Will a 24' Class B+ on an E450 Chassis be too rough

[Bside60]

We want a Phoenix Cruiser 2350. I am deciding whether to go with an E350 chassis or an E450 chassis. We want to be able tow a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4 down comfortably in the Colorado mountains but don't want to get beat up by a rough ride when not towing. Any input is welcome.
Thanks

[Bside60]

camperdave wrote:
I'm not sure how an E450 would help you anyway, sine you are flat towing (ie: no tongue weight). The biggest advantage is the extra GVWR, isn't it?

Here is some of what I've found regarding the E450 advantages over an E350: "an E450 gives you bigger brakes for more time between brake jobs, more transmission cooling for less heat load on the engine and longer transmission life, a 4.5 inch wider rear dually stance for better lateral stability offroad and in high side winds, pump boosted power steering instead of vacuum boosted power steering, thicker steel in the chassis frame for less frame torsional twisting transfer into the coach box, and lower differential gearing when pulling up long grades for less heat load on the V10 in hot weather".

I am still learning though and value any opinions.

[John___Angela]

ron.dittmer wrote:

John & Angela wrote:
The difference between the E350 and the E450 is the E450 comes stock with a rear sway bar.

This is true only for the 2007 E350 and older. The 2008 and newer get one straight from Ford, though not heavy duty like an aftermarket bar. Some people change out the Ford stock bars for thicker more effective ones. I suppose it's a "Wait-N-See" scenerio whether you need one or not on the 2008 or newer chassis. Maybe a 24 footer won't, but a 31 footer will.

Thanks for the info. Nice to know. We went with the Helwig sway bar, bilstein shocks all around and supersprings on the back. Handles like a sport truck now. Better clearance on the back as well.

[ron_dittmer]

John & Angela wrote:
The difference between the E350 and the E450 is the E450 comes stock with a rear sway bar.

This is true only for the 2007 E350 and older. The 2008 and newer get one straight from Ford, though not heavy duty like an aftermarket bar. Some people change out the Ford stock bars for thicker more effective ones. I suppose it's a "Wait-N-See" scenerio whether you need one or not on the 2008 or newer chassis. Maybe a 24 footer won't, but a 31 footer will.

[John___Angela]

We have an E350 chassis under our motorhome. The difference between the E350 and the E450 is the E450 comes stock with a rear sway bar. We added a rear sway bar to our E350 and it makes a HUUUUGE difference. I would get the E450 just for that reason. Or add one to the E350 after.

Happy trails

[ron_dittmer]

rcase13 wrote:
But that could be the Hellwig helper springs causing it.

More springs will make a suspension stiffer. If you don't need them, I would remove them. But if your rear is dragging on the street, then keep them.

[rvten]

Our 28' class c on a E450. Rides very well. Not ruff at all.
You need a little weight to make the support spring's work.

[camperdave]

I'm not sure how an E450 would help you anyway, sine you are flat towing (ie: no tongue weight). The biggest advantage is the extra GVWR, isn't it?

[tgdameron]

We have a 2014 Thor Chateau 31A on the F-450 chassis and the ride is good. Before this coach we had an 08 F-450 pickup with a 5th wheel and it was one rough ride.

We weigh in a 13,980# fully loaded as we normally travel. We pull an 09 Honda CR-V.

[rcase13]

I have a 28' e450 Jayco and the ride is very rough. The suspension is extremely tight in the rear. My motorhome weighs 12000lbs fully loaded. We are constantly tightening pipes and fixing shelves etc. because they get shaken loose. Jayco has the Hellwig helper springs on my MH and I wonder if that is the cause. They are easy to adjust. Is there any harm in adjusting them looser?

So in my opinion yes I think the e450 might be a little too rough for just 24'. But that could be the Hellwig helper springs causing it. I will be very interested to see what others say. I am new to all this.