2016 Ford Chassis

Snowman9000 · 02-26-2016, 02:59 PM

On Sunseekers, when built on the 2016 Ford chassis, will they have the new 6 speed transmission? If so, are they already in the field and what is the feedback?

I'm interested in both MPG and if there is a reduction in RPMs and noise on grades. More the latter than the MPG.

caesar101 · 02-29-2016, 04:25 PM

I don't know anything about this but I can answer your question anyway. When you are climbing grades the transmission down shifts to match the engine speed to the power needed. So when climbing grades the v10 engine will be in the 4000-4500 rpm range ( max horsepower is around 4500) so regardless of the number of gears the engine speed will not very much, unless you slow down.
Your gas mileage will improve with the lower engine speed in top gear, but you will never notice it. My guess is 0.1 to 0.2 mpg improvement.

I have the 6 speed transmission in a pickup and locking out 6th gear and driving in 5th does not make much difference on the indicator on the dash.

AquaMan · 02-29-2016, 06:47 PM

I have the 6spd in my Georgetown and although I don't have anything to compare it to, it works great for me. Pulled 7% grade for 5 miles, 55mph at 3000 rpms. Could have done faster, but I liked where the engine was running at.

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caesar101 · 02-29-2016, 07:26 PM

Remember the class A's have 60 more horsepower than the class C's.

RamblerGuy · 02-29-2016, 09:13 PM

The horsepower difference between the 3-valve V10's in the Class A's and the 2-valve engines in Class C's is at their respective peaks, about 4500 rpm. The difference at 3000 rpm is less.

caesar101 · 02-29-2016, 09:48 PM

They also have different final drive ratios, so we're not really talking about the same motorhome.

RamblerGuy · 03-01-2016, 04:48 AM

They have different tire diameters, too, so the rpm at various speeds is similar.

Overall, given the different shapes, weights, horsepower, and everything else, they still seem to perform about the same.

sgtlm17 · 03-01-2016, 07:38 AM

I have the 2016 Forester 2801. 6 speed v10. Drives great. Gobs of power shifts beautifully.

Boso · 03-03-2016, 07:42 PM

I would think the 6 speeds are a big improvement and have been told by a ford tech that they were.

RamblerGuy · 03-03-2016, 08:14 PM

Can someone post the gear ratios of the new E450 six speed transmission?

18CrewDually · 03-03-2016, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamblerGuy

Can someone post the gear ratios of the new E450 six speed transmission?

Is this what you're looking for?

RamblerGuy · 03-04-2016, 03:42 PM

That's it. Thanks for posting it.

JLud · 03-06-2016, 11:58 PM

Don't go by the paperwork of what they tell you it has....don't have to count gears either. They mixed and match some leftover 2015 chassis into MY16 coaches. Look at the shifter and it should read RND421.....if it has a 3 after the D it is a 5 speed.

ilmor · 07-09-2016, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLud

Don't go by the paperwork of what they tell you it has....don't have to count gears either. They mixed and match some leftover 2015 chassis into MY16 coaches. Look at the shifter and it should read RND421.....if it has a 3 after the D it is a 5 speed.

Whew! I had to go check. I have the 6 speed!

radman · 07-10-2016, 11:20 AM

I have a 2016 Forester 3051 with the six speed. I was out in Southern Utah and I found that when going down the mountains, put it in the haul mode, tap your brakes to the speed you want and it will hold there as you go down. Saves your brakes.

ilmor · 07-10-2016, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radman

I have a 2016 Forester 3051 with the six speed. I was out in Southern Utah and I found that when going down the mountains, put it in the haul mode, tap your brakes to the speed you want and it will hold there as you go down. Saves your brakes.

Yes, I had tow haul mode on a Ford Expedition as well. I did like that feature.

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