In case you are wondering what a stripped Ford F-53 chassis looks like under all the coverings, here are some pictures I took while walking around Newmar today:The box under the steering wheel acts as a seat for the drivers when they deliver it to the OEM. The box also contains the gauges, A/C prep, vehicle ID stickers, manuals and some wiring harnesses.You can see more photos on Ford's site.

I surely wish my gas tank had been that accessible last year when I had a fuel leak. 11 days & $800. for a new fuel line.

i like to see my stuff in person, thats why i crawl all over it

Quick, add air suspension components to that frame while it is easily accessible.

Nice open view of the scenery from that RV, but the bed looks none to comfy. ;)

Ford F-53 Chassis - Nude | Good Sam Community

carringb
Explorer
Jul 29, 2015
RLS7201 wrote:
holstein13 wrote:
You can see more photos on Ford's site.

Interesting that the next to last photo shows a coil spring front suspension. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Richard

That's the E-series stripped chassis, which ranges from 11,500-14,500 GVWR. It is used in in the Thor Vegas/Axis. The frame is also lower and 10" wider than the F53 chassis.
RLS7201
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2015
holstein13 wrote:
You can see more photos on Ford's site.

Interesting that the next to last photo shows a coil spring front suspension. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Richard
JumboJet
Explorer
Jul 29, 2015
holstein13 wrote:
Wait. What exactly did you buy? The stripped Spartan chassis or the motorhome in the picture?

The MH in the picture w/air ride.
Pirate1
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
How much does that cost?
holstein13
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
JumboJet wrote:
ga80486 wrote:
JumboJet wrote:
Quick, add air suspension components to that frame while it is easily accessible.

Or, just buy this one that already has it.

http://lansing.craigslist.org/rvs/5131533140.html

I just did. Picking it up Thursday.

Wait. What exactly did you buy? The stripped Spartan chassis or the motorhome in the picture?

And why does the craigslist summary at the top right say the Cummins engine is gas, not diesel?
JumboJet
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
ga80486 wrote:
JumboJet wrote:
Quick, add air suspension components to that frame while it is easily accessible.

Or, just buy this one that already has it.

http://lansing.craigslist.org/rvs/5131533140.html

I just did. Picking it up Thursday.
holstein13
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
fourmat wrote:
holstein13 wrote:
OldBlackWater wrote:
How do they transport them from the Ford plant to the RV manufacturers? Are they stacked on a flatbed trailer, or do they hire a bunch of drivers to hop on the boxes and drive them there?
I believe they arrive by rail car or are stacked on flat bed trailers. There is no way they are street legal in that configuration with no headlights, brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, seat, bumpers, etc.
They are stacked piggy back and towed
That is correct. I just asked Newmar and they told me they arrive two at a time, piggybacked on the back of a flat bed semi tractor.
holstein13
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
wildmanbaker wrote:
Thanks for posting the pics. Look at the distance between the bump stops and the axels. Most people can't even get the flat part of their hand between the stops and the axels.
Yep, the suspension is fully extended without the weight of the coach. I'll bet it's a pretty rough ride like this. But also brings home how important ride height and adjusting the suspension to the weight of the coach is.
wildmanbaker
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
Thanks for posting the pics. Look at the distance between the bump stops and the axels. Most people can't even get the flat part of their hand between the stops and the axels.
fourmat
Explorer
Jul 28, 2015
holstein13 wrote:
OldBlackWater wrote:
How do they transport them from the Ford plant to the RV manufacturers? Are they stacked on a flatbed trailer, or do they hire a bunch of drivers to hop on the boxes and drive them there?
I believe they arrive by rail car or are stacked on flat bed trailers. There is no way they are street legal in that configuration with no headlights, brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, seat, bumpers, etc.
They are stacked piggy back and towed