Seabreeze Ford v10 vs. WorkHorse

rgatijnet1 wrote:

paschasmom wrote:
Thanks all for the information and opinions. I did some research and this unit was part of the recall. I still can't get the web site that will tell me if the unit was serviced. Still checking on that. For you National RV owners, are roll out drawers, under the dinette, standard? I've not seen that before. They are locked in place with a slide lock, pretty cool.

Since the recall was several years ago, the coach probably got a complete set of new brake calipers all of the way around. Now you do not have to worry about brakes and because it is not a Ford, you do not have to worry about the expensive spark plug problem Ford V10's are well known for.

One main reason that the Bosch brake calipers on the WH chassis froze up is lack of use. If this motorhome sat unused for a significant length of time, the problem may still exist even though the recall has been accomplished. As far as the spark plug thing, that was a very infrequent occurance. However, this and other forums blow it out of proportion because of the Ford vs. Chevy argumentors. I'm sure warts can be found on any make and model. Use your brain.

paschasmom wrote:
Thanks all for the information and opinions. I did some research and this unit was part of the recall. I still can't get the web site that will tell me if the unit was serviced. Still checking on that. For you National RV owners, are roll out drawers, under the dinette, standard? I've not seen that before. They are locked in place with a slide lock, pretty cool.

Since the recall was several years ago, the coach probably got a complete set of new brake calipers all of the way around. Now you do not have to worry about brakes and because it is not a Ford, you do not have to worry about the expensive spark plug problem Ford V10's are well known for.

Roll out drawers under the dinette: Most likely NOT a standard item...most likely from Camping World.

Thanks all for the information and opinions. I did some research and this unit was part of the recall. I still can't get the web site that will tell me if the unit was serviced. Still checking on that. For you National RV owners, are roll out drawers, under the dinette, standard? I've not seen that before. They are locked in place with a slide lock, pretty cool.

IMO, National RV products, including Dolphin, Sea Breeze, and Tropical, were the best gas powered motorhomes made, engines aside. It's unfortunate that they are no longer in business. If you decide to buy this Sea Breeze, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as we enjoyed our Tropical. Don't pay too much attention to this Ford vs. Chevy stuff because it's all based on personal opinion. Both engines are very capable. The main issue is the brakes.

I don't have any personal experience with the WH, but we did own a 2006 Hurricane on the F53 chassis with the V10. It always did great for us, even pulling the 31' MH and a car hauler with a Toyota Tacoma dual cab on it over the mountain at Chattanooga several times. Gas mileage was about 8 mpg without the toad, 6 mpg with it. Our new 340 HP diesel pusher gets 10 mpg without the toad. As several folks said, the WH chassis did have some major brake issues, so be sure to check that out. And to emphasize, I do mean MAJOR brake issues, like welded calipers - not good! Whatever your decision, enjoy it!

JayGee wrote:
The brake recall is only relevant if it has a W series chassis .

WRONG. Just having a W does NOT mean it had the brake problem. W24 had different brake system. Many other vehicles had the Bosch brake system but it was the lack of use and periods of non-use that were a cause of the brake problem for RV owners. After the recall mine was perfect.

I had my 2001 National Tropical for 15 years with the Ford V-10. I put 63,000 miles on it with no problems with either the engine or transmission. As far as I'm concerned, the Ford engine is bullet proof. The Workhorse (GM) engine is ok, but old technology. It still has the spark plug wires routed near the exhaust manifold, and they frequently burn up. Also, the Workhorse chassis had brake caliper problems that I'm not sure were ever solved, even after many recalls. Workhorse Chassis was purchased by Navistar, and is no longer in production. I now have a 2015 Tiffin Allegro with the Ford V-10 and wouldn't have it any other way.

Ford was, is, and will continue to be Ford, Workhorse has changed hands since this coach was built and the GM 496 engine has not been offered in highway vehicles for many years.

I think that, as the calendar pages flip, parts availability could become a concern. Sure the common wear and use items are plentiful but those are not always what you need.

We don't yet know which parts will fatigue, rust out, crack or otherwise degrade and, by then, be obsolete.

If I just planned on keeping the coach for a few years I would not be concerned, the 496/Allison combo is robust and reliable.

The brake recall is only relevant if it has a W series chassis


The 6th place in the VIN indicates the model....an A=W24, a 6=W22, a 9=W20, etc.... I think this is right and might help.