5.4L vs 6.8L in small Class C

pnichols wrote:
I recommend that if you go with the V10 in a 24 foot range Class C, you find one built on the E450 Ford chassis instead of the Ford E350 chassis.

The E450 has a different rear differential ratio ("geared lower" with a 4.56:1 ratio) than the E350. You'll find that it will have plenty of pull right off the line and up all grades at speed. The V10 is a high RPM engine (for a truck) and the improved overall ratio of the E450 V10, due to it's rear differential, gets and keeps the engine higher into it's horsepower band for really great performance in a Class C motorhome.

This effect will especially be felt if you get a 2005 or later V10 powered motorhome. From 2005 onward Ford mated their V10 truck engine with their superb 5-speed (6 speeds internally) computer controlled TorqShift transmission. Put this transmission into it's Tow/Haul mode and the V10's performance really shines. Tow/Haul mode is meant to be used in V10 powered trucks when a heavy load is being carried .... and since a motorhome is heavily loading the chassis all the time .... many folks just leave their 2005 and later Class C motorhomes in the Tow/Haul mode all the time. Overdrive still works in Tow/Haul mode (plus you get automatic downhill engine braking), so cruising gas mileage is not effected in this mode while enjoying the improved responsivness.

X2 What he said...

The V-10 is definitely the way to go in a Class C. I had a 5.4 in my F-150 (towed a 5k# TT like a dream), and loved it but no way it is going to power a Class C like the 6.8. Sensibly driven you should get 9 to 10 mpg easily with the V-10, 6 - 8 is ridiculous. As noted once you get the V-10 mated to the 5 speed Torque shift trans {with full tow/haul}, you are good to go. You will typically find the V-10 in Class C's up to 32'. As the owner of one in a 24 foot C I can assure you it goes like a scalded cat. :W

For the record my 2011 chassis V-10 has 305 HP at 4250 rpm and generates 420 pounds of torque at 3250. Superior performance aside, when it is time to sell that 5.4 in a small C is going to take a bit hit in its resale price.

:C