Researching Class C Motorhomes
We have been researching 2005 - 2009 Class C motorhomes. We wanted a Bigfoot as it was supposed to be very good for winter use with double pane windows and the way it heated the underbelly but they ar...
Forum Discussion
Ford introduced their 5R110 5-speed (6 ratios internally) computer controlled TorqueShift transmission in their 2005 E350 and E450 chassis.
If you find a "2005" motorhome with only the older 4-speed transmission, then you have a 2005 coach built on a 2004 Ford chassis ... which easily can be the case.
To some folks, the differences between at least the 2005 onwards E350 and E450 chassis is important. We specifically looked for and bought our 24 foot Itasca Class C new in 2005 on the optional-at-the-time E450 chassis for these reasons:
1. Weight carrying capacity - we wanted zero concerns with over-loading.
2. We wanted the larger brake swept areas of the E450 for both complete confidence on all road down grades and for overall longer brake pad life.
3. We wanted the E450's thicker frame steel for added stiffness to help prevent coach frame twist when traveling off-payment.
4. We wanted the E450's hydraulic boost power brakes instead of the vacuum boost power brakes that the E350 had (at the time).
5. We wanted the E450's lower rear differential gear ratio for increased power going up hills, for decreased transmission heating from torque converter slippage, and for improved engine braking when going down grades and when coming to a stop in Tow/Haul mode. We now travel with the Tow/Haul mode engaged all the time for the improved response it provides.
6. We wanted the larger diameter drive shaft to insure that we would never experience any issues with drive shaft vibration.
7. We wanted the wider rear stance in the rear duallies that the E450 provides for maximum lateral stability of the motorhome in high winds, when big rigs pass, and on roadway curves.
If you find a "2005" motorhome with only the older 4-speed transmission, then you have a 2005 coach built on a 2004 Ford chassis ... which easily can be the case.
To some folks, the differences between at least the 2005 onwards E350 and E450 chassis is important. We specifically looked for and bought our 24 foot Itasca Class C new in 2005 on the optional-at-the-time E450 chassis for these reasons:
1. Weight carrying capacity - we wanted zero concerns with over-loading.
2. We wanted the larger brake swept areas of the E450 for both complete confidence on all road down grades and for overall longer brake pad life.
3. We wanted the E450's thicker frame steel for added stiffness to help prevent coach frame twist when traveling off-payment.
4. We wanted the E450's hydraulic boost power brakes instead of the vacuum boost power brakes that the E350 had (at the time).
5. We wanted the E450's lower rear differential gear ratio for increased power going up hills, for decreased transmission heating from torque converter slippage, and for improved engine braking when going down grades and when coming to a stop in Tow/Haul mode. We now travel with the Tow/Haul mode engaged all the time for the improved response it provides.
6. We wanted the larger diameter drive shaft to insure that we would never experience any issues with drive shaft vibration.
7. We wanted the wider rear stance in the rear duallies that the E450 provides for maximum lateral stability of the motorhome in high winds, when big rigs pass, and on roadway curves.
