Ford Triton V10 Engine Motorhome Review 2022

ford triton v10 motorhome review
ford triton v10 motorhome review

Ford is an American brand that focuses on manufacturing automobiles. These automobiles include cars, trucks, and similar vehicles. The company has also been manufacturing some of the best engines for vehicles. One of the most reliable engines is the famous Ford Triton V10 engine. However, it’s important to gain full insights about the engine before you install it into the motorhome.

Ford Triton V10 Motorhome Review

About the V10 Engine

About the V10 Engine

This amazing engine was introduced back in 1997. At the start, this engine was used in different series of vans. To make this engine, the company used two cylinders which were then added to a modular V8 engine with a 5.4 liters capacity.

This initial version was used by people till early 2005. Later on, when the company started to manufacture their own vans, they started to remake the engine and improve it further.

The new version of the V10 engine had better power because of the increase in total torque and horsepower. This new model used three valves, and people noticed a drastic improvement in the overall performance of this engine.

These engines were installed in the latest vehicles. This engine was strong enough to power an RV and school bus without compromising on the speed.

Reliability

V10 might have some problems that the users go through, but the list of advantages that this engine provides is far greater than the cons . The V10 is your best option if you want a gas engine, and the engine is capable of providing 457 pounds of torque which can easily pull around trailers and similar vehicles. In addition to this, the engine is incredibly affordable.

This engine has been utilized in various Ford vehicles, which shows that the engine is both durable and can also provide great performance. The V10 engine is also used in some supercars, such as Lamborghini Huracan and the Audi R8.

Horsepower

Horsepower

Since there are multiple versions of the engine, the horsepower depends on the manufacturing year of the engine. The earlier versions of the engine had 305hp, but with the year 2000, the company enhanced the horsepower to 310hp. However, in 2005, a new version of the engine was designed, which had a horsepower of 362hp, which remained the same till 2010.

On the contrary, the engine model from 2014 to the current date has 305hp. Having said that, the horsepower depends on the manufacturing year of the engine. However, there were some other models in between.

  • 1999 – this engine came with 305hp and torque of 420 foot-pounds. It was launched as a competitor to the power stroke diesel engine, which had 235hp and torque of 500ft pounds, and had upgraded power
  • 2002 – this engine came out with 310 horsepower and 425ft pounds, while the diesel engine had 250 horsepower
  • 2008 – the engine had a horsepower of over 362, while the torque was only 457ft pounds. On the other hand, the diesel engine had 350 horsepower and torque of 625ft pounds
  • 2014 – the engine was used in 450 trucks and F350 trucks, but the horsepower was 305
  • 2015 – Ford didn’t change the power level this year, and the torque was 457ft pounds
  • 2018 – this year witnessed a reduction in horsepower for some trucks and RVs, and the horsepower was only 320

The change in power happened when Ford opted for three-valve systems with independent cams in every cylinder. The engine had two intake valves and an exhaust valve in every cylinder.

Bolt Torque

Ford has mentioned the bolt torque of 40nm along with 30ft pounds, which requires the users to turn it 90-degrees twice – if the bolts don’t turn, they must be replaced on time. However, you need to be extremely careful about the bolts you use because they are different for every engine version.

Compression

Compression

The 2011 version came with a compression ratio of 906:1, but the compression changes with every version. For this reason, it is suggested to read the product manual.

Oil Change

Oil Change

There has been some confusion about the amount of oil that has to be filled in the oil tank. For instance, some people say that 6qt of 5w20 motor oil while some suggest using 7qt of the same motor oil.

As far as the frequency is concerned, it is suggested to read the manual because it lasts longer in the advanced vehicles while the outdated vehicles require an oil change after completing 3000 miles to 5000 miles.

For this reason, it is suggested to change the motor oil according to the manual. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t overfill the engine either because it’s as bad as low levels of oil in the engine (improper amount of oil results in engine malfunctioning). Lastly, the older versions of the same engine had less oil efficiency as compared to the latest versions.

Performance Upgrades

Performance Upgrades

With constant research and development, Ford has also upgraded the technology in their engines. For instance, they have added a cam to each cylinder and three valves in a cylinder, including two intake valves and one exhaust valve, to optimize the engine’s performance. In addition, the engine has a SOHC design that helps improve valve control.

Ford has utilized a deep skirt engine block, which accommodates the webbing for added strength. In addition, the internal components are designed with a low friction configuration to ensure higher durability. Ford had been using mechanical linkage, but they have now integrated electronic sensors and throttle control to ensure better control over the engine’s functionality.

Some of the engine versions also have a silent chain cam, which helps reduce harshness, vibration, and noise while operating the engine. On top of everything, there is a coil-on-plug ignition system that helps spark plugs receive the voltages.

Another amazing feature of the engine is the fail-safe cooling system – in case the engine loses the coolant and starts overheating, the engine automatically shifts to a five-cylinder system from a ten-cylinder system to ensure better performance. It is evident that it loses power but helps protect the motor by minimizing the damage.

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy

The fuel economy is measured by mpg, and it is impacted by how the engine is utilized as different factors can impact the peak performance. Some users have reported 9.5mpg when one oil tank is used at 65mph. On the other hand, some people also achieve 10.5mpg fuel economy when they use the engine at 60mph.

However, the fuel economy is reduced while towing heavy vehicles. Overall, the fuel economy is impacted by the road conditions, RV’s weight, total load, wind resistance, and road speed. To illustrate, it is suggested to keep the load less as it lightens up the vehicle, promising better fuel economy.

Common Problems Associated With V10 Engine

It’s pretty clear that the V10 engine by Ford is pretty efficient, but there are some problems associated with the engine that you need to keep in mind.

  • Launching spark plugs – the spark plugs tend to get loose, and they come out straight through the engine’s cylinder head. In addition, it also strips the threads, but it can be avoided by checking the spark plugs regularly. In addition, the spark plugs should be re-torqued, and threads must be re-tapped.
  • Engine misfire – the engines are designed with the coil, and these coils can fail when they are exposed to water. It will also result in failure of the engine but can be resolved by replacing the coils.
  • Manifold studs breaking and rusting – the manifold studs are prone to rust, which results in an exhaust leak. The only solution to this problem is to replace the studs and make sure they are properly welded in place.
  • Oil leakage – the seal between the oil cooler adapter and engine block tends to weaken with time, resulting in leaks. The only solution to this problem is to replace the seal and it is suggested to check the seals as a part of regular maintenance.

The Bottom Line

Ford Triton V10 engine is one of the most promising engines as it provides great durability and power, and the mileage can go over 300,000 miles. Having said that, it’s a perfect choice for RVs as long as you are using the right model and maintaining it well.

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