Challenger chassis info

[EA37TS]

For you Challenger owners or soon to be Challenger owners:

When looking at the Challenger and Ford chassis specs something didn't add up. The Challenger 37** specs have the GVWR at 22K and the wheelbase at 252 inches for the LX, ND, and TB. The specs for the GT and KT have the same GVWR and a wheelbase of 242 inches.

According to the Ford specs they do not offer the 252 inch wheelbase on the 22K GVWR F53 chassis. The longest wheelbase on this chassis is 242 inches. The 252 wheelbase is not an option until you get to the 24K GVWR chassis.

I called Ford and they ran the VIN for my coach. The chassis for my coach was delivered as a 242 in 22K chassis. Apparently Thor extended the center of the frames on the ND, LX and TB rather than go to the 24K chassis with available 252 inch wheelbase.

Just thought this may be an interesting bit of info know.

[JamieGeek]

Thor also does that with the Vegas/Axis models. I think its the Morryde guys who extend the chassis.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Thor also does that with the Vegas/Axis models. I think its the Morryde guys who extend the chassis.

I crawled under a 25.2 at a Camping World a month or so ago to see how the work was done and what was affected. I have to say I would much prefer it coming from Ford at the right wheelbase length. But I know that's not an option at this time.

In the case of Dave, it's hard to imagine the economics favor altering a chassis versus buying a higher GVWR. Thor must have other reasons to start with a lower GVWR and then stretch it. I don't know the reasoning behind doing it that way but doubt I would like it.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by dstankov

....cut...

I called Ford and they ran the VIN for my coach. The chassis for my coach was delivered as a 242 in 22K chassis. Apparently Thor extended the center of the frames on the ND, LX and TB rather than go to the 24K chassis with available 252 inch wheelbase.

Just thought this may be an interesting bit of info know.

Dave, have you looked under the motorhome to confirm the stretch? Or measured the wheelbase? Is it possible the specs you are going by are off, and that the chassis is shorter? Or that the length is longer than indicated by Ford?

The process to lengthen a chassis must be more expensive than if done at factory. It doesn't seem right that they would do it if avoidable. Have you asked Thor why they stretch instead of buy longer with slightly higher GVWR?

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Chance

Dave, have you looked under the motorhome to confirm the stretch? Or measured the wheelbase? Is it possible the specs you are going by are off, and that the chassis is shorter? Or that the length is longer than indicated by Ford?

The process to lengthen a chassis must be more expensive than if done at factory. It doesn't seem right that they would do it if avoidable. Have you asked Thor why they stretch instead of buy longer with slightly higher GVWR?

I took a tape measure and measured the wheel base before I called Ford. I called them on Friday evening, after Thor's normal business hours so I haven't talked to them.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by dstankov

I took a tape measure and measured the wheel base before I called Ford. I called them on Friday evening, after Thor's normal business hours so I haven't talked to them.

For what it's worth, on the Axis motorhome I looked under the stretch was very noticeable -- extremely easy to spot. Even though it was an E-Series stripped chassis instead of an F53, it was easy to see where the frame rails had been cut, extension/splice inserted, and reinforcement added. The exhaust pipe stretch also stood out because of the welds and different color.