I am shopping again (!!) and have a question:Looking for a used gasser, and friends say the Chev 8.1 Workhorse/ Allison transmission is the best choice. Hard to find, because now I am told manufacturers have switched to Ford and GM is no longer making the Workhorse....My question is: If the Workhorse engine is so great, why aren't they making them anymore? Second question is: Is the Ford Triton really that different? just as good or to be avoided (what other choice is there? As always, thanks for responses.

I have had both and I liked the Workhorse a little better, but not enough to make me pass on a nice Ford.

I greatly preferred my Ford V-10 to the previous Chevy V-8s in my first two MHs. but what years are you talking about?bumpy

If someone is looking for a NEW gasser, so why worry about it? They only have one choice and it is the Ford chassis, period. If they want to go to a diesel, than they will have more choices. They cannot get the Allison transmission on the NEW or used Ford chassis. Since you are looking at a used coach, that is already out of warranty, then look for the floor plan that works best for you. Both engines will get you where you want to go and both will get you over the mountains. In some chassis configurations, the WH chassis has a greater towing capacity than the Ford. The Workhorse brake issue has been dealt with and is no longer an issue. The fires in the Ford engines has been dealt with and is also no longer an issue. Parts are available for both chassis and 99% of the items that you will need are available off the shelf at most parts stores. Some like the Allison transmission, but the newer Ford transmission is probably just as good. Find a floor plan that suits you and forget about the chassis make because you will never wear out either one of them.

We have owned both. Both are good, however for us the Workhorse, had a little more power.

Workhorse *generally* was a year or two ahead in chassis improvements. Things like larger wheels, larger sway bars etc. came out on WH first, then Ford would eventually follow. So given the same coach on the same year chassis, a WH could handle and ride better. But eventually Ford stopped dragging their feet, and regained market share, to the point it GM could't make enough motors to justify the cost of the keeping the plant open. Workhorse (owned by Navistar) tried replacing the 8.1L with an underpowered 6.0 and also a problem prone 6.4L front-diesel. Neither really sold, so WH is pretty much out of the game now, especially since any resources Navistar has is being put into making a road-legal diesel (EPA has to pull their certification after the other diesel makers caught them cheating by using "credits" to pass emissions).BTW - I honestly believe the V10 is one of the most reliable motors ever made. I have 350,000 miles on mine, and I've seen commercial vans with well over 500k. Ford believes in the V10 enough they offer it in the F650, but they don't offer their own diesel, it only comes with a Cummins.

Workhorse vs Ford | Good Sam Community

rgatijnet1
Explorer III
May 12, 2013
If someone is looking for a NEW gasser, so why worry about it? They only have one choice and it is the Ford chassis, period. If they want to go to a diesel, than they will have more choices. They cannot get the Allison transmission on the NEW or used Ford chassis.
Since you are looking at a used coach, that is already out of warranty, then look for the floor plan that works best for you. Both engines will get you where you want to go and both will get you over the mountains. In some chassis configurations, the WH chassis has a greater towing capacity than the Ford. The Workhorse brake issue has been dealt with and is no longer an issue. The fires in the Ford engines has been dealt with and is also no longer an issue. Parts are available for both chassis and 99% of the items that you will need are available off the shelf at most parts stores. Some like the Allison transmission, but the newer Ford transmission is probably just as good.
Find a floor plan that suits you and forget about the chassis make because you will never wear out either one of them.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
May 12, 2013
I greatly preferred my Ford V-10 to the previous Chevy V-8s in my first two MHs. but what years are you talking about?
bumpy
Ed_C
Explorer
May 12, 2013
I have had both and I liked the Workhorse a little better, but not enough to make me pass on a nice Ford.

Forum Discussion

Workhorse vs Ford

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Workhorse 8.1 engine problem/history

Workhorse W22 Fuel Filter

Hybrid pickup by Workhorse

GM 8.1 Workhorse O2 Sensors

8.1 Workhorse exhaust bolt broken