I’ve read a lot online about the 6.0 Power Stroke diesel being a flawed engine unless you spend $10-15k on repairs or bulletproofing it. On the other hand, I hear diesels are more durable and efficient than gas engines, but they cost more to fix.
Which engine would you pick for an RV to avoid a money pit and ensure reliability? Also, would the diesel option give the RV a higher cargo capacity compared to gas, or does that depend more on the chassis?
Once you stud and delete a 6.0, they can run forever like a 7.3. The big issue is the upfront cost. It was $5k to stud a 6.0 a few months back, and that’s with the benefit of being able to lift the cab on a truck. Not sure how doable that is on an RV.
The V10 is solid too, just very thirsty.
@Devi
Good point. If the RV is built on a van chassis, that could add an extra layer of difficulty for engine work.
Noise is another factor. Older diesels like the 6.0 are loud, and sneaking out of a campground early in the morning could be tough. I’ve got a 7.3 in my E-350 with over 400k miles. It’s been great, but if I did it again, I’d consider a quiet common rail Cummins with a manual transmission and some upgrades for noise control.
@Jaden
The 6.7 Power Stroke is quieter with its piezo injectors.
Sterling said:
@Jaden
The 6.7 Power Stroke is quieter with its piezo injectors.
True, but the 6.7 is very complex and not as easy to service in remote areas. A 5.9 Cummins would probably be easier to repair if you break down in the middle of nowhere.
It depends on how often you’ll use it.
If the 6.0 has already been bulletproofed, you’re good. If it hasn’t, that’s a different story.
I had a V10, and it could pull anything, but the fuel gauge dropped as fast as the speedometer climbed. My son has a 7.3, and it’s a beast. Can’t comment on the 6.0.
We have a 30-foot Winnebago with a V10. It gets 6-8 mpg and struggles on hills. It’s a decent engine, but it’s no powerhouse for climbing.
The V10 would have slightly higher cargo capacity since it’s lighter than the diesel.
Go with the Power Stroke and invest in bulletproofing for peace of mind. The diesel will be far more fuel-efficient compared to the gas engine.
Rowan said:
Go with the Power Stroke and invest in bulletproofing for peace of mind. The diesel will be far more fuel-efficient compared to the gas engine.
Those V10s love fuel… a lot.
I’ve used both for work. The V10 is simple, drives the same loaded or unloaded, and is easy to maintain but terrible on hills and fuel. The 6.0 is a powerhouse, but you’ll need to put money into maintenance and an EGR delete. And don’t chip the 6.0 unless you want problems.
The 6.0 in RVs or vans is tough to work on due to poor access. Mechanics might charge a premium or refuse to work on them entirely.
The V10 is reliable but guzzles gas at 6-10 mpg. For an RV that doesn’t see daily use, I’d go with the V10. You’d have to drive a lot to make up for the diesel’s higher maintenance and repair costs.
@Dakota
Just replacing the injectors on a diesel could buy a lot of gas.
Harley said:
@Dakota
Just replacing the injectors on a diesel could buy a lot of gas.
Exactly. I thought I was smart getting a diesel for towing, but looking back, I’ve spent way more on maintenance than I saved on fuel. A gas engine probably would’ve been fine for most of my needs.
@Dakota
For the average user, a diesel doesn’t make much sense. Back in the day, it was only a $1,000 upgrade. Now it’s way more, and the costs don’t justify it unless you’re towing heavy daily.
@Dakota
I have an Excursion V10 and use it for towing. It runs the same mpg loaded or unloaded, but using premium gas when towing helps reduce spark knock.
I’d go with the V10.
The 6.0 has a terrible EGR cooler design. When it fails, it can dump coolant into the block and kill the engine. The turbo also has issues with the unison ring rusting, causing flutter. If you can, go for a 7.3 instead.