Ford E 450 Class C with 5.4 V8

[Johnny_Hurryup]

I see on NADA guides that some smaller Class Cs specs call for the 5.4 V8 instead of the 6.8 V 10. Is that true? Is that engine capable enough? Better mileage??

[Desert_Captain]

My last truck, a 2006 F-150 Scab had the 5.4 V-8 and it was an awesome motor. I towed a 22' TT that weighed in at 5,600# all over the west/southwest for 5 years without any issues. For the last 7 years I have been running my 2012 Nexus 24' class C {E-350 GVWR of 11,500# on a 2011 Ford chassis}. My understanding is that the 6.8L V-10 is the exact same motor as the 5.4 just with two additional cylinders {same bore, stroke etc.}.

Both motors are basically bulletproof but a tad thirsty. I would not want a 5.4 on any class C larger than 19 - 20' and the would not plan on doing any towing or loading heavy. The V-10 handles my C, usually with the 10' cargo trailer at between 2,200 - 2,600 additional pounds depending on what I am hauling, like a champ. Have yet to find a 6 percent grade of any length that I cannot crest the top at the speed limit {+/- 5 mph}.

If you won't be towing, loading or hauling heavy the E-350 with its 4:10 rear end will give you a smoother ride and better mileage than any E-450. We now have over 64,000 miles on the V-10 Nexus and it just keeps running better and better every trip.

:C

[carringb]

I've spent plenty of time driving 5.4's with a combined weight heavier than than E350's 11,500# GVWR. 265 horsepower is fine for that.

And yes, RJS is correct ^ All 5.4L cutaways have 4.10 gears. E350 V10 cutaways have 4.10 gears as well. All E450's have 4.56 or 5.63 gears.

The 5.4L actually makes peak HP at a slower RPM than the V10.

[rjstractor]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

carringb wrote:
The 5.4L is adequate IMO for not-towing. But anything larger than 24' will be E450 anyways. I would opt for the V10 in a short coach if you want to tow.

"Adequate" for driving the flat. It would struggle going up hill.

If I had one, I would check into installing a 4.10 rear axle, but that would kill any fuel economy improvement. A people complain how much a V10 revs. Wait until that combination of a 5.4L and a 4.10 hits a steep hill !

:? Check into installing 4.10s? IIRC the gas E350s all had 4.10s and the 450s either 4.63 or 4.56, depending on year. There were no taller gear ratios with the gas engines.

[DrewE]

The 5.4L in relatively recent model year chassis makes very nearly as much power as the 6.8L in my 1998 chassis (255 hp vs my 265 hp). It should be entirely adequate for the smaller motorhomes that come with it, based on my experience. The recent 6.8L V10's in the E series chassis are rated at 305 hp.

[ron_dittmer]

I have seen some 5.4L-E350 shorter class B+ and C's. I heard mpg increases by one, but only if the rig is small and aero-dynamic. The more serious matter with the 5.4L is the smaller 35 gallon fuel tank that goes with it. The issue for me is concerning adequate fuel for the generator.

Our rig is shy of 24 feet. I feel having the 5.4L would be adequate as long as we didn't tow. But we do tow so the V10 is the better choice.

A few rigs are very short, in the 20-21 foot length. The 5.4L would be better suited for them.

[theoldwizard1]

carringb wrote:
The 5.4L is adequate IMO for not-towing. But anything larger than 24' will be E450 anyways. I would opt for the V10 in a short coach if you want to tow.

"Adequate" for driving the flat. It would struggle going up hill.

If I had one, I would check into installing a 4.10 rear axle, but that would kill any fuel economy improvement. A people complain how much a V10 revs. Wait until that combination of a 5.4L and a 4.10 hits a steep hill !

[bobndot]

I think the cutaway chassis for rv use used the v10 but the E450 with a 5.4 was avl on some non rv configurations.

https://norcotruckcenter.com/product/ford_e450_base_9539/

[carringb]

Yes, but only in the E350 models. E450's with the Motorhome Prep Package all have the V10 as far as I know. The newer ones also had the the 6.2L engine option, which makes more horsepower but with less torque. And a lower GCWR.

The 5.4L is adequate IMO for not-towing. But anything larger than 24' will be E450 anyways. I would opt for the V10 in a short coach if you want to tow.