Ford and Thor

[ww8q]

I am not sure this video would pertain to all of Thor Motorcoaches, but thought it might be interest to some.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esw81Tmpn4w

[16ACE27]

So much mis-information in this video.

Can't adjust caster/camber on an E350 chassis? - I have never owned one but I have seen numerous posts about adjusting the caster on E350/E450 MHs to +5 degrees for better handling. How can that be done if there is no adjustment? The alignment shop may have to put different adjustment sleeves in to get to that measurement, but how is that much different than installing different size shims on other vehicles?

Safe-T-Plus makes "fixes" for this problem? - Nothing Safe-T-Plus sells will change the caster alignment of any vehicle. They may help stabilization and handling, but not the alignment.

Ford is the only chassis manufacturer for gas motorhomes? - Class C MHs on the Chevy chassis would disagree with that statement.

I'm guessing this will be settled long before it's in sight of a courtroom.

[ducksface]

Simply
Pure unadultered whining crap.
Hausfrau diagnosis at best, absolute lies at worst.
It is truly,
Unbelievable.
As in
Meritless.

[ww8q]

Does the F53 have casters that can be adjusted?

[Trophy1200]

Plus two new alignment terms, candour and casper……

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by ww8q

Does the F53 have casters that can be adjusted?

Caster is a measurement, not a thing. Can you adjust the caster on a F53 chassis? - yes, with shims.

But to adjust the camber, just like in the old Ford twin I-beam pickup trucks, you have to bend the beams/axle.

[ww8q]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Caster is a measurement, not a thing. Can you adjust the caster on a F53 chassis? - yes, with shims.

But to adjust the camber, just like in the old Ford twin I-beam pickup trucks, you have to bend the beams/axle.

Thanks for the info.

[Beau388]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Caster is a measurement, not a thing. Can you adjust the caster on a F53 chassis? - yes, with shims.

But to adjust the camber, just like in the old Ford twin I-beam pickup trucks, you have to bend the beams/axle.

Most commercial truck shops have the bending bars for the Ford I-beams. It is easily done in an alignment pit. Those Ford box trucks hit a lot of curbs.

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by Beau388

Most commercial truck shops have the bending bars for the Ford I-beams. It is easily done in an alignment pit. Those Ford box trucks hit a lot of curbs.

Exactly.
It ain't nothin' new.
1966ish?(from memory from a non-ford history no know guy)

And
A prior RV of mine did have casters. Attached to the rear bumper to counter drag. This makes the video even goofier.

[Chateau_Nomad]

I suggest using "caster oil" to make "movements" easier... strictly referring to suspension adjustments, mind you.

[ducksface]

A chasterty belt might need adjusted.
'Wait! Wait! The key doesn't fit!'

Does anyone here know this 500 year old joke?

[jabrabu]

I acknowledge that there is a lot of crap in this video. However, there are issues with the Ford Econoline chassis regarding its use as the platform for a large class C RV. Many owners have had to get custom alignments and install a bunch of aftermarket parts in order to get the handling acceptable.


I have a 2018 Chateau 31E. When new, it was a handful to drive on the highway. It would wander around its lane, and when a semi passed it would get pushed way across its lane. It also experienced uneven tire wear.


I ended up getting multiple alignments at a truck tire shop. Eventually they installed the camber/caster bushings to increase the caster to +5 degrees. BTW, these bushings also affect camber, so you can get some camber adjustment without having to bend the I-beams, but not a lot, and it's a trade with caster. I also installed a Saf-T-Plus steering controller, which really helped steering feel and reduced the wandering. I also installed big swaybars and Bilstein HD shocks for further handling improvements.


Another big problem is that on the big 32 ft. class C's the rear axle is at its weight limit even before you add any water, gear, or people. Check the actual axle weights on these and you'll see. I had multiple rear tire blowouts, which I think were due to the weight, and I ended up replacing the tires with C-rated (commercial) tires to provide more load carrying capability. I also installed some Timbren helper springs at the rear. A better solution would be to install an extra leaf spring.


So, it is a good argument that the RV buyer should not be expected to do custom alignments and modifications to get them to steer and handle well. And they shouldn't be delivered with no weight margin.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by jabrabu

I acknowledge that there is a lot of crap in this video. However, there are issues with the Ford Econoline chassis regarding its use as the platform for a large class C RV. Many owners have had to get custom alignments and install a bunch of aftermarket parts in order to get the handling acceptable.


I have a 2018 Chateau 31E. When new, it was a handful to drive on the highway. It would wander around its lane, and when a semi passed it would get pushed way across its lane. It also experienced uneven tire wear.


I ended up getting multiple alignments at a truck tire shop. Eventually they installed the camber/caster bushings to increase the caster to +5 degrees. BTW, these bushings also affect camber, so you can get some camber adjustment without having to bend the I-beams, but not a lot, and it's a trade with caster. I also installed a Saf-T-Plus steering controller, which really helped steering feel and reduced the wandering. I also installed big swaybars and Bilstein HD shocks for further handling improvements.


Another big problem is that on the big 32 ft. class C's the rear axle is at its weight limit even before you add any water, gear, or people. Check the actual axle weights on these and you'll see. I had multiple rear tire blowouts, which I think were due to the weight, and I ended up replacing the tires with C-rated (commercial) tires to provide more load carrying capability. I also installed some Timbren helper springs at the rear. A better solution would be to install an extra leaf spring.


So, it is a good argument that the RV buyer should not be expected to do custom alignments and modifications to get them to steer and handle well. And they shouldn't be delivered with no weight margin.

It is also a good argument that buyers should do a good test drive to check handling issues before making an offer to purchase. Yes, yes, yes, the buyer is at as much if not more fault than the manufacturer. If the buyer didn’t like the handling during the test drive why did they make the offer. And if the buyer doesn’t know enough about how an DV should handle (like a truck?) they shouldn’t be anywhere close to one.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and AWARENESS is the key.

[ducksface]

If Ford made it handle as well as a Viper, those people with no ability/sense of accountability would want it to handle as well as a GTR.
You all know this as indisputable fact.

Stop allowing the unable and untalented to have a receptacle for their spew.
FORCE them to understand their societal obligation to be intelligent.

I/we don't jump in an f18 and then complain how our inability to fly it is McDonnell Douglas trying to cut corners. You all know why we don't? Personal accountability and a recognition that our inabilties are OURS.

If thy RV offend thee
Pluck
It
Out.

Some of you offend
Some of us.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Sadly, most buyers enter this marketplace totally oblivious to all these issues that all to soon become slaps in the face. Subsequently, they start searching for solutions and get that infamous after-the-fact education of what they should have done. If the RVIA were anything other than a money grabbing association, they would do more to address manufacturering issues such as this. RVIA does nothing for the consumer but boast with their stickers right next to tje door...implying certifications you thing have merit.

[ducksface]

My rvia sticker says Thor's member number is 666.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Sadly, most buyers enter this marketplace totally oblivious to all these issues that all to soon become slaps in the face. Subsequently, they start searching for solutions and get that infamous after-the-fact education of what they should have done. If the RVIA were anything other than a money grabbing association, they would do more to address manufacturering issues such as this. RVIA does nothing for the consumer but boast with their stickers right next to tje door...implying certifications you thing have merit.

FVIA is not, and has never said they are a consumer focused agency. They are an agency that represents RV manufacturers, dealers and campgrounds. Consumers can not join RVIA. They are also the ones that set the certification standards for the majority of quacks working at dealerships.

[ducksface]

People who believe in RVIA as a bastion of divine guidance
believe the same of the B B B.

That's pretty simple.

[jabrabu]

Originally Posted by ducksface

If Ford made it handle as well as a Viper, those people with no ability/sense of accountability would want it to handle as well as a GTR.
You all know this as indisputable fact.

Stop allowing the unable and untalented to have a receptacle for their spew.
FORCE them to understand their societal obligation to be intelligent.

I/we don't jump in an f18 and then complain how our inability to fly it is McDonnell Douglas trying to cut corners. You all know why we don't? Personal accountability and a recognition that our inabilties are OURS.

If thy RV offend thee
Pluck
It
Out.

Some of you offend
Some of us.

I don't agree. I don't think the buyer should be responsible for having their new vehicle properly aligned. You can blame Thor or Ford or the RV dealer, but not the buyer.

[ducksface]

Alignment does not cure the self-inflicted infliction.
Then we're off to
Semi trucks scare me(blame ford, throw parts at it)
Deep ruts scare me(blame ford, throw parts at it)
Steering slop scares me(it's getting old)
Seat angle scares me(we're starting to think less of you)
I do 55 in a 75 so it doesn't scare me.(you're ridiculous)


I doubt many know how rv bodies are set or how(and by whom) they're delivered.

If a buyer didn't INSIST on 5 hours free shop time as a point of sale inducement...that is 100% the buyer fault.(many here will say 'damn, I didn't think to ask!' I say; who's fault was that?)

The dealer is not your friend. Thor is low line.
We bought the lowest so as to fit our budget.
Wal-Mart is not Nordstrom despite wishes and expectations.

It's a kit.
It's the barest basics.
Make it yours
Or
Make it go away.