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Topic: Mileage of Ford's V-10 (Read 644 times) previous topic - next topic
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Mileage of Ford's V-10
Do the Ford V-10 motors in the LDs get high mileage with routine maintenance and care?  Considering some early 2000 models but a lot of them have 125,000+ miles on them.

Thanks!
Bud

Re: Milage of Ford's V-10
Reply #1
Do the Ford V-10 motors in the LDs get high mileage with routine maintenance and care?  Considering some early 2000 models but a lot of them have 125,000+ miles on them.

As long as the spark plugs do not blow out, the V10 is known for having long lives, the spark plug problem was mostly cured in the very late 2003 models. Any 2004 LD, or later, has the upgraded head. Other issue are rusted and broken exhaust manifold studs, a difficult and pricey repair.
When we fly, many times the airport shuttle are E450s with V10s with over 200,000 miles on the odometer.
Rebuilt engines are readily available from Ford, and other aftermarket rebuilders, and will be for many years.

I would be as concerned about the mileage on the transmission, they do not last as long as the engines.
Keep these figures in mind. A Ford rebuilt engine will cost around $8000 installed, a well-built transmission with be $5000-6000.

A high mileage LD may also need suspension work, front ball joints, driveshaft u-joints, and brakes, all much more expensive to repair than normal cars. Many times it's cheaper to buy a later model LD with less mileage.
Remember this clearly, RVIng isn't a cheap lifestyle.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Milage of Ford's V-10
Reply #2
A current price datapoint on a Motorcraft remanufactured transmission from Rock Auto:  $2,709 plus shipping plus installation (2003 model year chosen as an example).  Better quality options may be available for more money....

2003 FORD E-450 6.8L V10 Automatic Transmission Assembly | RockAuto
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL

Re: Milage of Ford's V-10
Reply #3
Hi "Justbud" ,

Aren't you the guy from Ohio who went full timing in a LD, then sold it and got something bigger? Are you now thinking LD again? Are you still living in an Rv full time?

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Mileage of Ford's V-10
Reply #4
Hi "Justbud" ,

Aren't you the guy from Ohio who went full timing in a LD, then sold it and got something bigger? Are you now thinking LD again? Are you still living in an Rv full time?

Steve K

LOL.... Yes Steve, I am that guy. We ARE still living full-time in an RV, a 36' 5th wheel which we love, but find ourselves itching for a more nimble unit to take small jaunts in either as a couple or alone. Living in an RV often finds us with a bit too much togetherness so a break is a good thing. For instance, I need to head to Ohio from New Mexico later this year. My wife is planning on staying here.  I don't wanna fly, don't want a motel and don't want to stay with family every night. A nimble RV would give me the freedom I'm seeking.

Re: Mileage of Ford's V-10
Reply #5
This is a familiar story.
We have friends who full-time in a big New Horizon 5er and a Freightliner MDT. Because it is such a production to move from place to place, they also have a half ton GMC that pulls a 21 foot Escape trailer. Smaller exploration trips in the truck ad trailer.

I'm happy in the LD and a house.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life

Re: Mileage of Ford's V-10
Reply #6
[A nimble RV would give me the freedom I'm seeking.

Any of the Class B Van types that are currently flying off the shelves, are most known as "Stealth & Nimble" as compared to everything else.  Built for two only, good mileage and park anywhere, run for days not plugged in if you select the Lithium packages.
2003 MB

Re: Mileage of Ford's V-10
Reply #7
Mileage. We could probably take a tip from Rolls-Royce owners, who when asked about mileage reply with "Well, we actually never think about that." It is whatever it is, and our gas tanks hold more than enough for a good day's drive without refueling. Last time I noticed gas cost was filling up in California, about twice the price here in southern Arizona. Ouch! On the vehicle design side, there is absolutely nothing you can do to significantly reduce the drag coefficient on a big box like our LDs, with frontal area about the size of a tract home. Driving at 50 to 55 mph is probably our sweet spot in the time-to-distance vs least-fuel-consumed equation. In my old 1991, 45 mph is very relaxing, but folks tend to honk at you. If I had a tachometer, I'd probably set the cruise control speed right after it shifts into high gear, for the lowest RPM with the least fuel consumption... something like that.

Re: Mileage of Ford's V-10
Reply #8
As long as the spark plugs do not blow out, the V10 is known for having long lives, the spark plug problem was mostly cured in the very late 2003 models. Any 2004 LD, or later, has the upgraded head. Other issue are rusted and broken exhaust manifold studs, a difficult and pricey repair.
When we fly, many times the airport shuttle are E450s with V10s with over 200,000 miles on the odometer.
Rebuilt engines are readily available from Ford, and other aftermarket rebuilders, and will be for many years.

I would be as concerned about the mileage on the transmission, they do not last as long as the engines.
Keep these figures in mind. A Ford rebuilt engine will cost around $8000 installed, a well-built transmission with be $5000-6000.

A high mileage LD may also need suspension work, front ball joints, driveshaft u-joints, and brakes, all much more expensive to repair than normal cars. Many times it's cheaper to buy a later model LD with less mileage.
Remember this clearly, RVIng isn't a cheap lifestyle.

Larry



I’m thinking my timing was pretty good moving into another RV and putting my 2003 RB into occasional use mode almost a year ago.   About 115,000 miles.  So far transmission, engine, drive train working fine and no evidence problems with tie rods etc.
Jay Carlson
2003  LD RB
2005 Bigfoot 40MH35LX
rvingjaygwynne.wordpress.com

Re: Mileage of Ford's V-10
Reply #9
Hi All
I have always tried to drive by the RPM gauge , lowest rpm just after it shifts into high gear,  a little slower, but you get
to see more and smell the roses.   2007, 31 footer.

Bob
2007 31 IB