2019 Forest River Forester with Ford Cab-----bare bones!

Here is the way I see the topic of E450 alignments:

Ford ships all E350/E450 cut aways with identical fixed, non adjustable caster/camber sleeves, "one size fits all".

The RV builder almost never changes the Ford sleeves, as a result:

If the final RV build is nose down one degree then the runtime caster will be about +3.5 degrees. These units can have a real wandering problem.

If the final RV build is nose level then the runtime caster will be about +4.5 degrees. These units are probably indifferent.

If the final RV build is nose up one degree then the runtime caster will be about +5.5 degrees. These units are probably just fine, possibly excepting the 31 footers.

So, some RVs have a problem and some do not have a problem. JMO.

POPULAR MECHANICS MAY 1973:
START QUOTE:
If too little caster exists, the car will wander and weave,
thus necessitating constant corrections in steering.
END QUOTE:

docsouce wrote:
I read here on one of the threads to be sure to have the front end aligned. Apparently the factory does a generic alignment and this does not take into consideration the final chassis weight.

There's no way Ford (or Chevy or whomever makes an incomplete vehicle chassis) could possibly know the weight of what will be added by the people that buy it. Their factory alignment rather has to be a generic alignment. It may well be based on the chassis weight, for all I know, but the finished vehicle weight and balance are quite different from that of the chassis as Ford delivers it, by a few tons in the case of one that eventually becomes a motorhome.

I read here on one of the threads to be sure to have the front end aligned. Apparently the factory does a generic alignment and this does not take into consideration the final chassis weight. I found about this the hard way. I bought my Ford E350 powered class c new and at 15k miles or so I noticed both front wheels were wearing excessively on the outer side of the tire. I brought it to a truck shop and they did the alignment. They had to replace some of the factory installed suspension parts to get the proper alignment..

I agree with all comments, fuel tank size and "the fancies".

The E-Series chassis (E350 and E450 cut-away and Cab & Chassis) have been primarily marketed for work vehicles. Though they keep up technically, they fall a bit short compared to today's car & SUV fancies.

On the other hand, the current-day Sprinter has kept up with all the bells and whistles and is reflected so in the 2019 purchase price.

I personally feel the E350 and E450 are a bargain when you think of their capability for so low a price.

The Ford E series is not available (from Ford) with an outside temperature display or a compass. The chassis is rather low on the list for new technologies and fancy gizmos. This has been the case for pretty nearly forever. My '98 version is even more basic; it didn't come with such modern advances as a glove box on the dashboard, and the odometer and trip odometer are built with little mechanically rotating wheels.

The 55 gallon fuel tank primarily supports the gas guzzling V10, to give the vehicle something approaching a reasonable cruising range. I know, I had one.

Regarding your radio reception. When the cut-away chassis is delivered to the RV manufacture, it comes with a standard length, and a shorter antenna. If your Forester has a large over-hang in front of the windshield, the RV manufacture is forced to install a shorter antenna to clear the over-hang. If there is adequate clearance for the taller standard antenna, your Forester should have that one.

Regarding electrical issues with your Ford chassis, it should be covered under the Ford chassis warranty, most especially problems with headlights. An RV manufacture or dealer should not be tampering with the headlights resulting with odd wiring hanging below.

The Ford E350 & E450 chassis is offered to RV manufactures in an RV-prep package. There are options that are available to the RV manufacture, but the big companies buy the same package for mass production. They won't deviate to keep their variations down. Small companies like Phoenix USA, you can special order the Ford chassis to better suit your desires. The most popular RV-prep package chassis includes the big V10 engine and 55 gallon fuel tank, primarily selected for the heavy load of the house itself, people, and contents they add. Also the desire for towing, and the 55 gallon tank to also support generator fuel usage.

The RV-prep package comes with the following.
- an open back cab for access into the house (comes with a disposable plastic sheet)
- heavier rated suspension
- convenience features like power windows, power door locks, a/c, etc.
- the nice looking chrome front grille and headlights
- no outside mirrors (RV manufactures like to install their own)
- no seats (comes with a disposable cafeteria chair mounted, for lot-drive only)
- a higher output 115 amp alternator (optional 135 amp)
- two different length antennas
- optional V10 engine (most come with this)
- optional 55 gallon fuel tank (most come with this)
- optional spare tire
- optional keyless entry
- optional radio (RV manufactures like to install aftermarket radios with integrated back-up cameras.
- optional interior color (gray versus light tan)

I am sure I missed many things, but you get the idea.

The shortest and lightest of motor homes can be found with the smaller V8 engine, but they are rare. Most RV manufactures buy their chassis in bulk so they are all the same one used regardless of the model used on. The only variation is typically the E350 version for their shorter and lighter models, and the E450 for their bigger and heaver models. But as of late, RV manufactures are trending toward using the E450 for every model including their lighter ones, a "one chassis for all" strategy. I assume for better control of their chassis inventory. You almost never have chassis options made available unless you special order your rig. And that is only if the RV manufacture is willing to deal with your special order. The big RV manufactures generally won't, so don't feel like you missed out on an opportunity to make your chassis perfect for you. Your dealer did not go cheap on you. Forest River did as reflected in their more affordable MSRP.