ford V10 vs 5.4L V8

I have a 5.4 that had truck camper on it, transmission did a lot downshifting on small grades on interstates and driving into winds. Still have pickup, also 24FT. Jayco 350 V10. I would buy the V10, less searching at the same speed.
Bill

For the tiny 22 foot Pleasure Way Pursuit, I don't recommend the larger V10 engine, nor the E450 chassis. You'll have far more power than you'll ever need, and the E450 chassis will offer a more harsh ride.
Simply stated, both are OVER-KILL FOR THE APPLICATION.

If you later decide to tow something, it's not like the V8 won't handle it. It would be equivalent to a massive 32 foot class-C with the V10 towing the same thing. You'll simply take it a little easier.

The V8 engine will yield at least a 10% improvement in fuel economy over the V10. Personally I would opt for a Chevy 3500 chassis if that is an option as it will offer the same fuel economy as the E350-V8, but offer a little more power & cab comfort. But either choice is perfectly matched for that rig.

I don't agree with "More Is Better". It will cost multiple thousands more to purchase and at least 10% more to operate. And your house, it's contents, and occupants will be taking an unnecessary rough-ride beating with every driven moment.

If going with the E350-V8, I would consider the optional 55 gallon fuel tank over the standard 40 gallon tank. It's nice to have more fuel in remote areas where you might want to run the gas generator for extended periods. It utilizes the same fuel from the same main fuel tank.

BTW: The V8 is the same engine as the V10 minus 2 cylinders. They are both Triton series engines with the same dependability.

And that is my opinion.

ADDING:

Here is a Pleaser Way Pursuit


Here is a beast. The Pursuit does not need the same engine or chassis as this thing.


rvit,
If you are concerned with a lack of power with the V8, then test drive both the V8 and V10 before making a final decision. You will learn a lot with a test drive. Being a house on wheels, you would rarely utilize the V10 performance.

V-10 without a doubt. You will be happy with it from all I have read. I have never owned one though. Sometimes I wish my 1988 had a bigger engine.

The best option is the V-10

very helpful, I would always opt for the bigger engine in my automotive choices, I guess I was just hoping there was some gas savings in the smaller engine so I could justify it while also getting a better deal.

The Pursuit is a bit smaller and lighter than my 24' Lazy Daze which also had the (rarely taken) standard V8.

I have the V10 and while adequate on a relatively light class C, it is not overpowered by any stretch of the imagination. I'm glad I have the larger engine.

If you're sticking to lower elevations with lot of flatland travel the V8 could be adequate. Get the V10 for sure if you're frequently crossing mountains. The larger torquier engine will operate at a generally lower more peaceful RPM.

dealer in Grand Rapids MI listed 2 with the 5.4L. I called and confirmed it. I was surprised also not having seen anything other than V10 prior to that. The savings was enough to make me ask.

Golden_HVAC wrote:




The 5.4L makes upwards of 300 HP, not that much less than the V10 engine. They in fact share the same piston size, and stroke length, only change is number of cylinders.

If the change to 5.4L means changing to the lighter weight capacity E-350 chassis, I would not make that change, even if it saves $5,000. I would want to keep the E-450 chassis, and get the smaller engine if you don't plan on using it in the mountain or towing much. Yes you can still tow fine with the 5.4L, just not as much. I think the difference is you can tow up to 18,000 GCVWR with the 5.4 and 22,000 with the 6.8L engine. So 4,000 more with the larger engine.

So if the motorhome is say 11,000 pounds, then the lower capacity chassis might work (E-350) but if heavier, then the 14,050 pound E-450 chassis is desired, in case you want to carry extra weight sometime. The E-450 chassis is less likely to "Wallow" around, as it will have stiffer springs, and keep upright better.

Fred.

No! The 5.4 V8 used in the E-series only produce 255 HP!,350 ftlb of torque with a 5 speed trans. And the 6.8 V10 produces 305 HP, 420 ftlb of torque with a 5 speed trans.

wow you really know this stuff. If it's possible, I believe it's the 350 chassis either way.

Are you sure you aren't mistaken? The PW website shows the 6.8L V-10 as standard equipment for the Pursuit. We traveled for years in a PW Excel with a 5.4L engine and it was fine, plenty of power and mechanically faultless. When I bought the Excel, I asked the factory for their recommendation and they said to go with the 5.4L engine if I didn't plan to tow anything. I am now looking seriously at a Pursuit and I think I would want the bigger engine in it.

Jim