1990s 2000s Ford engines in motorhome

[rhudson1111]

Hello everyone I'm new here and preparing to purchase my first motorhome. Looking for those with experience w 1990s 2000s Ford engines in their rig. I owned a Ford vehicle once upon a time. Like in the 1980s, it was the biggest lemon of all time! Hence, I've not touched the Flrd brand since ?? I realize RV engines a totally different animal and would like to ask if you find 1990s/2000s Ford motorhome engines to be reliable? I don't want to overlook a good deal just because the Ford brand is on it, however, if these engines also not built well, I'd like some heads-up. I will certainly get a pre-purchase inspection, but looking for your experiences. Many thanks!

[DrewE]

Harvey51 wrote:

My only worry is being afraid to change a dual wheel tire. Time to get insurance for roadside help as we camp mostly in remote regions.

Assuming you have the right tools (an appropriate jack and lug wrench, etc.), changing one of the dually wheels for the spare isn't really any different from changing a front wheel. It's exactly the same process, and the lug nut torques are the same. The jacking point, on the axle under the spring mount, is maybe a tiny bit harder to get access to; but it's not that far buried. Of course, if it's an inner tire that needs changing, you do have to remove the outer to get to the inner, and replace it afterwards.

[Harvey51]

We bought a 2004 E350 in 2008. No mechanical problems so far. After reading about spark plug problems I looked for a shop with knowledgeable mechanic. Now my feeling that our beloved C is half way through its lifetime I asked the owner/chief mechanic to change spark plugs and their coils plus basic maintenance things like transmission and cooling system fluid changes. The mechanic said there was no problem changing spark plugs and no need for new coils. He appreciated me bringing it in during the not so busy winter time and bringing it Home when busy.. After 6 months it’s all finished except for shocks and rear end oil change.

I changed oil every September, fuel filter once, and of course tires. I modified the radio so it can be used when the engine is off. Added a rear facing camera, house battery monitor, replaced propane leak alarm and CO alarm.

My only worry is being afraid to change a dual wheel tire. Time to get insurance for roadside help as we camp mostly in remote regions.

[Gjac]

DrewE wrote:

Gjac wrote:
I would look at MH's that were 2006 or newer. Both Ford or Chevy had engine and chassis improvements beginning that year HP was 362 and 340 respectively. Chevy had the better transmission but both were much better than previous years.

It's perhaps worth noting that the Ford E series chassis used for class C motorhomes doesn't have the higher-power version of the V10 engine (the three-valve version). There have been various improvements in the V10 over the years for the E series, of course, but no large jumps in power. For a class A motorhome (excepting the very few built on an E series chassis, such as the Thor Ace) the three-valve engine with the horsepower increase is well worth taking into account.

Also be aware that the chassis model year is fairly often a year behind the finished motorhome model year. The RV manufacturer determines the model year of the final vehicle, based on when it was completed, rather than on the date when the chassis rolled off chassis assembly line.

Drew you are right, I assumed he was looking for a Class A. I think the V-10 in the C only produces 305 HP VS 362 in the 3 valve Class A.

[DrewE]

Gjac wrote:
I would look at MH's that were 2006 or newer. Both Ford or Chevy had engine and chassis improvements beginning that year HP was 362 and 340 respectively. Chevy had the better transmission but both were much better than previous years.

It's perhaps worth noting that the Ford E series chassis used for class C motorhomes doesn't have the higher-power version of the V10 engine (the three-valve version). There have been various improvements in the V10 over the years for the E series, of course, but no large jumps in power. For a class A motorhome (excepting the very few built on an E series chassis, such as the Thor Ace) the three-valve engine with the horsepower increase is well worth taking into account.

Also be aware that the chassis model year is fairly often a year behind the finished motorhome model year. The RV manufacturer determines the model year of the final vehicle, based on when it was completed, rather than on the date when the chassis rolled off chassis assembly line.

[Bobbo]

I owned a motorhome for 10 years that was built on a 2006 Ford E450 chassis with the V-10 engine. It was bulletproof.

[Gjac]

I would look at MH's that were 2006 or newer. Both Ford or Chevy had engine and chassis improvements beginning that year HP was 362 and 340 respectively. Chevy had the better transmission but both were much better than previous years.

[wa8yxm]

rhudson1111 wrote:
Hello everyone I'm new here and preparing to purchase my first motorhome. Looking for those with experience w 1990s 2000s Ford engines in their rig. I owned a Ford vehicle once upon a time. Like in the 1980s, it was the biggest lemon of all time!

Now that is why I drive a CHEVY powered motor home. sadly Chevy no longer makes that engine. (8.1L) Though why Workhorse did not go to the larger Chevy Engine I do not know.

OH and Ford Transmissions.. I had a car with one of those too... See your comment.

[rhudson1111]

Thank you all for your help! I'll be posting a new thread shortly for opinions on a potential purchase. It's older than I am wanting, but has a lot of good qualities and extras that could be good. Thanks again!

[garym114]

No problems with my 2000 F53, v10. went to 19.5 tires that year

[Lwiddis]

GM wasn’t any better in the 1980s IMO. Today both have crackerjack engines.

[Grit_dog]

And sorry, that post sounded harsh.
In general, there are 2 class C mh chassis. Ford n Chevy. Unless you step into the newer Mercedes chassis. Which aren’t in your age price wheelhouse.
Both are as good as the car and wear n tear they’ve been subject to.

[Grit_dog]

You owned a vehicle 40 years ago that was a lemon. So your wonderin if 20-30 year old vehicles of the same mfg are lemons.
News flash. Anything that is 20-30 years old is going to have similar issues because it’s old. End of story.
And if you have that little knowledge about vehicles and mechanics, the best bet is to either buy new enough to eliminate age related issues or buy the best cared for lowest mile, with detailed repair records vehicle. Regardless of brand.

To one of the other posts, 460s weren’t lemons, nor were Triton engines. But they each have Potential issues not unlike any other brand.

[Big_Katuna]

90s Ford chassis had the 460 V8. I. Would steer clear of those chassis.

Around 99-2000 Ford switched to the V10. Better that the 460 but the early years had some problems eg spitting spark plugs etc.

After around 04 or so they got better with more HP. Also look for the five speed trans. I forget which year.

Around 2016 they switched a six speed trans which is more better.

[K_Charles]

No one makes engines specifically for a MH, some my be modified a bit though.