Like most of the others here, *most* of the time, the V-10 has plenty of power. However, I can think of two occasions where I could have used more get up and go.....
1) Headed south in Montana towards Idaho. Lots of hills and a stiff headwind. I couldn't keep my speed above 50mph, even on relatively flat ground.
2) Driving south from Kamloops, BC to Hope, BC. On this trip I was towing my Wrangler, and it was a real slow slog for about an hour to 90 minutes. I seriously considered disconnecting the Jeep and having my wife drive it along behind us - probably should have.
So I can understand why some might want more power. I'm not ready to buy a Banks kit yet. But should we decide that we won't be upgrading or selling in the next few years, I may pull the trigger......
Step number one: kill the overdrive with the button at the end of the transmission lever as soon as you are approaching a hill or other obstacle.
You will then maintain a higher average speed going up, and not notice the rig running out of breath in too-high a gear and waiting to downshift once the speed is much too low.
You will pass all of the trucks in the right lane comfortably.
I used to drive a pusher and was "spoiled" by hill-climbing capabilities.
Newer Class C felt like a dog till I started playing with the overdrive button.
I won't spend $$$ on Banks. Fuel economy is already nothing to brag about.
'99 Glendale Royal Expedition 24' Class C
2003 Subaru WRX wagon as toad.
The button on the 2006 and later E450's does not kick "overdrive" in or out. The button now changes the shift pattern to "tow/haul." not overdrive. and should be pushed in to give you more power going up hills. It will also give you increased engine braking going down hills.
As to the Banks system, "different strokes for different folks." For me, it is one of the best after market things that I have done to my coach. Before I had it I slowed down to 35-40 mph on Interstate grades. I now go over them at 50-55 without any problem. When I pass someone, I want to get around them as soon as possible. With the Banks, I can now get around another vehicle much faster.
Having said that, be advised that my coach weighs pretty close to the max and I tow a 3800 pound car. Also, be advised that I have been a gear-head since I was a kid.
As I said in a previous post, the Banks system does not help much with gas mileage.
If you are happy with the way your coach performs, then it is obviously not the thing for you. If you want significantly more low end torque it delivers.
Tom and Judith and Yappy Schnauzer Sable
2006 Coach House Platinum 272
Saturn Vue Tow Car
n5tc wrote: The button on the 2006 and later E450's does not kick "overdrive" in or out. The button now changes the shift pattern to "tow/haul." not overdrive. and should be pushed in to give you more power going up hills. It will also give you increased engine braking going down hills.
As to the Banks system, "different strokes for different folks." For me, it is one of the best after market things that I have done to my coach. Before I had it I slowed down to 35-40 mph on Interstate grades. I now go over them at 50-55 without any problem. When I pass someone, I want to get around them as soon as possible. With the Banks, I can now get around another vehicle much faster.
Having said that, be advised that my coach weighs pretty close to the max and I tow a 3800 pound car. Also, be advised that I have been a gear-head since I was a kid.
As I said in a previous post, the Banks system does not help much with gas mileage.
If you are happy with the way your coach performs, then it is obviously not the thing for you. If you want significantly more low end torque it delivers.
Do you run over loaded? I really liked the class c we drove the other day, but after calculating weights, we'd be maxed out or over, unless we went to a super C.
I have a 2008 Jayco Melbourne 31FT (29D), it is weight in at 14,200. It has the new 5 sp, if I need power I enable the tow mode in town it will still move out faster than most cars at a stop lite. On the highway I have to keep down to 65mph. This is the second V10 and I do not think the Banks system would really improve the mileage or power much for $5000. I would just add a K&N filter or change the rear end ratio if its 4.10
What is the type of RV and year that you think you need more power ?
If you weigh a total of 14,200 lbs and your coach is a E-450 Class C, you really should weigh the rear axle as it is rated for only a load of 9450 lbs. If I had to guess, the weight on your rear axle is probably close to 10,000 lbs.
2002 Born Free 26' RSB Motorcoach
2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS Toad
my 97 e350 climbs @ between 35 and 45 with the overdrive off. It could probably go a little faster but my route is sacramento valley to the sierras so it's 75 miles of hills and i hate to push it too hard. Needless to say i pace the medium speed trucks. A K&N might help but isn't this an oiled gauze element rather than the stock paper? If so the paper,while more restrictive, filters the really fine dust better. This might only matter in offroad race vehicles in super dusty conditions but i am not sure the risk reward is there. Time for a new oem filter, see if that helps at least w/ mpg
ABBACUS wrote: I have a 2008 Jayco Melbourne 31FT (29D), it is weight in at 14,200. It has the new 5 sp, if I need power I enable the tow mode in town it will still move out faster than most cars at a stop lite. On the highway I have to keep down to 65mph. This is the second V10 and I do not think the Banks system would really improve the mileage or power much for $5000. I would just add a K&N filter or change the rear end ratio if its 4.10
What is the type of RV and year that you think you need more power ?
Yes, the Banks will add power. A lot of it. A great product at any price.
Now whether you need the added power or want the power is a another story. But, there is a tremendous difference when adding the banks kit.
Good Luck.
Jim and Deanna
Tiffin Allegro 35QBA 2007 Carson Trailer 22' Titan TH Trailer Toad
Me, Wife, Boy/10, Boy/7, Girl/5
Faith/Springer
1985 Toyota 4Runner
five quads, three kids, two motorcycles, one wife, one dog, one cat!
Are there any alternatives to Banks? I'm guessing we'll end up with a programmer and maybe a cat-back exhaust. I'll stick with a stock air box, as we do alot of dusty roads.
Serpexc wrote: I'm looking to see if anyone has done mods to their V-10 E450 motorhome to help give it a little more power.
Have you tried Diablo Sports? http://www.diablosport.com/. I beleive they make them for both E and F series chassis. If they do make something for you it will be around 300-350. Take a look you might find something you like.
Most people don't really need the extra power but there are people like me who wish to have it. If that's something you feel you need or want I'm sure there's a tuner out there for you.
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