I’m getting ready to order a new Winnebago. They offer the model I’m interested in three different ways: (1) Ford V-10 w/4-speed auto; (2) Chevy 8.1 w/4-speed auto; or, (3) Chevy 8.1 w/ 5-speed Allison auto.

I’m biased toward Ford products. I previously owned a 1999 Winnebago with a V-10, I currently own a F-250 V-10 SuperDuty, and I’ve owned a bunch of late model Ford trucks. They’ve always been great machines. BUT …. More cubes, more horsepower, and more gears -- sounds like something I probably should consider. The difference in price is negligible.

I understand the Allison trans is guaranteed for life, if you service it according to schedule; which is something that could be important. Seems like Ford’s weak-link is the auto trans -- it’s the one thing I’ve had trouble with over the years with various trucks.

I have absolutely no idea of how well the 8.1 is holding up. Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks, SRT

 

The 8.1L is holding up like the 454 used to. The allison is a great tranny. Fords tranny is not really a weak link. They last pretty long. The V10 will give you better mileage and maybe better dependability.

 

We have a 2003 Winnebago Adventurer 35U Workhorse 22 chassis with the 8.1 and Allison 5 speed. The motor is a good performer. We have 7k trouble free miles on the motor and tranny. We regularly haul a 19.5'x8.5' double axle enclosed trailer with it and it seems to handle it very well.

I don't pay any attention to mileage so I can't comment there. I don't buy RV's expecting any kind of decent mileage.

Our last RV, a 95 Coachman Class C, had a Ford 460 and we had a lot of problems with that. I was happy to see it go with 45k on it. The tranny held up okay, though.

 

Jeb,
Thanks for your observations. That Adventurer 35 is really a nice layout/floorplan -- it may be the one I end up buying. My 1999 was a 30’Brave (Class A) with a V-10. It was a nice machine, but I never pulled anything with it. I drove it to Alaska (and back) from Atlanta and never had a bit of trouble (except the windshields). I sold it to a friend -- and it’s still running strong with about 45K on it. I’ve been buying Fords for so long, I almost feel treasonous considering a Chevy; but that extra power/gear sure looks like a good idea. Like you, I don’t give a hoot about mileage -- just smoothness & driveability.

How heavy is your trailer? Did you get the 22,000# chassis (w/22” wheels)? Is that Allison smooth? Does it pull out of the “hole” well? Superior to the Ford 4-speed?

Thanks, SRT

 

Yes, we got the W22 chassis (22k#) but we got the 19.5" wheels. This is our 2nd allison. I had an 01 Chevy PU with the dmax/allison. Both trannys are very smooth and both are/were trouble free. The 8.1 pulls out of the hole very well, even with the trailer. Better than the 460 in the smaller RV did with the same trailer.

Trailer weight isn't terribly high. The trailer itself lists at about 3000#'s. Normally, we have 2 dirtbikes, an ATV, a fold out sofa, clothing, etc in it. I've never weighed it loaded but I'd guess about 4.5-5k.

We've been real happy with the floorplan and the 2 slides make it so much more roomy than our non-slide class C. We had a few quality control issues with the unit but I think they're mostly behind us now. Nothing disabling but frustrating in a brand that's known as being one of the best at building quality units.

 

I have never messed with them in motorhomes and Ford may have changed their design but I have had nothing but problems with ford 4 spd autos in 88-95 service trucks living behind 7.3 l diesels which are gutless compared to the v-10 or 8.1

I would gusestimate that a loaded service truck (service bed, welder, air compressor, tools, trailer with equipment...ect) is aproaching the weight of a midsized motorhome so the comparison is fairly relavent. The allison on our low-boy with a DT466 has been bulletproof

 

I have a buddy who owns a transmission shop and is, of all things, a Ford feller. He just bought a new service truck to haul in dead autos - a Chevy 1 ton with the Allison. Why fer he do dat, u say? Him say, "Cause I knew I couldn't break the Allison and I don't want to work on my own truck!" He makes quite a living off of A. The Dodge trannies, and B. The Ford Trannys, and C. The Chevy trannies, in that order.

Nuff said for me.

 

I had a teacher that bought a brand new Silverado last year, and the transmission went out at only 99 miles, he was on the gas one minute, and the next he wasn't going anywhere. That sealed his thoughts on GM products for good. The dealer told him that one set of gears inside came loose inside and tore it all to pieces. He went and filed for Lemon Law help and got his money back and got a Ford Ranger. Told me that was the best move he ever made.

 

I'd go for the allison just for the braking effect it has going down hills. We have some in flatbeds at work and the 502 blows the 10cyl dodges and fords away for power, they all use too much fuel.

 

aint no 502, its a 496...........502 isnt a production motor

Hydra-Matic and Allison are superior to all other automatics, always have been

 

8.1L 496 vs. 6.8L V-10.
No replacement for displacement.

 

Is there a Diesel option? It seems to me, with that kind of load, it'd be an obvious choice.

 

For 2004, the 8.1L is only rated at 20hp and 25lb-ft more than the V10. Not alot of extra power for an engine that has 20% more displacement.

The 8.1L is rated for 450lb-ft at 3200rpm and the 6.8L is rated at 425lb-ft at 3250rpm.

Can't argue with the Allison tranmission thing, at least until Ford starts offering their 5sp auto with the V10.

 

I think diesel sounds like best thing for your needs, but why don;t you consider one? Good milage, torque when you need it, 5 speed auto, all the bugs in the 6.0 seem to be panned out according to ford.

 

Diesels in Class A motorhomes are a BIG jump up in price. Like $50,000 more in a comprable package. You generally get a frieghtliner or spartan chassis with a cummins diesel in the back and an air ride suspension with air brakes.