2002 WORKHORSE W22 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

The Good

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 offers exceptional durability and towing capacity, making it a practical choice for demanding tasks. Its sturdy chassis provides a sense of security and reliability, appealing to those who value peace of mind and long-term performance. The sheer capability evokes a feeling of empowerment.

The Bad

Potential buyers of the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 should be aware of possible issues with the transmission, particularly under heavy load. Also, keep an eye out for signs of exhaust leaks and check the condition of the suspension components, as these can require significant maintenance.

2002 WORKHORSE W22: Quick Overview

• Engine Options: The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 typically came equipped with a General Motors Vortec gasoline engine. The most common option was the 7.4L V8 (454 ci). Diesel engine options were also available, often from Cummins, depending on the specific chassis configuration and intended application (e.g., motorhome chassis).


• Horsepower: For the 7.4L Vortec V8 gasoline engine, horsepower ratings were generally around 300-330 hp. Diesel engine variants would have different horsepower figures, often in the 200-300 hp range but with significantly higher torque.


• Fuel Economy: Specific MPG figures for the WORKHORSE W22 are difficult to pinpoint as it was a chassis, not a finished vehicle, and its fuel consumption varied greatly depending on the body, load, and driving conditions. Generally, expect figures in the single digits for highway driving, likely 6-10 MPG.


• 0-60 Times: 0-60 mph times are not a standard metric for a heavy-duty chassis like the WORKHORSE W22. When configured as a motorhome or other large vocational vehicle, acceleration would be very slow, likely taking 20-30 seconds or more, depending on the weight and powertrain.


• Towing Capacity: The towing capacity of the WORKHORSE W22 chassis is substantial and depends heavily on the specific configuration and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). It is designed to handle significant trailer weights, often in the range of 10,000 to 20,000+ pounds, when properly equipped and used within its rated limits.


• Trim-Level Features: As a chassis, the W22 did not have traditional trim levels in the way passenger vehicles do. Instead, it offered various configurations and optional packages tailored for specific upfitting purposes. These could include different suspension setups, braking systems, exhaust configurations, and electrical power take-offs (PTOs) to support specialized equipment or motorhome amenities.

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Specifications

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 Have?

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis, like many heavy-duty vehicles of its era, has a few commonly reported issues that owners should be aware of. One prevalent concern is related to the Allison transmission. While generally robust, some owners have reported issues such as hesitant shifting, transmission fluid leaks, or premature wear, especially if maintenance has been neglected or if the vehicle has been subjected to constant heavy use. Regular fluid and filter changes are crucial for longevity.

Another area to watch is the exhaust system. Leaks in the exhaust manifold or pipes can lead to performance issues, increased noise, and potentially affect emissions. These can be exacerbated by vibrations inherent in heavy-duty operation.

The suspension and steering components are also subject to wear and tear over time. Bushings, ball joints, and tie rods can degrade, leading to less precise handling, increased tire wear, and potentially noisy operation. Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn parts are essential for maintaining safety and ride quality.

For the 2002 model year specifically, there aren't widespread, model-year-specific catastrophic failures reported, but general wear and tear on these heavy-duty components are to be expected. Workhorse chassis in general have sometimes been associated with issues related to the fuel system, including fuel pump failures or injector problems, though this is less specific to the W22 than other chassis.

It's also important to note that many WORKHORSE W22 chassis were used as the foundation for RVs. The reliability concerns of the RV conversion itself (appliances, plumbing, electrical systems) are separate from the chassis but can sometimes be conflated. When purchasing a used vehicle on a W22 chassis, thoroughly inspecting the chassis components and any associated vocational or RV upfitting is critical.

How long will the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 last?

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis is built for durability, and with proper and consistent maintenance, it can achieve considerable mileage, often exceeding 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more. Owner data and typical usage patterns suggest that vehicles on this chassis, particularly well-maintained motorhomes or vocational trucks, can last for 15 to 25 years.

Long-term durability is a hallmark of the W22, thanks to its heavy-duty construction. However, weaknesses that can emerge over time include wear on suspension and steering components, potential transmission issues if not regularly serviced, and the usual aging of rubber and plastic parts. The engine and chassis frame itself are generally very resilient, making it a solid investment for those who prioritize longevity and are willing to invest in upkeep.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis, by its nature as a heavy-duty platform for vocational use and RV conversions, does not come with the advanced integrated tech, entertainment, driver-assistance, or modern safety features found in contemporary passenger vehicles. Its focus was on fundamental functionality and structural integrity.

Built-in Tech & Entertainment: The base chassis would typically include a basic AM/FM radio and perhaps a cassette player or CD player. Any more advanced infotainment systems, navigation, or premium audio would have been optional add-ons provided by the upfitter or coachbuilder who converted the chassis into a motorhome or specialized vehicle. Dashboards were utilitarian, with essential gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, temperature, and oil pressure.

Driver-Assistance Features: Driver-assistance technologies such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) were often standard or available, particularly on later models or as part of specific packages. However, features like electronic stability control, traction control, backup cameras, lane departure warnings, or adaptive cruise control were not standard or commonly available on the 2002 W22 chassis. These would generally be found only in very high-end, custom-built applications from that era.

Safety Features: Standard safety features on the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 primarily revolved around its robust construction, durable frame, and effective braking systems. Seat belts for the driver and any passengers in the cab were standard. Airbags were becoming more common in vehicles around this time, but their inclusion on heavy-duty chassis like the W22 could vary depending on the specific configuration and options chosen by the upfitter. Given its application, comprehensive crash-test ratings like those for passenger cars (e.g., NHTSA or IIHS) are not typically available or applicable to the W22 chassis itself, as it is a component and not a complete vehicle that undergoes standardized testing.

Optional Features: Optional features on the chassis itself would likely have focused on enhancing its heavy-duty capabilities, such as upgraded suspension systems, heavy-duty alternators, or specific power take-off (PTO) options for vocational equipment. For RV conversions, the optional features became extensive, covering everything from generator sets to satellite TV systems.

What Colors Options are Available?

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Prices and Market Value

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis was a substantial investment when new, with base chassis prices potentially ranging from $40,000 to over $70,000, depending on engine, options, and intended application (motorhome vs. vocational). The final price of a completed vehicle built on this chassis would have been considerably higher.

Currently, the used market for the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis itself is primarily as a component within a larger vehicle, such as a motorhome or a work truck. Prices for these completed vehicles can range widely, from $10,000 to $30,000+, heavily influenced by the condition of the chassis, the quality of the upfit, mileage, and overall maintenance.

Depreciation on a WORKHORSE W22 chassis is significant from its original price, but the rate slows considerably once it is several years old. Factors affecting resale value include engine type (diesel generally holds value better), transmission condition, overall mileage, the state of the chassis components (frame, suspension, brakes), and critically, the condition and features of the body or RV conversion built upon it.

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Cost of Ownership

Owning a 2002 WORKHORSE W22 is generally considered costly rather than economical. Insurance costs will vary significantly based on its application (RV, commercial), coverage, and driver history, but expect higher premiums than for a standard car. Fuel consumption is high, especially with gasoline engines, requiring frequent fill-ups. Maintenance and repair costs are substantial due to the heavy-duty nature of the components; specialized technicians and parts can be expensive. While its durability can reduce the frequency of major repairs if maintained, the overall long-term ownership costs are considerable.

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Fuel Efficiency

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Warranty

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Insurance

How Does the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 Compare to Other Recreational Vehicle?

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis operated in a niche market, primarily competing with chassis from manufacturers like Fleetwood (Bounder Chassis), Monaco (Roadmaster Chassis), and in the vocational segment, chassis offered by Ford (e.g., F-Series Super Duty chassis) and Dodge (Ram Chassis), though these often served different capacities.

Performance: In terms of raw performance, the W22, particularly with a powerful gasoline or optional diesel engine, offered robust hauling and towing capabilities. Its chassis was designed for carrying significant weight, which inherently limits acceleration compared to lighter-duty vehicles. Ford and Dodge chassis in vocational applications might offer similar power, but the W22 was often optimized for RV comfort and stability.

Features: As a chassis, direct feature comparisons are difficult. The W22 was a platform, and the integrated features were added by the upfitter. However, Workhorse chassis were known for their solid build quality and often featured independent front suspension (IFS) on certain models, which provided a more comfortable ride than some contemporary solid axle designs. This was a key differentiator for RV applications. Competitors like Monaco's Roadmaster chassis also offered comparable ride quality.

Reliability: The W22 chassis generally held a reputation for solid reliability, especially when equipped with the robust Allison transmissions and well-maintained. Like any heavy-duty vehicle, it required diligent upkeep. Some specific engine variants or transmission issues could arise, as detailed previously, but overall, they were considered durable for their intended purpose. Competitor chassis reliability varied; some gasoline engines from other manufacturers had their own known issues.

Price: The W22 chassis typically sat in the mid-to-high range for its segment, reflecting its robust construction and features like IFS. Its price was competitive with other premium chassis manufacturers targeting the RV market. Ford and Dodge chassis, especially in their base vocational forms, might have been more affordably priced but offered fewer creature comforts or specialized RV-oriented features.

Alternatives: For similar-use RV chassis, one might look at comparable models from Freightliner (e.g., the XCS series) or other specialized RV chassis builders. In the vocational truck segment, heavily modified Ford F-650/F-750 or International chassis could serve similar heavy-duty purposes, though with a different focus on comfort and amenities. For a used vehicle, the key is the overall condition of the chassis and the quality of the upfit, regardless of the original manufacturer.

Final Verdict: Is the 2002 WORKHORSE W22 a Good Recreational Vehicle?

The 2002 WORKHORSE W22 chassis is ideally suited for buyers looking to build or purchase a robust motorhome or a specialized vocational vehicle that demands a strong, stable foundation. It is worth buying if you are prioritizing long-term durability and load-carrying capacity over modern technology and fuel efficiency. It is a solid choice for those who understand heavy-duty vehicle maintenance or are acquiring a well-maintained unit.

Buying a used vehicle built on this chassis is the most common scenario today. It is advisable to focus on units with a documented maintenance history, particularly concerning the transmission and engine. Inspect the chassis thoroughly for rust and wear. While new W22 chassis are no longer produced, a well-cared-for 2002 model can still provide many years of service for those who value its inherent strength and capability.

2002 WORKHORSE W22 Owner Reviews

Cathleen V

Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.