tommy salmon wrote:
We downsized from a 2013 Winnebago 35’ Class A to a 2018 Thor 24’ Class C. We hated the way the F53 drove and the engine noise. The Class C drives much better and we love that we can get into more camping areas
Yes, thats another reason we went down to a 31' unit that I forgot to mention - We also like the idea of getting into the more remote, smaller camping areas.
We looked at a few Class C units as well, especially since Ford now offers the 7.3 V8 in them as well. However, we just couldn't find one that suited us. That, and we really like the larger cab area that a Class A provides. Really like that large windshield, and the big 'picture' window it provides when parked.
Seriously considered a super C built on the F550 chassis (Thor Magnitude). However, we did not want a diesel, and again, just did not like such a small cab up front.
..just now been hearing about the 7.3 motor. Is the 7.3 more quiet than the V10?
Yes, noticeably so. It turns less RPMs is part of why. And, when it does get a little louder when you really get on the loud pedal, its a good kind of loud - That throaty, big block v8 growl kind of loud. I like it. :)
Seems like it is slightly smaller than the V10, too, as the 'doghouse' up front doesn't seem to be as high.
You mentioned the new F53 is a better driver than your old coach - how so? This info may make us consider a smaller gas Class A or a larger gas Class C.
Ford beefed up the roll bars on the new F53 chassis, as well as some other improvements to the handling. Having driven a 2012 F53 (Georgetown) for many, many years, I can tell you the difference with the new F53 is noticeable. Less body roll, and just seems to handle turns better. It truly feels on the road like not quite as much a big, honkering RV, and more like just a large car. Some of that may be the shorter length of the Newmar, its 31' long vs the 36' unit I've had for several years. Irregardless, the reduced body roll is very noticeable.
Ford definitely closed the gap some with the diesel pusher based Motorhomes, with what they did to the F53 chassis.
