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mlts22's avatar
mlts22
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2016

Ford Transit gasser "C"s?

Looks like Coachmen has the first Transit gasser class "C", the Freelander 20CB. Length is under 24 feet, places are selling it around 55k.

I wonder what the advantage of this chassis is over the E-350. I'm sure the NA V-6 (as of now, Ford does not use the EcoBoost engine in their cutaway models, so it is the normal 6 or diesel I-5) has less power than the usual V-10, but it does make me wonder if this rig would be especially slow, especially going up and down higher elevations.

Wonder if it would be worth going to a Transit... biggest advantage is better MPG, but one also loses a lot as well, especially towing capacity.

5 Replies

  • It actually makes the same horsepower as the original V10 from '97-'99, so it should be fine for a small coach. It'll be revving to make that power but its an extremely smooth motor so even at very high RPMs its not offensive IMO.
  • My biggest issue with the Winnebago Fuse is that there is no option for a diesel generator. Which means in the Texas summers, I have to chase hookups, chase LP gas vendors, or bring along my 3000 watt portable generator in order to do any camping whatsoever from May to September.

    The Coachmen model is definitely a step down (JMHO) in materials, but having 16-18 gallons of gasoline available to the generator (assuming 1/4 is engine only) can mean a big difference when out at a gathering in the middle of nowhere in the Texas heat.

    I'd like to see more Transit rigs pop up, but hopefully the V6 can handle the weight and still accelerate to highway speeds safely (as in not having a honking entourage behind one when merging.)
  • WBO is only offering the Fuse with the Diesel, no gas. Probably a good choice.

    Charles
  • Winnebago have theFuse, Probably much better fuel economy, but a much smaller unit than we've been used to.

    Ken
  • Leisure Travel has the Wonder built on a Transit. I have not seen it but others have said good things about it.