Any general consensus on mileage difference, if any, between these two?Our friends just got a new coach with Ford V10, and they seem to be getting about 1 mpg better than we do.Simplistically that makes sense, since our Workhorse has 19% more displacement than the Ford tho somewhat less rated horsepower.I had thought both powerplants got about the same mileage.

JoeWe just got back from a trip from McMinnville, Or to Chase City, Va. From Oregon to Virginia driving an '02 Brave 30W with an 8.1L we got 8.49mpg. On the way back we stopped at Forest City, Iowa and traded for a 2013 Itasca 27N with a Ford V10. From Forest City back to Oregon the V10 got 7.28mpg. The Workhorse had just over 96K miles on it when we traded for the Itasca. The 8.1 engine had been upgraded with a cold air intake, ultra power mod and free flow mufflers which increased the HP by 62 and the torque by 59 ftlbs at the rear wheels. This was checked on a dyno before and after the mods. Before the mods were done the 8.1 was getting approx 8mpg.I'm hoping the V10 will get up to 8mpg after it gets a few more miles on it.Tom

So many variables to mileage. 1 mpg can be driving habits. Too close to call.

Is your coach the exact same as your friends if not then many other factors may be in play such as weight, aerodynamics, speed and a host of others. 1mpg is a bit to small to tell.

In theory (I repeat theory), the 3 valve V10 should do a little better----------newer technology. In the real world, too many variables.

PeppyPilot wrote:Our friends just got a new coach with Ford V10, and they seem to be getting about 1 mpg better than we do.I quoted the only meaningful sentence in your post.Mileage can only be calculated over the long haul. Wait and see what their driving habits are and where the figures settle out.

Mileage difference Ford V10 vs Workhorse 8.1?

13 Replies

2bzy2c
Explorer II
Jun 11, 2013
You know what they say...

"If you have to ask, you can't afford it".
Gjac
Explorer III
Jun 11, 2013
From just talking to folks I meet along the way It seems like those with a 32-35 ft MH get 7-7.5 mpg with the V-10 and 7.5 to 8 with the Chevy. So I think over time if your MH is a similar size and weight as your friends and you travel the same speed you should get slightly better.
gone2dadesert
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
dcbrewer wrote:
Don't even want to check mine! when figuring for a trip I use 5 mi to gal. Lol

With my V-10 and toad, I plan for 6mpg, but I "usually" get closer to 7mpg around 60/65mph-ish on long trips. On weekend trips to my local desert, my mpg drops to about 5-6 mpg because of several grades and many stop signs/lights.
jolooote
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
Many have some 'Strange' claims when it comes to mpg. Our 2006, 34' Class'A' on the Ford F53 chassis, V10, 3 valve, 362 Hp mated to the 5 speed Tranny gets 6.5 on long hauls from Miami, Fl. to Moab, Utah In August/Sept. On the way back, early Oct., it gets 7.5 mpg. We've done this trip 5 times and always the same. BTW; We always unload more 'STUFF' when we get back than when we left.???
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Jun 11, 2013
Same driver, same coach weight, same road conditions, and same weather conditions, will probably produce a fuel mileage difference too small to measure.
wallynm
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
plus 10 year newer technology

PeppyPilot wrote:
Any general consensus on mileage difference, if any, between these two?

Our friends just got a new coach with Ford V10, and they seem to be getting about 1 mpg better than we do.

Simplistically that makes sense, since our Workhorse has 19% more displacement than the Ford tho somewhat less rated horsepower.

I had thought both powerplants got about the same mileage.
fourmat
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
total weight wind driving habits etc. From what I have seen they seem to do about the same
dcbrewer
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
Don't even want to check mine! when figuring for a trip I use 5 mi to gal. Lol
OnaQuest
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
PeppyPilot wrote:

Our friends just got a new coach with Ford V10, and they seem to be getting about 1 mpg better than we do.

I quoted the only meaningful sentence in your post.

Mileage can only be calculated over the long haul. Wait and see what their driving habits are and where the figures settle out.
427435
Explorer
Jun 11, 2013
In theory (I repeat theory), the 3 valve V10 should do a little better----------newer technology.

In the real world, too many variables.