Forum Discussion

Skline01's avatar
Skline01
Explorer
Feb 14, 2017

Thoughts on Used Class A Drive Train and Chassis

Looking to get a used MH. Had a 2002 Winnebago 32 foot before with a ford motor and chassis.
The previous MH had a lot of wind noise, a lot through the exhaust fan and window seep holes. I managed to mitigate most of it but wondered in the later years (say 2010 and newer) if the wind noise is reduced for most gas units.
I am familiar with the ford Triton motor and chassis but am considering a 34 foot 2011 Allegro with an 8.1L vortec Chevy with a workhorse chassis. It comes with a 6 speed Allison and has 3 slides. The wheels are 22.5 which seems to indicate a heavier chassis. I plan to tow a 2008 saturn view behind.
I would really appreciate any comments and feedback in general but in particular concerning the chevy engine and transmission based on the size and make of the MH. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insights.
Class A
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    The only sure way to compare is just drive them to get a good cross review. Once you are at the wheel you will learn a lot about the handling and noise.

    Curious on the exhaust fan noise, are you talking about over the range?
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Skline01 wrote:
    Looking to get a used MH. Had a 2002 Winnebago 32 foot before with a ford motor and chassis.
    The previous MH had a lot of wind noise, a lot through the exhaust fan and window seep holes. I managed to mitigate most of it but wondered in the later years (say 2010 and newer) if the wind noise is reduced for most gas units.
    I am familiar with the ford Triton motor and chassis but am considering a 34 foot 2011 Allegro with an 8.1L vortec Chevy with a workhorse chassis. It comes with a 6 speed Allison and has 3 slides. The wheels are 22.5 which seems to indicate a heavier chassis. I plan to tow a 2008 saturn view behind.
    I would really appreciate any comments and feedback in general but in particular concerning the chevy engine and transmission based on the size and make of the MH. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insights.

    Nothing the matter with the Fords, but given the choice, I'd go with the WH and their heavy W24 chassis would be my choice. That one didn't need the brake recall either. Most likely you're looking at a W22 or lesser in that length, so you might want to be sure that the brake recall has been done.
    Either way, the 8.1 and Allison tranny are a good combo.
  • gafidler's avatar
    gafidler
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    I have a 2007 Winnebago 38' with 8.1L vortec Chevy with a workhorse chassis and Allison trans. and tow a Honda CRV have been up the east and west coast and thru the middle of the country with no problems and lots of power, I think you will be happy with coach you are looking at.
  • Skline01's avatar
    Skline01
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    Mile High wrote:
    The only sure way to compare is just drive them to get a good cross review. Once you are at the wheel you will learn a lot about the handling and noise.

    Curious on the exhaust fan noise, are you talking about over the range?


    Mile High - yes it was the noise from the flaps on the exhaust over the range
  • Hank_MI's avatar
    Hank_MI
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    We have an 03 35' Winnebago and don't really have an issue with wind noise. Having said that, wind noise has nothing to do with the chassis. Ours is the Workhorse, W22 with 22.5" tires. Good chassis, it needs new shocks but still handles well.
  • 07blacktruck's avatar
    07blacktruck
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    Skline01 wrote:
    Looking to get a used MH. Had a 2002 Winnebago 32 foot before with a ford motor and chassis.
    The previous MH had a lot of wind noise, a lot through the exhaust fan and window seep holes. I managed to mitigate most of it but wondered in the later years (say 2010 and newer) if the wind noise is reduced for most gas units.
    I am familiar with the ford Triton motor and chassis but am considering a 34 foot 2011 Allegro with an 8.1L vortec Chevy with a workhorse chassis. It comes with a 6 speed Allison and has 3 slides. The wheels are 22.5 which seems to indicate a heavier chassis. I plan to tow a 2008 saturn view behind.
    I would really appreciate any comments and feedback in general but in particular concerning the chevy engine and transmission based on the size and make of the MH. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insights.

    I have no experience with the Allegro model but I do know and have been around the WH chassis. It is the next best thing to a diesel engine you can find. They typically have plenty of power and coupled with the Allison, they are a capable powertrain. You should have no trouble pulling your car. Like any machine, look for signs of good maintenance and correct past operations and it can be a good coach for you. Make the move and enjoy..
  • xctraveler's avatar
    xctraveler
    Explorer
    Feb 15, 2017
    Drove our WH 8.1L Chevy 110,000 miles across the country and around the country over 8 years. The drive line was in tip top condition when I sold it and probably had another 90k in it before serious overhaul. The worst noise was when the electric cooling fan kicked in, usually either slugging up a long grade or caught in traffic on a hot day. Sounded like the engine was over revving. Wind noise is a coach manufacturer issue not chassis. Tiffin makes excellent bodies, I have one. Have no idea how the specific unit you are looking at would fare. Drive it!
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Feb 16, 2017
    Skline01 wrote:
    Mile High wrote:
    The only sure way to compare is just drive them to get a good cross review. Once you are at the wheel you will learn a lot about the handling and noise.

    Curious on the exhaust fan noise, are you talking about over the range?


    Mile High - yes it was the noise from the flaps on the exhaust over the range


    Ours has a different kind of vent than I'm used to having before- I don't have to close it on the outside and not real sure if it has a flap. Maybe that issue got resolved over time.
  • olfarmer's avatar
    olfarmer
    Explorer II
    Feb 16, 2017
    I know what you mean about the exhaust fan flapping. Our 2002 Winnebago did that too. I got in the range hood and attached a stiff wire to it that I can latch either open or closed, that stopped the noise. I like the Work Horse chassis fine, and it is pretty quiet going down the road, it has some noise on hills when it shifts down.

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