Workhorse Opinions

[vjstangelo]

OK, once again we have found a promising used Class A, a 2009 Damon Challenger 371. It has about 10,000 miles. The motor/transmission is 8.1 with Allison.

My current tow vehicle is a Ford Excursion with the 310 HP V10, and 4R100 transmission. Short of the transmission blowing a front seal, the power train has been flawless for 123,000 miles.

I am wary of the 8.1, just because the V10 has been flawless.

If you own a Workhorse with the 8.1, please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks.

[dezertcamper]

The Chevy 8.1 is a great engine with plenty of power. The Allison transmission is an awesome transmission. I cant compare the Allision to the new Ford trans, but comparing the Allison to the Ford trans they were using back in the era your looking at, is no comparison and the Allison kills it! You don't hear about people having issues with the Allison Trans.

Now IMO the Workhorse suspension sucks! They have a joke of a sway bar system. In order to make my my 04 Workhorse chassis ride as nice as my family members 02 Ford chassis I had to add aftermarket Bilsteins, rear track bar & real rear sway bar. I have been told adding a front track bar & or Sway bar is a big improvement. So IMO to make the Workhorse ride as nice as the Ford I had to add $1,000 worth of suspension upgrades, and that is not doing the front suspension.

[Alfred622]

I've got a Workhorse also. Yes, it certainly has power - no problems in the Rocky Mountains - passing 40' diesel pushers on the hills while towing. However, my wife gets upset when, at a stop light, I open my window and challenge the guy in the Corvette next to me to drag to the next lights. (just kidding) I've not needed any major service...just oil changes and those are easy. I did change out a fuel filter but was able to mail order the exact filter needed. However, I am now on a discontinued chassis - so I worry about facing parts shortages. So far, though, this has not been an issue.

[KazooTom]

Mine is a Workhorse W24 chassis and I couldn't be more pleased with it so far. Plenty of power and a smooth, strong transmission. The grade brake feature of the transmission works wonderfully in the hill and mountain country.

If you are considering a workhorse W22 or W24 be sure the brake recall has been completed. Dealer can check it for you, or you can contact Workhorse directly.

[bhivetravels]

I have the 8.1, Allison transmission/workhorse chassis. In my 07 Coachman Epic. No issues at all - we flat tow a 05 Honda Element and I have to turn the rear camera on to make sure it's even there!