2010 Roadtrek Popular 190

[rlb8s]

I'm looking at a 2010 Popular 190 next Mon, 19 Feb. Is there anything in particular I should be concerned with for this year or model (has about 80k miles and I will be in the $45k range). I've owned a similar sized PW, but this will be my first Roadtrek. Thanks.

[TinyoneRV]

I'm surprised to hear any RT populars were made with the smaller V8. This is a big heavy van (our 04 is over 9000 pounds with the tanks loaded. Not to doubt your word, but did you check the VIN number to be sure it's the smaller engine?

[booster]

retraite wrote:

booster wrote:
... The Chevies with the 6 speeds appear to not have the overheating of trans and engine that the 4 speed versions are prone to.

We have a 2008 PW Lexor, so the same Chevrolet base unit as the 2010 RT 190 above. Ours has the 6L engine and the four speed transmission.

We've been towing an enclosed trailer - single axle, 3,5000 lb. GVWR - with no "overheating" issues. Ever. We did install an auxiliary ATF cooler complete with thermostatic fans. I also installed an ATF temperature gauge on the A pillar so I could keep an eye on the ATF temps, especially in the mountains.

A ScanGauge II lets me keep an eye on other values.

All that said, I wouldn't want to tow with the 4.8L engine, but, I'm fine with our combination. Both the 6L and the four speed are tried and true over a lot of miles by lots of users.

That is actually pretty surprising as most will overheat in the mountains even without a trailer. From what I have been able to find out, about the only way they don't have heat issues is if you have rpm high enough to get the torque converter to lockup, as it stay unlocked at most lower rpm/speeds. To have converter to lock in ours with 4.10 gears, I think you have 3.73, at full throttle, you have to be going 50mph in second gear, 68mph in third gear, and 87mph in fourth gear according to a copy of the PCM programming I made with an aftermarket tuner.

[retraite]

booster wrote:
... The Chevies with the 6 speeds appear to not have the overheating of trans and engine that the 4 speed versions are prone to.

We have a 2008 PW Lexor, so the same Chevrolet base unit as the 2010 RT 190 above. Ours has the 6L engine and the four speed transmission.

We've been towing an enclosed trailer - single axle, 3,5000 lb. GVWR - with no "overheating" issues. Ever. We did install an auxiliary ATF cooler complete with thermostatic fans. I also installed an ATF temperature gauge on the A pillar so I could keep an eye on the ATF temps, especially in the mountains.

A ScanGauge II lets me keep an eye on other values.

All that said, I wouldn't want to tow with the 4.8L engine, but, I'm fine with our combination. Both the 6L and the four speed are tried and true over a lot of miles by lots of users.

[rlb8s]

The search continues for a Popular (or versatile) 210 or 190. The 190 I was looking at had the 4.8 v8 so I passed. I will eventually find one with the 6.0. Thanks again.

[booster]

rlb8s wrote:
booster - thanks for the tip on the transmission. I am checking on that and which V8 it has - the 4.8 or the optional 6.0.

I will be towing a boat with her and am concerned that the 4.8 may not be enough. My previous PW had the 6.0 and it was a good motor. I don't have any experience with the other. I should hear back soon on the transmission and motor.

Especially since you are going to be towing, the 6 speed is a much better choice for sure. The Chevies with the 6 speeds appear to not have the overheating of trans and engine that the 4 speed versions are prone to.

[rlb8s]

booster - thanks for the tip on the transmission. I am checking on that and which V8 it has - the 4.8 or the optional 6.0.

I will be towing a boat with her and am concerned that the 4.8 may not be enough. My previous PW had the 6.0 and it was a good motor. I don't have any experience with the other. I should hear back soon on the transmission and motor.

[booster]

IIRC that is the transition time period for the 6 speed transmission, so I would make sure that it has it. I have seen 2010s that had the 4 speed, and some 2010 Roadtreks may also be built on the 2009 chassis and have the 4 speed.