JerryofWV
Charleston, WV
Senior Member
Joined: 11/17/2005
View Profile
 Offline
|
I have a 1998 Pace Arrow, 36 foot, one slide with the same engine. I don't have any complaints. I would like to have the Banks, but from what I have read the Banks does not do as much for the V10 as it does for the 460 Ford. Definitely not worth the money to me.
I also have a tag axle which adds a little weight.
If you like everything else I would not let the engine keep me from buying it.
Jerry & Dee Dee Pauley
1998 Pace Arrow 36S, 1 Slide, Tag, Triton V10, Front Konis, Rear Track Bar, Banks Ram Air, 2000 Tracker Toad
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have.
|
Bumpyroad
Virginia
Senior Member
Joined: 12/01/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
I have a 99 ford and compared to my previous chevy 454 it is a godsend. I chatted with somebody at a campground who was gloating that he had the new and improved ford who almost started bawling when we discussed mileage.
I wouldn't hesitate buying it myself. it seems to me that it develops its power in a more even fashion thru the power curve. my 454s had to really rev up to develop power. my bounder 454 was much noisier than my ford.
bumpy
|
BobMary8101
Lake County FL for the winter
Senior Member
Joined: 10/25/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
As you can see from my signature, we have a Vision 36B with two slides. We used to pull a Kia toad but have just traded for a new Focus. All that being said, we pulled the mountains well, but not fast and only one 7% grade that was about 3 or 4 miles long gave us any trouble at all. We had to creep up the last mile or so at 4500 rpm. This engine had the plugs replaced with the new platinums from Ford and the tranny is a Jasper Engine Works rebuild. Tha coach is awesome, it does everything I want and I would buy it again in a second.
My point is that the coach you describe, if it has had proper care and maintenance, the engine is the least thing to worry about. The tranny may have problems and if it does, don't get a Ford rebuild. get a Jasper engine works, it will give you better service.
You are not going to win any races in the mountains but what is the hurry anyway? It is all good!
Bob
Bob and Mary
Izzy, mini-daschund
Pace-Arrow Vision 36B
Ford V-10 36 feet
Toad: 2008 Ford Focus
FMCA F398511
|
Lmcneil
Fresno, Ca
New Member
Joined: 08/14/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Well I bought a 2000 Southwind 36T (58,000 miles) with the Banks Power and I don't know if the 2000 motor (310 hp?) or the Banks system makes the difference, but is completely different, plenty of power and quiet. Runs and drives really good. A little rough on bad roads, but very stable in the wind. I would like to soften the ride a little if possible. Goodyear G159s at 80 psi. (originals with 99 manufacture date). Looks like factory shocks. Any sugestions? Thanks ......... Larry
|
BUTCHPHI
Sacramento, CA
Full Member
Joined: 07/27/2003
View Profile
|
I have a 2000 National Tropical gasser (one of the last ones built with a tag axle) with 275hp v10 (with a Banks git kit - probably adds 25 hp), just rolled over 102000 miles on last trip (Yuma to Branson to Mt. Rushmore to Yellowstone ended Sacramento). Lived in it full time from April 2000 until September 2007. Loaded weight with toad (2002 Jeep Liberty, before that was a 1997 Jeep Wrangler) is about 25,500 lbs. Only non routine parts changed were Egr valve because of buzzing noise and a speed sensor which was not the problem). They were replaced while in for a routine plug change at about 92000 miles. No breakdowns, emergencies, flats or any service other than done during routine maintenance. All appliances are still original and working fine. Still running original hoses and Serpentine belt and they still check out as excellent.
LMCNEIL - Add Koni FSD's and Goodyear 670's or Michelins. Put as much weight as possible forward on front axle (up to max rating).
|
|
|
|
