Thor Forums - View Single Post - E-350/E-450 versus F-53

Chance · 10-07-2015, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beacher

Your question is posted in a forum for Class A, B, C rigs. So, you are going to get answers that lean towards the positives of the E350 E450 chassis.

If you posted this same question on a Class A forum, you would get positives all about the F53.

Ignoring the available storage and living space differences, and just focusing on handling characteristics......

I have owned both. Yes, Class A, B, and Cs handle more like the van chassis they are made from. Their smaller size and lower center of gravity means less roll and pitch as you amble down the road.

However, a nicely appointed modern Class A with "all the fixins" such as a rear track bar, sway bars, nice shocks, and a centering stabilizer system will feel very nice and comfortable during long trips also, (and you have MUCH more of everything).

Great point -- that it's difficult to ignore the Class A versus Class C difference, so let me try to ask differently.

In checking specs within Thor lines, I noticed there is significant overlap in sizes between Cs built on E-450 and As built on F-53. Some Class Cs are as long as 32 feet overall, whereas smaller As like the Ace models start well below 30-feet in length.

"Assuming" that building the cab/cockpit area as a Class A rather than using the Ford cab of a "C" doesn't add significant weight, is there any reason why Class As can't be built like the Axis/Vegas up to 30 to 32 feet in length? And also wider like most Class Cs?

Would such a motorhome be better or worse than if built on F-53? I can imagine pros like lower to ground, independent front suspension, lower unsprung weight, slightly better fuel economy, cheaper tires, etc. On the other hand the F-53 frame is stiffer, stronger, wouldn't need to be stretched, driver sits higher, etc.

Basically I'm wondering if a +/- 30-ft Class A on E-450 would be as good as if on F-53.

I realize it's hard to answer on basis of "if everything else is equal" when there is no specific motorhome to compare. At least from Thor as far as I know.