These are rapidly replacing the Sprinter in Australia
Optimum size is probably about 28ft. GCVWR goes to 23,750lb. GVWR is 15,200lb They handle like the Sprinter have very similar driving and speed characteristics
Forum Discussion
theoldwizard1 wrote:
Ford is continuing to build the E450 cutaway chassis which is pretty much the industry standard in Class C. They have, quietly, upgraded the engine and transmission. Besides the old V10 you can get the 6.2L V8 and the standard transmission is now the same 6 speed used in the F450 and up pickups.
Thank goodness for that!! (It's too bad the Chevy 4500 van faded into the RV sunset, too.)
It sure feels good having a "real truck" E450 under our 24 foot Class C when we're out and about, sometimes off the beaten track. It's large brake swept area and a nice wide track in the rear for lateral stability ... combined with good stock ground clearance for the coach body and suspension parts provide plenty of handling and driving confidence.
By the way, the original 5-speed 5R110 transmission in our E450 failed at around 61K miles. I had them install a remanufactured heavy duty version of the 5R110 transmission and it acts a lot different - way smoother than the original. I can now drive fulltime staying in Tow/Haul mode without any jerking or hesitating on upshifts and downshifts.
