TriumphGuy wrote:
Hi all,
I see similar topics going on right now but don't want to hijack so here goes...
We switched our GS magazine "option" to MH magazine (from Trailer Life) in anticipation of going to a MH in the next year. I've since seen two issues where they review a MH on the Ford chassis and complain how "bad" it is.
Bad is a relative term – compared to …. what? I own and drive a 1996 F350 and I also owned and drove a gas Trop-i-Cal on a F-53 (66,000 miles) chassis – I love them both but they are totally different animals. I use the truck for Hauling a Gooseneck trailer with a small Bobcat loader, it pulls great, goes straight and stops …but it is not a joy to drive, either loaded or unloaded. While the F-53 was not perfect, it was, fun, comfortable, safe, and a house on wheels, cruised at 72, stopped, and handled well.
I just want to know how bad "bad" is ... my frame of reference is my TV in my sig (2000 F250 7.3 towing a 35' 5er). My truck ain't exactly a handling machine, and the steering is kinda numb - but it generally goes straight and stays straight.
Because we are using similar vehicles for comparison let me just say IMHO, the Trop-i-Cal was a dream compared to the F350. And if the two were sitting out there as the only two options I would not hesitate to take off in the Trop-i-Cal, (And drive to California – from Maryland). The truck would require a pot of gold at the end of the trip, with it being the only option for getting it to the bank. : )
I'm fairly picky when it comes to my cars - wanting direct feedback and excellent handling through twisty roads, but I don't expect that out of a heavy duty vehicle. I expect my truck to handle like a truck but be fairly stable and predictable. I also expect the same out of a MH ... reasonable expectation? I've read about the "cheap handling fix" that many do - some add sumo springs ... etc. I can handle some level of aftermarket modding, I do it to all my other vehicles :)
I like to think I’m picky also, with the exception that I like to think I’m pretty educated in knowing what to expect in the vehicle I’m driving. (I often will just go for a drive – in the car for – to get away)
Most of the MH we're looking at have the Ford v10, some have the Workhorse and a couple odd ones are on the FRED chassis.
I think you will need to drive it yourself to be sure – and if I were you I’d request a long- 60 mile+ drive to see how you like it. I was in Heavy Construction for 30 years so I have driven all types of vehicles and like to think I have some idea how they work – IMHO you need to remember you are going to be sitting in the front seat of a house – sitting on a truck – driving down the road - albeit a very comfortable set up it is still a house on a truck – not a Lexus.
thanks!
Tried to address your questions and hope this is some help, we loved the Trop-i-Cal but a DP is just another step up in the progression of RVing, so we progressed - I just needed a little more space and a little more quality, hence the DP in my signature. But we enjoyed driving the F-53 Coast to Coast and all through the Rockies and the East Coast, it was a blast to drive and served me well.
BOL,
Last little bit of advice - load it up and then get a wheel alignment - you and most other drivers of F-53 will be amazed at the difference that will make, in both the ride and handling.
