Thor Forums

[Chance]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

Um yeah comparing a decades old chassis (E-Series) vs a relatively modern one... The E-Series won't fare well.

I look at it more about large versus small, and van-based versus truck-based.

The E-Series is old, but the basic Twin-I-Beam front suspension and solid rear drive axle with leaf springs is still current on new Ford Super Duty pickups. Mostly the frame itself is much more stiff on newer pickups compared to the older E-Series.

The ProMaster is based on the Fiat Ducato van, and it’s actually an old van platform as van chassis go. It does have FWD so it keeps center of gravity lower which helps a lot, and the rear axle may be solid, but it keeps unsprung weight much lower for a better ride, as do the single aluminum rear wheels.

When I switched from E-350 Class C to an E-350 van camper, the difference was significant. It’s much quieter, driving takes less effort, wind and trucks are a non issue at normal speeds (~75 MPH), etc. In my case it was just the reduction in size and type of construction. And with same V10 I get roughly twice the MPG.

I expect a ProMaster to be far better than my E-350, but would like to hear it from an owner who compares them back-to-back.