24’ Class C. Chevy 4500 or Ford 450?
If you were buying a new 24’ Class C MH which Chassis would you prefer and why? Chevy 4500 with 6.0 L / 6 speed or Ford E450 V10 / 6 speed.
Forum Discussion
When I was a first responder the GM and Ford were matched mechanically over the 30 yrs I was there. Repair down time and avl parts were about equal as was repair costs. I remember the mechanics preferred working on GM over Ford because it was easier on the knuckles.
I have operated both for many miles,
IMO, both engines will get the job done running solo or towing 3000 or less. Towing 5000, you will notice a lesser amount in power with both engines with the Ford pulling ahead a little. I would imagine the Ford all around would perform better in the mountainous western part of the country where higher torque diesels prevail.
As for comfort its going to depend on your particular body. We have had mostly GM's but have found our new Ford more comfortable. We both are able to spend the entire day behind the wheel of our new E450 where a few hours on the GM's did us in. The GM's all had multi position power seats and the Ford has basic mechanical seats. We use the same seat cushions to afford us a little extra height. I also like the V-10 over the 6.0, don't really know why, it just feels like its not working as hard. I had these same feelings while driving at work too.
My DW has no complaints regarding the Ford comfort or interior space. I do not have any cabin heat issues with my Ford floor being too hot as some have complained about. I never found that to be an issue with the Ford but did experience it on 2 GM's.
On the RV Ford down side, running way under gross weight I had to make a lot of alterations to get the Ford to ride nice. Shocks, rear track bar, steering stabilizer and HD sways. The Ford rear suspension bangs and pounds going over rough roads, but its a 450 not a 350, to be expected.
When my friend runs his 24 ft 4500 GM near 'max gross weight', he feels the need for some suspension upgrades but feels fine running empty .
Which one to buy ?
I guess it would depend on how much I was towing or if I was using the rv on very long over the road trips or mostly local trips to gain the extra comfort in the seating position. But if it was a good deal was to be had on a GM with the floorplan I wanted, I would buy the GM. I would opt out for an improved GM seat, but that is our personal choice and might not apply to others.
I have operated both for many miles,
IMO, both engines will get the job done running solo or towing 3000 or less. Towing 5000, you will notice a lesser amount in power with both engines with the Ford pulling ahead a little. I would imagine the Ford all around would perform better in the mountainous western part of the country where higher torque diesels prevail.
As for comfort its going to depend on your particular body. We have had mostly GM's but have found our new Ford more comfortable. We both are able to spend the entire day behind the wheel of our new E450 where a few hours on the GM's did us in. The GM's all had multi position power seats and the Ford has basic mechanical seats. We use the same seat cushions to afford us a little extra height. I also like the V-10 over the 6.0, don't really know why, it just feels like its not working as hard. I had these same feelings while driving at work too.
My DW has no complaints regarding the Ford comfort or interior space. I do not have any cabin heat issues with my Ford floor being too hot as some have complained about. I never found that to be an issue with the Ford but did experience it on 2 GM's.
On the RV Ford down side, running way under gross weight I had to make a lot of alterations to get the Ford to ride nice. Shocks, rear track bar, steering stabilizer and HD sways. The Ford rear suspension bangs and pounds going over rough roads, but its a 450 not a 350, to be expected.
When my friend runs his 24 ft 4500 GM near 'max gross weight', he feels the need for some suspension upgrades but feels fine running empty .
Which one to buy ?
I guess it would depend on how much I was towing or if I was using the rv on very long over the road trips or mostly local trips to gain the extra comfort in the seating position. But if it was a good deal was to be had on a GM with the floorplan I wanted, I would buy the GM. I would opt out for an improved GM seat, but that is our personal choice and might not apply to others.
