Ford V10 Power, effectivity

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.

The ford 6.8l is an effective engine - Below about 7000MSL. If you plan to travel at higher altitudes, a diesel may be an advantage. Not because it is diesel, but because it will have a turbocharger to help it compensate for the altitude. The additional cost is a issue to be reckoned with in any case.

Matt - ex Detroit engineer

The 2017 Ford F-750 truck has a gross vehicle weight capacity of 33,000 pounds with the 6.8L V10 engine. Apparently Ford thinks this is sufficient for a commercial vehicle so it should handle the same weight in an RV. Ford F650 and F750 specs

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Look at the TOTAL gross combined weight and see if the weight difference is really that great regardless of length.

forest river 31 ft 14500 GVWR - 38 ft tiffin 26000 GVWR

If I were looking at anything larger than 34-35' I would look at diesel. I know how my 30' MH feels with that power plant and it's ok, I am not sure it would be with something considerably larger. Then there is the ride. I've seen a lot of longer gassers with lengthy tail overhangs due to the shorter chassis and that has to affect handling and ride quality. Frankly the cost of a 38' gasser isn't much different than a 36' DP. At that range you get a lot more for your buck in the DP category.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Look at the TOTAL gross combined weight and see if the weight difference is really that great regardless of length.

that's true in some cases but iam saying a 30-31 ft be it a C or a A unit is a lot lighter than a 39ft 11 inches A yet they use the same power.My friend has a 31 ft 2011 forest river V10.He just drove to
Palm spring through the rockys.He said power was OK but not sure what it would be like pulling a toad.So if a C class 31 ft is OK whats a 40Ft A going to be like?
But hey that's what they all use, people buy them and they all drive down the road so in the end it must suffice for the mass that buy them,cant argue that fact so they must be sufficient

Look at the TOTAL gross combined weight and see if the weight difference is really that great regardless of length.

wredman wrote:
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 acceptable, and most people would wish they went with the diesel engine coach?

I know its subjective, and depends on the hills typically driven and we can all learn to accept the slow lane :). It just surprised me that all of these different weight coaches have the same engine.

I admit I often wonder the same as your asking.I see 31ft 2 slide V10 gas units and there ok for power(do the job) and then u see 39Ft 3-4 slide units with the identical engine. I know the late late to new units have extremely low gear ratios and 6 speed trans and this helps a great deal in the heavy ended units powered by the V10
I personally would not want a 38ft gasser in the western rockies but probable ok back east or mid west plains