no more e450's

pnichols wrote:
Here's a few reasons why I consider the Ford E-Series V10 to be a superb motorhome power plant:

1) Are Chevy cutaway van V8s overhead cam? Yes

2) Does the Chevy cutaway van V8 idle for long periods with no noise and no floor vibration like the Ford cutaway van V10 does? Actually less if you compare mine and the my grandparents E450

3) Is the Chevy cutaway van V8 linked to a 6-speed transmission like the Ford cutaway van V10 is? It's not the number of gears that matter but the ratio's.

4) Does the Chevy cutaway van V8 pull motorhomes up long grades in Death Valley heat with the cab air conditioning on full blast and not move the water temperature gauge like the Ford cutaway van V10 does?Wouldn't matter all Ford's use dummy gauges (I've never seen a Ford's gauge move unless it was too late), Chevy's are more a actual reading.

5) Does the Chevy cutaway van V8 idle for long periods in parking lots in 105 degree heat with the cab air conditioning on full blast and not move the water temperature gauge like the Ford cutaway van V10 does?

Same as above.

Not a expert on it my any means but that's just my observations!

pnichols wrote:
Ford's E450 cutaway van is also shorter than Chevy's 4500 cutaway van. This is why the Chevy cab has more leg room due to it's doghouse being further forward - hence a longer outside hood length. For those of you who want the "shortest overall length possible" for any size Class C coach - the Ford chassis has the Chevy chassis beat.

I agree with pnichols completely on this.

With our garage depth of 25'-0" I was counting every inch. By default, the exact same motor home built on a Ford versus a Chevy, gained me 9" of garage space....actually it gained me 9" of motor home house. It's a trade off. If you don't care about length, consider the Chevy for the improved cabin comfort.

To be honest, when people start talking about Ford versus Chevy, I kind-of "tune out" because they are both great chassis with great drive trains, when matched up to the right motor home application. To me it's all about cabin comfort versus length. If being 9" shorter is more important to you than cabin comfort, think Ford. Otherwise, think Chevy. But given most rigs are built on Fords, most people don't get to choose.

The next 5 to 10 years will be interesting for the cut-away chassis motor home if or when Ford and Chevy drop their most capable chassis.

Got a possible answer at grocery store saw article in a diesel mag. New Ford Trasit cutaway will be out in the fall - 3.2 diesel can't remember if it is a v6 or a I5. Also, Dodge has a Italian based van coming out. If Chey still had the 8.1 or medium duty trucks they might have something to offer. I'm keeping my Forest River Lexington with a Ford V10 as long as possible. As always if you find a rv you like it doesn't matter that someone else wants something else just enjoy what you have. Dave

Here's a few reasons why I consider the Ford E-Series V10 to be a superb motorhome power plant:

1) Are Chevy cutaway van V8s overhead cam?

2) Does the Chevy cutaway van V8 idle for long periods with no noise and no floor vibration like the Ford cutaway van V10 does?

3) Is the Chevy cutaway van V8 linked to a 6-speed transmission like the Ford cutaway van V10 is?

4) Does the Chevy cutaway van V8 pull motorhomes up long grades in Death Valley heat with the cab air conditioning on full blast and not move the water temperature gauge like the Ford cutaway van V10 does?

5) Does the Chevy cutaway van V8 idle for long periods in parking lots in 105 degree heat with the cab air conditioning on full blast and not move the water temperature gauge like the Ford cutaway van V10 does?

Have to disagree that the Chevy V8's is becoming dinosaurs.. and we have mostly Ford's except our Class C which is a Chevy. I've driven alot of V10's in shuttle buses and few RV's and the 6.0L in ours just as smooth, actually I think it's smoother, as the V10's IMO. The V8 setup makes for alot more room around the dog house which is a plus. Why fix wasn't isn't broken? Can't comment on the 8.1L can't see it being any different. The Kodiak chassis with the Duramax was on of the better shuttle's I've driven.

On the surface a ton-and-a-half chassis is a ton-and-a-half chassis ... so a Chevy 4500 should "equal" a Ford E450.

However ... it's that superb Ford V10 with it's high shaft torque, reliability, ultra-smoothness, and other characteristics that sells me on the Ford E450 chassis. Up to this point good old Chevy V8's are fast becoming a dinosaur ... Chevy needs to upgrade their line of engines. Ford is obviously pouring a lot of engineering resources into constantly improving their engines. GM needs to get on board.

P.S. Ford's E450 cutaway van is also shorter than Chevy's 4500 cutaway van. This is why the Chevy cab has more leg room due to it's doghouse being further forward - hence a longer outside hood length. For those of you who want the "shortest overall length possible" for any size Class C coach - the Ford chassis has the Chevy chassis beat.

IAMICHABOD wrote:
I don't see why not, many RV builders are going that way.

I believe most class C builders right now are putting their larger/heavier RVs on the E450s

I don't see why not, many RV builders are going that way.

Thor

Coachman

Forest River

Roadtrek

Libero

Just to name a few.

Sorry IAM, but Chey vans won't do the job. Dave