ford v10 engines

[SHORT KID]

I have always been a diesel person. I presently have a Dodge dually with an in bed camper and I pull a 24' trailer with my tractors. The wife got this idea of trading the camper on a (gas) class "c" motor home for more room and comfort when we go to shows. She found a 2005 Ford 450 low miles and good looking, we didn't drive it yet!!!!!! My question is other than fuel mileage is this engine dependable? I understand the pre 2003 engines had a problem blowing spark plugs and some head gasket problems. Does anyone own one or have owned one that can give me some input? I would like a bigger one with a diesel but I don't have the room.
Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Patches]

They had issues with exhaust manifold bolts(heads rotted off)and it's a fairly expensive repair; another Ford, ooops! I have a friend who has one and it's a strong engine but

 

[Stimw]

A great web site for RV information, the forums have Class C site- htpp://www.rv.net
I have found that a Class A has more room, is built on large truck frame, w/truck running gear and has higher towing capacity.

 

[homedad]

I have a 2000 e450 under a 31' class c. Never had any problems whatsoever. Very strong considering I'm loaded very heavy and tow a vehicle behind it. The only difficulty I've had was going up steep grades around Watkins Glen NY. Normally I stick with interstates. Gas mileage is shockingly bad if you're not familiar with motorhomes. Usually 6-8 mpg. Watch the front brake callipers for premature failure evidenced by brake feeling always engaged and a hot rotor.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Not with motor homes but my uncle has had a 1999 F-250 with one, a 2002 F-250 with one, and still has a 2005 F-350 with one. All have been 4x4, all with plows, and all pull his boats from 15,000# upto 25,000# with not much hesitation. They are noting like my 2006 F-350 diesel when it comes to grunt but its by far the best gas truck out there. He has had no issues.


The guys are right thought, the spark plugs on early ones and exhaust studs can be a issue but seems to be hit or miss. I know about 10 other guys who have V-10 powered Fords and only one has blow spark plugs, 2 of them on a 2000 F-350. It was a $400 fix and he drove it on home then to the shop for the work. He still has the truck.

Plan on 12 mpg empty on a pickup and 8 mpg pulling. The RV guys I know with them report 5 to 6 mpg. My copilot has had 2 V10 powered ones and has had no issues but only puts maybe 2,000 miles per year max and trades them after 3-4 years. A bigger concern for me would be tires, brakes, ect on these trucks. Just a set of tires is around $1600 or more.

Chris

 

[CLinton_in_FL]

As far as the engine, it is great. Read this post. The guy has 400K+ on 2005 model. It's been a good run - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

[Agent Blue]

It will pull most anything you place behind it. It is a performance, torque - puller type, engine. Fuel mileage is 8-10, with a few down hills and moderate foot pressure 12. Very limited travel and applications fine. Not an everyday driver... unless you have a company gas card. I have heard of a case where another dealer would not take a V-10 Ford truck in trade. He stated there is a very limited market and the auction prices set no records. A motorhome would be a good choice if you travel a small amount of miles each year. Diesel is obviously better but the cost is also a factor. Largely depends on your circumstances.... great for some, others not so much in terms of fuel prices.

 

[Diamondpilot]

It will pull most anything you place behind it. It is a performance, torque - puller type, engine. Fuel mileage is 8-10, with a few down hills and moderate foot pressure 12. Very limited travel and applications fine. Not an everyday driver... unless you have a company gas card. I have heard of a case where another dealer would not take a V-10 Ford truck in trade. He stated there is a very limited market and the auction prices set no records. A motorhome would be a good choice if you travel a small amount of miles each year. Diesel is obviously better but the cost is also a factor. Largely depends on your circumstances.... great for some, others not so much in terms of fuel prices.

No trade? Around here they are loved. I could see not wanting a 5.4 Super Duty but a V10 is sought after. Especially wit 4.30 gears. 4.10 gears are not bad either but 3.73 leave a lot to be desired.

Chris

 

[podagrower]

My daily driver is an E250 with a 5.4 with 3.73 gears (i scared myself test driving one with 4.11s), and my uncle has a 24 foot class C with the V10 and 3.73 gears. That fully loaded motorhome is almost as fast as my cargo van in the 0-60 area. Mileage sucks, but it gets the job done.

 

[CurlyDave]

I have a 2000 V-8 Triton now and had a motorhome with a V-10.

The only bad issue is the spark plugs, and these days, it is not so bad. The original plugs will go 100K miles, so in a motorhome the issue may never come up. I sold mine with under 20K miles. In my pickup, I had the dealer change the plugs about 18 months ago. At this point all of the dealers have evolved a good procedure for changing the plugs, and there are special tools available if the plug comes apart.

The cost to change out all of the plugs was ~$200 or $250, can't remember at this point, but not a major financial hit. I am now good for another 100K miles, which is probably longer than the life of the rest of the truck.

Before the problems with the plugs were understood, there were many heads ruined and lots of expensive repairs. Today, not so much.