I am in the market for a used Class A motor home. I was trying to stay above the model year 2008 but I am finding some really nice motor homes in the 2003-2007 model years with low miles and still in great shape (and cost significantly less). I know that Ford didn't make a F53 chassis in 2005 so up through 2006 models had the 2 valve V10 and the 4 speed transmission. My initial thought was I needed to get the newer 3 valve and the 5 speed transmission. But, like I said, there are some really good motor homes out there with the 2 valve motors. Then, to make matters more interesting, I found a really nice 2007 model motor home that had the 8.1 workhorse chassis. Is there a real advantage/disadvantage to any of these 3 chassis? I am not concerned with mileage (all get poor mileage) and the most important thing to me is the floor plan. I just don't want to buy a Class A with a particular chassis that has known (motor, transmission, suspension, etc) problems. Another factor is I will be towing a Jeep Wrangler unlimited so that is another thing to consider. Assuming all 3 of these chassis will handle a 5000lb vehicle, is there a huge performance difference with any of these 3? I live in Florida so I won't have to deal with any grades except for a few hills when I leave the state.

I don't know anything about the Workhorse as I've never owned one. As for the Ford, the later 3 valve is not only an upgraded engine, but also has a 5 speed transmission with retarding capabilities. Once I learned how to use the tow/haul feature I like it. I have towed a Tracker with a trailer which amounts to about 5,000 lbs. with no problems.Note: some of the 06 models can be on an 04 chassis, so make sure you know which you are looking at.

The 8.1 is a much better setup than the early 2 valve Fords. Not only was it a much better engine, but the Ford Chassis road very hard. It was also known for blowing spark plugs. Comparing the 3 valve V10 to the 8.1, they run neck and neck, and you will find most opinions are Ford VS GM, rather than any actual true desirable difference. It does seem like the 8.1 tended to get a little better mileage than the Ford. The newer Fords did finally get the ride quality straightened out, but still a touch stiff compared to Workhorse. I'm not sure what year Workhorse switched to the 6 speed Allison.

Engines and transmissions are only part of the equation. I'm not sure what years you're looking at but Workhorse did have a recall for overheating brakes. There were also a number of them that had auto parking brake issues, electronic instrument cluster issues, and sparkplug wire issues. You'll need to know which years were affected and whether or not the problems have been addressed.The brake recall is likely the most expensive problem if it hasn't been addressed. Workhorse is no longer in business, so if you buy a motorhome on a Workhorse chassis that hasn't been repaired it will be difficult to get it done.

I have a 2007 with the 8.1 and Workhorse -- you can easily check on recall information with just the VIN number. I've been very pleased with its performance, we tow a Honda Element and I have to turn on the camera to make sure it is there - the combination of the Allison transmission and the 8.1 make towing and performance better than I had expected.

When we bought our 8.1L Workhorse;I drove both the Workhorse and Ford by the same Manufacturer, Model and year. I drove the Workhorse about 25 miles, and could not believe how well it handled and rode.I drove the Ford, and before I got around the corner, I found a large parking area and drove back to the dealer and bought the Workhorse.I was amazed at the difference in handling and braking.The ford was less expensive at the time, but I believe I made the right decision.After 8 years, it still handles the same as when I test drove it. I always look forward to getting on the road. It's still fun to drive.Good Luck with your choice. Test drive each and see what you think, your mileage may differ.I have towed a Toyota and Sentra on a tow dolly;a Jeep Liberty 4200 lbs, and now a Sonic 4-down.It tows great, and don't even know the towed vehicles are there, until I look in the camera and realized they are following very closely.:EJMHO.

Pre 2006 Ford F53 vs post 2006 Ford F53 vs 8.1 Workhorse

25 Replies

timmac
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014
MetalGator wrote:
I am in the market for a used Class A motor home. I was trying to stay above the model year 2008 but I am finding some really nice motor homes in the 2003-2007 model years with low miles and still in great shape (and cost significantly less). I know that Ford didn't make a F53 chassis in 2005 so up through 2006 models had the 2 valve V10 and the 4 speed transmission. My initial thought was I needed to get the newer 3 valve and the 5 speed transmission. But, like I said, there are some really good motor homes out there with the 2 valve motors. Then, to make matters more interesting, I found a really nice 2007 model motor home that had the 8.1 workhorse chassis. Is there a real advantage/disadvantage to any of these 3 chassis? I am not concerned with mileage (all get poor mileage) and the most important thing to me is the floor plan. I just don't want to buy a Class A with a particular chassis that has known (motor, transmission, suspension, etc) problems.

Another factor is I will be towing a Jeep Wrangler unlimited so that is another thing to consider. Assuming all 3 of these chassis will handle a 5000lb vehicle, is there a huge performance difference with any of these 3? I live in Florida so I won't have to deal with any grades except for a few hills when I leave the state.

I tow a Jeep Wrangler with my 2008 Bounder on the Ford chassis, the newer F-53's have more HP and the better transmission, I would hold out for the newer F-53 if I was you, so much better than the older ones, the Workhorse is OK but its not made anymore and less repair shops for the Workhorse vs the Ford.

As to noise and driving comfort the F-53 does need some improvement, I sound proof my doghouse and floor and now its very quiet, I replaced the hard riding Bilstien shocks with softer Monroe RV shocks and installed 4 airbags with on board controls and now it drives smoother and much quieter.
MetalGator
Nomad
Mar 31, 2014
OP here. Thanks for all the comments on the chassis. Will probably start getting serious about Class A shopping early next year.
spotrot
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
RE: 2008 Itasca 30B. I wish I paid more for the 8.1 because on this model the Workhourse has a higher load rating. The F35 chassis is at the specified limits on the rear axle on this model, which means you can not put hardly any weight on the rear with a carrier or hitch.

50k on the V10 and no problems except maybe 7.3 mpg w/o toad
Semi_Retired_Gr
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
Drove an itasca with the Chevy engine for many miles - never exceeded 6 mpg - often in the 5.5 mpg range. Find the Ford better (6.5-7 mpg) - certainly not enough to brag about!
bsinmich
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
There appears to be all sorts of misinformation on Workhorse Chassis here. The W20 & W22 chassis had the brake problem. The W24 has different brakes that were not in the recall. The instrument panel problem seems like a thing of the past. I bet Workhorse employees would be surprised to find out they are out of business. They don't make motorhome chassis since GM quit building the 8.1L. They still have truck chassis and service. I had the same brake problem back in '91 on my '89 Ford E350. Brake fluid absorbs moisture in all vehicles and that was the problem with the Ford and also my Workhorse.
Hikerdogs
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
C-Leigh Racing wrote:
427435 wrote:
Relative to the Ford V10's, I would love to have the newer 3 valve V10 and the 5 speed tranny. The real question is how much is it worth. I would probably pay $2000-$3000 for someone to install the extra power and gear into my MH, but that's about it. I get along just fine with the 310 hp and 4 speed tranny

Of course a newer MH is worth than an older MH, so figure accordingly.

So you like the 310 HP & 4 speed Mark ?.
I'm tickled with our 99 275 HP & 4 speed, so can only dream what your 310 or those with the 362 HP engines are like.
Course though, after my years of running up & down the east coast with 238 Detroits bellering in my ears, an old inline 250 6 cylinder Chevy gas would probably be ok with me. Our 275 HP does do good though, I've no complaints.
Neil

We put over 100,000 miles on our 2001 Winnebago Adventurer with the Ford V10, towing either our Buick on a dolly or our Jeep Wrangler. It never gave us any problems in that 12 year time span. It went from Alaska to Florida and Nova Scotia to Oregon and everywhere in between without letting us down once. It never lacked for power except the one time I forgot to change the fuel filter. Other than that it ran fine. The new owner plans to put on another 100,000 miles before retiring it.

We now have a 2013 Adventurer with the 362 hp V10 and 5 speed transmission. It's a little quicker up the hills and rides a little softer (22.5" wheels and tires), but the old one did a great job for a lot of miles. It wouldn't have made any difference to us if the new motorhome had the same engine and transmission as the previous one.
SRT
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
jerseyjim wrote:
I have a 2001 V-10. 52,000 trouble free miles.

'Nuff said.

'99 V-10. Added the Banks exhaust/intake. Didn't change the gas mileage but added more zip on the hills. Would be nice to have the newest, but still happy with the current machinery. 73,000 miles. Only problem was a loose coolant hose clamp. Used synthetic oil after 5,000 miles.
jerseyjim
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
I have a 2001 V-10. 52,000 trouble free miles.

'Nuff said.
427435
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
C-Leigh Racing wrote:
427435 wrote:
Relative to the Ford V10's, I would love to have the newer 3 valve V10 and the 5 speed tranny. The real question is how much is it worth. I would probably pay $2000-$3000 for someone to install the extra power and gear into my MH, but that's about it. I get along just fine with the 310 hp and 4 speed tranny

Of course a newer MH is worth than an older MH, so figure accordingly.

So you like the 310 HP & 4 speed Mark ?.
I'm tickled with our 99 275 HP & 4 speed, so can only dream what your 310 or those with the 362 HP engines are like.
Course though, after my years of running up & down the east coast with 238 Detroits bellering in my ears, an old inline 250 6 cylinder Chevy gas would probably be ok with me. Our 275 HP does do good though, I've no complaints.
Neil

Yes, I get along with it fine-------and I've towed a 5000 lb toad all over the country. The extra hp and the extra gear would be nice, but I would rather have a 2004 MH with the 310 hp and 4 speed in good condition and priced reasonably than a 2006 MH in fair condition and over priced.

To the OP, first find a MH (in good condition) with a floor plan that the DW likes and is fairly priced------then consider the drivetrain.
BrooksFam
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014
I have a 2004 Workhorse 8.1 with Banks, 5 spd Alison, on a 30' MH and tow a 5k lb boat. I also tow a 2005 Jeep Wangler. It gets the job done, but not much to spare........