MetalGator wrote:
I am in the market for a used Class A motor home. I was trying to stay above the model year 2008 but I am finding some really nice motor homes in the 2003-2007 model years with low miles and still in great shape (and cost significantly less). I know that Ford didn't make a F53 chassis in 2005 so up through 2006 models had the 2 valve V10 and the 4 speed transmission. My initial thought was I needed to get the newer 3 valve and the 5 speed transmission. But, like I said, there are some really good motor homes out there with the 2 valve motors. Then, to make matters more interesting, I found a really nice 2007 model motor home that had the 8.1 workhorse chassis. Is there a real advantage/disadvantage to any of these 3 chassis? I am not concerned with mileage (all get poor mileage) and the most important thing to me is the floor plan. I just don't want to buy a Class A with a particular chassis that has known (motor, transmission, suspension, etc) problems.
Another factor is I will be towing a Jeep Wrangler unlimited so that is another thing to consider. Assuming all 3 of these chassis will handle a 5000lb vehicle, is there a huge performance difference with any of these 3? I live in Florida so I won't have to deal with any grades except for a few hills when I leave the state.
I tow a Jeep Wrangler with my 2008 Bounder on the Ford chassis, the newer F-53's have more HP and the better transmission, I would hold out for the newer F-53 if I was you, so much better than the older ones, the Workhorse is OK but its not made anymore and less repair shops for the Workhorse vs the Ford.
As to noise and driving comfort the F-53 does need some improvement, I sound proof my doghouse and floor and now its very quiet, I replaced the hard riding Bilstien shocks with softer Monroe RV shocks and installed 4 airbags with on board controls and now it drives smoother and much quieter.
