Ford V-10 vs GM Vortec for towing

What year MH's are you looking at? After 2006 both had the max HP engines and best transmissions. 340 HP for the 8.1 and 362 HP for the v-10. Earlier versions of the V-10 had less HP and less gears in transmission. In that case I would choose the 8.1. After 2006 the Allison transmission would be the main discriminator.

Since you asked about towing, you need to bring up a torque chart for both the 8.1L GM engine and the Ford V-10. You will see that the GM engine has a basically flat torque curve starting at about 1200 RPM. The Ford comes close to the peak torque of the GM engine but it requires a lot more RPM to accomplish the same task. Basic parts for the 8.1L GM engine are available at any parts store and may are the same parts used on some current GM engines. The Ford V-10 is as difficult, or as easy, to get parts as the GM. The Allison transmission is superior to every other transmission used in RV's of the era that your are looking at.

Thanks Rick Jay.

Both units are full body paint, and both in great condition.

I'm leaning toward the V-10, just because they quit making the Vortec 8.1 in 2009. I called a parts dept. at a Chevy dealer near by, and they told me that parts may be somewhat hard to get.

I really wanted the 8.1 with the Allison, because I have owned seen new, a 2007 Chevy truck with the Duramax and Allison. It's the best truck I've ever owned.

Now, I read that Ford is about to discontinue the V-10....Go figure!!

wjschill,

When you say there is a "difference in color", could you elaborate on that just a bit. Are you talking interior or exterior. If the latter, does one have full body paint and the other doesn't? Or do both have full body paint, or does neither have full body paint and only decals?

I'd one has full body paint and the other doesn't, I'd go with the one with the full body paint.

As for the engines, I think that's a wash. BUT...I WOULD have a preference for the Workhorse because of the Allison transmission.

If the floorplans are identical, I guess if one of them was in a more preferential color scheme, that could be important as well. Also, check the quality of the cabinets. When we ordered our rig, we opted for a rather pricey cabinetry upgrade ($4,000ish) over the basic cabinets. The quality of these are MUCH better than the stock cabinets and I believe that was an important upgrade for us as the cabinets have really withstood the test of time. Heck, the cabinets in our motorhome are actually better built than the ones we have in our house!!! LOL

Tough call to make as I think a lot will have to do with which one looks better for you, all other things being equal.

As others have said, pulling around a 2,800 pound TOAD shouldn't be much of a problem with the proper towing gear. Both Ford and Workhorse require an auxiliary braking system, so that's a wash as well.

I think it's kind of neat that you were able to find two mostly identical rigs just on different chassis's. :)

Good Luck,

~Rick

Engine noise is mostly fault of coach manufactures not doing proper insulation to coach. My Newmar is relative quite inside with the 362 HP V10 climbing mountains compared to a Coachmen that I previously owned. The difference is in the quality of insulation in the two. Keep the noise outside. Insulation also helps with fuel millage. Saves using generator to cool unit while traveling in hot weather.

The V10 will be out of production soon.

Biggest complaints about that engine are not great fuel economy and it is loud, especially going uphill when it has to increase engine speed to make power.

Either one will pull that toad without a problem.

I have the Workhorse 8.1 with the Allison 1000 transmission. I do all my own oil and transmission fluid changes. This is the easiest vehicle I've ever had to change fluids on myself.

There is nothing in the way of the transmission and engine oil drain plugs, plus the transmission has a spin on filter right next to the engine oil filter.

Very simple to maintain if you do your own maintenance.

I talked to a rv repair shop supervisor and asked him the same question. He said either one is a good unit, but he would go with the V10 as the engine and F53 chassis is still in production. The 8.1 was discontinued in 09 as well as the W22 workhorse and has to search wrecking yards for frame parts. They both are good units just up to you.

Buy which one you like best as either will tow 2,800 lbs without issue.

We live in Florida and usually tow on flat land but we did take a trip last year up to the Smokey mountains and towed my wife's Jeep that I estimate is about 4500lbs. The Ford V10 did a great job.