So, I have been looking at several Class A's and have a question.If you had a choice of purchasing and RV from someone that you know with a GM 8.1 or an RV on a lot with a Ford V-10, which would you choice?Both of these RV's are almost identical and I was really getting ready to pull the trigger on the V-10 when the one with the GM Engine popped up. There are things that I do like about the Ford Engine but the fact that I can know just about everything about the GM powered rig is making me question myself. The Person that has the GM is the type that was really picky about his rig.I can most likely get the GM Powered Rig for at least $5-6,000.00 less that the Ford Powered Rig. Money is important but I just don't want to make the decision based on the cash outlay and be kicking myself later.Thanks

TugCE wrote:So, I have been looking at several Class A's and have a question.If you had a choice of purchasing and RV from someone that you know with a GM 8.1 or an RV on a lot with a Ford V-10, which would you choice?Both of these RV's are almost identical and I was really getting ready to pull the trigger on the V-10 when the one with the GM Engine popped up. There are things that I do like about the Ford Engine but the fact that I can know just about everything about the GM powered rig is making me question myself. The Person that has the GM is the type that was really picky about his rig.Thanksso same year- same model- same size- same mileage-same optionssame floor plan- same condition -same price then buy the Gm

GM 8.1.I have had two of them, lots of power. Never had a Ford so I can't make any comparisons.Some things I would check though, based on my experience of 12 years and 80,000 miles are:The Actia dash gauges...make sure the LCD that tells you what gear you are in is readable.Make sure the Bosch brake recall has been done. Exhaust manifolds have been a problem with mine...in the shop three times with broken bolts, etc.

Some Ford V-10's had problems with spark plugs POPPING out. It was only certain years and you did not give the year of the V-10 so google will help you

Ive had both the V-10 (2009 model year) and a 8.1 (2008 model year) in Class C's. The V10 was in a much smaller unit, by about 4500lbs. I prefer driving the 8.1/Allison combo in the heavier unit. I think the newer V-10's with the updated transmissions may be a different story BUT I really didn't like the RPM the V10 liked to operate at and the constant shifting of it to keep it in its powerband. It looks at a rise in the road in shifts down and rpm jumps. No harm in it, just not a great driving experience.The 8.1 / Allison combo drives just like I think it should, right gear, at the right time and no crazy rpm jumps to maintain speed on inclines. It will drop gears to CLIMB, im just talking about a rise in the road or slight overpass.Both got about same MPG. I wouldn't hesitate to get either one if I preferred a floor plan between two coaches, all things being equal, I would choose the 8.1/Allison combo.

Engine Choice | Good Sam Community

ljr869
Explorer
Nov 20, 2016
Pre 2005 I'd go GM, after that Ford.
Sultan1966
Explorer
Nov 20, 2016
We just got done having a long block put in as our Ford V10 with 5,324 miles blew a fist sized hole in the block while towing a Jeep Wrangler and going through a school zone in VA almost into W.VA. After a month they got the engine back in they found the carrier bearing had failed as well. No more V10 engines for us.
the_silverback
Explorer
Nov 20, 2016
All other things being equal go with the 8.1. I have had both. But in order of importance Floor plan, Floor plan, floor plan, engine.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Nov 20, 2016
Tug, I've owned both engines in RV's I switched to Chevy after my V-10 Triton motor started spitting out spark plugs. Never had any trouble with my Chevy engine!
tropical36
Explorer
Nov 20, 2016
wolfe10 wrote:
Yes, the 8.1 WAS used in P chassis Workhorses.

You're right and my mistake.
In fact from 03 - 05 it came with the 4L85E tranny as well.
Quite a combo with the wide track front end and just might go down in history as one of the best all around, short of having a air ride DP.
billsenick
Explorer
Nov 19, 2016
Tug, as you can see by my signature I own a 2003 Newmar Kountry Star 3740 since new with over 125,000 miles it has been probably the best motor home dollar for dollar that I have ever owned and that includes my Essex.

The 2003 KS has the Workhorse W22 chassis and other than the brake recall a shock change to Koni FSD and a new computer for the Allison Transmission, it has been flawless, best advice that you got was from FunTwoDrv, Gary is right, drive them both.

Good luck and let us hear back when you decide.
DSDP_Don
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
The GM 8.1 is a BEAST. As others stated....if everything is equal, I would go with the GM. I had one in a Fleetwood Terra and it was unstoppable.
rollingslow
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
Bruce Brown wrote:
I'm a Ford guy, but based on your description I'd probably buy from the guy I knew.
X2
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Nov 18, 2016
TugCE wrote:
Thanks for all of the responses.

I asked the same question at an RV Dealership that a couple of riends work at and they said the Ford hands down. I'm leaning towards the Chevy though.

Both Rigs are early 2000's and are both Newmar's. I will be test driving the Chevy shortly and will let you all know how it goes.

The "W" series Workhorse chassis did not come in to production until 2003, which is also when I believe the Allison transmission was introduced.
wolfe10
Explorer
Nov 18, 2016
Yes, the 8.1 WAS used in P chassis Workhorses.

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