E450/E350 vs F53

[MJ 2018]

I tried searching this topic, but came up empty. If anyone can point me to a thread on the subject, please do. I currently have a Class C Forester 24’ built on a E450 (pulling a 12’x7’ enclosed trailer). I’m thinking about moving to a small A (30’ or less), and have seen both the small A’s built on the E450, with the V10 Ford and some built on the F53 chassis with the V10. Has anyone made change from a 450/350 to the F53? What are the pluses and minuses you’ve encountered? TIA

[phalexander]

We went from an E-450 Class C to a 29 ft F53 Class A. I like the Class A much better for many reasons. From a drivability perspective I think the F53 rides better. The engine seems to pull better-it has a few more horsepower and better torque because better heads fit. But the difference,in my case, likely is because the class C had a 5 speed transmission while my newer machine has the 6 speed. I also think the F53 is better matched to the task. The E450 chassis and suspension is running very near to its design limits while the larger chassis has lots more guts on a (in my case) very similar size load. Bigger wheels are a factor in this as well. The biggest drawbacks are the lack of front door and a nearly total lack of safety features like air bags and warning alerts.

[BLOODYBILL]

hello and welcome

[rk06382]

Originally Posted by MJ 2018

I tried searching this topic, but came up empty. If anyone can point me to a thread on the subject, please do. I currently have a Class C Forester 24’ built on a E450 (pulling a 12’x7’ enclosed trailer). I’m thinking about moving to a small A (30’ or less), and have seen both the small A’s built on the E450, with the V10 Ford and some built on the F53 chassis with the V10. Has anyone made change from a 450/350 to the F53? What are the pluses and minuses you’ve encountered? TIA

Prior to purchasing my FR3 28DS. I looked at the GVWR of both the E450(14,500 lb)and the F53(18,000 lb).

I had owned two earlier Class C motorhomes. My wife wanted more leg room, more windows, and a Sofa instead of a Dinette. I started looking at newer Class C motorhomes.

May 2016
We liked the walk around Queen bed in the Forest River Sunseeker 2650S with a sofa option (no longer available), but it was still a Class C with the driver legroom problem.

June 2016
I started looking at Class A motorhomes that would fit in my driveway. It had to be less than 30 foot, so I could park it in my driveway. I had to have room for the three of us, my Wife, Son, and I. It also had to have sofa seating for a third adult.

August 2016
I looked at the Class A Thor Axis 25.2 (26'-6"). It had a E450 chassis. I also looked at a Class A Thor ACE 30.3 (31' too long for me). It had the F53 chassis.

Sept 2016
Then I found the floor-plan of the Class A FR3 28DS (29'-8"). It had the F53 chassis.

November 2016
I was not able to see a FR3 28DS at the local dealer ABC motorhomes. They only had the FR3 29DS, FR3 30DS, and FR3 32DS.

December 2016
To get a FR3 28DS in Alaska, I had to order sight unseen. I signed an order for April 2017 delivery of a 2018 FR3 DS28DS.

April 2017
I took delivery of our 2018 FR3 28DS. I had a Blue Ox TruCenter steering stabilizer installed.

Today February 2019:
I have put about 7,000 mile on our FR3 and the ride of the F53 is smoother than the E450. We love our FR3.

A comparison worksheet I had worked up:


PS: to the Forum from Alaska!




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