8.1L and W22

W22 is pretty light chassis for a 37' MH. 8.1 is good engine but I would look for a W24 chassis.

I went from a 1999 V 10 to a 2005 8.1. Both were 36 ft class A.

The 8.1 has a little more power on the hills. No difference in gas mileage.

Yes there was a recall on the brakes. Just make sure it was done.

I went from a 1999 ford V10 class C to a 2003 class A on a W22 with the 8.1 37ft, The W22 and 8.1 with allison trans is far better than the Ford. I did have the brake recall done and you do need to change brake fluid every 2 years to prevent brake problems. The 8.1 has more power and is quieter, the V10 with Ford trans downshifts for every anthill and the engine screams.

Having the Workhorse brakes replaced with the new design model is critical. They almost killed us by going over a cliff on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The used a resin piece in the calipers that melted when they got hot. Do not put your family at risk by accepting the old design calipers. You can get the numbers directly off the calipers and check to see on the internet if they are new design.

Having the Workhorse brakes replaced with the new design model is critical. They almost killed us by going over a cliff on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The used a resin piece in the calipers that melted when they got hot. Do not put your family at risk by accepting the old design calipers. You can get the numbers directly off the calipers and check to see on the internet if they are new design.

Well, I drove a W-22 8.1 37'7" motor home with towed till the oil was lost (suddenly) and the engine blew.

I really liked it, engine had plenty of power, and GM engines are nice. The Allison transmission is hard to beat. I mean, if you ask which is the better engine, Ford or GM, both have supporters and you will get a lot of "Discussion".

IF you ask who makes the best transmission even FORD says it is ALLISON, (Their latest automatic is described as "The Answer to the Allison" by Ford,, In this case I'd listen to Ford).

The Brakes,, if the recall has been done the issue is solved, there was also a fuel clip recall you need to check to see if they were done. That is all.

I have a 3778 Mountain Aire similar to the one you are looking at. I have weighed all 4 wheels and I am no place close to the 22000# limit. I Can carry a lot more and still not even be close to 22K. If I would always travel with fresh water tanks full and also the holding tanks full I may go a lot heavier but that would not be practical. You need the holding tanks empty f you plan on using any water. The brake recall was caused by a phenolic piston in the brake caliper swelling from water in the brake fluid and not allowing it to retract. The Workhorse website is active and with the VIN you can check if the recall was done. The number on the new calipers is the same as the old as far as I know. I had the recall done asap when I had brake problems an it has been great since then. The W24 chassis didn't come out until a few years later so don't waste time looking for that unless you want a newer one. I cruise at 2100 RPM with my toad @ 62mph and get 8-8.5 mpg.

We have a 2004 W22 with 62000 miles. Have had all the recalls done and just returned Monday from Missouri. It is quite driving down the highway at 62mph. We had a V10 that was very loud and shifted too much.

You may want to change the fluids if no service record exist.

W24 came out in 2004.

I used to like the 8.1/ Allison combo. After Wa8yxm's early life failure I googled 8.1 Vortec problems and there are many incidents of early life failures, plug wire problems etc.

On the other hand the V-10 is almost problem free after 2002 or so.