Thoughts on manufacturers
Since I'm in the market for a used Class C, out of necessity, I'm open to a variety of different manufacturers. Without wanting this to turn into a brand loyalty debate, what can you guys tell me abou...
Forum Discussion
BFL13 wrote:Please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe there are 3 Ford-standard wheel bases, 138", 158", and 176". The 176" is rarely used in the shorter lengths. Keep in-mind that some RV outfitters adjust the wheel base to fit their particular floor plans. There are Ford & Chevy approved shops doing it for a living. It sounds like a science project given all the specialty parts required, but I believe everything is available from Ford & Chevy in particular increments.ron.dittmer wrote:I don't know much about other Class Cs or Fords, but am curious about the above figures.
I agree in that 25 feet is a good cut-off between a Ford E350 and an E450 chassis, a Chevy 3500 and a 4500.
An E350 chassis at 24-11" would be fine as long as the frame was stretched increasing the 158" wheel base to notably more. This would better distribute the weight between front and rear axles, properly utilizing the extra load capability of the front axle.
Most short rigs have too much weight on the rear axle, and too little weight on the front axle causing "rear end sag". The condition also negatively affects handling. Our 11 year old E350 rig is 23'-8" long with a Ford standard 158" wheel base suffers from it. I had to invest in suspension upgrades to get the handling just right. Our rear end sag is very slight, a non-issue.
The 1991 E350 dually we got last year (see pic in profile) has a wheel base of 176 inches and has 140 inch overhang behind that, the way I measured it. (front to rear axles) That is 26.3 feet and brochure says the Rv is 28.5 overall, so add a couple feet from front axle to front bumper as well.
I have no clue where that 158" comes from. Is our E350 something special? Or is that for newer ones? I can say our rear axle is maxed even before we load anything, and it came with air bags OEM. The RV maker put more "house" on there than the "incomplete truck" was supposed to carry it seems. Still on the road though! :)
Adjusting the wheel base when needed, helps with the various floor plans and lengths. Personally I appreciated keeping the 158" standard wheel base with our rig. The longest standard 176" would have been ideal, but then the wheel well for the left/rear pair of tires would be in the middle of our bathroom floor. With our low-profile rig with over-all lower ceiling, a step-up raised bathroom floor wouldn't work. :(
