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The RVer's Open Forum / GENERAL RV DISCUSSIONS / Ford V10

Next 20 Messages

Carlos
User ID: 7761613 Jun 24th 7:49 PM
I'm shopping for my first RV and can't afford a diesel, which I prefer. My next choice would be the Ford Triton V10. However, I've heard bad and good comments. Those making the bad comments say something like " hell, they ain't no good." When pressed they reply, "I don't really know whats bad about them, I just heard they ain't no good." Those saying the engine is good, usually say, "it's a great engine", and have never had any problems. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

Marty
User ID: 2484284 Jun 24th 8:42 PM
Carlos: The Ford engine is just like any other engine, some have problems, some don't. I have a couple of friends that have the V-10 and seem to think they're alright. About a year ago, it came out that "some" of the V-10s were equiped with plastic wraps on the water hose's. Plastic would get hot, break, hose came off and there went the coolent. What other problems there might be I have no idea. I run the Chev 454 and am happy with it.

In reading this and other forums, the major problem with the Fords has been with the fuel pumps located in the fuel tanks. It'll go bad or lock up especially when it's hot weather. Another friend had this happen in FL this past Feb. Got towed in and $11K later was bck on the road. You have to drop the tank to get to it.

So you can only take it from what you hear or read. Good luck in your search.

Marty in TN

Butch
User ID: 0108854 Jun 24th 11:15 PM
I will say that we owned a '99 unit with the infamous V-10. For a total of 7 months and 17,000 miles before we dumped it. The really good thing I can say about it is that it caused us to go Diesel, albeit prematurely.

Happy Motoring, Butch
Nancy Lake, Alaska

Mike
User ID: 9029153 Jun 25th 8:23 AM
The V10 is a good engine and used in 100,000 of Ford trucks and it is the #1 volume engine in gas RVs by far. Ford also makes marine and industrial versions of the same engine. It is part of Fords modular engine design so it is directly related to the Ford 4.6 and 5.4 V8 which are used in almost every truck and large car that Ford makes. It it a modern design with a wide torque band.

You can go the the Ford forums and search the V10 sections and find almost zero issues.

The fuel pump issue, I think, was with the Ford 460, not the V10. I think most modern cars/truck have the fuel pump in the tank as it is better to push then pull the fuel and it keeps it cool. Problem is that when it fails, it is a more expensive fix but just by a few hundred dollars.

Enjoy your V10 !

Carlos
User ID: 7761613 Jun 25th 5:10 PM
Thanks all for your input. It is much appreciated.

samsontdog
User ID: 0903294 Jul 28th 8:35 PM
I have owned two RVs with the V-10s . I have
had great service out of both of them. The P_up
that I own has 45K on it and I pull a 32 FT TT.
Just got back today from a 5K mile trip and used
a half GT of oil and averaged 7 to 8 MPG

Bryan
User ID: 1718124 Aug 18th 11:23 AM
Carlos try the Ford Truck Enthusiasts web site at;http://fordtrucks.com and check out the forums. There is a specific V-10 forum.

Kevin 2
User ID: 9711993 Aug 20th 4:09 PM
http://www.blueovalnews.com/2003/powertrain/v10.defective072303.htm

Take a look here before you jump!

Sammy_3
User ID: 1773974 Oct 5th 8:05 AM
I am a certified Ford technician and have been repairing engines for a number of years. The V-10 has been a very good engine since it's introduction. In the last 7 years, I have replaced 3 V-10's and only one was due to a premature failure. The other 2 were due to water injestion and poor maintenance. At the present time I'm working on a 2001 F-350 with a V-10. The owner is a farmer. The engine has a lower end knock and I believe it's due to an overheat condition. The radiator is approximately 40% blocked with debris.
My overall assessment of the V-10, very good choice for motorhome and heavy duty truck applications. With proper maintenance, it'll last for many years.
Sammy
Certified Ford Technician
Certified NASCAR nut

JC
User ID: 2177844 Oct 5th 2:20 PM
Sammy, I haven't taken delivery on my motorhome with the V-10 yet, so I don't have access to a manual. What octane gas is recommended for the V-10?

kkk
User ID: 8736803 Oct 5th 6:12 PM
jc, i just biught my v-10 and it recommends the 87 octane which is regular here in oklahoma.

runs fine, even my 2002 caddy uses regular 87 grade.
the 94 caddy used 93 octane, soooooo

Bea PA
User ID: 2630464 Oct 5th 7:08 PM
We have a 2000 V10, Ford changed the cover over the air filter to keep water out, some of the press claps on the hoses aren't any good. We changed ours to the screw clap type even tho we had no problems. We have 37,000 trouble free miles on ours including 2 trips over the western mountains.

JC
User ID: 0680084 Oct 5th 7:42 PM
Thanks, kkk. At least that will still be under $2.00 per gallon -- I hope. (CA gas prices are nuts.)

jd
User ID: 9816503 Oct 5th 9:20 PM
Sammy_3,

As a Ford Tech, can you field a question about the auto trans in our minivan?

97 Aerostar 4.0 with 5R55E

Problem is delayed engagement in forward. Also delayed downshift from second to first when coming to a stop. If coming to a stop and light changes right before stop, trans may turn out to be between gears instead of second or first.

If you're able to discuss this, let me know and I'll post a new thread.

God Bless, jd

TXiceman
User ID: 2463104 Oct 7th 8:18 PM
We had a V-10 in our 1999 Minnie WInnie which was 31 feet long. It was a good engine and never a problem other than the idler on the serptine belt. It was also one that had a slight piston slap on cold start, but went away in about 5 seconds. It ran on anything we poured in the tank tha was called gasoline...only problem was that it did like lots of it. Loaded and with the dinghy we were at 17,000# GCW and got 8 to a bit over 8 mpg running a max of 65 mph on interstate roads.

Knew of several other with the same engine and no problems. One did get a new engine due to severe piston slap.

ken W

Sammy_3
User ID: 1773974 Oct 18th 3:59 PM
Hey JD, sorry for the delay in replying. I don't mind answering any questions pertaining to Fords however, I'm not well versed in transmissions. I can tell you that if your trans is low on fluid, it will have a delayed shift. Check the fluid level with the engine warm and note the color. If it's low, top it off. If the fluid is a brownish color, it needs serviced. I suggest you get it flushed. Flushing does a much better job. Hope this helps.

Sammy_3

Sammy_3
User ID: 1773974 Oct 19th 4:14 PM
Hey JC, the Ford V-10 (6.8L) is calibrated for 87 octane gasoline. Most Motorhome engines are subject to highway driving which keeps the rpm's high and that helps to keep the carbon build up in the cylinders to a minimum. I do suggest dumping a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the fuel tank occasionally. Once every other oil change should be sufficient. Hope this helps!

Sammy_3
NASCAR Nut
Mash the gas and turn left!

jd
User ID: 0234554 Oct 19th 5:12 PM
Sammy_3, Thanks! Trans is full, color not pure pink but far more pink than not. Problem seems to be worsening. I changed the fluid not long ago, pan was "dusty" with black powder I think is from clutch wear, but no metal scrapings, chips, slivers etc. No metal stuck to the pan magnet. Do you have anybody I can ask about this?
God Bless, jd

Sammy_3
User ID: 1773974 Oct 20th 5:52 PM
JD, I'll ask the trans tech at my shop tomorrow and will post his reply. From what you said about the problem worsening, I think you may need to get it diagnosed by a certified trans tech and do it soon before it quits working all together. By the way, how many miles on your vehicle and has the trans been rebuilt in the past? You may not want to hear this but, your looking at a price tag of 1500-2000 bucks to rebuild that trans. At least that is what a Ford dealer would charge. The price of parts has been sky rocketing over the last few years as well as labor charges. My shop charges 72 an hour.

Marty
User ID: 2122084 Oct 20th 7:10 PM
Sammy_3: I forked out almost $3200 for a new/ rebuilt Jasper Transmission/Converter combo last year for my 94 Chevy motor home. Your right, them things ain't cheap.

Marty in TN

Next 20 Messages

Carlos User ID: 7761613	Jun 24th 7:49 PM I'm shopping for my first RV and can't afford a diesel, which I prefer. My next choice would be the Ford Triton V10. However, I've heard bad and good comments. Those making the bad comments say something like " hell, they ain't no good." When pressed they reply, "I don't really know whats bad about them, I just heard they ain't no good." Those saying the engine is good, usually say, "it's a great engine", and have never had any problems. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks
Marty User ID: 2484284	Jun 24th 8:42 PM Carlos: The Ford engine is just like any other engine, some have problems, some don't. I have a couple of friends that have the V-10 and seem to think they're alright. About a year ago, it came out that "some" of the V-10s were equiped with plastic wraps on the water hose's. Plastic would get hot, break, hose came off and there went the coolent. What other problems there might be I have no idea. I run the Chev 454 and am happy with it. In reading this and other forums, the major problem with the Fords has been with the fuel pumps located in the fuel tanks. It'll go bad or lock up especially when it's hot weather. Another friend had this happen in FL this past Feb. Got towed in and $11K later was bck on the road. You have to drop the tank to get to it. So you can only take it from what you hear or read. Good luck in your search. Marty in TN
Butch User ID: 0108854	Jun 24th 11:15 PM I will say that we owned a '99 unit with the infamous V-10. For a total of 7 months and 17,000 miles before we dumped it. The really good thing I can say about it is that it caused us to go Diesel, albeit prematurely. Happy Motoring, Butch Nancy Lake, Alaska
Mike User ID: 9029153	Jun 25th 8:23 AM The V10 is a good engine and used in 100,000 of Ford trucks and it is the #1 volume engine in gas RVs by far. Ford also makes marine and industrial versions of the same engine. It is part of Fords modular engine design so it is directly related to the Ford 4.6 and 5.4 V8 which are used in almost every truck and large car that Ford makes. It it a modern design with a wide torque band. You can go the the Ford forums and search the V10 sections and find almost zero issues. The fuel pump issue, I think, was with the Ford 460, not the V10. I think most modern cars/truck have the fuel pump in the tank as it is better to push then pull the fuel and it keeps it cool. Problem is that when it fails, it is a more expensive fix but just by a few hundred dollars. Enjoy your V10 !
Carlos User ID: 7761613	Jun 25th 5:10 PM Thanks all for your input. It is much appreciated.
samsontdog User ID: 0903294	Jul 28th 8:35 PM I have owned two RVs with the V-10s . I have had great service out of both of them. The P_up that I own has 45K on it and I pull a 32 FT TT. Just got back today from a 5K mile trip and used a half GT of oil and averaged 7 to 8 MPG
Bryan User ID: 1718124	Aug 18th 11:23 AM Carlos try the Ford Truck Enthusiasts web site at;http://fordtrucks.com and check out the forums. There is a specific V-10 forum.
Kevin 2 User ID: 9711993	Aug 20th 4:09 PM http://www.blueovalnews.com/2003/powertrain/v10.defective072303.htm Take a look here before you jump!
Sammy_3 User ID: 1773974	Oct 5th 8:05 AM I am a certified Ford technician and have been repairing engines for a number of years. The V-10 has been a very good engine since it's introduction. In the last 7 years, I have replaced 3 V-10's and only one was due to a premature failure. The other 2 were due to water injestion and poor maintenance. At the present time I'm working on a 2001 F-350 with a V-10. The owner is a farmer. The engine has a lower end knock and I believe it's due to an overheat condition. The radiator is approximately 40% blocked with debris. My overall assessment of the V-10, very good choice for motorhome and heavy duty truck applications. With proper maintenance, it'll last for many years. Sammy Certified Ford Technician Certified NASCAR nut
JC User ID: 2177844	Oct 5th 2:20 PM Sammy, I haven't taken delivery on my motorhome with the V-10 yet, so I don't have access to a manual. What octane gas is recommended for the V-10?
kkk User ID: 8736803	Oct 5th 6:12 PM jc, i just biught my v-10 and it recommends the 87 octane which is regular here in oklahoma. runs fine, even my 2002 caddy uses regular 87 grade. the 94 caddy used 93 octane, soooooo
Bea PA User ID: 2630464	Oct 5th 7:08 PM We have a 2000 V10, Ford changed the cover over the air filter to keep water out, some of the press claps on the hoses aren't any good. We changed ours to the screw clap type even tho we had no problems. We have 37,000 trouble free miles on ours including 2 trips over the western mountains.
JC User ID: 0680084	Oct 5th 7:42 PM Thanks, kkk. At least that will still be under $2.00 per gallon -- I hope. (CA gas prices are nuts.)
jd User ID: 9816503	Oct 5th 9:20 PM Sammy_3, As a Ford Tech, can you field a question about the auto trans in our minivan? 97 Aerostar 4.0 with 5R55E Problem is delayed engagement in forward. Also delayed downshift from second to first when coming to a stop. If coming to a stop and light changes right before stop, trans may turn out to be between gears instead of second or first. If you're able to discuss this, let me know and I'll post a new thread. God Bless, jd
TXiceman User ID: 2463104	Oct 7th 8:18 PM We had a V-10 in our 1999 Minnie WInnie which was 31 feet long. It was a good engine and never a problem other than the idler on the serptine belt. It was also one that had a slight piston slap on cold start, but went away in about 5 seconds. It ran on anything we poured in the tank tha was called gasoline...only problem was that it did like lots of it. Loaded and with the dinghy we were at 17,000# GCW and got 8 to a bit over 8 mpg running a max of 65 mph on interstate roads. Knew of several other with the same engine and no problems. One did get a new engine due to severe piston slap. ken W
Sammy_3 User ID: 1773974	Oct 18th 3:59 PM Hey JD, sorry for the delay in replying. I don't mind answering any questions pertaining to Fords however, I'm not well versed in transmissions. I can tell you that if your trans is low on fluid, it will have a delayed shift. Check the fluid level with the engine warm and note the color. If it's low, top it off. If the fluid is a brownish color, it needs serviced. I suggest you get it flushed. Flushing does a much better job. Hope this helps. Sammy_3
Sammy_3 User ID: 1773974	Oct 19th 4:14 PM Hey JC, the Ford V-10 (6.8L) is calibrated for 87 octane gasoline. Most Motorhome engines are subject to highway driving which keeps the rpm's high and that helps to keep the carbon build up in the cylinders to a minimum. I do suggest dumping a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the fuel tank occasionally. Once every other oil change should be sufficient. Hope this helps! Sammy_3 NASCAR Nut Mash the gas and turn left!
jd User ID: 0234554	Oct 19th 5:12 PM Sammy_3, Thanks! Trans is full, color not pure pink but far more pink than not. Problem seems to be worsening. I changed the fluid not long ago, pan was "dusty" with black powder I think is from clutch wear, but no metal scrapings, chips, slivers etc. No metal stuck to the pan magnet. Do you have anybody I can ask about this? God Bless, jd
Sammy_3 User ID: 1773974	Oct 20th 5:52 PM JD, I'll ask the trans tech at my shop tomorrow and will post his reply. From what you said about the problem worsening, I think you may need to get it diagnosed by a certified trans tech and do it soon before it quits working all together. By the way, how many miles on your vehicle and has the trans been rebuilt in the past? You may not want to hear this but, your looking at a price tag of 1500-2000 bucks to rebuild that trans. At least that is what a Ford dealer would charge. The price of parts has been sky rocketing over the last few years as well as labor charges. My shop charges 72 an hour.
Marty User ID: 2122084	Oct 20th 7:10 PM Sammy_3: I forked out almost $3200 for a new/ rebuilt Jasper Transmission/Converter combo last year for my 94 Chevy motor home. Your right, them things ain't cheap. Marty in TN