Is a V-10 powerd RV a good choice is it powerful enough to get it up and going I drove an RV that had a dodge 440 in it and it was average also what would a good choice in power and torq upgrades be headers open Elament air filter Supercharger [etc].
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1997-F-250 460

 

A better forum for this question would be at

www.rv.net

My inlaws have a v-10 in thier motorhome and have had no problems with not enough power that I know of.

 

There's been several V-10 RV owners here in the past few years and I never heard anyone say anything but positive comments on their engine. Who here who has gasoline in their veins wouldn't want more power though ? Especially when your dry weight runs 13,000 pounds or more, but I've seen many, many posters here who have the V-10 in their RV's relate how well they liked their choice of engines. The 440 Chysler is a work horse, but that is 1960's technology so expect 5-7 mpg. You also will have a carbeurator to deal with and keep tuned, unlike modern day fuel injection and electronic ignition. If you're looking at a class C motorhome your choices for increasing performance through off the shelf parts is a little more limited as opposed to a class A that you can buy more parts for. But headers, a low restriction air cleaner and maybe a transmission tuner would be your best bet to start finding a bit more power. Good luck.

 

My dad has the v10 in his 34 foot double slide class A . He sets the cruise( I have been in the motorhome when he does this ) at 70 and it climbs up interstate 8 from the desert over the hill into San Diego, no problem. Beats the daylights out of the rest of them. I do not know how familiar you are with this hill, but it is substantial. Used to drive trucks over this mountain and saw many rookie drivers lose it and go over some of the cliffs when they were attempting to go down the hill into the desert from the San Diego side. Speed got away from them and they smoked their brakes. So to climb the same hill at 70 (if you wanted) was enough for me.

 

We have a 2002 Class C weighing close to 14000 lb with the V10. Its power has been impressive and is certainly adequate in this application. Fuel consumption has ranged from 9.3-9.7 mpg. We did get a noticeable improvement in power by installing a Flowmaster Series 70 muffler; but little or no change in mpg.

The weak link in the powertrain appears to be the 4R100 trans. Ours failed at 13000 mi. Have now installed a Banks Trans Command unit that allows operation at higher pressure --> less slippage.

 

I have a 30 ft. class C with the V10, love it. Enough power to pull hills and fairly good fuel milage for a motorhome.

 

I've got an 01 4x4 crew cab, its got everything on it and in it, I pull a 31' travel trailer with 2 slide outs, it will pull the hithch off that trailer if I want to, plenty of power, we sold a 31' Winnebago with a 454 and banks exhaust, the V10 will out run it anyday, and still gets better mileage. I know my unit is not a motorhome, but its a lot of weight.

 

Have V10 in my 35FT Class A grossing at 20500. Have 24000 miles on it and am happy with performance, BUT, only after putting on the complete Banks Power Pack. Raises rear wheel HP from about 190 to 250 for the 310 HP engine. Equivalent increase in torque. Made same type of trips (over Rockies) with and without Banks and noted major difference in performance and some in mileage (7MPG to 7.7 MPG) same terrain for 6000 miles. Grades where I could only push 25MPH could maintain 45-50. Shows that the way manufacturer puts engine together (small, restricted intake, small diameter exhaust, and tiny manifolds) can be upgraded to a powerful performer.

 

I've got a '03 F250 C/C 4x4 Auto 3.73 V10 that turned over 52,000 miles today. I tow a Airstream travel trailer frequently and I have found the V10 is adequate for the job. It has good acceleration and passing ability. The only thing it doesn't like are long grades. 4.30 gears would probably help. We tow quite a bit in high elevations where you need all the power you can muster and the V10 does hold it's own as long as it stays wound up. They must be pretty popular in the motorhome crowd because I see a lot of fender tags.

Overall I'm happy with the V10 (my second one) and would definately recommend it as a stout work engine. Mine has seen some hard use and I haven't had a moments trouble out of it or the transmission.

 

I have a V10 SD and I pull a ball hitch (just the ball) through swampy mud pits all the time, no lack of power here either

 

i HAVE A 2000 X V-10 AND A 2002 COACHMAN MIRADA CLASS A WITH THE V-10. bIG DIFFERENCE. THE CLASS A IS ON THE F-53 TRUCK CHASSIE. THIS BRINGS THE HEAVY REAR AXEL. mINE HAS 5:12 GEARS I THINK. REALLY PULLS WITH A VW PASSAT ON A TOW DOLLY. lOVE IT

 

I have a 31' class C motorhome and I pull a 3500lb Honda behind it. Total weight - 17,500lb. Mods installed - Banks Powerpak and Transcommand. I have nothing but good things to say about this setup. Routinely get 8mpg at an average of 70mph. Once I tried to see how fast it would go, but chickened out at 85.

This engine seems to thrive in motorhome service. I hear folks driving empty trucks getting 10-12mpg, but give this engine 3 times the weight and incredible amounts of wind drag, and it only drops to 8mpg!