight limit? My experience is 8.5-9 mpg with or without the tow on old 454 TBI 4 speed.

The only change that I know of is we now are pulling the JEEP WANGLER 4 door. I have not finished my trip. We are staying in Mission TX. And most of the way out here, I have been going up and down hill. Have not done a lot of flat towing this trip. I am hopping by time I get home, it will improve. I don't know what else I can say has change my MPG. I thought it would change with the jeep, but not much. Maybe I had head winds on the way out here. Gary
CT_WANDERER
Explorer
Oct 30, 2013
bsinmich wrote:
CT_WANDERER wrote:
I have a 2006 Coachmen on a W22 with the 454. In the past we have traveled down the east coast mountains and out in the west mountains with out a tow we were able to between 8 & 9 MPG and did OK going up the hills. Granted not a jet, but did OK.
We added a tow doing just able the same traveling. We were in the 7.8 to 8.5 MPG with a tow under 3000#.
Now, we are towing a Wrangler putting the MH to its Max. We are a little slower going up the hills, if you don't get a good jump on them. But still doing good going up them. I just let the engine and tranny do what it has to. However the MPG sure have changed. Running around 6MPG. Will get into 7MPG with flat land. But once you hit the hills what I gained I lose fast. But I am still happy with the gas engine. I go between 5,000 to 8,000 mile a year. I just don't think I can justify the extra cost of a diesel. And for what I do. JMHO Gary

The W22 came with the 8.1 engine and is 496 CID. The old 454 has not been used for years and was a 7.9. We love our 38' Newmar and aren't underpowered. MPG runs 7-8.5 mpg and always with a toad.

Thanks letting me know about my error. I will have to change some of my records.
timmac
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
427435 wrote:
wa8yxm wrote:
When you ask about the 8.1 L vortec or the Ford V-10 you are starting a religous discussion and I belong to the 1st Church of GM.. So perhaps I'm biased.

That said. Both engines have advantages and disadvantages, I happen to like GM over ford. The Allison Tranny is quite a plus too (Most folks INCLUDING FORD, agree the Allison is best).

I see the Workhorse people claiming this, but I don't see Ford people saying that-----------especially with the 2006 and up Tow/Haul Ford tranny.

So what do I recommend:

Get the one with the floor plan you like the best of course.

Agreed, that's where Ford made the mark with me was the 5 speed tow-haul and the higher HP and Torque 06 and newer.

My last motorhome had the 8.1 but just the GM 4 speed trans, it was good and ran strong, no complaints, but my new 08 F-53 that weights 5000lbs more is also very strong and runs great, no complaints other than I can get my Ford serviced at more places and parts should not be a issue for years to come.
Dale_Traveling
Explorer II
Oct 29, 2013
Both the Ford and Workhorse chassis will get you were you want to go that an RV can physically fit. Both are pretty much equal in performance, maintenance and reliability. Choose which floor plan you like best. Don't worry so much about the weight of the coach unless you plan to really pack it full of stuff.

Fuel mileage is going to be around 7 to 8 mpg and will greatly depend on how heavy your foot is. My coach is a bit lighter then what you are looking at and I've gotten as high as a bit over 8 mpg.

Regular maintenance is pretty straight forward. Just follow the recommended intervals and such. No exotic oils, filters or such you need to worry about. Wally World has most consumables you'll need and the corner auto parts store has everything else.

Good luck with you decision.
427435
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
wa8yxm wrote:
When you ask about the 8.1 L vortec or the Ford V-10 you are starting a religous discussion and I belong to the 1st Church of GM.. So perhaps I'm biased.

That said. Both engines have advantages and disadvantages, I happen to like GM over ford. The Allison Tranny is quite a plus too (Most folks INCLUDING FORD, agree the Allison is best).

I see the Workhorse people claiming this, but I don't see Ford people saying that-----------especially with the 2006 and up Tow/Haul Ford tranny.

So what do I recommend:

Get the one with the floor plan you like the best of course.
427435
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
To answer the OP's question, both engines are good units and will do what you want done. Pick the one that is in best condition, has the best service documentation, and that you like the floor plan the best.

I have been very pleased with my early V10.
427435
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
J-Rooster wrote:
IMHO, the type of traveling you do a Class A, will be just the ticket! I own a Winnebago 35-U it has the Big Block Chevy 8.1 Vortec with the Allison Tranny. My Chassis is the Workhorse W-22 and currently the motor and chassis are obsolete. Some people have a really big problem with that and some like me don't. I feel it's the best gasoline set up in the RV market. I say that because my prior coach was a Fleetwood gasoline powered with a V-10 Ford Trinton with an Allison Tranny and a Ford Chassis!

Are you sure about a V10 and an Allison???? That was never built.

I've owned both and prefer Workhorse 8.1. When I decide to go with a DP someday I want one with a CAT engine (and there obsolete) so that doesn't bother me there is plenty of parts still around and if I can't find a part I'll have a machine shop make me one. My big concern when buying a coach is #1 Price! Make a budget of what you can afford and stick to it! I've been thru the worst depression since the 30's and retired and haven't missed a payment due to that outlook! #2. would be a floor plan that fits your needs. #3. Engine and Tranny and lastly colors! Good luck in your search and showing your dog!
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2013
When you ask about the 8.1 L vortec or the Ford V-10 you are starting a religous discussion and I belong to the 1st Church of GM.. So perhaps I'm biased.

That said. Both engines have advantages and disadvantages, I happen to like GM over ford. The Allison Tranny is quite a plus too (Most folks INCLUDING FORD, agree the Allison is best).

So what do I recommend:

Get the one with the floor plan you like the best of course.
Gjac
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2013
CT_WANDERER wrote:
I have a 2006 Coachmen on a W22 with the 454. In the past we have traveled down the east coast mountains and out in the west mountains with out a tow we were able to between 8 & 9 MPG and did OK going up the hills. Granted not a jet, but did OK.
We added a tow doing just able the same traveling. We were in the 7.8 to 8.5 MPG with a tow under 3000#.
Now, we are towing a Wrangler putting the MH to its Max. We are a little slower going up the hills, if you don't get a good jump on them. But still doing good going up them. I just let the engine and tranny do what it has to. However the MPG sure have changed. Running around 6MPG. Will get into 7MPG with flat land. But once you hit the hills what I gained I lose fast. But I am still happy with the gas engine. I go between 5,000 to 8,000 mile a year. I just don't think I can justify the extra cost of a diesel. And for what I do. JMHO Gary
If I understand your post you are saying you went from 8-9 mpg without a tow down to 6 mpg with a tow? 3 mpg drop seems like a lot. If so is that because you were at the upper limit of your weight limit? My experience is 8.5-9 mpg with or without the tow on old 454 TBI 4 speed.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013
IMHO, the type of traveling you do a Class A, will be just the ticket! I own a Winnebago 35-U it has the Big Block Chevy 8.1 Vortec with the Allison Tranny. My Chassis is the Workhorse W-22 and currently the motor and chassis are obsolete. Some people have a really big problem with that and some like me don't. I feel it's the best gasoline set up in the RV market. I say that because my prior coach was a Fleetwood gasoline powered with a V-10 Ford Trinton with an Allison Tranny and a Ford Chassis! I've owned both and prefer Workhorse 8.1. When I decide to go with a DP someday I want one with a CAT engine (and there obsolete) so that doesn't bother me there is plenty of parts still around and if I can't find a part I'll have a machine shop make me one. My big concern when buying a coach is #1 Price! Make a budget of what you can afford and stick to it! I've been thru the worst depression since the 30's and retired and haven't missed a payment due to that outlook! #2. would be a floor plan that fits your needs. #3. Engine and Tranny and lastly colors! Good luck in your search and showing your dog!

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2010 Workhorse W22 or newer gas V10?

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