No More Axis 450 Chassis?

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Oneilkeys

I think we are getting off point here. The thing we are discussing is the difference between a 24.1 on a 350 vs a 450 chassis. The GVWR for a 350 is 12,500 lbs (unless they have changed it recently). The GVWR for a 450 is 14,500 lbs. My 2014 Vegas fully loaded for a 2-3 month trip always weighed out right around 12,500 lbs. My 2016 Axis, full loaded weighs out almost exactly the same. All the additional GVWR is over the rear axel. I feel more comfortable with 14,500 GVWR. I don’t know if it really makes that much difference.

Exactly, should it really matter to most buyers?

Thor transitioned 24.1 from E-350 to E-450 due to emissions, not because the Axis/Vegas 24.1 was too heavy for an E-350.

Maybe you can help clear up this issue by posting your E-350’s certified scale weight to see how close the rear axle was to the 8,500-pound rating. If you have the E-450’s also then please post both.

[Chance]

Don’t know if this remained accurate or even close, but Thor originally estimated 24.1 dry weight well under chassis rating.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Chance

Don’t know if this remained accurate or even close, but Thor originally estimated 24.1 dry weight well under chassis rating.

Well, shortly after we picked ours up, fully loaded with 3 of us in it, full fuel, fresh water, and full propane (empty waste tanks) it was 11,500lbs.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Well, shortly after we picked ours up, fully loaded with 3 of us in it, full fuel, fresh water, and full propane (empty waste tanks) it was 11,500lbs.

Exactly, not every application requires an E-450.

If anything, I’d like to see Thor take a serious look at cutting significant weight out of small Class A to get it under 10,000 pounds when loaded like yours. I think it’s very doable using a Coachmen Cross Trek design approach.

[TMD]

Go with a Sprinter. You can't beat the Sprinter in the C Class.

[Bob Denman]

I agree...

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1574703826

[TimmyB]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Our 2014 Axis 24.1 is also one of the originals, also on an E-350. I've only scaled it once so I'm sure I'm heavier now than I was (um recliners instead of couch ?!?) but when I did scale it I was only at 11,500 lbs with full gas, water, and propane with 3 passengers on board. I would imagine with full waste tanks as well it would be approaching GVWR. (Not to mention that I've been pulling cars at least 3500lbs for the past few years but that only contributes to GCWR.)

Really haven't noticed any issues with the weight.

I had a moment of panic when I was driving to Michigan this weekend. A smaller RV went by us while towing an SUV on a Uhaul car hauler, probably 7,000 pounds or so. My wife mentioned that you don't see that every day and I said, "Yeah, but our Vegas could handle it." Then, just for fun, I went to the specs page for our rig and it said the GVWR was only 12,500 and I KNOW I'm over that!!! As soon as we stopped for food, I rechecked the sticker from Ford next to my driver's seat and sure enough, GVWR of 14,500 pounds! What the heck, Thor. Not like overloading your vehicle is dangerous, or anything. These numbers should actually match what your chassis manufacturer says they are, right?

[Chance]

Originally Posted by TMD

Go with a Sprinter. You can't beat the Sprinter in the C Class.

Agree the Sprinter is an excellent choice for smaller Class Cs, but it’s not ideal for all applications. For example, not everyone wants a diesel, and the Sprinter Cutaway isn’t available with gasoline engine. It’s also more expensive than Ford and Chevy, and has lower GVWR and GCWR.

The Sprinter chassis rear axle is also fairly narrow, so while it lends itself to smaller and narrower motorhomes (most are ~ 90 inches wide), it wouldn’t work well for most wide-body Class Cs in the 99~102 inch range.

The Sprinter is definitely more refined, but the Ford E-Series is more rugged (body on frame) and much more powerful for those looking to tow large and heavy trailers.

I like the Sprinter a lot, but prefer the Ford E-Series for Class C motorhomes better due to large and more powerful gas engines, rugged truck design, dealer network, gas fuel for generator, etc...


P.S. — By the way, Sprinter Stripped chassis also made for a very nice Class A motorhome built by Winnebago, which was a bit smaller than Axis 24.1.

[IDguy]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

Look at the VIN
If the text in positions 5-7 is E3K its an E350 and if its E4K it is an E450

Call the dealer and ask for the VIN

Getting a new 2019 ACE 30.4. Brochure says F-53 Chassis. VIN has F5 in positions 5 and 6.

I am told the F53 V10 has 50 more HP due to 3 valve variant of the V10. When I drove it performance matched my Leprechaun Class C, which is on E450.

[IDguy]

Originally Posted by TMD

Go with a Sprinter. You can't beat the Sprinter in the C Class.

As long as you stay on pavement you are OK with Sprinter. It’ll kill you on a washboard dirt road. Don’t even think about taking it to Alaska.

[taylorbob1]

Originally Posted by IDguy

Getting a new 2019 ACE 30.4. Brochure says F-53 Chassis. VIN has F5 in positions 5 and 6.

I am told the F53 V10 has 50 more HP due to 3 valve variant of the V10. When I drove it performance matched my Leprechaun Class C, which is on E450.

From the Google...

F-53 320HP

The F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis are powered by the standard 6.8L 3-valve V10 with 6-speed TorqShift® automatic. The 6.8L features a free-breathing 3-valve-per-cylinder induction system and generates an impressive 320 horsepower and 460 lb. -ft. of torque.

[Chance]

The 3-valve V10 was rated up to 362 HP at one point, but ratings were revised a few years ago. I’m not sure the engine can only make 320 HP as much as I expect it’s the revised dyno rating used for some heavy duty applications.

The same thing applies to new upcoming 7.3L V8, which has power and torque ratings cut off at the same 3,900 RPM. The same engine in Super Duty pickups has max power rated at 5,500 RPM, yet for F53 chassis rating is cut off at 3,900 RPM. I just can’t see either engine getting to 3,900 RPMs and stopping there, particularly when we have pictures of dash with engine redline much higher than that for 7.3L V8.


V8 in F-250 and F350:

430 HP @ 5,500 rpm
475 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm


V8 in larger trucks, F53, F59, and E-Series:

350 HP @ 3,900 rpm
468 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm

[IDguy]

Originally Posted by taylorbob1

From the Google...

F-53 320HP

The F-53 Motorhome Stripped Chassis and F-59 Commercial Stripped Chassis are powered by the standard 6.8L 3-valve V10 with 6-speed TorqShift® automatic. The 6.8L features a free-breathing 3-valve-per-cylinder induction system and generates an impressive 320 horsepower and 460 lb. -ft. of torque.

Right. I was looking at torque.