New Ford Chassis

[way2roll]

Looks like the new Ford Chassis models are hitting showroom floors. I've seen very little info on these but the claim is that the new V8 has more power and is also more quiet. I also heard that the chassis rides smoother. Anyone have a chance to check them out in person?

I was always under the school of thought to pass on first generation models until they get the bugs worked out but if they are more quiet it could solve a lot of issues that the old F53 has/had.

[dodge_guy]

Yep, the workhorse wasn't the best chassis. I think it was just the 1 ton front suspension that was used?
Ford could do it if they wanted too. Just make it robust and don't make it marginal!

[wolfe10]

The Chevy/Workhorse P chassis had IFS. NOT a poster child for a good gas chassis!

The Workhorse W with solid front axle was a real step up.

[wallynm]

I think they are talking about gas chassis that have IFS no DPs. I know of no gas unit with IFS.

Blaster Man wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Not enough of a change to be excited about!
Let’s see independent front suspension, and an air ride option.

That would be a HUGE cost increase ! One of the reasons that the F53 sells well is it low cost compared to other manufacturers.

(Do ANY Class A's actually have independent front suspension ?)

Most of the larger Class A RVs have IFS.

[way2roll]

Throws a wrench in my shopping. might mean that leftover 2020 models could be discounted as demand for the newer chassis rises once word gets out of the changes. But then why would I buy a 2021 when the 2022 might get air bags and air brakes?

[dodge_guy]

I certainly hope it's in the works. I've been complaining about the harsh ride for years. And I just bought mine last year! I've driven them before and ridden in them. Yes it's bad enough that it far overdue!

[RedRollingRoadb]

dodge guy wrote:
Not enough of a change to be excited about!
Let’s see independent front suspension, and an air ride option. Maybe they can gear them properly, many are under geared which makes them extremely slow, and OD useless. Not too mention having to turn on Tow Haul every time you start it!

The air ride option might be sooner than some think.

Ford’s 7.3L engine, an integrated air compressor will be available for the first time for the 2022 model year. The compressor can be used to power air brakes, air suspension, and other accessories like air horns or air ride seats. Currently, air brakes are only available on diesel-powered trucks.

https://www.truckinginfo.com/352305/ford-announces-new-options-for-medium-duty-lineup

While it doesn't say that it will be offered on the F53 it doesn't rule it out.

[Blaster_Man]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Not enough of a change to be excited about!
Let’s see independent front suspension, and an air ride option.

That would be a HUGE cost increase ! One of the reasons that the F53 sells well is it low cost compared to other manufacturers.

(Do ANY Class A's actually have independent front suspension ?)

Most of the larger Class A RVs have IFS.

[dodge_guy]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
The air suspension would be absorbed by the higher end class A coaches. I would pay to have it.

Rear air springs would be nice, but probably add almost $10,000 to the base price.

dodge guy wrote:
As far as the independent front suspension. GM had it under their chassis.

A Class A is basically a Medium Duty truck, (like an F650/F750). I don't know of any Medium Duty truck built today that uses an independent front suspension.

Class C are built on a lighter chassis and yes, GM does have IFS.

dodge guy wrote:
While they are at it they could add a trac bar to the rear axle.

I am a retired automotive engineer with 31 years of experience. I feel qualified to tell you that a "track bar" (proper name is Panhard rod/bar) is not the correct solution to reduce body roll/sway. A better sway bar is the correct answer, and if you watched the video I linked before, you will see that the 2021 F53 has an upgraded rear sway bar.

dodge guy wrote:
GM or Chrysler could jump in and design a chassis just like I stated ...

Chrysler got out the the Medium Duty truck business over 30 years ago. Gm got out over 10 years ago.

It unlikely that either will get back in that market place because of the billions of dollars it would take to design and tool up manufacturing. The only reason Ford is still in the business is because they have capable diesel and gasoline engines and transmissions that they upgraded from their Super Duty pickup truck line.

I agree with you on some, but....

A 4 corner air ride option from an OEM would be far less than $10k

You are correct, their is no MDT that has independent font suspension. But the time has come for it to happen, the basic chassis is modeled after trucks from the 40's!

And yes hey added a rear sway bar, but adding a rear trac bar/pang are bar would definitely make driving it that much better. Mine has larger front and rear Hellwigs and it handles much better than my buddy's 2017. But it still has the rear steer from the axle movement!

And yes, I doubt (unfortunately) that GM or Chrysler will ever develop a chassis. Which is a shame because Ford needs the competition to make the chassis better.

Yes, the electronics integration is nice, but it's like putting a Bluetooth touchscreen stereo with a backup camera in a model T! Yes it makes it seem newer, but it's still installed in an archaic chassis and does nothing for it's safety!!!!

[garyemunson]

The Ford F53 page mentions this as optional:

Driver Assist Technology: Automatic Emergency Braking, Distance Alert/Distance Indication, Post-collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert System and Auto-High Beam Control

I'd pay for that!!

GM sold their medium truck operation to Workhorse in the 90's. Workhorse seems to be struggling today.

[theoldwizard1]

dodge guy wrote:
The air suspension would be absorbed by the higher end class A coaches. I would pay to have it.

Rear air springs would be nice, but probably add almost $10,000 to the base price.

dodge guy wrote:
As far as the independent front suspension. GM had it under their chassis.

A Class A is basically a Medium Duty truck, (like an F650/F750). I don't know of any Medium Duty truck built today that uses an independent front suspension.

Class C are built on a lighter chassis and yes, GM does have IFS.

dodge guy wrote:
While they are at it they could add a trac bar to the rear axle.

I am a retired automotive engineer with 31 years of experience. I feel qualified to tell you that a "track bar" (proper name is Panhard rod/bar) is not the correct solution to reduce body roll/sway. A better sway bar is the correct answer, and if you watched the video I linked before, you will see that the 2021 F53 has an upgraded rear sway bar.

dodge guy wrote:
GM or Chrysler could jump in and design a chassis just like I stated ...

Chrysler got out the the Medium Duty truck business over 30 years ago. Gm got out over 10 years ago.

It unlikely that either will get back in that market place because of the billions of dollars it would take to design and tool up manufacturing. The only reason Ford is still in the business is because they have capable diesel and gasoline engines and transmissions that they upgraded from their Super Duty pickup truck line.

[dodge_guy]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Not enough of a change to be excited about!
Let’s see independent front suspension, and an air ride option.

That would be a HUGE cost increase ! One of the reasons that the F53 sells well is it low cost compared to other manufacturers.

(Do ANY Class A's actually have independent front suspension ?)

The air suspension would be absorbed by the higher end class A coaches. I would pay to have it.

As far as the independent front suspension. GM had it under their chassis. It would put them in the 21st century as far as ride and handling go. it wouldn't cost that much to design it. while they are at it they could add a trac bar to the rear axle. lots of needed upgrades for minimal cost and effort. would put them at the front of the competition they need and don't have. GM or Chrysler could jump in and design a chassis just like I stated and Ford would be scrambling to get it done.

[theoldwizard1]

dodge guy wrote:
Not enough of a change to be excited about!
Let’s see independent front suspension, and an air ride option.

That would be a HUGE cost increase ! One of the reasons that the F53 sells well is it low cost compared to other manufacturers.

(Do ANY Class A's actually have independent front suspension ?)

[dodge_guy]

Not enough of a change to be excited about!
Let’s see independent front suspension, and an air ride option. Maybe they can gear them properly, many are under geared which makes them extremely slow, and OD useless. Not too mention having to turn on Tow Haul every time you start it!

[way2roll]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

way2roll wrote:
Looks like the new Ford Chassis models are hitting showroom floors. I've seen very little info on these but the claim is that the new V8 has more power and is also more quiet. I also heard that the chassis rides smoother.

Watch this video ! It does cover some other subjects but it has a short test drive of a 2021 Class A chassis.

Thanks, so it looks like a lot of suspension upgrades will dramatically alter the ride. No mention of the noise though. I guess a lot of that is still dependent on RV manufacturer insulation and build quality. No real mention of road feedback that's so problematic on the old F53. Hated the bone shattering feedback on separation joints and bad roads.