Engine Choice

Not knowing the model years of either or chassis of the GM makes it difficult to advise. However, if the GM has the yellow button parking brake that is a negative to me. I had one on a P32 chassis and I did not like it. If it is a W## Workhorse the Bosch brakes should have been recalled and repaired. I never drove a W## chassis so my opinion on how they drive excludes it.
I think the Ford spark plug problem was about year 1999.

I have had both, I like driving the Ford better but it does not matter as much as the floor plan to me. If I were buying again I would probably prefer the Ford if the floor plans and money were the same.

There's my two cents worth. Good luck on your choice.

All else being equal, if you have a strong preference for the GM, then go with it. Otherwise, go with the floorplan that fits you the best. You'll spend a lot more time living in the coach than you will driving it.

Both power trains have pros and cons but will do the work you ask of them. Get the coach you will be most comfortable with.

Ive had both the V-10 (2009 model year) and a 8.1 (2008 model year) in Class C's. The V10 was in a much smaller unit, by about 4500lbs. I prefer driving the 8.1/Allison combo in the heavier unit.

I think the newer V-10's with the updated transmissions may be a different story BUT I really didn't like the RPM the V10 liked to operate at and the constant shifting of it to keep it in its powerband. It looks at a rise in the road in shifts down and rpm jumps. No harm in it, just not a great driving experience.

The 8.1 / Allison combo drives just like I think it should, right gear, at the right time and no crazy rpm jumps to maintain speed on inclines. It will drop gears to CLIMB, im just talking about a rise in the road or slight overpass.

Both got about same MPG.

I wouldn't hesitate to get either one if I preferred a floor plan between two coaches, all things being equal, I would choose the 8.1/Allison combo.

8.1/Allison for the win.

Some Ford V-10's had problems with spark plugs POPPING out. It was only certain years and you did not give the year of the V-10 so google will help you

GM 8.1.

I have had two of them, lots of power. Never had a Ford so I can't make any comparisons.

Some things I would check though, based on my experience of 12 years and 80,000 miles are:

The Actia dash gauges...make sure the LCD that tells you what gear you are in is readable.

Make sure the Bosch brake recall has been done.

Exhaust manifolds have been a problem with mine...in the shop three times with broken bolts, etc.

TugCE wrote:
So, I have been looking at several Class A's and have a question.

If you had a choice of purchasing and RV from someone that you know with a GM 8.1 or an RV on a lot with a Ford V-10, which would you choice?

Both of these RV's are almost identical and I was really getting ready to pull the trigger on the V-10 when the one with the GM Engine popped up.

There are things that I do like about the Ford Engine but the fact that I can know just about everything about the GM powered rig is making me question myself. The Person that has the GM is the type that was really picky about his rig.

Thanks

so same year- same model- same size- same mileage-same options
same floor plan- same condition -same price
then buy the Gm