Ford V10

[haste_maker]

This question is for those that have a Ford V10 in a class A. I have a 2007 Allergo 32BA with the Ford V10 that only has 36,000 miles on it & I took it to mountains of Western NC this week, and it seemed weak on pulling power, I tried to keep the RMP's below 4000, and at time's I was down to 40 mph, I was pulling a 2003 Honda Element...it this normal?

[wynnd]

Maybe too basic, but when was the last fuel filter change?

[wildmanbaker]

This is typical for 415 CIs pulling 20K pounds +. I would not go above 4,500 RPM. Some say the V10 is a high revving engine, but the computer limits the rpm to about 5,200. Try anticipating rises in elevation, and applying power in advance. If speed sags, us a lower gear. If you get to the top of the grade, you have it half made.

[Horsedoc]

We have a 3911 Newmar Canyon Star and tow a Wrangler. This is the first gasser we have ever owned. We got out of 425 Cummins coach into this one and was disappointed in performance. But it is handicap accessible with a ramp lift. The more we travel in it, the better we like it. It certainly does not climb like the pusher, but it does get to the top. The V-10 does torque at a higher RPM but I don't like the noise that comes with it and (I know it is a mental thing) the tach at 4K.
Other than that, we are well satisfied with the engine performance and the coach itself.

[harley-dave]

You might look into a 5 Star Tuner for the V10. We've had one in our 32' Class C that we tow with. Made a huge difference in climbing and cruising. We tow a Chevy tracker with ours which probably is similar in weight. We have better shifting, climbing and even 1 MPG better mileage.

Dave

[MountainAir05]

howdy35 wrote:
Back in the day I had a 1999 35 ft Bounder that I pulled a 2000 Honda Accord with. Tripped all over the Rockies and never doubted the ability of the coach to get to the top. Yes the V10 likes the RPM going up and she screams like a scalded dog, but she always hauled it to the top. I was never in a hurry and flashers on if down to 40 and enjoy the scenery. That engine is rock solid and can stand the RPM if you can stand the noise. Just a thought. Safe journey. Arnold

We also had a 99 and 37.5 foot and towed a Saturn. We live in the Rockies and the same thing. Never had an issue going up or down "gears"

[howdy35]

Back in the day I had a 1999 35 ft Bounder that I pulled a 2000 Honda Accord with. Tripped all over the Rockies and never doubted the ability of the coach to get to the top. Yes the V10 likes the RPM going up and she screams like a scalded dog, but she always hauled it to the top. I was never in a hurry and flashers on if down to 40 and enjoy the scenery. That engine is rock solid and can stand the RPM if you can stand the noise. Just a thought. Safe journey. Arnold

[vjstangelo]

40 MPH with a dinghy is typical of what we just did in the mountainous section of I-70 in CO. I was trying to keep the RPM at 4200 but based on posts maybe 4700 would have been better. Worst grade was this trip I-70 from Dillon to Eisenhower Tunnel, 12 miles of 6%. Don’t like straining the tranny like that as it was making some strange whining sounds the last mile or so (5 speed Torqshift). May unhitch the dinghy if we ever do that grade again.

[KD4UPL]

That engine makes its peak torque at 3,250 RPM. It makes peak HP at 4,750. To climb a hill in a hurry you need more HP. So, by staying below 4,000 RPM you are giving up HP that the engine could be making if it was spinning faster at 4,750. However, many people say the "best" RPM to pull a grade is at peak torque. At that RPM the engine is most efficient at hill climbing but not necessarily the fastest. So, take your pick, you can have speed with RPM or you can have efficiency and possibly cooler temps at peak torque but you can't have both.

[azdryheat]

You gotta go above 4 grand. It likes it there.

[MountainAir05]

That is where I try to keep mine at on rpm and 40 mph going up and in a lower gear.

[George_Beggs]

You have to keep the RPM up. 5000 RPM is not a problem.