Looking into the 2016 or 2017 Born Free Imperial with the F-550 GAS chassis, anyone have any experience or knowledge they could share? Thanks:)

All I know is based on my nearly 20 years in Class C's, this forum, and the Born Free webpage.Born Free is a great coach.F550 is a great chassis, and it'll turn tighter than our E450, which would be a blessing.I wonder why you don't want Diesel in such a high line coach. That said, the Ford V10 will provide plenty of power.I found Born Free's website a little lacking in detail. The design seems to be what I'll call "Elegantly Spartan" such as non-carpeted floors and a fairly simple floor plan. Maybe I didn't look carefully enough, but I couldn't tell if the electrical service was 30- or 50-Amp. Also couldn't tell if the 15000-BTU A/C was the only choice. This Imperial is probably about the same size interior as a "31" or "32" foot Class C, with the difference in overall length being the longer F-Series chassis.To say, a 15000 A/C is marginal in a Class C this size. We get by with ours. It keeps us cool if we cordon the cockpit off. We often have to "load shed" on 30-Amp service. So... a couple points:1. And this is above all: The FLOOR PLAN has to work for YOU. If it doesn't, keep looking, no matter how good the rest of the coach is.2. Without being able to dig into the details, I'd like such an exquisite unit to be 50-Amp, with Two 13500 A/C units, feeding into one common discharge duct. That gives you plenty of cooling power, and you can have limited cooling with less amps of shore tie, or the failure of one A/C unit.I wish there was better detail on the BF webpage.

We purchased a used Born Free last August and continue to be very pleased with the quality of the unit. In addition we have experienced great support from the company when we have those questions that come up particularly with people like us who are new to the class c world. I can't comment on the particular unit you asked about but as a company they are excellent.

Actually the imperial does have 2 A/Cs and is a 50amp service. The floor plan will work for me, just need to see if the fresh water can go to 50gal and a few more things. As to the gas, well you know all about that gas v diesel...lol

There's a dis-something between me and the specs you quote.Either a dis-parity between webpage and the actual coach, or(and more likely) a dis-lexia on my part. Anyhow, 50A and Two A/C units address the biggest concern I had. Far as the chassis goes, I'd like to have1. Ford Chassis2. Cummins Engine3. Allison TransmissionThat or just a Ford Gasser...Years ago, when Holiday Rambler Class C's and gas Class A's were a cut above everybody else, the top line model was the "Imperial." Glad to see that movie playing again, and I think this Born Free deserves to wear the Imperial Name. Chrysler Imperial was an impressive automobile, too...

born free among the top ten better made rv,s in my opinion, owned a 2001 bf and loved it,but the price of gas killed it. so I bought a diesel.

2016 born free imperial any thoughts? | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

John_S_
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2017
I ordered mine delivered from Motorhomes of Texas.
rvlegaleagle
Explorer
Mar 10, 2017
The wheelbase on the 2017 BF Imperial is 252. Here is what I received from BF on the 2017 Imperial

"These are 19,500 GVWR chassis with a wheelbase of 252”, 11’ 4” to top of air conditioning, 33’ 7” bumper to bumper, the low point would be at the rear axle at 9” from the ground, the tires are Continental 225 70 R 19.5 load range G, No basements on any Born Frees fresh water tank & all fresh water lines are above RV floor only waste tanks are below, Auto gen start is option, 2000 watt outback pure sine inverter, there is auto transfer switch, as long as you are willing to give up some under floor storage you can do (4) batteries Lifeline AGM 300AH, All coach windows are dual thermopane, Fantastic fan with remote, rain sensor, temp but no covers, 7 cu ft fridge, & this information is for our 2017 model year."
j-d
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2017
Just for my edification, I'm familiar with Class C chassis being ordered with 158" wheelbase then stretched by an aftermarket outfit to Ford standards for the specific coach it's being built on.

What's done with chassis wheelbase on F-Series for Super C's?
crasster
Explorer II
Mar 10, 2017
My opinion is Born Free is a very good coach with decent service. It's not top of the line but very good overall in quality and dependability.
rvlegaleagle
Explorer
Mar 10, 2017
Right now I am waiting to hear back from BF to see if I can order the 2017 F-550 GAS chassis with all the options I want included from Ford, hopefully I can!

There is also someone who bought the 2016 Imperial model in my state which when they get back from Florida I hope I can look at. Then I will have to take a ride out to Iowa (oh boy).

Thanks for all your input and if anyone has any more please post it!
Explorer1016
Explorer
Mar 07, 2017
I have looked very seriously at the Born Free Imperial. Very well built unit. My only objection is they offer very small outside storage compartments. I am leaning more toward the Dynamax Isata 5 Series because of the storage issue.
John_S_
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2017
I just ordered a royal Splendor in the dodge 5500 chassis with dual fuel tanks and dual alternators and fifty amp service and two AC u its. The second AC is not ducted but that is ok. I am 29 foot and I got the cummins engine and Onan generator. Can't wait till it is built as they build great u its. I have owned two of them in the past with no issues at all other then one transfer switch.
rvlegaleagle
Explorer
Mar 06, 2017
If you go to Youtube and put in "Born Free Imperial" they have a nice video on the 2016. At the beginning he says it can also be ordered with the F-550 GAS. If you watch it, there are two ducted A/Cs (livingroom/bedroom) 50amp service. As I said, the diesel in the F-550 super duty XLT is an upgrade option, the gas V-10 is fine with me:)
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2017
born free among the top ten better made rv,s in my opinion, owned a 2001 bf and loved it,but the price of gas killed it. so I bought a diesel.
j-d
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2017
There's a dis-something between me and the specs you quote.

Either a dis-parity between webpage and the actual coach, or

(and more likely) a dis-lexia on my part.

Anyhow, 50A and Two A/C units address the biggest concern I had. Far as the chassis goes, I'd like to have

1. Ford Chassis
2. Cummins Engine
3. Allison Transmission

That or just a Ford Gasser...

Years ago, when Holiday Rambler Class C's and gas Class A's were a cut above everybody else, the top line model was the "Imperial." Glad to see that movie playing again, and I think this Born Free deserves to wear the Imperial Name. Chrysler Imperial was an impressive automobile, too...