2018-19 Nexus Viper Class C
Does anyone have one and what are your impressions, good or bad? Would appreciate your comments. Thanks
Forum Discussion
"Currently have the 450 albeit on a 31 ft. Handling is much better. AND I tow a toad with power to spare climbing grades AND I get 12 mpg."
I never doubted you had the power to spare as the 6.8L V-10 is a beast. My point was that two comparable Class C's, one an E-350 the other and E-450 of the same age will have the same motor and transmission. Yes, the differentials vary with the 450 coming with a 4:56 and the 350 a 4:10 due to the difference in weight and it is that weight that makes a huge difference in performance. The 4:56 has to cost you about a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption vs the 4:10. Note that in any C over about 26' the 350 is just not an option.
My 2011 chassis 350 has a GVWR of 11,500 {Ford upped them to 12,500 starting with the 2012's}. Most late model 450's come in at a GVWR of 14,500 with both rated to tow 5,000#.
most Toads run around 3,200 - 4,200# which are well within the GCWR of the typical 450 at 18,500#. My 350 has a GCWR of 14,450 and my motorcycle cargo trailer and bike weigh 2,220#. At the CAT scale, fully loaded {bike trailer etc} I come in at 13,808#.
Obviously, with or without a toad, the 450 is humping 3,000 - 4,000# more than the 350 every mile it rolls down the road assuming they are loaded to, or near their respective GVWR/ GCWR's
What puzzles me is that you are reporting 25 to 33 percent better mileage than I have ever seen in 5+ years and 52,000+ miles. I average 9.5 loaded {cruising 63- 65} but not towing and 8.5 - 9 towing {cruising 60 - 63}.
Since we probably have the same motor and trans {your profile doesn't disclose your actual coach or toad} I have to wonder just how is that possible? Have you modified your drive train with a 5 Star Tune or something similar? I doubt we have that different a driving style {speed - heavy right foot etc.} and there is only so much energy in a gallon of fuel.
I understand that handling, at least in a straight line, is probably better with the longer wheelbase of a 31" C but have trouble believing it can compare with a 24 foot C in close quarters or windy conditions {the extra windage of the larger coach being the issue here}.
Happily, we all seem to love what we have, why else would we have them but unless you are loading and or towing heavy a lot I maintain that a 450 chassis in a C 25' or less tends to be overkill... unless you are like Phil whose idea of fun is to go out into the desert and collect copious quantities of rocks... jump in anytime here Phil. :B
Hopefully, this discussion from folks like us who have been there done that will be of benefit to the people who are shopping. Such is the beauty of this Forum and the exchange of information and of course...
As always... opinions and YMMV.
:C
I never doubted you had the power to spare as the 6.8L V-10 is a beast. My point was that two comparable Class C's, one an E-350 the other and E-450 of the same age will have the same motor and transmission. Yes, the differentials vary with the 450 coming with a 4:56 and the 350 a 4:10 due to the difference in weight and it is that weight that makes a huge difference in performance. The 4:56 has to cost you about a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption vs the 4:10. Note that in any C over about 26' the 350 is just not an option.
My 2011 chassis 350 has a GVWR of 11,500 {Ford upped them to 12,500 starting with the 2012's}. Most late model 450's come in at a GVWR of 14,500 with both rated to tow 5,000#.
most Toads run around 3,200 - 4,200# which are well within the GCWR of the typical 450 at 18,500#. My 350 has a GCWR of 14,450 and my motorcycle cargo trailer and bike weigh 2,220#. At the CAT scale, fully loaded {bike trailer etc} I come in at 13,808#.
Obviously, with or without a toad, the 450 is humping 3,000 - 4,000# more than the 350 every mile it rolls down the road assuming they are loaded to, or near their respective GVWR/ GCWR's
What puzzles me is that you are reporting 25 to 33 percent better mileage than I have ever seen in 5+ years and 52,000+ miles. I average 9.5 loaded {cruising 63- 65} but not towing and 8.5 - 9 towing {cruising 60 - 63}.
Since we probably have the same motor and trans {your profile doesn't disclose your actual coach or toad} I have to wonder just how is that possible? Have you modified your drive train with a 5 Star Tune or something similar? I doubt we have that different a driving style {speed - heavy right foot etc.} and there is only so much energy in a gallon of fuel.
I understand that handling, at least in a straight line, is probably better with the longer wheelbase of a 31" C but have trouble believing it can compare with a 24 foot C in close quarters or windy conditions {the extra windage of the larger coach being the issue here}.
Happily, we all seem to love what we have, why else would we have them but unless you are loading and or towing heavy a lot I maintain that a 450 chassis in a C 25' or less tends to be overkill... unless you are like Phil whose idea of fun is to go out into the desert and collect copious quantities of rocks... jump in anytime here Phil. :B
Hopefully, this discussion from folks like us who have been there done that will be of benefit to the people who are shopping. Such is the beauty of this Forum and the exchange of information and of course...
As always... opinions and YMMV.
:C
