Looking for input..... - Page 2

magnumv8 · 11-21-2010, 10:14 PM

basically what you need to consider is long term durability and service....normal service with any combo is good and everyone knows that, I have had great service from equipment others that said it "didn't hold up for them" mainly because I feel I don't really abuse my stuff.....

the V10 FORD while good for light duty work is stressed when pushed....while it is a V10, it is a small cube engine around 400CI and just doesn't have the power you think it should have stock.....

You are familiar with diesels and the service required to keep them maintained and also the long term durability (as long as it isn't a 6.0) I would tell you to stay with that eliminating that decision in your choice...

D L Rambo.....

Gary Merrick · 11-21-2010, 10:30 PM

I have a 2004 Gulf Stream Endura with the 8.2 and Allison 5 speed transmission. When I bought it, a 24' Haulmark came with it. When I went to pick it up, about 6 hours from home, I put a Monte Carlo SS in the trailer and took off. I was amazed at how well it towed. The previous owner said you don't have to swing out wide for a corner, the trailer will go exactly where the motorhome goes and he was right. Since then I found a used Trailer Toad and it goes down the highway even better, in fact when the trailer is being pulled, the motorhome rides better. I get anywhere from 6.5 to 8 MPG when towing at 65-70 MPH depending on the terrain. I have had it for four years and it works just fine. I would like to have a diesel, but just not in the budget right now.

I would recommend this combination, even better with the Duramax as stated earlier.

Gary Merrick

Ed Fernandez · 11-21-2010, 10:32 PM

Do you travel alone?if so you could probably get away with the 2500 and upgrade to a 28' with small LQ.Or upgrade to 28' LQ and 3500 dually. With that combo at least you have a truck to leave the track with and a truck to use when ever needed.as opposed to having a MH sitting around most of the time.
Just 2 cents from a looooow buck slowpoke.
If you travel with the missus,well,never mind.

BobUnkefer · 11-21-2010, 10:53 PM

I appreciate the feedback, both public & private.
Ed, I've actually studied the way your rig is set-up. I love the simple, functional & low-buck way of doing things.
But,
the truck now is an extra vehicle that sits the majority of the time in the garage. It's a 2007 Lariat with 40k miles and was originally purchased to pull my daughters Exiss 3 horse gooseneck trailer (which is for sale if you know anyone....) and does a great job of pulling both trailers.
The idea of a class c came about after the race @ Noble. I enjoy staying at the track and being able to socialize. Looking at the market, for what my truck is worth I should be able to step into a nice used unit without too much if any additional out of pocket.
Living in Kansas City I'll probably head south to start next year and leave the rig parked in Houston for the first few months of the year, then bring it north for the summer.
I'll still be working for Brogdon's P/S team next year, so I'll be at all the national events anyway, just looking for something to be able to enjoy the LODRS events, racing and announcing at several.

Unk

treessavoy · 11-22-2010, 05:15 PM

I have a 2000 V 10 in a 35' class A and even empty I have to keep it on the floor in any kind of hilly terrain, I don't believe it would get up the hills of KY with a trailer behind it.

I talked to three Ford dealer mechanics about the trans, two said it wouldn't last pulling a trailer and one said put in a deep pan and add an extra cooler.

I would look for a used, fairly short class A with a diesel, something that wouldn't break the bank.

BTW at the Indy I talked with the owner of a class C with a V 10 and he said he had no problems with it but he was towing a S/G roadster in a twenty foot trailer.....he had over 150k on it.

Good luck,

JimR

Chris DeGidio · 11-22-2010, 07:20 PM

Conquest MH has a unit called the Silver Bullet which is based on the Dodge Ram 5500 chassis and has the Cummins 6 cyl.They claim 16mpg.

Jim Caughlin · 11-22-2010, 09:26 PM

Maybe I've just been lucky but I have a '99 F350 (V10, 5 speed manual trans and 3.73 gears) which I bought new, it now has 110K, most of its miles have been towing my 24' enclosed trailer. With the exception of the normal tune up at 65K, I haven't needed to do any other repairs at all. I'm on my second set of tires, origional brakes, shocks and clutch. It obviously doesn't have the power of the diesel but it pulls up hills with no problem doing the usual downshifting and gets 9 - 10 MPG with the loaded trailer. I can't tell you how the extra weight of the motorhome and/or the auto trans would affect things but I think the V10 has gotten a bad rap. That being said, now that I've raved about its reliability, I've probably cursed things and it will blow up tomorrow.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Frank Bialas · 11-22-2010, 10:22 PM

Had a 1998 class C with a 7.3, long wheel base rear axle was almost at rear bumper, Gulf stream, short box, never saw another one like it. The thing was a beast on power, hold on and make sure brakes on trailer are working, cruising @ 70mph - 9+mpg, towed a 26ft goldrush with at least a 6000lb load, 90 mph NO PROBLEM, it had 4 disc on rig and 4 drum on trailer with all functioning normal it could stop on a dime, you knew when the wind was howling and when a big rig or bus was passing you though!!! OK for 2 to 3 people can't beat the conveniences. not sure what trans was behind the animal but never had a problem with the drive-train.I did put HD sway bars frt. & rear HD shocks all around and air bags in rear, bags served well for leveling at times too.

Jim Bailey · 11-23-2010, 12:48 AM

Bob: I bought my 32.5' C class Four Winds Chateau new in 2002. E 450 / V 10. I service it a lot!! Change the Oil every 2500. Change the Gen Oil every race. and service the tranny twice a year. It has 69K miles. Never had one problem, everything still works - great Quality for a C Class. I DO use a trailer toad, and highly recommend using one. Plenty of power pulling my 26' Motorsport loaded. I get around 9mpg at 50-60mph, and it'll drop to 7 at 70mph or in the mountains. The biggest problem with the C Class is the rear over hang. You'll drag at even the slightest curb, like going into gas stations. This is completely solved with the Trailer Toad and it will add years of life to your coach. The other thing you have to watch is rear swing. With all the rear over hang, the pivot point is the rear axle. Just because the front end fits, be really careful in tight spot turns. JB

Larry Hill · 11-23-2010, 11:33 AM

I would suggest a coach that has enough brakes on it for a panic stop without relying on the assist from the trailer brakes.

We had a brake controller die going over Mt. Eagle on I-24 east.

The worst one was the blue wire (brake wire) broke crossing Black Mt. I-40 east. It made for a very exciting ride down the hill.

11-21-2010, 10:14 PM	#11
magnumv8 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Coraopolis, Pa. Posts: 172 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... basically what you need to consider is long term durability and service....normal service with any combo is good and everyone knows that, I have had great service from equipment others that said it "didn't hold up for them" mainly because I feel I don't really abuse my stuff..... the V10 FORD while good for light duty work is stressed when pushed....while it is a V10, it is a small cube engine around 400CI and just doesn't have the power you think it should have stock..... You are familiar with diesels and the service required to keep them maintained and also the long term durability (as long as it isn't a 6.0) I would tell you to stay with that eliminating that decision in your choice... D L Rambo.....

11-21-2010, 10:30 PM	#12
Gary Merrick Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 210 Likes: 434 Liked 196 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... I have a 2004 Gulf Stream Endura with the 8.2 and Allison 5 speed transmission. When I bought it, a 24' Haulmark came with it. When I went to pick it up, about 6 hours from home, I put a Monte Carlo SS in the trailer and took off. I was amazed at how well it towed. The previous owner said you don't have to swing out wide for a corner, the trailer will go exactly where the motorhome goes and he was right. Since then I found a used Trailer Toad and it goes down the highway even better, in fact when the trailer is being pulled, the motorhome rides better. I get anywhere from 6.5 to 8 MPG when towing at 65-70 MPH depending on the terrain. I have had it for four years and it works just fine. I would like to have a diesel, but just not in the budget right now. I would recommend this combination, even better with the Duramax as stated earlier. Gary Merrick

11-21-2010, 10:32 PM	#13
Ed Fernandez Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NOO JOISEY nexta NOO YAWK Posts: 5,879 Likes: 38 Liked 100 Times in 45 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... Do you travel alone?if so you could probably get away with the 2500 and upgrade to a 28' with small LQ.Or upgrade to 28' LQ and 3500 dually. With that combo at least you have a truck to leave the track with and a truck to use when ever needed.as opposed to having a MH sitting around most of the time. Just 2 cents from a looooow buck slowpoke. If you travel with the missus,well,never mind. __________________ Former NHRA #1945 Former IHRA #1945 T/SA

11-21-2010, 10:53 PM	#14
BobUnkefer Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 465 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... I appreciate the feedback, both public & private. Ed, I've actually studied the way your rig is set-up. I love the simple, functional & low-buck way of doing things. But, the truck now is an extra vehicle that sits the majority of the time in the garage. It's a 2007 Lariat with 40k miles and was originally purchased to pull my daughters Exiss 3 horse gooseneck trailer (which is for sale if you know anyone....) and does a great job of pulling both trailers. The idea of a class c came about after the race @ Noble. I enjoy staying at the track and being able to socialize. Looking at the market, for what my truck is worth I should be able to step into a nice used unit without too much if any additional out of pocket. Living in Kansas City I'll probably head south to start next year and leave the rig parked in Houston for the first few months of the year, then bring it north for the summer. I'll still be working for Brogdon's P/S team next year, so I'll be at all the national events anyway, just looking for something to be able to enjoy the LODRS events, racing and announcing at several. Unk __________________ Bob Unkefer 4409 STK

11-22-2010, 05:15 PM	#15
treessavoy VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dunnellon,FL Posts: 1,103 Likes: 0 Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... I have a 2000 V 10 in a 35' class A and even empty I have to keep it on the floor in any kind of hilly terrain, I don't believe it would get up the hills of KY with a trailer behind it. I talked to three Ford dealer mechanics about the trans, two said it wouldn't last pulling a trailer and one said put in a deep pan and add an extra cooler. I would look for a used, fairly short class A with a diesel, something that wouldn't break the bank. BTW at the Indy I talked with the owner of a class C with a V 10 and he said he had no problems with it but he was towing a S/G roadster in a twenty foot trailer.....he had over 150k on it. Good luck, JimR __________________ Jim Rountree

11-22-2010, 07:20 PM	#16
Chris DeGidio Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 364 Likes: 8 Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... Conquest MH has a unit called the Silver Bullet which is based on the Dodge Ram 5500 chassis and has the Cummins 6 cyl.They claim 16mpg. __________________ Nautilus Racing

11-22-2010, 09:26 PM	#17
Jim Caughlin Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Woodburn, Or Posts: 680 Likes: 77 Liked 791 Times in 241 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... Maybe I've just been lucky but I have a '99 F350 (V10, 5 speed manual trans and 3.73 gears) which I bought new, it now has 110K, most of its miles have been towing my 24' enclosed trailer. With the exception of the normal tune up at 65K, I haven't needed to do any other repairs at all. I'm on my second set of tires, origional brakes, shocks and clutch. It obviously doesn't have the power of the diesel but it pulls up hills with no problem doing the usual downshifting and gets 9 - 10 MPG with the loaded trailer. I can't tell you how the extra weight of the motorhome and/or the auto trans would affect things but I think the V10 has gotten a bad rap. That being said, now that I've raved about its reliability, I've probably cursed things and it will blow up tomorrow. Jim Caughlin SS 6019

11-22-2010, 10:22 PM	#18
Frank Bialas Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 252 Likes: 6 Liked 23 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... Had a 1998 class C with a 7.3, long wheel base rear axle was almost at rear bumper, Gulf stream, short box, never saw another one like it. The thing was a beast on power, hold on and make sure brakes on trailer are working, cruising @ 70mph - 9+mpg, towed a 26ft goldrush with at least a 6000lb load, 90 mph NO PROBLEM, it had 4 disc on rig and 4 drum on trailer with all functioning normal it could stop on a dime, you knew when the wind was howling and when a big rig or bus was passing you though!!! OK for 2 to 3 people can't beat the conveniences. not sure what trans was behind the animal but never had a problem with the drive-train.I did put HD sway bars frt. & rear HD shocks all around and air bags in rear, bags served well for leveling at times too. __________________ Frank Bialas 1570 STK

11-23-2010, 12:48 AM	#19
Jim Bailey Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 673 Likes: 15 Liked 547 Times in 93 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... Bob: I bought my 32.5' C class Four Winds Chateau new in 2002. E 450 / V 10. I service it a lot!! Change the Oil every 2500. Change the Gen Oil every race. and service the tranny twice a year. It has 69K miles. Never had one problem, everything still works - great Quality for a C Class. I DO use a trailer toad, and highly recommend using one. Plenty of power pulling my 26' Motorsport loaded. I get around 9mpg at 50-60mph, and it'll drop to 7 at 70mph or in the mountains. The biggest problem with the C Class is the rear over hang. You'll drag at even the slightest curb, like going into gas stations. This is completely solved with the Trailer Toad and it will add years of life to your coach. The other thing you have to watch is rear swing. With all the rear over hang, the pivot point is the rear axle. Just because the front end fits, be really careful in tight spot turns. JB

11-23-2010, 11:33 AM	#20
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,615 Likes: 1,901 Liked 10,656 Times in 2,212 Posts	Re: Looking for input..... I would suggest a coach that has enough brakes on it for a panic stop without relying on the assist from the trailer brakes. We had a brake controller die going over Mt. Eagle on I-24 east. The worst one was the blue wire (brake wire) broke crossing Black Mt. I-40 east. It made for a very exciting ride down the hill. __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817 Last edited by Larry Hill; 11-23-2010 at 02:49 PM.