2005 F53 vs newer 2015 F53 Chassis

Hikerdogs wrote:

Yellowboat. wrote:
Hi all.

I'm thinking about trading my 2005 Sightseer 29R in on a 2016 Sightseer 33C.


I'm seeking comments from people who own a newer Sightseer or those with a newer F53 chassis.

Has Ford improved the F53 chassis handling characteristics over the past ten years? I see that 22.5 wheels are now available. Does the larger wheels make any difference?

Safe travels.
JD

It all depends on what year chassis your 2005 motorhome is built on. Ford did not make a 2005 F53 chassis. They continued the 2004 chassis(310 hp 2 valve per cylinder engine and 4R100 4 speed transmission with overdrive)until the end of February of 2005. They skipped the 2005 model year designation and went to the 2006 model designation when they introduced the 362 hp 3 valve per cylinder engine and 5 speed R5110W Tow/Haul transmission on March 1, 2005.

If you have the later model F53 chassis you won't see much difference in performance. The ride however will be improved with the larger 22.5" tires and the suspension modifications made to accommodate them.

If you have the earlier F53 chassis you'll see a considerable difference in both ride and performance. We went from a 2001 Adventurer on the F53 chassis to a 2013 Adventurer on the F53 chassis. The differences are noticeable. The new one drives easier, has quicker acceleration, better hill climbing ability, and has a more comfortable ride.

Thanks for the info. I have a 2005 coach built on a 2006 (Newer) Ford F-53 chassis. The dealer also had 2005 coaches built on the older chassis. I picked the one I own because it was on the newer chassis.