Chevrolet 4500 vs ford 450
What truck for a class c motor home? Chevrolet 4500 or ford 450? I lean towards the Chevrolet. Need advice. Thank you
Forum Discussion
We have had a Chevy 3500 small C, and now a 4500. We have not had the Ford. Anything I write about the Ford is hearsay. But I've been reading here for years, so I'm just repeating what I've read.
The 6.0L V8 is a great motor. Both it and the Ford have had HP spec changes in the last year or so for some reason. Before those changes, I recall that the Chevy had quite a bit more HP, and the torque was similar to the Ford. My point being, don't get hung up on the mistaken idea that the 6.0 Chevy is not as strong as the 6.8 V10 Ford. It's probably the other way around! (That'll get some eyes rolling, but I bet it's true.)
The Chevy 6 speed trans is great. The engine and trans combo work well. I cruise in 6th at about 2000 RPM. When it needs to downshift to 5th, there is no commotion, and virtually no increase in noise. 4th is not unpleasant, but at that point you are hearing more of it.
Ford people like to talk about "let it scream, that's what it is designed to do." I just have not experienced that with the Chevy. I think the Chevy is a real stout engine, and the package is smooth and quiet.
Ford now has a 6 speed. I think it has greatly improved upon the manners of the prior 5 speed trans. A lot of people complained about that one. So, maybe the 6 speed is now as good as the Chevy's manners and noise level.
(Again prior to the new 6 speed) Fords got worse MPG than the Chevy. It seemed to be about 1 MPG less. Maybe that gap as closed somewhat or completely now.
There is some difference between the two in front end suspension architecture, which I don't recall. The Chevy handles quite well.
There is no noticeable engine doghouse heat in our two Chevys.
Both the driver and passenger legroom is better in the Chevy. I think the Chevy nose is 6 inches longer, so they must have the engine a bit more forward.
For all those reasons, I bought the Chevy for our Class C's. Just so you know, I like both Ford and Chevy trucks in general. My last three pickups were Ford, Ford, and Chevy (diesel). I try to buy what's right for the situation.
The 6.0L V8 is a great motor. Both it and the Ford have had HP spec changes in the last year or so for some reason. Before those changes, I recall that the Chevy had quite a bit more HP, and the torque was similar to the Ford. My point being, don't get hung up on the mistaken idea that the 6.0 Chevy is not as strong as the 6.8 V10 Ford. It's probably the other way around! (That'll get some eyes rolling, but I bet it's true.)
The Chevy 6 speed trans is great. The engine and trans combo work well. I cruise in 6th at about 2000 RPM. When it needs to downshift to 5th, there is no commotion, and virtually no increase in noise. 4th is not unpleasant, but at that point you are hearing more of it.
Ford people like to talk about "let it scream, that's what it is designed to do." I just have not experienced that with the Chevy. I think the Chevy is a real stout engine, and the package is smooth and quiet.
Ford now has a 6 speed. I think it has greatly improved upon the manners of the prior 5 speed trans. A lot of people complained about that one. So, maybe the 6 speed is now as good as the Chevy's manners and noise level.
(Again prior to the new 6 speed) Fords got worse MPG than the Chevy. It seemed to be about 1 MPG less. Maybe that gap as closed somewhat or completely now.
There is some difference between the two in front end suspension architecture, which I don't recall. The Chevy handles quite well.
There is no noticeable engine doghouse heat in our two Chevys.
Both the driver and passenger legroom is better in the Chevy. I think the Chevy nose is 6 inches longer, so they must have the engine a bit more forward.
For all those reasons, I bought the Chevy for our Class C's. Just so you know, I like both Ford and Chevy trucks in general. My last three pickups were Ford, Ford, and Chevy (diesel). I try to buy what's right for the situation.
