Thor Forums

[Chance]

Originally Posted by Judge

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However, just because the E-Series can handle a bigger motorhome design doesn't mean it's ideal.

I believe that any motorhome 25 feet or larger on the E-Series pushes the limits of the stock suspension and results in poor handling and ride quality. When Ford (or any manufacturers build a stripped / cutaway chassis, they have no idea what the purchaser is going to do with it.

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I agree the E-Series chassis does better in smaller and lighter motorhomes — it’s engineering common sense because the smaller and lighter the rig, the stiffer the frame will be, and that’s the foundation.

However, I believe Ford has a pretty good idea of what builders can do because their specifications are extensive and detailed. Whether they can enforce compliance is another matter.

Talking about specs, I ran across one that shows Ford allows lighter E-Series chassis wheelbase to be stretched up to 170 inches — coincidentally the same as longer Sprinter. To me it seems extremely odd that they would allow a shop to cut and stretch a 10,050- or 11,500-pound chassis up to 170 inches and just not offer it from factory with standard 176-inch wheelbase length (138, 158, and 176). What’s another 6”?

I know it can be done correctly, but everything else being equal, I prefer the chassis not be stretched.
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