2021 Ford E-Series Information

[Bob Denman]

Maybe so... but Dodge's 3.9 that they originally put in the Dakota pickups was a gutless wonder!
(The 5.2 V-8 was a LOT more fun! )

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

My Missus just ordered a 2020 EcoSport... So is it an "Eco"; or a "Sport"?
Certainly not both!

Its just a Fiesta that someone hooked a compressor to and inflated it a little.

[Bob Denman]

Dude... That's mean!
I had one of the original ones from Germany (1970), and it was a HOOT!
But Sonny-Boy bought a 2011, and it wrecked my fondest memories.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1574262781

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Dude... That's mean!
I had one of the original ones from Germany (1970), and it was a HOOT!
But Sonny-Boy bought a 2011, and it wrecked my fondest memories.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1574262781

LOL! Its kind of the truth: The Escape is just an inflated Focus (ok they used CAD instead of a compressor ). The EcoSport's base is a Fiesta.

The second generation of the EcoSport was developed under Ford's global product development process in Ford Brazil Development Center . It was based on the 2011 Ford Fiesta B2E platform and it was launched globally.

From the EcoSport's Wiki entry.

[Bob Denman]

The Missus had better not see this.

[Chance]

Ford started showing additional information for E-350, E-450, F-53 and F-59 Stripped Chassis on their web site. Interesting enough they haven’t updated the E-350 and E-450 Cutaway information yet.

Regarding the E-350 and E-450 Stripped Chassis, pictures show the new engine seems significantly smaller than V10 even though larger in displacement.

The battery location is shown by front passenger corner, but the Body Builders Layout Book shows that when equipped with optional dual batteries, they are located just outside of passenger-side frame rail at about center of wheelbase. This could eliminate the difficulty in getting to Axis and Vegas chassis/starting battery. However, batteries outside of frame rail could interfere with outside storage compartments.

Lastly, new specs show that the 7.3L V8 in E-350/450 will have dual alternator option, whereas it does not show that option for the F-53 motorhome Stripped Chassis. For newer motorhomes that are incorporating greater house battery capacity, I think the 397 Amp combined alternator capacity could be a real plus, particularly if cost is well under $1,000 as I expect.


P.S. — Initially it looked like the steering column had been lowered so that driver would sit lower like in the Cutaway van, but I think it’s only an optical illusion. Too bad though, because a flat floor in smaller Class A could improve some floorplans IMO.

[Bob Denman]

Thanks for this update...

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Chance

Ford started showing additional information for E-350, E-450, F-53 and F-59 Stripped Chassis on their web site. Interesting enough they haven’t updated the E-350 and E-450 Cutaway information yet.

Regarding the E-350 and E-450 Stripped Chassis, pictures show the new engine seems significantly smaller than V10 even though larger in displacement.

The battery location is shown by front passenger corner, but the Body Builders Layout Book shows that when equipped with optional dual batteries, they are located just outside of passenger-side frame rail at about center of wheelbase. This could eliminate the difficulty in getting to Axis and Vegas chassis/starting battery. However, batteries outside of frame rail could interfere with outside storage compartments.

Lastly, new specs show that the 7.3L V8 in E-350/450 will have dual alternator option, whereas it does not show that option for the F-53 motorhome Stripped Chassis. For newer motorhomes that are incorporating greater house battery capacity, I think the 397 Amp combined alternator capacity could be a real plus, particularly if cost is well under $1,000 as I expect.


P.S. — Initially it looked like the steering column had been lowered so that driver would sit lower like in the Cutaway van, but I think it’s only an optical illusion. Too bad though, because a flat floor in smaller Class A could improve some floorplans IMO.

You don’t think manufacturers like Tor or Forest River for example are going to offer dual chassis batteries or alternators on low end coaches do you? It will allow custom builders to offer it as a high end/price option

[Chance]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

You don’t think manufacturers like Tor or Forest River for example are going to offer dual chassis batteries or alternators on low end coaches do you? It will allow custom builders to offer it as a high end/price option

I actually see the dual-alternator option having applications at both extremes. On Transit vans it’s priced under $1,000, so I’d personally pay for the upgrade on just about any chassis that it’s available. It’s better to have it and not need it kind of thing.

As example, Coachmen Cross Trek line, which are relatively low cost entry-level motorhomes, don’t have a generator but include a large 330 Ah battery and large inverter to power microwave, etc. These low-cost Coachmen motorhomes (and others like them) could benefit from faster battery re-charging.

For higher-end gas coaches like a Challenger, having dual-alternators in addition to a generator could allow running a rooftop A/C while driving without having to run the generator.


I see the possibility of a “poor man’s” electrical system that can do 80% of what a Volta Electrical system can do, but for about 20% of the price (using the 80/20 rule loosely). For much less than $2,000 I think an RV manufacturer can upgrade an inexpensive coach similar to a Cross Trek by adding the dual alternator option plus an extra 330 Ah AGM battery. With 660 Ah and ability to charge quickly, I would consider going without built-in generator (granted, a tough choice)

This could be the first small step towards mass electrification of the modern RV house — with or without a generator as a backup.

[Bob Denman]

I agree that it shows promise...
But I'll have to see a whole lot more: before you can pry my generator "From my cold, dead hands."

[Chance]

Dual alternators and dual batteries may be nice options depending on motorhome design, but I’m also looking forward to seeing and hearing the new V8.

I’m curious if any group or publication will test otherwise identical motorhomes with new V8 against old V10.

If new engine is as small as it looks in pictures, it should make working on it in Class Cs a little easier. Below is picture of V8 in an F-53 or F-59, not sure which one.

[16ACE27]

It DOES look easier to work on without the house on top of it.

[Chance]

Good one.

On Class Cs (and older vans like mine) the V10 is mostly under the dash which makes it difficult to work on (at least for me). There’s little room to reach or see much. The smaller heads of the pushrod V8 should help provide added clearance. The 7.3L doesn’t look much larger than a small block V8 to me. We’ll see soon enough.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

It DOES look easier to work on without the house on top of it.

I agree! Just unzip the bodywork, and slide if off into a pile...

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Chance

....

I’m curious if any group or publication will test otherwise identical motorhomes with new V8 against old V10.

It's on the calendar, right after they test the different ride characteristics of pink and blue unicorns.

[Bob Denman]

You might find some comparisons in the truck magazines...

[Chance]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

It's on the calendar, right after they test the different ride characteristics of pink and blue unicorns.

Years ago one of the main RV magazines tested Ford V10 versus Chevy V8 and did a comparison of acceleration, hill climbing, and fuel economy if I recall correctly.

Obviously comparing old versus new Fords is different and has less competitive importance; unless Ford does it to promote higher MPGs, power, etc...

[Bob Denman]

I want to be there; when they test those unicorns!

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

You might find some comparisons in the truck magazines...

They’ll test 7.3L V8 against diesel for sure.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I want to be there; when they test those unicorns!

On the schedule. Fourteenth Thursday of the third November in 2021. I haven't found them yet but supposedly tickets are on sale now. Right now the odds are pink by 5 to 3.