Quote:
Originally Posted by lazinskm
Chance,
I agree w/ you- I don't really understand why you would get these larger RUV's over getting a small F-53 class A.... Prices, sizes are about the same, but you get a more robust chassis with A class.
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Sorry for delay in getting back — was traveling by air.
Considering that initial cost and fuel economy of larger RUVs is very similar to comparable-size Class As on F-53 chassis, I’m not sure there is much incentive to go with a RUV from my perspective. However, there are some advantages, like lower floor which should make getting in and out easier as we get older, and may also help older pets.
Axis/Vegas RUVs also have 16” wheels and tires which are cheaper to replace, stocked at more tire locations, and weigh less if you’re the type to change a flat yourself (I am).
Another advantage is that E-Series chassis has independent front suspension which we’d have to think rides and handles better than solid axle with leaf springs.
Regarding size, Ford offers the F-53 in many wheelbase and weight ratings, and the shortest are actually shorter than the Axis/Vegas after being stretched. Regarding weight capacity, the E-Series goes up to 14,500 pounds, while the F-53 starts at 16,000 pounds and goes up from there.
A few years back (not 100% certain it’s still true), the front wheel cut on F-53 was greater/better than on the E-Series. This means an F-53 of identical length should turn tighter than a Class C or Axis/Vegas of equal length and wheelbase.
By the way, I’ve seen specs on some Class Cs with wheelbase up around 224 inches, and it must take a lot of room to make a U-Turn.
I really like smaller, lighter, fuel efficient, and more maneuverable motorhomes, and that’s where I see the E-Series-based RUV like Axis and Vegas having best advantage — but only in smaller sizes like original 24.1 Floorplan, or even smaller like many of the European Hymer Class As. Much larger than that and I’d go with standard Class A like my sister’s Windsport.
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