Looking to buy a 2000 Jamboree with an 86k V-10 This Rig is a bit over our Cash budget but very clean.My questions are;Is 86k high mileage for a motorhome ?(like dog years)And I'm a bit worried about the Triton v10 spark plug issues, I've read mixed reviews about this motor, some say NEVER an issue, some say AVOID any model year prior to 2003.Is this a valid concern ?Please help me make the right decision !

Many many of us have been successful with V10's. The main sparkplug issue was CHASSIS years 1997-98-99. In CHASSIS year 2000 they introduced "Performance Improved" (PI is molded into them) heads. That added threads to the sparkplug holes to address the plug blowout issue, and upped horsepower from 275 to 305. Problem, though... Some (and I repeat only SOME) of the PI heads were not machined correctly in the sparkplug area. The issue was apparently by manufacturing plant. With enough research you can probably figure out which PI heads are OK and which might be questionable. But you'd want to consider all 1997-98-99 heads questionable.I, personally, would shy away from the non-PI years. You can see our chassis is 2002, and I felt safe going with a V10 equipped with PI heads.You are correct in that engines 2004 and later had properly machined heads, no matter which plant produced them.

The improved HP was due to a change in the crank design also.There have been several versions of the Ford V10Original version years through 99Improved head & crank (increased HP), put in the F series until the three-valve was introduced (2005) and in the E series through the end of the E series chassis production (2014, 2015, I forget now)Then the 3 valve design, which has only been put in the F series chassis, they produce 365 HPI and many MANY people owned (own) early production V10s with absolutely no issues. The reality is the plug problem was certain not common.

The OP asked if buying a rig with 86K miles on a V-10 was a good idea. Average user miles per year are around 5K miles x 14 years = 70K miles. If engine and drive train has been carefully checked out by a competent truck mechanic, it might be good for many more miles without major overhaul expense. I would be concerned with life remaining in the roof AC unit, fridge, furnace, awning, water heater, etc. Our fridge and roof AC died at around 10 years. Tires are good for 5-6 years, by date codes, sitting parked in the sun. Replace any tires with sidewall cracking for driving safety. Have brake systems serviced including flushing and replacement of brake fluid. Have engine cooling system checked and serviced including radiator, clutch fan, water pump and all belts and hoses.

Mbrown wrote:Looking to buy a 2000 Jamboree with an 86k V-10 This Rig is a bit over our Cash budget but very clean.My questions are;Is 86k high mileage for a motorhome ?(like dog years)Please help me make the right decision !The other questions have been answered quite well so I will take on the first one.86k is not high for a Motorhome of that vintage if it has been well maintained, and has records to prove it. Newer vehicles with proper maintenance will go 200000 miles easily. The house part is more likely to have problems as it gets older.

Thanks to ALL replies.I just spoke with my MECH. who has the exact same motor in a 31ft Minnie with 36.He said like other posters have shared, 86k is not too many miles if the service records are there. I'm buying it from the 4th owner so that could be a problem.He also said to closely check the coolant as blown head gaskets can arise if coolant wasn't checked and changed regularly.

V-10 & high mileage, need advice | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

carringb
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
pnichols wrote:
Where did you find an E350 with 4:56 gears?

I changed the carrier to accept the 10.5" E450 ring and pinion, and selected 4.56 when I ordered them.
pnichols
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2014
Where did you find an E350 with 4:56 gears?
hilldude
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
I have a 08 with 70000 mi change oil once a year no oil usage. Mine was a rental unit.
carringb
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
pnichols wrote:
Bryan (carringb),

What rear differential ratio is in your Ford E350 DRW wagon?

If it's the same as comes in the E350 van chassis, then wow ... think what the E450's 4:56 could do!!

It has 4.56 gears. But with the Banks, AFE, and Predator it is quite a bit faster going over the passes than a stock v10. My brother has a 30' dual slide Sunseeker, and I can completely walk him in the hills, even with more weight.
tjfogelberg
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
I have a high mileage Ford V10 ('98) with 107K and it runs great. I am aware of the problems some have had. In fact, I was in a ford pickup when one of the cylinders blew. (It's not something you forget). Mine runs great and was a 1 owner and I do all the maintenance.

My advice is to make an offer (taking into account the high mileage) and you will then have a cushion built in for unexpected repairs.

Don't pay too much!
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
Mbrown wrote:
The Onan Micro Quiet 4400 has 1000 hours on it. All other "house " components seem in great shape and working order, the rig seems well cared for.
Not sure if 1000 hrs on GEn. is alot as this is my second RV ?
Actually it is better than having only having 500 hours or less.
pnichols
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2014
Bryan (carringb),

What rear differential ratio is in your Ford E350 DRW wagon?

If it's the same as comes in the E350 van chassis, then wow ... think what the E450's 4:56 could do!!

What you are doing with your rig provides a lot of confidence for me whenever I decide (very rarily) to take on the diesel lover fanatics over in the TC forum. I'm usually lucky to get out of there with my life.
cgmartine
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
My 2008 V-10 Triton now has 110,000 miles. It purrs like a kitten. I keep up with regular maintenance. It should last to 250,000, or more.
carringb
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
I bought my v10 with 105,500 miles from Enterprise. I'm at 390,000 mostly trouble free miles now (a few driveway repairs, nothing trip stopping). About half my miles have been towing with a typical combined weight of 22,000 pounds, mostly mountain towing.
Mbrown
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
The Onan Micro Quiet 4400 has 1000 hours on it. All other "house " components seem in great shape and working order, the rig seems well cared for.
Not sure if 1000 hrs on GEn. is alot as this is my second RV ?

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V-10 & high mileage, need advice

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