Going from Class A to Class C

I was surprised to learn that the Ford chassis is often the same between A n C units. I've been very happy with how well ours has been. Of course the cabover is a perpetual concern with C units, as is storage capacity, and so exceeding the weight limit on the rear axle.

Well if you are going to a class C on a Ford chassis you may have the same problems.

I may suggest you look at one on a Chevy Chassis

A better ride,larger drivers compartment,quieter and less heat transferred from engine compartment.

PartyOf Five wrote:
I was surprised to learn that the Ford chassis is often the same between A n C units. I've been very happy with how well ours has been. Of course the cabover is a perpetual concern with C units, as is storage capacity, and so exceeding the weight limit on the rear axle.

Most often, the chassis is somewhat similar but not the same. Most Ford-based class A's use the F53 chassis, while class C's use the E350 or E450 chassis. There are a few smaller class A's based on the E series chassis. (There are no class C's based on the F53 because it's only available as a bare chassis, and so by definition cannot become a class C since you need to start with a cutaway or cab-and-chassis for it to be a class C.)

The F53 has a solid front axle with kingpins, rather than a twin I-beam with ball joints. It uses the three valve version of the V10 engine, rather than the 2 valve version used in the E series chassis. The overall frame and axles and GVWR are heavier on the F53. Still, there are a fair number of similarities.

The only way you will really be happy with a better ride is a Class-A with air suspension. I have owned them all, and now I can say I have a great ride.

Been there done that. You are not going to get a better ride in a deliver truck. You may want to rent a Class C for the weekend before you buy.

IAMICHABOD wrote:
Well if you are going to a class C on a Ford chassis you may have the same problems.

I may suggest you look at one on a Chevy Chassis

A better ride,larger drivers compartment,quieter and less heat transferred from engine compartment.

Yep, all that’s true, probably why Chevy Class C’s out number Ford’s by 100 to one...
:S

Seriously??? LMAO

Some class "C"s have air suspension and ride better than others. Also, if you go for a smaller one, people say good things about Sprinter based models, although you do pay for that.

Desert Captain wrote:

Yep, all that’s true, probably why Chevy Class C’s out number Ford’s by 100 to one...
:S

Seriously??? LMAO

Hurling spurious mud balls advances this conversation...HOW?
Captn thought you were better than that.

This is fun. I have owned a gasser class A. A 2010 chassis under a 2011 E350 class C and now a 2013 4500 Chevy chassis under a 2014 class C with 40k miles on it.

My experience so far has been the new to me Chevy class C is far better than the E350 class C I had. I did most of the mods to the E350 and still had to hold onto the wheel most of the time with both hands. The major mods were alignment per “Harvey” on this forum. Plus a Safe-T-Plus on the steering. Both worked very well on the Ford with only 13k miles on it.

Without discussing any of the other pluses. The Chevy with 40k miles on it is far more comfortable too drive. It only needs shocks. Cross winds are not a problem like I had on the modified E350. Trucks passing are not the minor problem I had on the modified E350. My E350 was only inches shorter than this Chevy wheelbase. The new to me rig is about an inch longer overall than the Ford.

Just one persons experience. I hope this helps.

I have air bags in the rear. They help. I'd love to add them to the front--and wish that I could adjust the pressures "on the fly".

I did add an extra leaf in my previous E-350 and that helped the ride a lot.

But a delivery van, is still a van. Smooth as silk it is NOT.