Ford V10 Power, effectivity

[wredman]

Since this seems to be the primary gas engine for motorhomes, and all applications are the same engine and power. Is there a general consensus on coach weigh where the engine no longer seems acceptable, and most people would wish they went with the diesel engine coach?

I know its subjective, and depends on the hills typically driven and we can all learn to accept the slow lane :). It just surprised me that all of these different weight coaches have the same engine.

[mike_brez]

wredman wrote:
how do you dry out the jeep after you launch the boat?

The jeep has rubber grommet plugs in the floor. Remove them and take it for a ride. :B

[usersmanual]

Jayco-noslide wrote:
I think the Ford V-10 does a good job. Our 2002 30 ft. Class C has adequate but not surplus power. It tows a 2700 lb. car nicely. I'm not sure all the V-10's are the same power output. It varies with the year and all engines can be tuned to put out more or less HP.

yes everyone agrees with that "but" your a lightweight. whats it like in a 39ft 11" 3-4 slide class A loaded and towing a rig
that's really the question. how efficient is it then?
I know some of the big late models went to 6;33 gears and 6 speed trans but whats the acceleration rate like? whats the passing capability like? what the obtainable MPH going through steeper mountain passes? whats the actual life of engine and trans if stressed to the max all the time. Big difference between back east and out west.

[rgatijnet1]

A lot also depends on the rear axle ratio, which usually varies from the manufacturer depending on the gross weight.

[Jayco-noslide]

I think the Ford V-10 does a good job. Our 2002 30 ft. Class C has adequate but not surplus power. It tows a 2700 lb. car nicely. I'm not sure all the V-10's are the same power output. It varies with the year and all engines can be tuned to put out more or less HP.

[wredman]

how do you dry out the jeep after you launch the boat?

[mike_brez]

vjstangelo wrote:
Nice set up to timmac. Curious as to why you trailer the Wrangler and not tow 4 down.

Most likely so he can bring the boat along.

[vjstangelo]

Nice set up to timmac. Curious as to why you trailer the Wrangler and not tow 4 down.

[10forty2]

I guess it depends on how fast you want to get up the hills. Both will get you to the top, but obviously one will get you there faster. The V10 is powerful enough to handle the chassis rating and whatever you can tow, depending on the rating of the hitch. Of course, the more you load it, the harder it is to pull it....and yes, typically a diesel engine produces more torque at lower rpm than a gasoline engine. The V10 has a smaller piston and utilizes a shorter stroke ratio, so in order for it to make its power it gears down and runs faster rpms. But it has been proven to be a VERY reliable engine over the years.

[timmac]

wredman wrote:
Since this seems to be the primary gas engine for motorhomes, and all applications are the same engine and power. Is there a general consensus on coach weigh where the engine no longer seems acceptable, and most people would wish they went with the diesel engine coach?

I know its subjective, and depends on the hills typically driven and we can all learn to accept the slow lane :). It just surprised me that all of these different weight coaches have the same engine.

The only answer I can give is by weight, my setup total weight by Cat Scales is 26620 lbs, I just came back from a 2000 mile trip and over the Colorado Rockies on I-70 and my motorhome performed better than I thought it would, no problem keeping it at or above 45 MPH in many areas on the highway {I-70 Rockies} and still maintain 30 plus at the steepest parts without maxing out RPM's, the 3 valve V-10 in my book is powerful once you do some mods.

2008 Bounder 32W, V-10 3 valve, Full Banks Power Pack System and 5 Star Tuning.

[LVJ58]

We're satisfied with the performance of our 2000 38' v10 powered coach. Loaded for travel with 2 bodies & full tanks it weighs in at 21,230 lbs with our toad weighing 3,400 lbs. Our engine develops 425 lb ft of torque at 3,250 rpm & 310 hp at 4,250 rpm.

Over the years we did add the full banks system along with the 5 Star tune. Average fuel mileage 7 mpg.

[Dale_Traveling]

Effy wrote:
If I were looking at anything larger than 34-35' I would look at diesel. ,,,,,

I'm with Effy on this one. My V10 31' 18,000 GVWR coach as plenty of power but if I go bigger a DP is in my cross hairs. Besides the power train there is a lot of other stuff a diesel brings along for the ride that I would like to have.

[mikim]

We have a Ford in a 2013 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 36LA which is actually 37 ft. I find that pulling a small HHR it goes over the passes slower but well enough.

I figured that for the same coach with a diesel it was going to cost another $30,000. I did not think it was worth it. BUT anything larger I would go Diesel.

[theoldwizard1]

DrewE wrote:
The V10 used in class C's is not the same version of the engine as used in class A's. The version used in the E series (class C's and vans before the E series vans were discontinued) has two valve heads and somewhat less power than the 3 valve version used in other vehicles. Apparently the larger 3 valve heads don't physically fit in the E series chassis.

Very true and an excellent point !

The 6.8L V10 makes its power at higher RPMs than a diesel (or even the old Ford gasoline 460). A higher (numerically) finally drive is important. Holding 5th or even 4th on hills or in high altitude will make a big difference.

[usersmanual]

Its only 15HP and 38lbs torque so hardly notable on 15K verses 26k
like said here though ford produces them and warrents them- people buy them and use them - so all is well -just not for me
I wonder why U don't see the ford diesel offered as a option on the bigger A chassis ?

[Mile_High]

DrewE wrote:
The V10 used in class C's is not the same version of the engine as used in class A's. The version used in the E series (class C's and vans before the E series vans were discontinued) has two valve heads and somewhat less power than the 3 valve version used in other vehicles. Apparently the larger 3 valve heads don't physically fit in the E series chassis.

Interesting, I didn't know that. Thanks!