Small Class C on a Ford 350 vs Transit chassis

Newer Transits can be upgraded to swivel seat since they moved the parking brake.

IMHO, Transits need a wider rear axle. The factory passenger van comes standard with a rear A/C unit. Does that mean you have to run the roof A/C on a Class C while you are on the road ?

Ah, the myth that will not die... :S

"Does it handle any better than the 350 without a bunch of suspension add ons? "

I have owned our E-350 24' Class C for 7.5 years and 70,000+ miles. it has 3,363# of payload, 420# of torque, 305 HP, 7' of headroom throughout and it rides and handles just fine with no, none, zip, nada after market suspension add ons. Proper alignment and psi for the load it carries are all you will ever need.

As to your original question I think you can expect a lot less payload, towing capacity, storage, headroom etc. in exchange for improved mileage but then every RV is a series of compromises. Go with what will work best for your intended usage.

:C

Regarding the Cross Trail, or other similar floorplan.
It appears as that corner bed is tight. We need at least a full queen 60x80 or short queen 60x74 would work but not a double bed of 54”.

I would also check the shower dimensions. Even though they advertise 24x30, Some are only really 20-21” interior width x 28”. If you drop the soap, you’re not picking it up unless you get out of the shower.

Those curved backrests on that type of dinette are not very comfortable. Its ok for a quick bite to eat but as a tv watching or sitting longer term, we had to redesign ours.

We removed the cushions and replaced them with reclining gaming chairs from Amazon. We used screws and pipe clamps to secure the round bases of the new chairs into the OEM plywood. Now we have nice comfy chairs to sit in during cold or inclement days.
We kept the cushions for resale purposes.

One other thing to be aware of in this type of floorplan are huge skylights in the front portion of the coach. In the past, many owners have complained that the AC units can't keep up with the heat that’s produced by the skylight on hot days. Just something to look into.

Our next rv will be a LTV on a Transit.

I think the Transit has a little less GVWR , you would need to watch what you pack into it regarding payload. Just double check on those numbers to verify.

People we know had one , it gets about 16 mpg. It did not need any aftermarket on-ons for suspension flaws. It drives more like a van/suv than a class C.

The cab footwell on the pass side seemed to have more room but the overall cab space is smaller than a 350 cutaway. When you need to go from the cab to the rear of the rv, its a tighter squeeze between the seats. It seemed easier to have a conversation while driving bc it is narrower , so you sit closer to be able to hear voices and it seems to be a more quiet cab.

If i remember correctly the Transit offered at least a pass side swivel seat. The drivers side swivel might be floorplan contingent.

It also seems closer to the ground, it was easier to get into the cab.

Thinking out loud :
What i do not know is the ground clearance or rear overhang situation. That is what i still need to explore bc i do use my rv on dirt roads off grid. I also think i will lose my hydraulic jacks for leveling. But, my new rv will have a comp fridge. Should not be an issue. I think.