Ford F-Series for 2011

2011 F-Series Super Duty Class A Motorhome Chassis

I made an appointment with Dan Snyder from Ford to come over and review what was new in the Ford display and I arrived shortly after 9:00am. Dan and I spoke about the features of the new F-Series Super Duty and I would like to share those with you now if I may.



What wasn’t available for me to review was a 2010 F-Series chassis because Dan said that Ford was skipping over that model year and going directly to and introducing a new 2011 model year chassis. 2009 production will end in December 2009 and 2011 chassis will be built January 2010. In reviewing the changes several new features were added to the 2011 chassis to improve it from the 2009 product.

1. 252 inch Wheelbase
- offered 10 inches longer than Ford’s competitor the 252” wheelbase is available in the 24,000 and 26,000 GVWR chassis.



2. 8,000 LB. Front GAWR
- the 22, 000 lb chassis will have the front GAWR increased from 7,500 lb. to 8,000 lb.

3. 80 Gallon Fuel Tank
- All F53's will have an 80 gallon fuel tank for 2011.

4. Message Center
- Distance-to-Empty feature will be added to the Message Center. Currently provide Average Fuel economy, Instant Fuel Economy, Outside Air Temperature and a System Check feature.



5. Fuel Filter Deleted
- As part of the redesigned fuel system and evap system, the frame mounted fuel filter has been eliminated. This is similar to many of the new Ford cars and light trucks (Fusion, Escape.......). This keeps contaminants from entering the fuel pump and reduces maintenance cost.

6. Revised Rear Axle Ratio
- The 16, 000 lb and 18, 000lb chassis have a revised rear axle ratio. The previous 5.38 gear has been revised to 4.88 to improve fuel economy approx. 5%.

7. CNG/LPG
- Next summer, Ford will release a CNG/LPG engine option. It will contain hardened valve seats and valves. An outside upfitter will install the tanks, lines and reflash the PCM. Ford is currently selling this option on the E-Series.

8. High Capacity 175-Amp Alternator
- All 2011 Class A motorhome chassis are equipped with a high capacity alternator. It is designed to specifically handle large electrical load imparted on modern motorhomes.



9. New V-10 Emblem
- Class A motorhomes will display the new attractive badge signifying theta the motorhome is powered by a 362HP/457 lbs/ft of torque V-10 gasoline engine.

The Ford F-Series retains its 5 Speed Torqueshift transmission for 2011 and features a tow/haul mode dash mounted switch. The chassis continues to be equipped with tuned Bilstein shock absorbers specifically designed for the weight rating of the chassis. 2011 Ford 22,000, 24,000 and 26,000 will continue to be equipped with polished aluminum wheels and are reportedly maintenance free requiring cleaning only using soap and water.

Braking is provided by Bosch 2-Piston calipers and HydroMax brake booster. The chassis is fitted with 15.5” disk brake calipers and the ABS is a 4 wheel, 4 channel system. The parking brake is actuated by a foot applied driveline drum brake.

Ford currently claims the best in class horsepower and torque and based on recent data 74% of buyers selected a motorhome built on the Ford chassis. The motorhome customer assistance center is open 24 hours a day. Ford features 5 years or 60,000 mile roadside assistance. The bumper to bumper coverage is stated to be 3 years and 36,000 miles and the powertrain is warranted for 5 years and 60,000 miles.

For more information visit www.commtruck.ford.com