I have a Chevy question
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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I have a Chevy question
I'm looking at buying several used RVs for fairly cheap. Just something for camping and family fun. The problem I have it seems the 454 Chevrolets that power most that I see are always such short lived engines.
Some RV owners tell me the 454s also were prone to running hot , while the 460 Fords did quite well, lasted a long time and did not run hot.
I'm a life long Ford man, but if the deal is right, I can live with a Chevrolet chassis, and it seems most of the ones that look like a much better deal are Chevrolet powered.
I also found 2 Dodges, and the 360 V8 is a fine engine and to my knowledge the 440 in motorhome applications does well also. Any input would be appreciated.
Some RV owners tell me the 454s also were prone to running hot , while the 460 Fords did quite well, lasted a long time and did not run hot.
I'm a life long Ford man, but if the deal is right, I can live with a Chevrolet chassis, and it seems most of the ones that look like a much better deal are Chevrolet powered.
I also found 2 Dodges, and the 360 V8 is a fine engine and to my knowledge the 440 in motorhome applications does well also. Any input would be appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
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From: McKenzie River
I have heard of 454s running hot in RVs, I attribute this to the cramped quarters and high temps that RV motors experience while working hard, lets face it most motorhomes by design don't let much airflow past the motors shoehorned into doghouses.
Even with huge radiators and good fans, a RV doesn't get much airflow across the engine compartment compared to a truck or car, and heat is the killer.
The pathetic 165hp 350 Chevy in my 25 ft class C routinely runs 225-230 degrees running down the highway, and thats with a MASSIVE 4 row radiator...........of course the rig weighs 13,000lbs..........hasn't died yet....yet.
Even with huge radiators and good fans, a RV doesn't get much airflow across the engine compartment compared to a truck or car, and heat is the killer.
The pathetic 165hp 350 Chevy in my 25 ft class C routinely runs 225-230 degrees running down the highway, and thats with a MASSIVE 4 row radiator...........of course the rig weighs 13,000lbs..........hasn't died yet....yet.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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I have heard of 454s running hot in RVs, I attribute this to the cramped quarters and high temps that RV motors experience while working hard, lets face it most motorhomes by design don't let much airflow past the motors shoehorned into doghouses.
Even with huge radiators and good fans, a RV doesn't get much airflow across the engine compartment compared to a truck or car, and heat is the killer.
The pathetic 165hp 350 Chevy in my 25 ft class C routinely runs 225-230 degrees running down the highway, and thats with a MASSIVE 4 row radiator...........of course the rig weighs 13,000lbs..........hasn't died yet....yet.
Even with huge radiators and good fans, a RV doesn't get much airflow across the engine compartment compared to a truck or car, and heat is the killer.
The pathetic 165hp 350 Chevy in my 25 ft class C routinely runs 225-230 degrees running down the highway, and thats with a MASSIVE 4 row radiator...........of course the rig weighs 13,000lbs..........hasn't died yet....yet.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 247
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From: Concrete WA
For what it is worth our family had a 1988 Ford Gulf Motor home with the 460 and other than one computer issue due to an old fusible link it was trouble free. We towed a 14 foot boat filled with fire wood and traveled up and down the freeway and over the Cascade Mountain passes and other than liking gas it was great. I have heard the same report about the GM power plants and one of my friends had trouble with his dodge electrical system. In the end it probably comes down to the distance you plan to travel. If you are fine working on or dealing with overheating and know going in if the deal is good so be it. I do not have much time off to enjoy and as much as I enjoy tinkering on my rigs when I want to travel my vehicles have to be like a 1911 with reliability first requirement.
Bob
Bob
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Elder User
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For what it is worth our family had a 1988 Ford Gulf Motor home with the 460 and other than one computer issue due to an old fusible link it was trouble free. We towed a 14 foot boat filled with fire wood and traveled up and down the freeway and over the Cascade Mountain passes and other than liking gas it was great. I have heard the same report about the GM power plants and one of my friends had trouble with his dodge electrical system. In the end it probably comes down to the distance you plan to travel. If you are fine working on or dealing with overheating and know going in if the deal is good so be it. I do not have much time off to enjoy and as much as I enjoy tinkering on my rigs when I want to travel my vehicles have to be like a 1911 with reliability first requirement.
Bob
Bob
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Western Central NV
I couldn't agree more Tim.
As I posted in another thread my last two Ford trucks have been the most costly to own of any pickups ever. My Dodge has been the cheapest, as far as repair costs. I owned two 2nd Gen Blazer 4x4s One was awful expensive & the other was expensive but gave me 100,000 miles.
So bottom line when you buy USED its a crap shoot. I know guys with Chevy's that yes run hot, but run OK. Running 220-230 isn't that hot by today's standards.
My 86 Ford F250 4x4 460/C-6 would get 240 in summer heat pulling hills with our TT behind. I do admit that I think Ford & Dodge's handle the heat better & longer than GMs BB or SB.
Craig
As I posted in another thread my last two Ford trucks have been the most costly to own of any pickups ever. My Dodge has been the cheapest, as far as repair costs. I owned two 2nd Gen Blazer 4x4s One was awful expensive & the other was expensive but gave me 100,000 miles.
So bottom line when you buy USED its a crap shoot. I know guys with Chevy's that yes run hot, but run OK. Running 220-230 isn't that hot by today's standards.
My 86 Ford F250 4x4 460/C-6 would get 240 in summer heat pulling hills with our TT behind. I do admit that I think Ford & Dodge's handle the heat better & longer than GMs BB or SB.
Craig
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