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The RVer's Open Forum / GENERAL RV DISCUSSIONS / Ford vs Workhorse Gas Engine

Gloria Walt User ID: 7580153	Oct 11th 1:33 PM My husband and I were recently lookly at class A motorhomes and a salesman told us that they have had more trouble with the workhorse engines than they ever imagined, and he suggested buying a Ford chasis. I am curious if this is just something this dealer happened to experience or if others out there also were having troubles with the workhorse and wished now they hadn't gotten it? Any feedback would really help us in making our decision.
kj User ID: 7496833	Oct 11th 4:02 PM i find that statement somewhat suspect. the engines are ok being the 8.1 liter gas. some folks say the chassis itself might have some problems, as any mh will have.
cad_man User ID: 2888244	Oct 12th 8:47 AM I own a 2003 Class A on a Workhorse W22 chassis. In 14,000 miles I have had zero problems with the engine (8.1l), more then enough power for the Sierras and the Rockies. I have had problems with the chassis in the respect that too long of a coach was put on the chassis, the wheel base should have been longer. That is not the fault of Workhorse but of the coach builder. I have been able to rectify this problem with add on suspension components. You may want to go over to www.irv2.com and look at the posts in the Workhorse owners forum. You can get all sorts of information on the Workhorse chassis from real owners. cad_man
Barthbill User ID: 0213374	Oct 13th 1:46 AM Also compare transmissions. Depending on the year, the transmissions are quite different.
awong2683 User ID: 9133663	Nov 3rd 1:43 AM Gloria: I just recently moved up from a Class C on a Ford E450 Chassis to a 2004 Dolphin LX on a W22 Workhorse chassis. Although were talking apples and oranges as far as a Class A v.s. Class C, I can say that I so far, the 8.1L Vortec in my new A has plenty of get up and go! Be careful though and check to see what kind of shocks your particular MH choice has. National RV decided to save some $$ and put in some cheap shocks which made the front end very soft and unresponsive. I had to upgrade the shocks to Bilsteins, which Workhorse later reimbursed me for.
Jerry Larson User ID: 8973393	Jan 25th 11:44 PM I have an Itasca 33V on a W22 chassis and have had no significant problems. The stock vortec 8.1 runs better than a previous ford 460 with full banks, and I love the allison 5 speed. My main comment is to not believe it when people tell you they get 8.5 plus mpg. I average about 7.2 even with very careful driving. I did have a problem with inadequate shocks but they were replaced by WH with no hassel whatsoever - and solved the "porpoising" problem.
"007" User ID: 9872353	Jul 30th 7:18 PM I just had the ECM reprogramed by Brazels and I got on two different fillups 9.1 and 8.7 mpg. ONn the trip down I was only getting 6.1 and 6.7. plus the trans was smooth in shifting. I drive 62 mph and like I had an egg under foot.
miket User ID: 1209744	Nov 1st 11:55 PM Ford chassis is less costly to the dealers. I have and prefer the Workhorse. If you do go with Workhorse, register on the Workhorse web site. There is a fuel rail damper clip "recall" for most Workhorse chassis -- it's a 15 minute fix at a Workhorse Service Center -- when you register, you will be able to find out if your chassis needs the fix. awong2683 --- Workhorse provided the shocks, not your coach manufacturer -- if you have an older chassis with the black shocks, those are Detroit Steel Products -- if you weigh the rig and it meets Workhorse specs, they will change the shocks -- some centers do it anyways -- luck of the draw --- I have a '05 Voyage 33V with an '05 W20 chassis -- had my fuel clip changed at 11,500 mi., it looked OK, but new clip is stronger --