Well, I test drove one today. I really like the F53, more than expected. Hands down better to drive than any gas Class C I've driven, Ford or Chevy. Got the engine up to 4500rpm, and it wasn't as loud as I thought it would be. Plus I only found myself wanting full HP when entering the freeway and climbing big hills. We held a 12% grade at 45mph, so no complaints there. Cruising at 62mph freeway speed, no problem carrying on a conversation. Steering stable at speed, with a little jitter on surface streets. OCCC of 2400 lbs, so plenty for us.
Build quality is about what I've heard about. Laminate peeling off the countertops, drawers make of pretty thin rickety plywood, cabinet door corners poorly joined. Everything worked, just you know, it's no Newmar :) That stuff we can deal with. Biggest concern is moving the overhead bunk up and down every day (covered that in another thread).
Forgot to check the date code on the tires--Doh.