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

RV_CONUS
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
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.:E

JMHO.
bauernfeind
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
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.
Hikerdogs
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
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.
Daveinet
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
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.
bigdog2
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
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.

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

25 Replies

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