Confused about engines on Class C and A
Yesterday we were lucky enough to test drive 2015 Jayco Greyhawk and Precent. Our confusion comes from some sales info. Both have the same engine, the difference is the chassis. If they use the same...
Forum Discussion
Sfla2 wrote:
A & C not same eng A has 3 valve eng more hp
Both are Ford V10's and both are 6.8 liters. One in the class A has 3 valves per cylinder, and makes 362 HP, while the two valve engine used in the lighter weight Econoline 450 chassis is only rated around 275 or 300 HP.
And the class C has a lower tow rating mainly because the chassis is lighter, 16" rims, lower RV weight, so they don't want as much weight being towed by it.
The class A also has a HUGE radiator, much taller than will fit under the hood of a E-450. Then there is a larger oil cooler on the lower radiator coolant line, and those 19.5" rims rated at 3,600 pounds each has something to do with it's larger towing capacity!
I toured the Fleetwood Factory in 1996, and they take you out to see some new chassis fresh off the delivery trucks. It was great to see it up close, and see just how big everything is on the F-53 chassis.
Usually the class A will have a higher tow rating, and it sure has a higher GCVWR, but also the class A will have a higher curb weight than the class C. Still you need to compare your cargo rating, based on a specific floorplan, and length. My motorhome was built on the Ford 17,000 GVWR, while the same 30' Bounder would be built on the much lighter weight GMC 15,500 pound GVWR class A chassis in that year. So I picked the Ford because of it's 2,437 pound cargo rating!
Fred.
