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mnmsfam's avatar
mnmsfam
Explorer
Oct 29, 2013

2010 Workhorse W22 or newer gas V10?

Hi all

Former 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)
Class A

19 Replies

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  • bsinmich's avatar
    bsinmich
    Explorer
    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

    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.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    The newer V-10/F-53's 06 and newer have the 5 speed trans with tow-haul, very good transmission.

    Ford has really up the improvement on the F-53 after 06, as to the noise you can buy sound proofing material and sound proof the dog house and floor areas under both seats, I did and my noise level is half.
  • CT_WANDERER's avatar
    CT_WANDERER
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    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
  • Daveinet's avatar
    Daveinet
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    In those years either engine is very competent. First gen V10 not so much.
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    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.
  • mnmsfam's avatar
    mnmsfam
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    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.
  • topflite51's avatar
    topflite51
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    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.
  • mnmsfam's avatar
    mnmsfam
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    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.pdf

    Sorry 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!
  • afrescopXx's avatar
    afrescopXx
    Explorer
    Oct 29, 2013
    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.

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