trop-a-cal wrote: CHEVY vortec engine and GM transmissions are much better than Ford! Even the resale will be higher as Fords don't hold value, due to all the problems they have.
Ford = more torque, higher capacity transmission with 5-speeds and grade brake braking, and mush higher GCWR.
Chevy = more passenger footroom.
Older Fords often benefitted form better shocks and larger sway bars. New Ford ('08+) already have those upgrades, plus bigger brakes and other suspension improvements. 2009 chassis will get even more suspension improvements, plus a new interior with the integrated trailer brake controller, 195 amp alternator, and more. The only interior piece that doesn't change is the doghouse (most likely requested by after market upfitters like ambulance and bus makers who make use of the doghouse for control panel mouting)
Bryan
2000 Ford E350 DRW Wagon (14-pass all captains chairs)
V10 w/ Banks PowerPack, Diablo Predator, 4.56 LS, 230,000+ miles
Had: Weekend Warrior 41' FSW (still looking for its replacement)
Im Not sure when Chevy first came out with the 6.0L, but just look around at whats on the road.
I think you will find that the Ford V-10 dominates the class C sales 2 to 1 over the GM 6.0L. And I was a GM guy, but the Ford V-10 OHC 6.8L changed all that. That's why there's so many on the road.
2001 27' Four Winds Class-C E-450 V-10.
Buick Park Ave Ultra, Ford Ranger PU, JD 500 backhoe.
1941 Farm All "A"
Chevy all the way! More leg room in the cab, longer wheel base, bigger gas tank, better fuel economy, longer cruising range, and much better ride. If I had to drive a FORD, I would quit RV'ing. I would rather be dead than drive a FORD! Bagman.
As an owner (and liker) of both engines I'll try to give an unbiased opinion, something that can be difficult to find on this or any forum.
The Ford V10 is far smoother and quieter at idle. The Chevy 6.0 vibrates noticeably at idle, although not unpleasantly, and has since new. The V10 is so quiet and smooth at idle it's easy to try to start it when it's already running if you're not paying attention.
As far as power, it's really hard to compare because the MH is so much bigger and heavier than my pickup (both vehicles in sig). I occasionally run up to around 14000 lbs. GCW with my pickup, around the loaded weight of my motorhome. At those weights, my V10 powered motorhome launches on hills and in traffic with far less strain and effort than the pickup. This is probably partly due to the motorhome's 4.63 rear axle ratio, but in addition while my older V10 has less horsepower than my 6.0 (265 vs. 300), it has far better low end torque (415 ft./lbs. at 2750 rpm vs. 365 ft./lbs. at around 4000 rpm IIRC). Side by side in identical rigs I feel my V10 would be the better performer, but not by a huge margin.
On reliability, both engines have been flawless so I can't help you there. Just be sure to ignore any advice that suggests "all Fords are junk" or "all Chevys are junk" because this advice obviously lacks common sense or objectivity. All brands will have their issues, pros and cons.
1998 Gulfstream Ultra B/H Ford E450 V10
2005 Chevy 2500HD 6.0 w/ Maxidump insert
6x12 Interstate enclosed trailer
7x16 Bulldog flatbed hauling a 2006 Kioti CK20 TLB
2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer
1998 Saturn SL2 toad
Although my statement earlier may have seemed witty, I speak from experience.
I have owned both the 6.0 V8 Chevy as well as the 6.8 V10 Ford. Both are/were on 23.5 and 24.5 foot class C MHs. The Chevy chassis was 2003 and the Ford IS a 1999
I prefer the venerable Ford V10 over the Chevy v8 EVERYDAY!!
Plus, 99 out of every 100 Ambulance drivers can't be wrong.
Like old travel decals? me too!
Two cannibals were eating a circus clown,
One cannibal says to the other-
"Does this taste funny?"
Nancy1,
I suggest you drive the identical model motorhome- one with the Chevy/Workhorse and then a Ford. Buy the one you like best.
Both have their advantages. The Chevy has a 2 gallon larger gas tank- not worth comparing. The Chevy has a longer wheelbase, but it needs to be longer due to the longer cab length. The new Fords have a 5 speed trans vs the 4 speed GM. This is a benefit.
As to gas mileage, I get better MPG with my 34' C compared to a friends 30' Chateau on a Chevy.
I checked NADA values- 2006 Gulfstream on a Ford chassis has a $1300 higher wholesale compared to Chevy. 2006 Jamboree shows several thousand$$ higher with Ford compared to Chevy.
You don't say what you want to tow, but I believe you are limited to a max of 3500# with Chevy vs 5000# with Ford.
As to Winnebago vs Chateau, I think Winnebago makes a great product- probably the best Class C manufacturer. There was a show on Nat Geographic yesterday that spent an hour touring the Winne plants in Iowa- very impressive.
Remember, opinons are worth what you pay for them!!
As far as power, it's really hard to compare because the MH is so much bigger and heavier than my pickup (both vehicles in sig). I occasionally run up to around 14000 lbs. GCW with my pickup, around the loaded weight of my motorhome. At those weights, my V10 powered motorhome launches on hills and in traffic with far less strain and effort than the pickup. This is probably partly due to the motorhome's 4.63 rear axle ratio, but in addition while my older V10 has less horsepower than my 6.0 (265 vs. 300), it has far better low end torque (415 ft./lbs. at 2750 rpm vs. 365 ft./lbs. at around 4000 rpm IIRC). Side by side in identical rigs I feel my V10 would be the better performer, but not by a huge margin.
Im just wondering if you checked your VIN# to determine your rear axle ratio. I did, and was surprised to found mine has 4:10s, I thought they were lower, but I think its just the vary wide torque curve of the V-10.
Im sure GM is not going to make a crappy engine, Im sure its good, but the Ford V-10 just makes more usable and noticeable torque. I think that's something all V-10 offer, you have more cylinders firing per revolution.
Other wise I agree with your post completely.
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