Ford V10 Power, effectivity
Since this seems to be the primary gas engine for motorhomes, and all applications are the same engine and power. Is there a general consensus on coach weigh where the engine no longer seems acceptab...
Forum Discussion
The V10 used in class C's is not the same version of the engine as used in class A's. The version used in the E series (class C's and vans before the E series vans were discontinued) has two valve heads and somewhat less power than the 3 valve version used in other vehicles. Apparently the larger 3 valve heads don't physically fit in the E series chassis.
In my opinion, it's a suitable engine for any size vehicle that comes with it. There are not many diesel motorhomes of similar weights and sizes that have significantly more power, and quite a few that have somewhat less; this means that, at maximum oomph and at relatively low elevations, the gas models will out-accelerate the diesels. (At higher elevations, the normally aspirated V10 will lose a significantly greater portion of its power than a turbocharged diesel. That of course is due to the turbocharging and not the basic engine type.)
The main differences are in the comfort for the passengers. The V10 revs at maybe twice the speed of a diesel in producing its power, and is located in the front of the motorhome rather than the rear for a diesel pusher. These combine to make it rather more intrusive under load. Some people also don't like (in general) having an engine run at high speed for extended periods of time, regardless of whether or not the engine is designed to be able to do so. The V10 gets the job done just fine, though it can sound a little like it's about to thrash itself to pieces in the process.
In my opinion, it's a suitable engine for any size vehicle that comes with it. There are not many diesel motorhomes of similar weights and sizes that have significantly more power, and quite a few that have somewhat less; this means that, at maximum oomph and at relatively low elevations, the gas models will out-accelerate the diesels. (At higher elevations, the normally aspirated V10 will lose a significantly greater portion of its power than a turbocharged diesel. That of course is due to the turbocharging and not the basic engine type.)
The main differences are in the comfort for the passengers. The V10 revs at maybe twice the speed of a diesel in producing its power, and is located in the front of the motorhome rather than the rear for a diesel pusher. These combine to make it rather more intrusive under load. Some people also don't like (in general) having an engine run at high speed for extended periods of time, regardless of whether or not the engine is designed to be able to do so. The V10 gets the job done just fine, though it can sound a little like it's about to thrash itself to pieces in the process.
