Forum Discussion
ron_dittmer
Apr 11, 2016Explorer II
Baja Man wrote:Not intending to knock down the older Ford chassis here, but...
Inside space is important. Did not like the corner Full size beds for reasons described...too hard getting into/out of, and extra work to make bed.
Couch and dinette.....Would like to have the dinette free from being a bed so we can use it in the morning without have to wake up one of our kids.
Budget is $35K.....used in the years 2002-2005 seem to be what I am finding for these models at this price.
You might want to spend a little more to get a 2003 or newer Ford to get a V10 engine with the spark plug issue resolved. Easy identification is a Ford with this front grill. Note it does NOT have an oval inside it.
Since you are towing, you might consider a 2006 or newer to get the improved Ford Torqueshift transmission.
Go the final step and get a 2008 or newer Ford for a most capable Ford chassis, easily identified by the current-day style shown here.
If you were considering a shorter & lighter rig, it matters so little or not at all. But since you have a family of four, want to tow a boat, want a walk-around rear queen bed, a standard dinette & couch, a nice slide out, and a large over-head bunk, that's getting big & heavy so a better Ford chassis 2008 or newer wouldn't be a bad "extra" investment. Go all the way and consider a Super C, but then you are driving a serious truck.
People with the big older class Cs tend to over-load them. They don't even know they are too heavy until they get their rig weighed during a trip with everyone and stuff inside. The first thing they purge is their fresh water supply, traveling with only enough for a few toilet flushes.
Something to think about.
A Quick Ford E-Series Reference Guide, Based On The Style Of The Front Grill
Pre-V10 days, an old V8 engine & fuel management design with less power, worse fuel economy, and prone to exhaust manifold issues.
Introduction of the V10 engine (Oval In The Grill)
Spark plug issue resolved (Having a triangle on each side)
Current day fully capable E-Series chassis
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