How old does it have to be to be too old?

pnichols wrote:
For anything based on a Ford E Series (van) chassis, I'd recommend not earlier than 2005 so as to get the V10 engine that doesn't blow plugs and coupled to the computer controlled TorqShift 5-speed (6 gear ratios internally) transmission. The trick is to also get that mix - old enough to be able to afford - along with a nearly or completely one-piece fiberglass coach structure plus great workmanship inside the coach.

A Chinook Class C right at year 2005 on the Ford chassis may be the least expensive way to get exactly the right combination. Maybe a 2005/2006 Bigfoot Class C on the Ford chassis would provide a good combination, too. For added ruggedness, with some luck you might even be able to find one on the heavier Ford van chassis - which in later years was called their E450 chassis.

We had a 1969 Chinook "chassis mount" (Class C?) for many years in the 1980's. A partially fiberglass coach body with tough-as-nails constructioon throughout. I was a bit dangerous to park on slopes, though - based on it's GMC 3500 dually chassis that for some reason used an automatic transmission design with no park gear. The emergency brake was all there was!

Hi pnichols,

Appreciate your comments regarding the Ford E Series Chassis. LOL, I agree with your comment of "old enough to be able to afford"!!! I am definitely a fan of the Chinooks (but getting older) and the Coach Houses (very expensive) as well as a couple of other brands.

Hmm, that '69 Chinook looks like it could be a bear to park (on a slope).

Thanks,

Dean