8.1L and W22

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.

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.

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.

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.

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