2023 Ford Transit T-350 HD New Option

[Chance]

Ford has added a Transit T-350 HD SRW option with 9,950 pound GVWR to vans, Cutaway, and Chassis Cab for 2023 Model Year.

The Heavy Duty 9,950-pound GVWR option previously required DRW, but now it comes both ways. The higher Transit 10,360- and 11,000-pound options are still DRW only.

It may not end up making a difference, but with fuel economy being more important than ever, this chassis option should allow RV manufacturers to design and build a greater variety of compact Class B+ and C.

It is interesting to consider that the difference in payload versus original Compass diesel T-350 chassis must be very low, if not higher. The original 3.2L diesel was quite a bit heavier than gasoline V6, plus SRW weigh less than DRW. Between these two weight advantages, a SRW Class B+ similar to Compass should be very possible even though GVWR is 410 pounds lower.

Thoughts on RV manufacturers taking advantage of this option?

[ducksface]

Not builders, except for cost savings if there is any.
Aftermarket to satisfy ride-whine, yes.
Weaker shocks, stronger shocks, New sumo, New sway bars, new leveling kits, new snake-oil.
A whole new market opens for those dissatisfied.

Sometimes, options lead to indecision which leads to terminal misgivings and 'what ifs' and 'I you so'

[Chance]

By the way, about 5 years ago there was an “advertisement” showing what appeared to be a RWD Transit B+ motorhome with Single Rear Wheels. Maybe Ford hasn’t given up completely and is counting on RV downsizing trend creating new demand; particularly now with higher fuel costs.

On commercial side of business, a Transit with 9,950-pound GVWR competes with heavier SRW E-350 rated at 10,050 pounds; thus payload about the same.

Can Thor Chateau 19G or similar on newer Transit be far behind?

.