Regarding your radio reception. When the cut-away chassis is delivered to the RV manufacture, it comes with a standard length, and a shorter antenna. If your Forester has a large over-hang in front of the windshield, the RV manufacture is forced to install a shorter antenna to clear the over-hang. If there is adequate clearance for the taller standard antenna, your Forester should have that one.
Regarding electrical issues with your Ford chassis, it should be covered under the Ford chassis warranty, most especially problems with headlights. An RV manufacture or dealer should not be tampering with the headlights resulting with odd wiring hanging below.
The Ford E350 & E450 chassis is offered to RV manufactures in an RV-prep package. There are options that are available to the RV manufacture, but the big companies buy the same package for mass production. They won't deviate to keep their variations down. Small companies like
Phoenix USA, you can special order the Ford chassis to better suit your desires. The most popular RV-prep package chassis includes the big V10 engine and 55 gallon fuel tank, primarily selected for the heavy load of the house itself, people, and contents they add. Also the desire for towing, and the 55 gallon tank to also support generator fuel usage.
The RV-prep package comes with the following.
- an open back cab for access into the house (comes with a disposable plastic sheet)
- heavier rated suspension
- convenience features like power windows, power door locks, a/c, etc.
- the nice looking chrome front grille and headlights
- no outside mirrors (RV manufactures like to install their own)
- no seats (comes with a disposable cafeteria chair mounted, for lot-drive only)
- a higher output 115 amp alternator (optional 135 amp)
- two different length antennas
- optional V10 engine (most come with this)
- optional 55 gallon fuel tank (most come with this)
- optional spare tire
- optional keyless entry
- optional radio (RV manufactures like to install aftermarket radios with integrated back-up cameras.
- optional interior color (gray versus light tan)
I am sure I missed many things, but you get the idea.
The shortest and lightest of motor homes can be found with the smaller V8 engine, but they are rare. Most RV manufactures buy their chassis in bulk so they are all the same one used regardless of the model used on. The only variation is typically the E350 version for their shorter and lighter models, and the E450 for their bigger and heaver models. But as of late, RV manufactures are trending toward using the E450 for every model including their lighter ones, a "one chassis for all" strategy. I assume for better control of their chassis inventory. You almost never have chassis options made available unless you special order your rig. And that is only if the RV manufacture is willing to deal with your special order. The big RV manufactures generally won't, so don't feel like you missed out on an opportunity to make your chassis perfect for you. Your dealer did not go cheap on you. Forest River did as reflected in their more affordable MSRP.
