Forum Discussion

Gonzo42's avatar
Gonzo42
Explorer
Nov 27, 2019

Upgrade V-10 to Turbo?

Have you upgraded your V-10 with a turbo? If so,

1. What was the cost of the system?
2. what was the installation charge?
3. How much time did the work take?

and then...

How was your gas mileage affected? Better, no change, worse?
  • My previous rv was a 2000 37g Winnebago. The v10 didnt have any trouble hauling around almost 38 ft of motorhome. It was no speed demon, but considering you are driving a rv, that didnt matter to me. It had plenty of power to get the job done. I can imagine in a smaller rv, it would plenty of get up and go.
  • It might help give you more power at high altitudes but in most of the country it is a waste of money.
    As an old hot rodder, anything added to increase power results in much LESS fuel mileage because your right foot gets heavier just to see what that power can do. :B
  • I don't think there are any prepackaged turbo kits for the V10, particularly in a motorhome chassis (where the configuration of the space for and access to the engine might vary with different doghouse designs).

    Gas mileage will not increase by adding a turbo; a turbo just lets you burn more gas to get more power. Cars and pickups that get, or at least claim to get, better gas mileage with turbo engines do so by replacing a larger engine with a smaller turbocharged engine. For light duty, which is often most driving in a car, the turbo is basically idle and the smaller engine gives better mileage; but when more power is desired, it is available. For a motorhome, much of the driving is not exactly light duty/low power, and in any case you wouldn't be replacing the V10 with a turbo V6 or something.
  • On the older (2005 and before), the turbo addition was a good thing. With the new (after 2005, its wasted money. Mine has never failed to get us and the toad where we wanted to go.
  • Why adding a turbo?

    I have a 32 ft and that V10 takes on anything I have ever asked her to do with power to spare including towing a toad. just saying IMHO