Ford 5.4 in some of the smaller rigs?
While looking for a short "C" (The Majestic 19G or a 24 footer), I noticed that a number of these are not just E-350s, but don't even have the V-10... they have a 5.4L V-8. Not to say the engine is b...
Forum Discussion
Some people prefer the 'better mileage' found with the 5.4L engine. If you plan on towing, you will like the power of the V10 a lot.
I just checked the weight on my E-450 and found that I only have about 3,000 pounds on the front axle, and 6,600 on the rear axle. While well under my GVWR of 14,000+ pounds, I am concerned about it being to light on the steering axle.
I will not need to worry about lack of braking while towing a small trailer without brakes, as my brakes are rated at the full 14,500 GVWR + 1,500 additional weight of a un-braked trailer.
However the detail I do not like is the 2001 E-450 came with a 4.30:1 rear axle ratio. SO I get 8 MPG and in the city even less. I sort of wish I had a 3.55:1 rear axle due to the van being so lightweight. Even a 3.73:1 rear axle would provide great mileage while still being in overdrive at highway speeds.
On my 120 mile trip today, it would hold in overdrive at 40 MPH if I was not pushing the gas very hard, even on a slight grade. I had to remember to lock out overdrive on the city streets to avoid lugging the engine at 35 MPH on city streets.
You might want to check the weight of the E-350 that you are looking at. If you want to tow a heavy trailer, and the van does not have an extra 1,400 pounds of cargo rating, and an extra 1,200 pounds for the rear axle without being overloaded, then you might consider ordering your short RV on a E-450 chassis. This will provide a 9,000 pound rated rear axle, while overall weight between the E-350 and E-450 dually is nominal. That super heavy duty rear axle can be loaded up while towing something like a toy hauler or cargo trailer with 1,200 pounds of hitch weight, or horse trailer with 1,400 pounds of hitch weight, and not overload the tires or rear axle ratings!
Good luck,
Fred.
I just checked the weight on my E-450 and found that I only have about 3,000 pounds on the front axle, and 6,600 on the rear axle. While well under my GVWR of 14,000+ pounds, I am concerned about it being to light on the steering axle.
I will not need to worry about lack of braking while towing a small trailer without brakes, as my brakes are rated at the full 14,500 GVWR + 1,500 additional weight of a un-braked trailer.
However the detail I do not like is the 2001 E-450 came with a 4.30:1 rear axle ratio. SO I get 8 MPG and in the city even less. I sort of wish I had a 3.55:1 rear axle due to the van being so lightweight. Even a 3.73:1 rear axle would provide great mileage while still being in overdrive at highway speeds.
On my 120 mile trip today, it would hold in overdrive at 40 MPH if I was not pushing the gas very hard, even on a slight grade. I had to remember to lock out overdrive on the city streets to avoid lugging the engine at 35 MPH on city streets.
You might want to check the weight of the E-350 that you are looking at. If you want to tow a heavy trailer, and the van does not have an extra 1,400 pounds of cargo rating, and an extra 1,200 pounds for the rear axle without being overloaded, then you might consider ordering your short RV on a E-450 chassis. This will provide a 9,000 pound rated rear axle, while overall weight between the E-350 and E-450 dually is nominal. That super heavy duty rear axle can be loaded up while towing something like a toy hauler or cargo trailer with 1,200 pounds of hitch weight, or horse trailer with 1,400 pounds of hitch weight, and not overload the tires or rear axle ratings!
Good luck,
Fred.
