My impression of the V 10

Rick g · 09-15-2020, 07:10 PM

We are just wrapping up about an 8,000 mile trip towing a Nissan Rogue on a tow dolly from Fl to WI, MN, MI, CO, UT, TX. And back to FL. I was bothered by the noise from the engine so when I got to MN. I installed Dynamat insulation under the bonnet and some under the floor. It really helped. As far as the the engine revs. Yes they are annoying at times. But I am truly impressed with engine (V 10). Ive learned how to control the revs to a point. Gain speed prior to the hill, or dont use cruise control. We did MANY passes out west. I was thinking I may go to a Diesel pusher, but after this trip I’ve decided to do a few suspension improvements. I’ve already done the Safe T steer and am VERY happy with it. Next is sway bar and Sumo springs or similar. Again! I think this V 10 is an outstanding engine. I just wish the towing capacity was higher.

rskeans · 09-15-2020, 07:30 PM

I had a very early V10. I think the year was 1999. I pulled a 14,000 lb 5ver. Loved that engine! Never any problem. I had to let it wind up going up steep grades. Never a problem. My only complaint was very little engine braking with the 5ver pushing from behind. I used the trailer brakes to keep the speed down. Ended up with a diesel in the future.

Rick g · 09-15-2020, 07:53 PM

My FR 3 is a 2020.

I thought it did a good job going down hill.

rskeans · 09-16-2020, 10:14 AM

It probably did OK. My total weight was about 21000 lbs going down the Cajon Pass on the I-15 in CA. That was a white knuckle ride.

Philkaty · 09-16-2020, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rskeans

It probably did OK. My total weight was about 21000 lbs going down the Cajon Pass on the I-15 in CA. That was a white knuckle ride.

That is always fun time going down that part...

Fireman Paul · 09-16-2020, 01:09 PM

How was the Dynamatt insulation to install? That’s my only complaint with the V10 in my FR3! Noisy on the highway.

shadows4 · 09-16-2020, 01:32 PM

Loved the V10 in an Excursion we had. If you really want to wake up that V10 look into a 5Star tune. Put one on that Excursion and it felt like it lost 500 lbs. My brother has one in his Class C. He put one on his and loves it now.

Jimswim · 09-16-2020, 01:41 PM

I have a V 10 in my 34 ft Class A. Put the 5 star kit in it. It did make a difference in shift points and driveability. I tow my Prius on a dolly and get low 9's for mileage. It does rev higher going up hills. Very pleased with its performance.

Winddancer · 09-16-2020, 02:24 PM

I did the suspension upgrades you are talking about and after a 1000 mile shake down trip am impressed with the motor. I do have a 5Star upgrade but have not installed it yet. Like you I was thinking we would be into a pusher before too long, but not so sure after that trip. I have a 5000 mile trip out to the west coast that I will be towing a GMC Acadia on a dolly coming up in Nov. I suspect that will help me decide. Over all the power plant does not seem to be my problem.

shadows4 · 09-16-2020, 02:37 PM

Just remember, that V10 needs to rev to make its power. So when she's reving up, she's just singing to ya!!!

Rick g · 09-16-2020, 05:10 PM

The Dynamat was very easy to install

BShuttleworth · 09-17-2020, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the update on your trip, sounds like an awesome trip!

repsolgamma · 09-17-2020, 12:31 PM

5-star tuning ????

Not a single owner raves about better mileage or extra power. Some rave over the shifting improvements when towing.

So why bother voiding a perfectly good FORD warranty to get better shifting?

If you want to feel a real difference in "perceived" power difference, try a Banks cold air intake and the Banks "RV" muffler sized for the V-10.

This combo, if nothing else, SOUNDS more powerful. Your mileage will probably not improve if you are like me and keep your foot in it to hear the sweet sweet melody of the screaming V-10.

Glorious motor roar from the last of the dinosaurs!

https://1drv.ms/v/s!Av5arTYSlX_euidF-8mVkzpAoDuF

But thats my preference, don't believe in chassis upgrades either, preferring to reserve the $5000 to $7500 for wine wo(man) and song. Do the CHF, and keep those tire pressures as low as you can (safely) go.

And have fun with your FR-3, we love our 2014 DS-25.

Michael

Iggy · 09-17-2020, 12:56 PM

Rick you have done all the right things.
I have a 2012 Georgetown XL 378TS which weighs a lot more than your FR3 and I'm over 76,000 miles on mine with no major problems.

Sound proofing was a good idea as we did a few years back and makes it much more managable when climbing long hills. Here is a few pictures of my dog house sound proofing. Mine also keep the heat low from the engine.

Here is a link to all the maintenance I've done on my GT over the years.
It was written when I had 73,000 miles.
Keep rolling and slow down to enjoy the scenery of our great Nation.

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...es-200000.html

seattlepaul1975 · 09-17-2020, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick g

The Dynamat was very easy to install

I just looked at the install details on the Dynamat site, is it really just that easy?

Rick g · 09-17-2020, 02:53 PM

Yes it really is easy. I will but I don’t have over two hours in the whole job

Okie-FR3_32DS · 09-21-2020, 03:12 PM

I've also been really impressed with the V10, it's pulling my 10,000+ lbs trailer just fine. I don't know what mpg I'm getting but I'm asking a lot of it. I run 70-75 on the interstates and it does just fine.

Like you, when I see a hill I get the momentum up before getting to it. And you learn where to hold the pedal to keep it from down shifting, you can also hear the tone the motor makes when it's under a load and just before it wants to down shift. I run 91/93 octane since I'm working the V10 hard.

Just got back from a 700 mile trip this past weekend, had a south head wind on the way down and a north head wind on the way back (this seems to happen all the time....lol)

davidr · 09-21-2020, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick g

The Dynamat was very easy to install

Can you tell or show us what you installed and where?

Rick g · 09-21-2020, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidr

Can you tell or show us what you installed and where?

This is what I installed. I had quite a bit left over for future uses. I removed the engine bonnet and installed it on the underside directly over the existing sound deadner. I was able to reach under the floor and insulate about 10/12 inches each way. When I put the engine bonnet back I noticed there was a gap on the passenger side of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. I held the bonnet in the proper position and drilled the hole in the proper location. Huge improvement.

seattlepaul1975 · 09-21-2020, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okie-FR3_32DS

I've also been really impressed with the V10, it's pulling my 10,000+ lbs trailer just fine. I don't know what mpg I'm getting but I'm asking a lot of it. I run 70-75 on the interstates and it does just fine.

Like you, when I see a hill I get the momentum up before getting to it. And you learn where to hold the pedal to keep it from down shifting, you can also hear the tone the motor makes when it's under a load and just before it wants to down shift. I run 91/93 octane since I'm working the V10 hard.

Just got back from a 700 mile trip this past weekend, had a south head wind on the way down and a north head wind on the way back (this seems to happen all the time....lol)

I am still stuck on your trailer that is 10k! lol

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