Hello all-I have been looking to purchase a used Class C. I have seen a few Ford models in the 2008 year. I have noticed that some of the 2008 models have the "newer" Ford grills that look just like the 2014 model grills. Then I have also seen 2008 models with the "older" Ford grill that I believe has been used from 1995-2008.Seems to me that the newer grill, in same year model, will hold value better than the older grill, all other things equal. Grill looks just like the 2014. Older grill looks like motorhome could be as old as a 1996. Couple of questions.... 1. Was it a mid year model change?2. Beyond the grill, what other differences/changes were made (interior, exterior, mechanical, etc)? Thanks!

It is probably because a motorhome is registered by the year the house was built, not the year of the chassis. A 2008 house on a 2007 chassis is registered as a 2008 and has the older grill style. A 2008 house on a 2008 chassis is registered as a 2008 and has the newer grill. The chassis vin will tell what year the chassis is. As far as other changes, search e450 specs for 2007 and 2008, then compare.

What he said^Very common to RV makers to use the prior year chassis, especially since some of them change model years before the auto makers do.Ford did not make any mid-year changes. If you see the old grill, its actually a 2007 chassis. The new grill also corresponded with some major chassis suspension changes. You can read about them here:https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2008/whatsnew2008.pdfThe changes were all big improvements. I swapped my entire front end for a new take-out assembly from a 2009 van that was converted to 4x4.

I had a 1994 Ford motorhome that had the same grill as my 2008 Ford Tioga, so that means that it was prior to 1995. The cabs were most likely made in Mexico, as evidenced by all the wires in my 2008 that have Mexico labels...unless just the wiring came from Mexico. It was about time they changed something like the grill. In fact, the entire cab area has been basically the same all these years, with a few minor modifications of the dashboard.

The "pre-08" look was 1992-2007 Ford Chassis Model Years. Still, there were minor changes in the grilles between years. But I think all those grilles would interchange. Looked at the file Bryan linked. Glad to see they ditched that driveshaft-mounted parking brake.E350 got interesting changes too. More optional GVWR, wider rear track, hydro-boost brakes standard.

Should be a sticker most likely on the cab door frame telling what year the chassis is. Mine is a 2006 Tioga built on a 2005 E450 chassis. It's registered as a 2006.

2008 Ford E-450 Class C- Early and Late models differences?

17 Replies

rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2014
Baja Man wrote:
......Seems to me that the newer grill, in same year model, will hold value better than the older grill, all other things equal. Grill looks just like the 2014. Older grill looks like motorhome could be as old as a 1996......Thanks!

I'd have to respectively disagree with you on that.

I buy my MH's based on the 'year' that is on the vehicle and title. NOT what the grill looks like! Trust me buyers will know if it's a 2014 or not!:W
johnwalkerpa1
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Baja Man wrote:
Hello all-

Couple of questions....

1. Was it a mid year model change?

2. Beyond the grill, what other differences/changes were made (interior, exterior, mechanical, etc)?

Thanks!

I think that the max front axle (and total) weight increased by 400 or 500 pounds on the 'new grill' models.
OldRadios
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
Should be a sticker most likely on the cab door frame telling what year the chassis is. Mine is a 2006 Tioga built on a 2005 E450 chassis. It's registered as a 2006.
j-d
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2014
The "pre-08" look was 1992-2007 Ford Chassis Model Years. Still, there were minor changes in the grilles between years. But I think all those grilles would interchange.

Looked at the file Bryan linked. Glad to see they ditched that driveshaft-mounted parking brake.

E350 got interesting changes too. More optional GVWR, wider rear track, hydro-boost brakes standard.
cgmartine
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
I had a 1994 Ford motorhome that had the same grill as my 2008 Ford Tioga, so that means that it was prior to 1995. The cabs were most likely made in Mexico, as evidenced by all the wires in my 2008 that have Mexico labels...unless just the wiring came from Mexico. It was about time they changed something like the grill. In fact, the entire cab area has been basically the same all these years, with a few minor modifications of the dashboard.
carringb
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
What he said^

Very common to RV makers to use the prior year chassis, especially since some of them change model years before the auto makers do.

Ford did not make any mid-year changes. If you see the old grill, its actually a 2007 chassis. The new grill also corresponded with some major chassis suspension changes. You can read about them here:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/non-html/2008/whatsnew2008.pdf

The changes were all big improvements. I swapped my entire front end for a new take-out assembly from a 2009 van that was converted to 4x4.
indyzmike
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014
It is probably because a motorhome is registered by the year the house was built, not the year of the chassis. A 2008 house on a 2007 chassis is registered as a 2008 and has the older grill style. A 2008 house on a 2008 chassis is registered as a 2008 and has the newer grill. The chassis vin will tell what year the chassis is. As far as other changes, search e450 specs for 2007 and 2008, then compare.

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2008 Ford E-450 Class C- Early and Late models differences?

17 Replies

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