E350 Ford Chassis
In my research for a new motor home, I looked for comments on the E350 Chassis. I found some disturbing comments concerning the stability and handling of the Chassis. I contacted Pleasureway and w...
Forum Discussion
carringb wrote:nbking wrote:
Now that is something that I never thought of - the fact that the RV manufacturer may have altered the vehicle to improve road handling. That is interesting. I will have to investigate that further with the vehicle I want to purchase. Thanks.
The biggest factor in stability is where the RV maker puts the weight. The way they built the coach, and where they put heavy items, can have a big affect on the moment of inertia, and if this is paired with a wheelbase that is too short, bad handling is guaranteed (but fixable by adding aids like sway bars, track bars, shocks etc). Overall length to wheelbase is only a guideline. The real issue is where all that mass rides in relation to wheelbase. A longer rear overhang isn't the end of the world, as long as all the tanks aren't stuck back there too!
You make my original point very well. There are manufacturers out there that will charge you $125,000+ for a 24' Class C/B+ {which is beyond ridiculous... but I digress}, that drives and rides poorly. This is absurd. If any new coach needs dime one, in ride enhancements to make it ride/drive safely and comfortably it is in my mind a piece of junk no matter how pretty it might be.
Take a serious, as in long, test drive before you put money down on anything. Drive it in traffic, on the interstate while playing with the truckers, in heavy winds if at all possible and up and down a 6% grade keeping in mind it is completely underloaded as you do so. Think about how it will handle/ride when you have added several thousand pounds of gear and fluids. If the dealer objects... run, do not walk, to the nearest exit without looking back.
Once you buy it... it is your problem.
:C
