Ford E350 Handling

Okay..no sand/cement bags..how about getting five big buddies? There are seat belts at the table...4, and one at the bucket chair, that'd be about 1,000lbs.

I mean, if you don't make an attempt at adding some weight and going for a test drive, you only have yourself to blame if the handling doesn't make you happy. You have said that money is an issue..well check out the cost of beefing up the suspension.


Gary Haupt

I have a 2001, 24ft Coachman on the E350, Can only say I have no complaints, seems to handle very well. Having the front end aligned was key though, to that.

Seems like a lot of the handling complaints seem to be on the larger class C's. Not so much the smaller ones like mine, and your proposed purchase.

I wonder how much influence, how evenly the coach manufacture balanced the fixed on board weight, like water tank etc has. Mine on the 4 corner weight test seems to be pretty even.

Thanks to everyone,

The Ford has the 158" WB and the GM is 159" but they both have the same rear overhang. The GM is 5" longer front axle to front bumper. I did notice the extra room in the GM cab but the Ford Dog house has much more storage.
I would dearly love to load them up and take them for a test but I dont think the dealer is going to let me load concrete into his brand new RV's or sand bags. He did say we could take them out on the interstate so I guess I should pray for wind.
Like everyone seems to say they both have there strong points and weak points. Ford just upgraded there tow capacity to 8000 lbs this year and I spoke to Thor about this and they said yes they upgraded the extensions last year and the hitch this year with Fords blessing.
Now I will say something controversial but dont blame me, its not my opinion but what I was told. I told the Thor factory rep that the dealer had both in stock and wondered which one to get, he said and I quote Get the Ford we have a larger dealer network for repairs and fewer long term issues with it.
Please dont get mad at me I dont have any idea if it is true or not but it seemed he did not have a dog in this fight and that was his advise. On the other hand I do like the room in the GM and being able to recline the seat more from the driving position. Until I test drive it though I dont have an opinion on the noise or heat.
I do plan on using this RV for touring and not so much for long camping so driver comfort is a high priority.
I wonder if the engine position in the GM being further forward is the reason it seems to to handle better, ie: more weight over the front axle. Does this also make it easier to get to the engine for routine service.

PS: The price of both is exactly the same and they have the same limited option list.

The Ford E350/E450 handling is going to also be dependent on the caster settings. The normal caster range is anywhere from +1.5 to +7.5 degrees. The mid range (+3 to +3.5) is good for city vans but for a motorhome you want it to be +6 degrees and greater.

It seems that the Fords are a hit or miss on the handling problems,but it has been a well known problem.On the other hand the Chevy based Class C is not known to have these problems and it has a much Larger cockpit area.

On the small RV you are looking at the small difference in the weight specs should be just fine on the Chevy Chassis.

I would say when given the chance to drive them,do that and then make your choice. The thread in my signature may give you some answers on the Chevy Based Class C.

On Edit Is there a price difference between the Ford and Chevy?

Unless and until you have road tested it with some weight aboard, you won't know the answers. Make sure the tire pressures are correct all way around, then you find some sand bags or cement adding just a whole bunch of them on the floor....cover that with a tarp, eh... You will have a pretty good approximation of your weight going down the road. Then..head for the Interstate..or at least a highway..and ensuring there is nobody close behind or beside, make a few cautious fairly low speed maneuvers. Don't be like trying to do the Grand Prix...and not a full speed assault either. Just start at a conservative speed..make a few wheel moves...does it feel like an elephant about to roll over? And you wanna be passed by a transport, going full-bore..and see what the RV feels like with the wind from it.

If it feels and drives securely, you can assume that your suspension is good to go. If it is all soft and not feeling like this is a good thing...you have to decide what to do.



Gary Haupt

IMHO at that size and the lack of slides either chassis has enough weight capacity and at that length wheel base should not be an issue. Again IMHO I would go Chevy for better leg room and less engine heat in the cab plus you probably can put a swivel base on the passenger seat.

Hi,

How long is the wheel base?