Ford E350 Handling

[samven1]

I need some emergency help and advise. I recently put a deposit on a 2015 Four Winds 22e which is really 24 ft long. It is on a E350 chassis but the dealer does have it on a GM chassis. The badge on the GM says 4500 but the specs on the door panel are less than the E350 and GM web site says these weight specs are for the 3500. I am confused about that but also wonder about the handling of the new ford chassis. I have read some horror stories about white knuckle handling of the ford and lots of money being thrown at it to correct. I really cant afford to upgrade a new motorhome right after purchase just to use it. But all the posts on handling seem to be for older pre 2008 units and I dont know if a change has been made to correct the complaints.
I have talked to the dealer about test driving the 2 units back to back but because of weather it has been tough to find a day without ice or snow. Also I will be test driving an empty unit, not loaded for a trip, we cant put water in them because the temps have been in the 20's and they are all winterized. Is there anyone with a newer 12,13,14,15 unit that is still having ford handling issues.

Thanks

[pnichols]

I have an older (2005) 24 foot Class C on the E450 chassis and, for some reason, it has always handled pretty much like a van except for the stiff ride in the rear.

I think I just recently and finally have solved the stiff ride in the rear that we especially felt on rough highway lanes. The stock Ford OEM shocks (and other aftermarket shocks) are too stiff for highway cracks and potholes in a truck chassis, but do OK on highway curves, cross winds, and going into/out-of driveways.

I just had installed Koni FSD shocks in the rear - a nice difference. FSD shocks dynamically, in real time, adjust themselves depending on the road surface. Pricey ... but so far very much worth it.

[Mich_F]

The last e series van went down the assembly line over a year ago.
They still produce the cutaway and stripped chassis versions.

[RobertRyan]

Fastpaddler wrote:
I was considering a Pleasureway Pursuit but was told unofficially that Pleasureway has stopped making them because of problems with the Ford E350 skittish handling or perhaps other issues. I had wandering front end problems with my 2002 Traillite E350 and my 2005 Winnebago Aspect. I have heard that the GM chassis is more stable but others may have some input here re this. My experiences were not good and I was happy to get my current PW Plateau TS with Sprinter MB chassis.
I now have to look at other possibilities because my wife liked the Pursuit.
AL

Not just Australian builders. Maybe the T450 when it does appear, powered by who knows, will have well and truly addressed the problem

[RobertRyan]

tpi wrote:
I have the 2011 E450 in a relatively light 24'. The out of the box handling was not that great. The body roll induced steer is probably my least favorite handling attribute...something I improved with heavier sway bars.

If I was in your shoes with the same coach built on both Ford and Chevy, I'd drive them both. Make sure you get to at least 60 MPH and that the course includes some sweeping curves. Pick the one which handles the best.

Other than handling, I do endorse the E450 wholeheartedly . The drivetrain is very solid, and service is relatively available. I'd give the Ford the nod if handling wasn't a consideration.

One reason, the handling that local builders here in Australia, shied away from using the Ford,even in a relatively small Class C. The V10 can be powered by LPG

[Journeydog]

Fastpaddler wrote:
I was considering a Pleasureway Pursuit but was told unofficially that Pleasureway has stopped making them because of problems with the Ford E350 skittish handling or perhaps other issues.

My understanding: PW has stopped using the Ford 'E' chassis and will be building on the MB Sprinter chassis for future models. The rumor mill has it that Ford will discontinue the Econoline in favor of the Transit, but will probably continue building Econoline due to a huge outcry from Econoline customers...sounds somewhat like Ford's stance on the Mustang a few years ago.

Just my dime (which still makes a good screwdriver)

[loneryder]

samven1 wrote:
That 2250 is a nice unit. Besides being on the 4500 chassis instead of the 3500 I seem to remember it had more options installed like the factory backup camera. I really thought about it too. I wish I had them put the slide in to see if I could sleep in the space that was left. If so it would have been nice to be able to grab a nap at a truck stop when on the road and have the added room once I got to a campground. Particularly the walk around bed so you dont have to crawl in and out.

I sent you a PM. Top right of the screen.

Sent you a PM reply.

[samven1]

That 2250 is a nice unit. Besides being on the 4500 chassis instead of the 3500 I seem to remember it had more options installed like the factory backup camera. I really thought about it too. I wish I had them put the slide in to see if I could sleep in the space that was left. If so it would have been nice to be able to grab a nap at a truck stop when on the road and have the added room once I got to a campground. Particularly the walk around bed so you dont have to crawl in and out.

I sent you a PM. Top right of the screen.

[loneryder]

samven1 wrote:
No, I had just put a deposit on it. They said because of the show over the weekend they could not deliver it until this week. It was sitting on their lot with my name on it. I guess it was a lucky break because that gave me more time to think and research that exact model. When I went to their web site to get the specs I noticed they had the same unit on the chevy chassis so I called and told them I would like to test drive them back to back before I took delivery. That test was just yesterday.

I talked to her this afternoon and told her I ran into you on the web. She laughed. You got the last Chevy as I had her check so I will have to go with the FR 2250 which is a couple of grand more. Thinking about it now.

[samven1]

No, I had just put a deposit on it. They said because of the show over the weekend they could not deliver it until this week. It was sitting on their lot with my name on it. I guess it was a lucky break because that gave me more time to think and research that exact model. When I went to their web site to get the specs I noticed they had the same unit on the chevy chassis so I called and told them I would like to test drive them back to back before I took delivery. That test was just yesterday.

[loneryder]

Unbelievable! Was in there yesterday. The Chevy was in the showroom and the sales mgr (Debbie) seemed to be pushing me toward the Chevy. Probably because of you.ha I got the impression that she was more willing to deal on the Chevy 2250 with the bed slide-out. She has called me today with the numbers but our cell tower is out and I can't make or receive any calls. So you got the 22E on the Chevy? We'll definitely have to make a shake-down run adn I'm a newbie. Last summer I towed the bike out to SD Black Hills and it is awesome. I did motels and it was costly. I will not spend another winter here when I have the RV.
s.bailey48@verizon.net
Did you actually take delivery of the Ford??

[samven1]

That was me. Reines have been nice people to work with. I did not go in to buy an RV but knew what floor plan I wanted and was just looking to see how different models fit and if a foot this way or that would make a difference. I put the deposit on the ford without a test drive because the weather was so bad they could not get it out of the lot. I really really wanted to get the Ford. The upgraded 8000 lb tow rating with a higher GCWR and the dash area of the ford was nicer. I just could not ignore the comfort of the Chevy. I did not even mind that the ford rode a bit harder and if I planed to stay on the highway all the time I would not even have minded the twitchy steering, but on narrow county roads with a rough surface or going over bridges I would be nervous. I have read several threads about an easy alignment fix for the Ford but I was not ready to take the chance.
I still hope I made the right decision switching to the Chevy.

By the way I plan on doing the same thing you do. Would like to tour the country. I am hoping to figure a way to put my KLR250 on the back and head out west to see the National parks so if you end up getting something maybe we can hook up for some breakin trips and newbe support.

[loneryder]

Down the road in Augusta.

[loneryder]

samven1 wrote:
I need some emergency help and advise. I recently put a deposit on a 2015 Four Winds 22e which is really 24 ft long. It is on a E350 chassis but the dealer does have it on a GM chassis. The badge on the GM says 4500 but the specs on the door panel are less than the E350 and GM web site says these weight specs are for the 3500. I am confused about that but also wonder about the handling of the new ford chassis. I have read some horror stories about white knuckle handling of the ford and lots of money being thrown at it to correct. I really cant afford to upgrade a new motorhome right after purchase just to use it. But all the posts on handling seem to be for older pre 2008 units and I dont know if a change has been made to correct the complaints.
I have talked to the dealer about test driving the 2 units back to back but because of weather it has been tough to find a day without ice or snow. Also I will be test driving an empty unit, not loaded for a trip, we cant put water in them because the temps have been in the 20's and they are all winterized. Is there anyone with a newer 12,13,14,15 unit that is still having ford handling issues.

Thanks

I'm down the road from you and in the same situation. I want to get the Thor 22E or the Forest River 2250 on a Chevy. Thor is on the Ford. I'm struggling with the same stuff. What dealer are you dealing with? Right now I'm talking to Reines in Manassas. They have both and I'm waiting to hear from them on what deal they can offer. I have not driven but sat in both and the Chevy has more room and seat adjustment. Driver comfort is important to me because of a bad back and the fact that I'm going to use it to see the country towing my Harley. The sales mgr. told me yesterday that last week they sold the Ford 22e to a guy doing the same thing as me. He was a big guy and after having the ford for a week, he came back and wanted to drive the Chevy. He did and came back and asked if he could swap. They are good people and did the switch. So I'm leaning toward the Chevy 2250LE and hoping they can meet my price requirements. I'll keep you posted and you please do the same.

[samven1]

I just wanted to add something to this post that I found interesting. Some people have wondered how the Chevy could be rated so close to the same GVWR as the Ford but ride softer. I did some research on this and found out that the Ford front GAWR is 5000 and rear GAWR is 8500. Even though the GVWR is 12500 the axles add up to 13500. The Chevy front GAWR is 4700 and the rear GAWR is 7500. This adds up to the rated GVWR of 12200. So even though you should not load more than the factory GVWR the springs in the ford are rated for 1000lbs more and hence the stiffer ride. And maybe the reason some people say its safe to overload your ford but not your chevy.

Edit:
After taking delivery of the Chevy I found a label on the driver door that says GVWR 12300, GAWR Front 4300, GAWR Rear 8600. This differs from the spec sheet of the cutaway online so now I dont have a clue why it feels softer.